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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“I remain, however, deeply concerned about instability in the north. I call upon all parties to cease hostilities and cooperate with the joint security commission led by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). In the Central African Republic, the United Nations has been collaborating with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the AU, the EU and other key partners. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) are working hand-in-hand to prepare for a transfer of authority on 15 September.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“That cooperation led to the signing of the Ouagadougou Preliminary Agreement in June 2013 under the mediation of Burkina Faso on behalf of Economic Community of West African States. Separately, the European Union has launched a training mission to build the capacity of the Malian armed forces. We have continued to work closely with the European Union, which is launching a new mission in Mali to build the capacity of law enforcement institutions, as well as with the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel on the regional dimensions of the conflict. We are also working with the AU and ECOWAS, along with Algeria and other regional actors, in support of the ongoing political process. I congratulate the Malian parties on the adoption of a consensual road map for the inter-Malian negotiations in the past week.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“From Operation Artemis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2003 to this year's deployment of the European Union Force in the Central African African Republic, the United Nations and the EU have increased their strategic partnership. By engaging early during the planning phase, we have achieved an effective division of labour - for example, in the areas of police and security sector reform. Mali offers another important example of effective cooperation. Our partnership with the EU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) allowed for the rapid deployment of military and police elements under the African- led International Support Mission in Mali, which was subsequently re-hatted under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“I thank the Government of Rwanda for convening this discussion on regional partnerships and United Nations peacekeeping, especially in Africa. This is the second debate on this subject this year (see S/PV.7196). Such active engagement and such high-level representation by the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) are a testament to the importance of our combined efforts to keep and build peace. We have seen how the effectiveness of the AU and and the United Nations can be enhanced when we coordinate and complement our efforts. This partnership has also benefitted from the European Union's growing involvement in crisis management and post-conflict stabilization.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“As I have repeatedly emphasized on my mission, Israelis, but also Palestinians, need to feel a sense of security. Palestinians, but also Israelis, need to see a horizon of hope. Both sides need to be reassured that international humanitarian law counts and that there will be justice for all. Let us do our part for all the peoples of this region. Lastly, I hope the Council will understand that I have a series of important meetings in Ramallah. Therefore, I will be able to remain at this meeting until 6.50 pm. here. I will be very happy to listen as much as I can. I count on your continued support and leadership, Sir.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“The United Nations remains prepared to help coordinate and consult with all concerned parties. This is the third time as Secretary-General that I have had to come on an emergency mission to the region to help end a crisis. That means that the children of Gaza are now living through the third major assault in the past five years of their young lives. The horror and upheaval is beyond imagination. The cycle of suffering must end. The parties must seize the opportunity not only to renew a ceasefire, but also to support a durable political, security, institutional and socioeconomic progress that stabilizes Gaza. The parties must also heed the Council's call to return to negotiations in order to find an end to this conflict through a viable two- State solution.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Core elements of resolution 1860 (2009) remain unimplemented. They include an end to weapons smuggling, the full opening of the crossings and bringing Gaza back under one legitimate Palestinian Government that accepts and adheres to the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Sustainable peace and security will be achieved only through a negotiated political settlement. Only durable progress, including on socioeconomic and governance issues, can permanently stabilize Gaza. It is imperative to address the issue of governance. Tens of thousands of employees hired after 2007 and working in Gaza are not being paid, while more than 60,000 employees continue to receive salaries from Ramallah without performing essential Government functions in Gaza.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“I thank the many countries that have already generous humanitarian assistance to the flash appeal for UNRWA, including $47 million announced by United States Secretary of State John Kerry. I also thank United Nations staff, including my Special Coordinator on the ground, Mr. Robert Serry, for their relentless efforts to negotiate much-needed spaces to respond to humanitarian needs. The international community, including the Council, as recently as Sunday evening has issued numerous calls for an end to violence and for the protection of civilians. We as the international community have to assume responsibility for what is the result of a collective failure to advance a political solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We cannot return to the status quo ante - a concern that Palestinians and Israelis both share.