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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“Their expertise on human rights, gender analysis and peace and security is helping to mainstream the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence into peacekeeping and special political missions. In line with the principle of "Delivering as one", United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict is an inter-agency network of 13 United Nations entities, chaired by my Special Representative. This coordination mechanism ensures that our response avoids duplication, leading to a measured, sustainable and coherent strategy that makes the best use of limited resources and the strengths of each agency. The goal is to provide services and support for victims and ensure that human rights are at the forefront of all interventions.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“The Team is drawn from the United Nations Development Programme, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and led by the Office of my Special Representative. It helps Governments to address reforms to the military and criminal justice systems and other crucial areas. With sound legislation, comprehensive prevention and response mechanisms, and enhanced capacity, military and civilian justice systems will be better able to address conflict-related sexual Violence promptly and effectively. Another key element in political and peacekeeping missions has been the deployment of women protection advisers.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“The United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict is working with Colombia, C6te d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Somalia and South Sudan to strengthen their justice systems. Every day, more countries are building the technical capacity to prevent and redress sexual violence. The multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach of the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict is driving this progress. The Special Representative engages in high-level advocacy to generate national ownership, leadership and responsibility. Once political commitment has been secured, the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict works with countries to build their capacity to fight impunity for crimes of sexual violence.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“Grievous violations still occur too often, but we are beginning to make tangible progress, as the report before the Council (S/20l4/l8l) shows. My Special Representative has examined the progress made by several countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. Just a few years ago, rape in these conflicts seemed intractable and inevitable. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia are now demonstrating that progress is possible. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is developing new legal structures to end impunity for perpetrators. Somalia has shown commitment at the highest level to ending sexual violence, including by signing a joint communique with the United Nations. Efforts are now under way to develop an action plan.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“I thank Nigeria for convening this important debate. Conflict-related sexual violence is an issue of pressing importance. This grave human rights abuse is as destructive as any bomb or bullet. It inflicts unimaginable suffering on women and men, girls and boys. It destroys families and communities and tears the social fabric of nations. By targeting society's most vulnerable members, it contributes to enduring poverty and insecurity. It impedes reconciliation, peace and reconstruction. That is why the Council has clearly and consistently stated that conflict-related sexual Violence is a matter of international peace and security. Successive resolutions have created a strong global framework for prevention.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“I urge Member States to commit to greater protection for those essential facilities in conflict zones by all parties. Let us also intensify efforts to ensure that perpetrators of grave violations against children are brought to justice. That includes assisting affected States to hold perpetrators accountable. The draft resolution before the Council provides valuable new impetus to the Council's work to protect children in armed conflict. I count on the Council to use all the tools at its disposal to protect children on the front lines of conflict and to prevent a new generation from having to endure the same privations. Let our children be children - safe and secure, living lives of dignity and opportunity.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“That is why our peacekeeping policy prevents any military use of schools by peacekeepers. In too many war zones around the world, schools and hospitals have been targeted or caught in the cross-fire. Those are egregious violations of the rights of the child to education, health and life. In Syria today, some 40 per cent of public hospitals have stopped functioning. Many more are damaged. In some areas, more than half the doctors have left. More than 2.25 million children are out of school. One in five schools has been damaged or occupied by families made homeless by the conflict. I am heartened that the draft resolution to be adopted by the Council today seeks to encourage the development of voluntary guidelines to prevent the military use of schools in conflict areas.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Yesterday, at the launch of the campaign "Children, not soldiers", which is supported by my Special Representative, UNICEF and other partners, the Member States concerned renewed their commitment to the action plan. I welcome that initiative. I ask the international community to provide assistance to those States and make that a priority. The United Nations system will seek to mobilize other non-State actors to put an end to the recruitment of children. (spoke in English) All children deserve and are entitled to protection, not exploitation. They belong in school, not armies and fighting groups. Children should be armed with pens and textbooks, not guns and grenades. That brings me to the question of schools and hospitals. Those should be places where children can learn and receive care in safety.