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Some 23 UNRWA installations are closed as a result of the conflict. A total of 77 UNRWA installations have been damaged since 1 June as a result of the conflict. The premises have been used to store weapons. This is unacceptable. Today, about 110,000 people - more than 5 per cent of the population of Gaza - are seeking shelter with UNRWA. In the past, our premises in southern Lebanon and Gaza have been hit with serious loss of life. I call on Israel to exercise particular care to avoid another unfortunate incident. I urge all present to respond to UNWRA's emergency flash appeal for $115 million to address the most pressing humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza. We must do all we can to alleviate their suffering.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Since the Council was briefed on Sunday, the violence has reached even more alarming levels. Yet again, too many civilians, including many children, are paying the price for this latest escalation. I once again urge all parties to rally behind a collective international effort to end the fighting. There is no time to lose. Immediately following this briefing, I will get the latest update from our United Nations team in Gaza. I want to stress how deeply proud I am of our many United Nations colleagues, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the lead, courageously assisting the people of Gaza in such difficult circumstances. They are providing crucial relief and shelter to civilians in imminent danger. The escalation of violence is now acutely affecting UNRWA's regular operations.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“The most promising prospect of a ceasefire comes in the form of the initiative put forward by Egypt on the basis ofthe November 2012 understanding on a ceasefire. This effort has garnered the support of President Abbas and the Arab League. Unfortunately, Hamas has yet to respond positively. I encourage all those with influence to urge constructive action. This is the most meaningful path to peace. I have also discussed Israel's legitimate security concerns with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ya'alon, and I am going to continue my meetings with President Peres and other ministers. I once again strongly condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire launched by Hamas and Islamic Jihad from Gaza into Israel. I am also alarmed by Israel's heavy response and the corresponding high civilian death toll.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“But just as I landed in the region, I was greeted with the news of the terrible fighting in Shejaiya, reflecting the enormous human toll of the fighting and the scale of the challenges before us. I have carried a three-part message at every turn ofmy Visit: first, stop the fighting; secondly, start the dialogue; and thirdly, tackle the root causes. A ceasefire is essential, but without addressing the deeper issues we will never solve the problem; we will merely delay it for yet another time. The cycle will continue, except the bitterness and hatred will become that much more entrenched each time it comes around. Quite simply, if a people are left with despair and occupation, the problem Will not disappear; it will only grow.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Nabil El-Arabi, in Cairo late last night. I have also had the opportunity to meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway, who was visiting the region, and to have a telephone conversation with President Hollande of France. We exchanged our views and discussed the current situation in the region. I am very grateful to the many countries that have been engaging in the diplomatic efforts to bring an end to this crisis. I am sure that members of the Council will understand that at this highly sensitive moment, I cannot be expected to publicly reveal the details. Suffice it to say that it is my hope and belief that these talks will lead to results and an end to the fighting in the very near future. Of course, there are many obstacles and complexities. This is a mission of solidarity and peace.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for giving me the honour of briefing the Council from Ramallah. I deeply apologize for being late, which was due to my continuing engagement in Israel. I have only just arrived. As you know, I am now well into my third day of an ongoing mission throughout the region. I want to thank the Security Council for its strong support for my efforts. Ramallah is my fifth stop on a journey that has so far included Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Israel. I will continue on to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other countries of the region, if necessary. I have had intensive and fruitful discussions with the leadership in all countries. I also had a very meaningful meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Qatar and with United States Secretary of State John Kerry, as well as the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“All must recognize once and for all that only a peace agreement will bring lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“But surely no one can wish for the alternative of perpetual cycles of violence, pervasive mistrust and polarized peoples. Now is not a time for further incitement or vengeance. We must not let spoilers prevail. We must keep the situation from getting any further out of control. Any further spiral of violence could have alarming unforeseen consequences. This is one of the most critical tests the region has faced in recent years. More than ever, the situation calls for bold thinking and creative ideas. We must strive to restore not only calm today but a political horizon for tomorrow. The parties themselves, regional partners and the international community must do everything possible to resume meaningful negotiations towards a viable two-State solution.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“Yesterday, some 10 Palestinians were reportedly injured by the IDF near Ramallah and Bethlehem during protests in solidarity with Gaza, which included attacks on Israeli security infrastructures in the West Bank. It is clear that the international community must accelerate efforts to achieve an immediate halt to this escalation and reach a durable ceasefire. All actors must exercise maximum restraint and respect international humanitarian law. I will continue my efforts to bridge gaps and revive negotiations. At the same time, I understand that many Israelis and Palestinians are disenchanted with the peace process, especially after the lack of results from the latest diplomatic effort. This setback, and the others that we have seen over many years of Middle East diplomacy, have certainly undermined confidence that peace is possible.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“If diplomacy can restore calm and end the violence, a broader ceasefire will have to address the underlying causes of conflict, provide for a full opening of the crossings and ensure an end to weapons smuggling. A solution must also include overcoming the chronic humanitarian vulnerability of Gaza, where water and energy are in constant short supply. I continue to encourage the Government of Egypt to urgently open its crossing for humanitarian purposes. Turmoil in the West Bank has continued with attacks, reprisals and provocations. Although riots in East Jerusalem have decreased since Monday, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in the rest of the West Bank have continued, including in and around refugee camps.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“I have also spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and President Abbas of Palestine. I called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, show statesmanship and weigh the risks of further escalation. Gaza, and the region as a whole, cannot afford another full-blown war and another fault line. The potential negative spillover elsewhere in the West Bank is also unpredictable in an already tenuous and combustible situation. The current crisis underscores yet again that the status quo is unsustainable. A solution for Gaza is as indispensable as ever. Core elements of resolution 1860 (2009) remain unimplemented, including the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under one legitimate Palestinian Authority, committed to the Palestine Liberation Organization principles.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“Israel has legitimate security concerns, but I am also concerned at the many Palestinian deaths and injuries as a result of Israeli operations. I continue to condemn the rising number of civilian lives lost in Gaza. Once again, Palestinian civilians are caught between Hamas's irresponsibility and Israel's tough response. Over the past few days, I have been engaging with world leaders, including the King of Saudi Arabia, the Emir of Qatar, the President of Egypt, the heads of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the United States Secretary of State, the European Union High Representative, and others. All agree on the importance of returning to calm. Our challenge is to help the parties move away from their entrenched respective narratives.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“It is now more urgent than ever to try to find common ground for a return to calm and a ceasefire understanding. Once again, civilians are paying the price for the continuation of conflict. My paramount concern is for the safety and well-being of all civilians, no matter where they are. It pains me - and it should pain us all - to be reliving circumstances that are all too reminiscent of the two most recent wars in Gaza. I have consistently condemned indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. At the same time, the excessive use of force and endangering of civilian lives are also intolerable. It is unacceptable for citizens on both sides to permanently live in fear of the next aerial attack. All parties, including Palestinian armed groups, must respect international humanitarian law.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel has announced that the Israeli Cabinet and security establishment remain unified in their decision to intensify operations aimed at targeting terrorist cells and protecting the security of Israelis. President Abbas continues to appeal for an end to this crisis and has reached out to President Sisi of Egypt, seeking Egypt's facilitation in the brokering of a ceasefire on the basis of the Cairo-brokered November 2012 ceasefire of which I was part. The rhetoric has been equally unrelenting. The Hamas leadership, in public statements issued by Khaled Meshaal and Moussa Abu Marzouk, has called for continued resistance despite earlier indications by both Israel and Hamas that they were not interested in a confrontation.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“The situation leading up to the eruption of the past few days was already precarious, following the atrocious kidnapping and murder of four young people - three Israeli Yeshiva students and one Palestinian teenager. Those acts shattered a period of relative calm and were widely condemned by the United Nations and the international community. Those responsible must be brought to justice. I would like to take this opportunity to again express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of those heinous acts. Today, we face the risk of an all-out escalation in Israel and Gaza, with the threat of a ground offensive still palpable - and preventable only if Hamas stops the rocket firing.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“As of yesterday afternoon, some 150 homes had been destroyed or severely damaged, with nearly 900 people having been displaced. Three rockets were reportedly fired at Jerusalem, with the IDF confirming the impact of one in northern Jerusalem, Without specifying the exact location. Rockets were also fired at Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Hadera, Ashdod and Be'er Sheva, inter alia. Some were intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system; others caused material damage and injured two Israeli civilians. An attempted infiltration by Palestinian militants by sea from Gaza into Ashkelon on the night of 8 July was reportedly foiled by the IDF, which killed the militants. Attacks on both sides continued today.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the members of the Security Council on the situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip. I felt that the seriousness of the situation required a consultation with Council members. We are now several days into a dangerous escalation in and around Gaza. Over the past several days, the Palestinian factions Hamas and Islamic Jihad have fired a barrage of more than 550 rockets and mortars from Gaza into Israel, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched more than 500 air strikes on Gaza, primarily targeting Hamas/Islamic Jihad facilities and private residences of their members. Eighty-eight Palestinians, many of them civilians, are reported to have been killed, and 339 are reported to have been injured.”