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The Council has developed practical tools to prevent serious violations against children, combat them and put an end to them. The monitoring and reporting mechanism shows how tragic the situation of children who are Victims of armed conflict is. The special teams working at the country level and supported by United Nations bodies promote dialogue with the parties to conflict, which is essential. Those teams are monitoring the situation closely and contribute to implementing action plans. It is also important that child protection be an integral part of the activities of peacekeeping operations and special political missions, which means that members of those contingents must be trained prior to deployment and that the necessary resources be systematically established.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Those transformative examples attest to the fact that, given a chance, former child soldiers can rebuild their lives and help to build peace in their countries. (spoke in French) Fifteen years have passed since the Security Council adopted resolution 1261 (1999), its first thematic resolution on the plight of children in armed conflict. By means of that resolution, the international community sent a clear signal: the suffering of children in armed conflict is unacceptable, whether they be child soldiers, sex slaves, victims in schools and hospitals or affected in any way. Such attacks violate the most basic human rights. They also threaten the achievement of lasting peace and development. I thank the Security Council for having taken decisive action in establishing a solid framework to help children affected by armed conflict.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The Special Court and our peacekeeping and political missions have closed, but the United Nations country team will continue to support Sierra Leone on the road to peace and development. Not long ago, Sierra Leone was engulfed in war and synonymous with the tragic plight of children in armed conflict. As the former child soldier Ishmael Beah said, "Somebody being shot in front of you, or you yourself shooting somebody, became just like drinking a glass of water. Children who refused to fight, kill or showed any weakness were ruthlessly dealt with. Emotions weren't allowed." We have another successful young man, Mr. Alhaji Babah Sawaneh, with us today. The first former child soldier to address the Security Council (see S/PV.4422) is back to address us today.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“I thank Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn of Luxembourg for organizing this important thematic debate. I have just returned from Sierra Leone. That country is an important case study in the value of our engagement. Under the guidance of the Security Council, with the solidarity of the international community and the strong engagement of the Sierra Leonean people, we are seeing a remarkable transformation. The Council took a series of wise and timely decisions to deploy successive peacekeeping and political operations, along with support for long- term development. The United Nations also helped the Government to set up the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which helped the country and contributed to international jurisprudence.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“More broadly, this resolution highlights again the urgent need to end the conflict. While the political process continues, we will continue to do all we can to provide relief and protection to people in need on the ground.”
2014-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7116 (2014) · source
“I commend United Nations humanitarian personnel, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and our other partners for their bravery and commitment. Despite the dangerous circumstances, United Nations humanitarian agencies and our partners are reaching millions of people. But too many millions are beyond our reach, and funding continues to fall short. I urge the international community to step up its contributions. This resolution should not have been necessary. Humanitarian assistance is not something to be negotiated; it is something to be allowed by virtue of international law. It is profoundly shocking to me that both sides are besieging civilians as a tactic of war. Some 200,000 people are under siege in Government-controlled areas, and 45,000 in opposition-controlled areas.”
2014-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7116 (2014) · source
“There are continued reports of massacres and atrocities throughout the country. Women and girls have been subjected to sexual and gender-based violence. The Syrian Government and allied militias have been responsible for countless killings, disappearances, the horrendous use of barrel bombs and torture on a massive scale. Opposition groups have carried out summary executions, the recruitment of children for combat and the use of terror tactics in civilian areas. Attacks against civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, continue unabated. These heinous acts are unacceptable and must stop immediately. A11 combatting parties in Syria must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2014-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7116 (2014) · source
“I very much welcome the adoption of resolution 2139 (2014). We are all keenly aware of the profound and prolonged desperation of the Syrian people. If this resolution is implemented quickly and in good faith, at least some of the suffering can be eased. The resolution builds on presidential statement S/PRST/2013/15, adopted last year, and strengthens the Council's engagement in protecting civilians and ensuring the delivery of relief. The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Half of the country's people need urgent assistance. Host countries need support in caring for more than 2.5 million refugees. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. They are the daily victims of brutal violence and indiscriminate attacks, including the use of heavy weapons, aerial bombings, mortars and car bombs in populated areas.”