2014-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7214 (2014) · source
“We must be prepared to make the necessary investments in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and we must bring to bear the full range of tools at the disposal of the international community to consolidate peace and achieve an enduring political solution to conflicts wherever we are called to act.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“The continued use of United Nations peacekeeping by the Security Council testifies to its continuing relevance and its unique universality and legitimacy. The demand for peacekeeping will remain, but this has also raised concern as the global budget to support operations approaches $8 billion. We must be responsible and accountable stewards of the financial and human resources entrusted to us. But we should also recall that United Nations peacekeeping is a strong and effective tool that is protecting people, saving lives and helping countries to emerge from conflict. These effects are real and measurable.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Ensuring effective command and control is another key challenge. When they choose to contribute a contingent to a particular operation, troop and police contributors should work with the mission leadership as one. We need cohesive and unified command structures, and we count on our troop and police contributors to work towards this common objective. Finally, in addressing these new challenges, our engagement with regional organizations must continue to deepen and diversify. Arrangements that will allow us to draw more effectively from regional standby capacities could help us meet the need to respond rapidly in new and changing environments. We are engaged in a dialogue with the African Union, European Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization to that end.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“It must rely on its Member States for force generation, coupled with its own strengthened planning. It is important that we all work together to ensure that we are able to deploy or reinforce our missions, when necessary, as quickly as possible. We need to have a clear-sighted View of what capabilities peacekeeping will need if it is to the meet the challenges ahead. Peacekeeping will need to be more mobile, flexible and adaptable. It will be important for the Security Council to address significant capacity gaps. With the recent establishment of the Office for Peacekeeping Partnership, we now have in place a further means of assessing the deployments of uniformed personnel, and we have a mechanism to identify areas that require adaptation and improvement, in partnership with Member States.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Reinforced efforts to ensure adequate force protection and capabilities may be required. We must also use all possible forms of technology that can enable our peacekeeping personnel to operate more safely and cost-effectively. We will continue to consult with the legislative bodies on the deployment of unmanned, unarmed aerial vehicles based on the experience we have gained with their deployment to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Speed is also critical. When civilians are under imminent threat, every minute counts. While there have been improvements in the mechanisms and speed with which the United Nations deploys uniformed personnel, it does not have a standing reserve force that it can deploy on short notice once a Council decision is taken.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“As we approach the 15-year anniversary of the Brahimi report (S/2000/809), it may be necessary to again take stock of evolving expectations of United Nations peacekeeping and how the Organization can work towards a shared view of the way forward. To this end, I have asked the Secretariat to initiate work on a review of United Nations peacekeeping. Mandates, political leverage, logistical support, training, accountability, rules of engagement, technological innovation, and clarity on the caveats of troop- and police-contributing countries are just a few areas that may warrant review. Laying the groundwork for the extension of State authority, including building justice and corrections capacities, is also essential in the first phases until national and other partners are able to take over.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Resolution 2098 (2013), on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was a milestone. It signalled the resolve of the Security Council to address the changing nature of conflict and the operating environment of United Nations peacekeeping, and it matched that resolve with credible capabilities, provided thanks to the contribution of troop -contributing countries. The results are tangible improvements in the lives ofpeople living in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, a broader discussion is needed on how United Nations peacekeeping should adapt to new demands and what capabilities and resources it needs to adapt. We must also ask what are the limits of United Nations peacekeeping and whether it is always the right tool.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“In Mali, no comprehensive agreement was in place and the situation remains precarious. In the Central African Republic, while there was a political framework for transition, the process has been gravely undermined by intercommunal violence. In South Sudan, conflict has re-emerged. Thirdly, UnitedNations peacekeeping operations are increasingly operating in more complex environments that feature asymmetric and unconventional threats. Whether acting in self-defence or implementing our mandate to protect civilians, we need to ensure that United Nations peacekeeping operations are undertaken in full compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law obligations. Fourthly, we need to build on what I see as the renewed commitment of the Security Council to responding to our changing world.