2014-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7116 (2014) · source
“Through collective action, as envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations, we have the power to stop the killing and save the Central African Republic from its current nightmare. I urge the Council to support my proposal, and I urge Member States to take the action necessary to implement it. Let us show the people of the Central African Republic that the United Nations stands with them and that the support they so urgently need is on its way. This is our shared responsibility. The people of the Central African Republic have asked for our help. I urge the Council to join me and respond to their call.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“The six-point initiative I have just put forward aims to support and complement the hard work now being carried out by a range of actors. It is designed to achieve the most pressing objectives, namely, stabilizing the security situation and saving lives that would otherwise be lost to senseless sectarian hatred. The proposals call for contributions from many quarters. They also compel us to avoid a piecemeal approach in which some proposals receive more support than others. To succeed, the proposals must be embraced and implemented as an integrated whole. We know what is happening in the Central African Republic. We know why it is different from previous outbreaks of violence. We know why it matters to all of us and what we must do. Knowledge is not all we have.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“She stressed the need for more troops on the ground to provide security and protection across the country. Over the past few days, my senior colleagues and I have reached out to dozens of Member States to seek their support for my proposals. I have been encouraged by the positive response. Some are considering sending additional troops and police; others have pledged to provide budget support for the Government. Those commitments will bring tangible dividends in the coming days. The United Nations, for its part, thanks to generous support from Canada and others, has allocated $5 million from the MISCA trust fund to provide essential communications equipment to African troops, and those items are being delivered in Bangui as I speak.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“More immediately, such measures will contribute to the prevention of ongoing human rights violations. I am pleased to announce that the Chairperson of the commission of inquiry mandated by the Security Council, along with an advance team, will arrive in the Central African Republic to take up their important work. Sixthly and finally, I appeal for urgent funding for humanitarian aid, which is currently insufficient to address the crisis. Only 15 per cent of the resources needed for this year have been received, despite generous pledges made at last month's funding conference in Brussels.My Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Valerie Amos, is in the Central African Republic. She has expressed shock at what she saw in Bossangoa today, and noted that tensions between communities are high and that people fear for their lives.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“Community and religious leaders will have an especially important role to play in promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and non-violence. A political process will also require the dynamic engagement of ECCAS, the AU and the international community. I would like to pay particular tribute to the tireless efforts of the ECCAS Chief Mediator, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo. The United Nations is reinforcing the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic's analytical and operational capabilities so that we can help the national authorities to put the transition back on track, expand State authority and establish credible institutions throughout the country. Accountability and justice measures must be key elements of any peace and reconciliation process.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“Fourthly, I call for rapid, tangible support to the Government of the Central African Republic to help it establish a minimum capacity to function. That support should include the financial assistance necessary to get police back on the streets, judges back in the courtrooms and prison guards back on the job. I am pleased to announce that today Denmark confirmed a contribution of $2 million to that initiative. I intend to see those resources put to use quickly. Norway has also confirmed today that it will make a donation to the effort. Fifthly, I call for the acceleration of a political and reconciliation process to prevent a further fraying ofthe communal bonds and to lay the groundwork for an end to the conflict.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“Secondly, I propose that all international forces in the Central African Republic be brought under a coordinated command and that the mission of those forces be focused on the most urgent priorities, that is, containing the violence, protecting civilians, preventing further displacements, creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and laying the groundwork for the handover to a United Nations peacekeeping force as soon as possible. Thirdly, I propose that the African troops that join that force be provided with logistic and financial support, including rations, water and fuel and reimbursement for their major non-lethal military equipment. The estimated cost of that package, consisting of the bare essentials, would be $38 million for a six-month bridging period.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“I welcome her initiative and urge members of the Peace and Security Council to endorse it. President Hollande of France has announced that Operation Sangaris will be reinforced by some 25 per cent, to a total of2,000. In addition, the European Union is poised to increase its planned deployment from 500 to 1,000, with an initial operating capacity on the ground in early March. I am grateful for those commitments. But more are needed, quickly, and the broader international community must share the burden.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“The international community must act decisively now to prevent any further worsening of the situation and to respond to the dire needs of the country's people. In that spirit, today I propose a six-point initiative to address the greatest risks being faced by the people of the Central African Republic. First, and most important, I call for the rapid reinforcement of the African Union and French troops now on the ground, with additional deployments of at least 3,000 more troops and police. That new personnel, including formed police units, should deploy as soon as possible, in the coming days and weeks, and have the necessary mobility, including air mobility, to be able to operate wherever required. AU Commission President Zuma has informed me that she will propose an expansion of MISCA to the AU Peace and Security Council.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“The United Nations is working with the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the European Union and the World Bank to address the country's diverse challenges. But those efforts will prove fruitless unless we do more to end the atrocity crimes, the destruction of communities and the mass displacement of populations. The Security Council has asked for my recommendations for a future United Nations peacekeeping operation. I will soon report to the Council on the outlines of a mission with a robust mandate to protect civilians and promote stability. But the deployment of a peacekeeping operation, if authorized, will take months; the people of the Central African Republic do not have months to wait.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“However, given the scale and geographic breadth of the violence, the security requirements far exceed the capabilities of the number of international troops now deployed. In places where there are no international forces, the choice for far too many civilians is to flee or be killed. The human family must not shy away from what is happening today in the Central African Republic, or from our responsibilities - both the Council's and mine - under the Charter of the United Nations. Events in the Central African Republic have implications across the region and summon us to defend universal values. This complex security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis demands a comprehensive and integrated response.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“Almost 1 million people have been displaced, with many homes burned to the ground with the purpose of preventing their return. Whole populations are being moved. A creeping de facto partition of the country is setting in, with Muslims in one part and Christians in the other. That separation is sowing the seeds of conflict and instability for years, maybe generations, to come. The African Union and France have deployed troops to the Central African Republic to help stem the violence. We owe those leaders and soldiers our gratitude for saving so many lives and providing protection where they can. We owe the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) and Operation Sangaris our solidarity and assistance.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“Over 2.5 million people - more than half the population - need immediate humanitarian assistance. The new acting Head of State, Ms. Catherine Samba-Panza, is committed to building State authority, and I commend her valiant efforts. But with no budget, hardly any resources and faced with the country's pervasive poverty, her abilities are sharply constrained. The path towards the restoration of State authority will be a long one. Innocent civilians are being killed in large numbers. Those victims are not so-called "collateral damage" from fighting between rebel groups. They are being killed purposefully, targeted for their religious beliefs and for their community affiliation - for who they are. Muslims in particular are being targeted, but the ex-Se'le'ka continue to attack Christians as well.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“I thank His Excellency Mr. Smai'l Chergui for his presence here today. I attach the highest importance to close ties with the African Union (AU). We at the United Nations will continue to work hand-in-hand with the African Union to promote development and lasting peace across the continent. The crisis that continues to unfold in the Central African Republic poses a test for the entire international community. The situation in the country has been on the agenda of the Security Council for many years now, but today's emergency is of another, more disturbing, magnitude. It is a calamity with a strong claim on the conscience of humankind. Over the past year we have seen, in quick succession, the violent overthrow of the Government, the collapse of State institutions and a descent into lawlessness and sectarian brutality.”
2014-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7114 (2014) · source
“As I noted in my report to the Council of 11 June 2013 (S/2013/34l), the Organization must nurture and strengthen a culture of evaluation. I am encouraged by the Council's continued commitment to ensuring that we make the most and the best of rule-of-law assistance in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. I greatly appreciate the Council's discussion today.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Promptly addressing people's immediate security and protection needs is crucial to laying the groundwork for the long-term success of institutions and processes. Thirdly, given limited human and financial resources, a gradual or progressive implementation strategy may be the most effective in transitioning from peacekeeping to long-term development assistance. That requires early collaboration between missions and country teams. Fourthly, assessing progress is essential to making policy decisions supported by evidence and responsive to particular needs. The Security Council has made important inroads towards promoting monitoring and evaluation of United Nations rule-of-law assistance. Specific and sequenced mandates, which include data- collection and evaluation capacities, would further support those efforts.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“The crafting of peacekeeping and peacebuilding mandates provides a strategic opportunity to support national priorities in this area. Along with police and military elements, mandates for new missions should include justice and corrections. That will help extend State authority and lay the foundation for longer-term institution-building. Those mandates should be guided by several important points. Let me briefly highlight four. First, mandates should reflect the specific challenges of a country and identify priority areas of support. That will enhance the effectiveness and gender responsiveness of our rule-of-law work. It also helps guide programming and serves as a basis for dialogue with national authorities. Secondly, sequencing or establishing phases for the implementation of the different components of assistance is vital.