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“I would therefore like to highlight four aspects of peacekeeping that are particularly important for discussion at this time. First, United Nations peacekeeping operations are increasingly mandated to operate where there is no peace to keep. We see significant levels of violence in Darfur, South Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than two-thirds of all our military, police and civilian personnel are operating. Secondly, some United Nations peacekeeping operations are being authorized in the absence of clearly identifiable parties to the conflict or a viable political process. When there is no clear path towards peace, crises will inevitably recur and peacekeeping operations are much more likely to struggle to meet their mandates.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“I thank the Russian Federation for providing this important opportunity to collectively examine trends in United Nations peacekeeping. I also thank you, Mr. President, for your very kind words of encouragement and support. I am deeply touched by such strong official and personal support for my work as Secretary-General. I can assure you, the members of the Council and the other Members of the United Nations that I will devote all my energy and time to working with you to achieve everything that we are working together to achieve in terms of peace, stability, development and human rights. I count on your continuing support and leadership. This is a key moment for this flagship United Nations activity. We face huge peacekeeping challenges. New phenomena are affecting our work and new approaches are on display.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“I commend the leadership ofPrime Minister Dessalegn of Ethiopia as Chairman of IGAD and the efforts of United States Secretary of State John Kerry. Political dialogue is the only answer. Now the onus is on both South Sudanese leaders to accelerate the momentum for peace.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“I urge all countries to support the forthcoming 20 May donor conference on South Sudan to be hosted by Norway and the United Nations. Fourthly, there must be justice and accountability. The human rights report issued by UNMISS last Thursday underscores the level of atrocities committed by all sides. There are reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed. A special or hybrid tribunal with international involvement should be considered. Fifthly, the two leaders must recommit to inclusive nation-building that involves all political leaders and civil society. That means addressing the root causes of the conflict. They must cease a senseless power struggle and restore the sense of national unity that prevailed at the time of independence.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“Secondly, both sides must fulfil their commitment to allowing humanitarian access by air, road and, in particular, by barge along the Nile River. Peacekeepers and aid workers are operating under increasingly difficult circumstances. Attacks on the United Nations and the humanitarian community are unacceptable. They must cease immediately, and all parties should respect international human rights and humanitarian law. Thirdly, the international community must support humanitarian action. The United Nations is launching a massive operation to help 3.2 million people, but we need resources. The humanitarian community is $781 million short of the $1.27 billion that we estimate is needed by the middle of the year.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“I am proud of the actions of our United Nations peacekeepers and civilian staff. Their quick response and courage has saved tens of thousands of lives. But that is not a long-term solution. This is an entirely man- made calamity and it needs the engagement of all actors to change course. I see five priorities. First, the fighting must end immediately. People need to be able to go back to their land to plant and tend their crops in peace. Hunger and malnutrition are already widespread. If the planting window is missed, there will be a real risk of famine. That is why we are calling for 30 days of tranquility, backed by both sides. I am troubled by accusations already from both sides of breaches of the ceasefire and I urge maximum restraint by all parties.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“I was appalled by the conditions they must endure, which are worse than in any of the many refugee camps I have visited around the world, including the refugee camps for Syrians. But let me emphasize: our peacekeeping bases are not designed to accommodate such an influx, nor should they be. UNMISS and the various United Nations agencies are now working to provide safer, more hygienic accommodations for the more than 80,000 people we are sheltering around the country. The United Nations policy of opening our gates as an emergency option to protect innocent civilians is correct, unprecedented and not without considerable risk to United Nations staff, to our relations with communities and to those we are trying to shelter. It is not a routine decision, nor one taken lightly, but one that we were morally compelled to take.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“I welcome the ceasefire agreement signed in Addis Ababa on Friday and I commend the mediation role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dessalegn of Ethiopia. I call on the international community to continue to support IGAD's efforts. Since the crisis began five months ago, many thousands ofSouth Sudanese have been killed, atrocities have been committed by both sides, more than 1 million people have been displaced and nearly 5 million more need humanitarian assistance. If the conflict continues, half of South Sudan's 12 million people will either become internally displaced, refugees abroad, starving or dead by the year's end. In Juba, I visited the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Tomping protection-of- civilians site, which hosts some 20,000 people.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President for inviting me to brief the Council today. I thank the Security Council for its attention to the mounting crisis in South Sudan. I visited the country last week to sound the alarm about the violence and the risk of catastrophic famine and to press the leaders to step back from their destructive path. I had a long and productive meeting with President Salva Kiir last Tuesday in Juba, and spoke by telephone to former Vice-President Mr. Riek Machar. My message to both was clear: they must work together to heal the wounds they have opened. I am pleased that they responded positively to my appeal to reopen dialogue.