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“I have designated the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the United Nations Development Programme - working with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UN-Women and other partners - as the global focal point for police, justice and corrections. That new global focal point arrangement has already assisted our efforts from Mali to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti and beyond, strengthening our ability to deliver as one effectively and coherently. I encourage members of the Council and other Member States and regional organizations to support the global focal point and work with the United Nations to ensure the long- term development of national rule-of-law institutions.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Mechanisms to combat impunity and ensure accountability, including United Nations- assisted criminal tribunals, reinforce the primacy of law. That is why strengthening the rule of law is now an integral part of the mandates of peacekeeping operations and special political missions. Today, 18 missions around the world currently mandate rule-of- law support. We are providing national authorities with Wide-ranging support, from constitution-making to strengthening police, justice and corrections institutions, and from anti-corruption efforts to those ensuring justice and accountability for gender-based crimes.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“I thank the Government of Lithuania for organizing this important debate. The rule of law is at the heart of our work at the United Nations. It is intrinsically linked to peace and security. When public institutions fail to deliver justice or to protect peoples' rights, insecurity and conflict prevail. At the national level, reconciliation and enduring peace require the strong rule of law through responsive and inclusive institutions. People must be able to trust that their institutions can resolve disputes promptly and fairly, and provide equitable access to basic services, including justice and security. At the international level, adherence to the rule of law is critical for conflict prevention and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“It is critical to do everything we can to support the efforts of President Catherine Samba-Panza in her courageous efforts to stabilize the situation, promote dialogue and find political solutions. The international community must work together with the national authorities, religious leaders and all stakeholders to strengthen reconciliation efforts in an inclusive and transparent process. Let us pledge here and now to ensure that the people of the Central African Republic have the lifeline of support and protection that they need. Let us commit to the strongest possible cooperation and coordination between the United Nations, the AU and the European Union. Let us show what solidarity and concerted action can achieve for the people of the Central Africa Republic.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“That will be a crucial opportunity for us to fortify our collective efforts - a chance to show that the cooperation among the United Nations, the AU, the EU and others can help the people of the Central African Republic in their time of need. As we heighten our efforts to protect people, we must also pursue accountability for human rights violations. The international commission of inquiry mandated by the Security Council will become operational this month. I welcome the decision of the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary investigation into the violence. The international response is building strength, but does not yet match what is required.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“I am committed to doing everything in my power to prevent further atrocities and to reduce the risk of a de facto partition of the country. Now we must act together, we must act decisively and we must act now to prevent the worst. As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I am duty-bound to bring to the Council's attention my best possible advice on how to address threats to international peace and security. I intend to return to the Council on Tuesday with recommendations for containing and ending that crisis. I look forward to discussing with the Council what it will take to urgently curtail the violence, save lives, protect human rights, support the delivery of humanitarian assistance and strengthen the command and control of the forces on the ground.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“I commend the Economic Community of Central African States and the African Union for their intensive efforts to address the crisis and for the establishment of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA). I pay tribute to the courage and determination of the MISCA forces, who are doing their utmost to stem the violence and protect civilians. I appeal to the international community to urgently provide MISCA with the support it so clearly needs to save lives now. In that connection, I thank the Government of France for deploying its forces, and I look forward to the forthcoming military contributions by the European Union, which are to be coordinated with the MISCA operation.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“Communities that have no history ofviolent conflict are on a course that, ifleft unchecked, could lead to decades of debilitating conflict. Peace, security, human rights, development - everything that we at the United Nations stand for and seeks to promote is under assault. We must live up to the promises made around this table to act swiftly and robustly in the face of such bloodshed. We cannot claim to care about mass- atrocity crimes and then shrink from what it means to actually prevent them. Our commitment to protect civilians is only as meaningful as the political, military and financial muscle deployed to defend them. Our responsibility is clear: we must stand with the people of the Central African Republic.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“I am deeply concerned by the cycle of revenge and reprisals. Entire Muslim communities are fleeing for their lives. Some have called it an exodus of historic scale. Antonio Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, was in the Central African Republic this week and described a humanitarian catastrophe of unspeakable proportions. The local Red Cross reported finding a mass grave in Bangui. Public records confirming identities and land ownership are being deliberately destroyed. Citizens and officials are fanning the flames through hate speech. We must do our utmost to prevent further atrocities and retaliatory violence, in particular the widespread and coordinated targeting of Muslim communities. And we must understand what else is at risk. The very fabric of society, woven over generations, is being ripped apart.