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“Fourthly, we must reflect on the institutional capacities within our Organization, on links to other key areas of work such as the rule of law and human rights and on how to ensure the flexible resources needed to meet the needs on the ground. I am very encouraged that the Council will adopt the first thematic draft resolution on security sector reform. That will boost political momentum for such efforts. The sight of an officer in uniform should evoke feelings of order, discipline and security. Our collective goal is to help States build professional security institutions solidly anchored in a culture of service rather than an unchecked and unaccountable exercise of power and force. Together we can make that a reality.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Security sector reform is not just a matter of technical support. I intend to instruct my Special Representatives to leverage their good offices functions in support of that work. Secondly, since security sector reform takes time, host nations must do more to meet immediate security needs. In accordance with the United Nations human rights due diligence policy, the Organization is obligated to withdraw support to security actors who commit human rights Violations or fail to address them. Thirdly, all actors involved in that work should place more emphasis on sector-wide approaches that address the strategic and governance framework underpinning all security institutions.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Strengthening operational effectiveness must be combined with efforts to build a strong governance framework, robust accountability and oversight mechanisms and a culture of integrity and respect for human rights. National ownership is imperative. There is an increasing gap between the growing expectations of what the United Nations could and should do and our resources to meet those expectations. Contexts and mandates are complex, requiring the United Nations to engage in delicate political processes such as national security dialogues, vetting, public expenditure reviews or defence sector reform. Looking ahead, I have identified four priorities. First, we must recognize the links between security sector reform and the broader reform processes, including legal and institutional reform, national reconciliation and political dialogue.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“The United Nations has developed standards and guidance to strengthen the impact of our efforts, and we have fostered strategic partnerships, including with the African Union and the World Bank. We stand ready to work with other interested partners on that strategic track. As we make progress, we also know that much remains to be done. In our support to national authorities, we need to ensure that security services have the adequate capacity to perform their duties. Nowhere else is this as evident today as in the Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia. It requires improved mapping of needs and gaps and facilitating a coordinated response from partners.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Our support has included assisting in the development and implementation of national security strategies in Cote d'Ivoire and Mali; contributing to public financial management of the security sectors in Liberia and Somalia; and supporting defence sector reform in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A majority of Security Council resolutions on post-conflict contexts contain requests to address security sector reform. We have also enhanced our ability to deliver support through the dedicated Security Sector Reform Unit in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Inter-agency Security Sector Reform Task Force, which brings together 14 United Nations partners.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“We have also seen institutions misused in support of narrow political and sectarian interests, with destabilizing effects. Earlier this month, I visited the Central African Republic and saw the terrible consequences of disintegrating security institutions. I also observed the pressing need to extend State authority and ensure public safety and the rule of law. Today's discussion is especially timely, for the future of the Central African Republic and for many other situations. Security sector reform is a core element of peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development. The United Nations has strengthened the assistance we provide to national authorities to undertake critical and complex security sector reform processes.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“I thank Nigeria for convening this important debate. The purpose of security sector reform, simply put, is to make people's lives safer. Security institutions are at the core of the compact between the State and its citizens. The legitimate authority to use force comes with a corresponding responsibility to protect and respect human rights. A professional and accountable security sector under the framework of the rule of law can strengthen public confidence in the State and provide the stability necessary for peacebuilding and development. However, security institutions that lack the right training or adequate governance and oversight mechanisms may fail to provide basic security or even violate the rights of the very people they are entrusted to protect.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“This coordinated response, under the leadership of my Special Representative, embodies the spirit of the "Rights up front" initiative. It affirms my vision of a United Nations that works as one to prevent grave human rights violations. It is imperative that United Nations actors and political leaders work together to stop rights abuses before they happen. The renewed commitment of the United Nations to better meeting the human rights responsibilities set by Member States through the "Rights up front" initiative is central in this regard. My latest report illustrates what we can achieve through greater cooperation. Prevention is our collective responsibility. Only through coordination and partnership can we succeed in protecting the most vulnerable.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source