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“The European Union has also been a valuable partner to the Peacebuilding Commission, a champion of human rights and a steadfast partner in promoting the Millennium Development Goals, advancing gender equality and tackling climate change. The topic of today's debate could not be more timely. The United Nations and its regional partners face an urgent test. The dark clouds of mass atrocities and sectarian cleansing loom over the Central African Republic. Public lynchings, mutilations and other horrendous acts of violence are spreading mayhem and fear. All Central Africans have been victims, Muslims and Christian communities alike. Most recently, there have been large-scale attacks on Muslims in towns such as Bouali, Boyali and Bossembele, where peacekeepers have not been able to deploy.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“And, of course, our cooperation with the European Union stretches across our agenda and around the world. Throughout its history, the European Union has taken pioneering, forward-looking steps in promoting cooperation among nations, both within and, increasingly, beyond its borders. The EU's many and generous contributions to the United Nations embody the kind of multidimensional approach that is needed to foster sustainable peace and development. The United Nations and the European Union increasingly work side-by-side on the ground in peacekeeping and civilian crisis-management operations, and through preventive diplomacy.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“The United Nations is keen to deepen the partnership with the AU Peace and Security Architecture. I also commend the mediation efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in South Sudan. In Asia, United Nations cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grown significantly since we signed a memorandum of understanding in 2007. We look forward to working with the new ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, launched in December. We are engaging in extensive collaboration with the Organization of American States in areas such as mediation and dialogue, as well as the fight against illicit trafficking. The partnership with the League of Arab States has been essential to our efforts to support inclusive political processes in the Middle East and North Africa and to work for peace in Syria.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“Pooling resources and pursuing a common approach are not only efficient but also essential. Conflict prevention, mediation, crisis management, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and peacebuilding are complex endeavours. No single country or organization can possibly meet such challenges alone. That is why we have strengthened relationships with regional bodies, both to facilitate a swift response when crises erupt and to allow for long-term joint engagement. We have made important progress, including through liaison offices, joint envoys and cooperation agreements. Joint mediation deployments have become more common, allowing the international community to present a united front. Our cooperation with the African Union (AU) has made a difference in places such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Somalia.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“I commend you, Mr. President, and the Government of Lithuania for having convened this timely discussion on cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, focusing in particular on the European Union (EU). We are honoured to welcome High Representative Lady Ashton. The principle of establishing stronger partnerships with regional organizations is embedded in the very DNA of the United Nations. With great vision and foresight, Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations lays out the critical role of regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. Today, we know more than ever before that the effectiveness of the UnitedNations rests in large measure on our cooperation with regional bodies. We draw on their expertise. We maximize impact by coordinating our efforts.”
2014-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7112 (2014) · source
“If they are prepared to take the bold decisions required, I will push ahead on the positive agenda of peace dividends for both sides and ensure that the United Nations works towards realizing the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples within the framework of a comprehensive regional settlement. We must make the most of the prospect that Secretary Kerry has unlocked in order to see the creation of two States living side by side in peace and security that their peoples so desperately desire and deserve.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“Only then can the United Nations relationship with Palestine be truly transformed so as to fully implement and complete the Palestinian statebuilding agenda. For Israel, too, only a negotiated solution will bring security and recognition in the region and beyond. Israel would be in a position to reap the full benefits of all forms of cooperation within the United Nations system. The United Nations and its Members would, in turn, greatly benefit from what Israel has to offer. I do not underestimate the difficulties, but the risks of inaction or surrender are far greater. We face possibly the last attempt to salvage the two-State solution. Quite simply, this is too important to fail. My message to President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu is clear.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“Palestinians must be able to realize their legitimate aspirations to statehood, self-determination, dignity and freedom, including an end to the occupation that began in 1967, with a just solution to the plight of refugees and a resolution of the status of Jerusalem. Israelis must be able to live in peace and security within recognized borders, paving the way for their increasing integration in a stable and secure region. The realization of the Arab Peace Initiative will yield socioeconomic, trade, and security benefits for all the peoples of the Middle East. For Palestinians, a comprehensive peace settlement holds the promise of becoming a fully recognized Member State of equal standing. There is no substitute for negotiations to achieve this end.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source