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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“But it faces daunting challenges to restore confidence in the State and the conditions necessary for peace and stability. I am also concerned about the situation in the Sahel, where countries have faced decades of complex challenges of poverty, the effects of climate change, frequent food crises, rapid population growth, poor governance, corruption, the risk of violent extremism, illicit trafficking and terrorist-related security threats. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that States of the region have limited capacities to deliver basic social services and protect human rights. When State authority and security institutions erode, it becomes more difficult to manage borders.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“Since the independence of South Sudan, Juba and Khartoum have made slow but steady progress towards the resolution of post-secession issues, including agreements on border security arrangements, economic relations and oil. But potential sources of conflict remain, including in particular the unresolved status of the Abyei Area, The conflict in Somalia has multiple, complex causes, including competition for resources and power, a repressive State and a colonial legacy. The crisis is exacerbated by politicized clan identity, easy access to weapons, the presence of a large number of unemployed youth and a culture of impunity that sanctions the use of Violence. The Federal Government of Somalia has entered a new era of peacebuilding and statebuilding.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“The Council's new mandate for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is intended to contribute to efforts for the implementation of the Framework, including through the deployment of an intervention brigade to deal with the problem of armed groups. In South Sudan, decades of political and economic marginalization resulted in organized military and political resistance. The United Nations has committed to helping that young country, even though we have paid a heavy price. I was outraged by the attack last week that killed a dozen people, including five brave peacekeepers. I thank the Council for joining me in strongly condemning that appalling ambush and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, national authorities, regional leaders and the international community are coming together not only to deal with the manifestations of violence, but also to address its underlying root causes. I am grateful to the Security Council for endorsing the approach of leaders of the region. Their Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region emphasizes the need to address the structural causes fuelling instability in that country and commits regional actors to shared responsibilities.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“Such challenges are particularly acute when States are fragile and armed movements operate with impunity across porous borders, often with the support of neighbouring States. Whether in the Horn of Africa or the Great Lakes region, the continent is still afflicted by interconnected instability spreading from one territory to its neighbours. That contagion has many vectors: economic despair, arms flows, massive population displacements, proxy conflicts triggered by relationships of mistrust, and regional rivalries. In our increasingly interconnected world, regional action to prevent or address conflicts is all the more important.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“In other cases, elections can be a source of instability. The parties may use elections to continue the competition to divide the spoils of war. That is why it is so important for mediation efforts to ensure that peace agreements are not just pacts between political elites to address an immediate political problem; they must also deal with the underlying causes of conflict and allow all stakeholders to participate. It is also not enough to reach agreements - they must be fully implemented, monitored and enforced. That is clear in the case of the Central African Republic. The violation of the Libreville agreements by parties contributed to the resumption of conflict and, eventually, the unconstitutional change of Government.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“To prevent conflicts, we must strengthen democracy, build stronger, more resilient and accountable State institutions, ensure adequate checks and balances, promote the rule of law and work to establish effective democratic control over the armed forces. Too often, national pride and the self-interest of political actors and spoilers conspire to undermine prevention efforts. Issues related to poor governance and the unfulfilled promise of democracy often lead to conflict. Good governance will be the focus of my report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. More than 20 African countries are holding elections this year. The relatively peaceful elections in Kenya were an example of how electoral disagreements can be handled through the legal process without recourse to violence.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“I am pleased to address the Security Council on the important subject of preventing armed conflicts and addressing their root causes. Although we are focused today on Africa, there are universal lessons in conflict prevention that apply everywhere around the world. Conflicts breed where there is poor governance, abuse of human rights and grievances over the unequal distribution of resources, wealth and power. Tensions simmer where people are excluded, marginalized and denied meaningful participation in the political and social life of their country. Unrest flourishes where people are poor, jobless and without hope.”
2013-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6946 (2013) · source
“Let us work as hard as possible to ensure that this transition leads to the stable, prosperous and safe future that the country's people deserve.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“To fulfil its mandate, the Mission must maintain its ability to reach out across the country and to meet the many demands it faces during this crucial period. As such, while the budget of UNAMA for 2013 reflected significant reductions, I do not envisage additional reductions for 2014. We can then more realistically assess the reorientation of the United Nations presence in Afghanistan after the transition. The success we have achieved so far comes thanks in large measure to the dedication of my Special Representative Jan Kubis and all of the women and men - national and international - who have worked with commitment and dedication. We are ultimately responsible for their security and their ability to support the Afghan people. We are approaching a moment of transition in Afghanistan, a country that has survived decades of upheaval.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“In a recent meeting with United Nations officials, Afghan representatives emphasized that they will need not less United Nations engagement, but engagement of a different kind. They consistently called for better coordination in the work of agencies, funds and programmes, so as to prevent gaps and overlaps, among themselves and with others. The Afghan representatives also broadly appreciated the need for a special political mission, with an evolving focus and scope. The United Nations must reinforce Afghan efforts. We aim to strengthen Afghan political processes and institutions. We want to boost the ability to deliver nationally and in different regions. We must bring to a close the time of parallel structures and efforts by the international community and fully integrate our support for Afghanistan.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“But there have been positive developments on the counter- narcotics front. Earlier this month, Afghan authorities made their largest seizure so far this year, taking some 23 tons of heroin, morphine and precursor chemicals. In addition to counter-narcotics, we face the continuing challenge of responding to the needs of returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). I am committed to finding lasting solutions to post- conflict displacement. We have elements for success in the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees to Support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Reintegration and Assistance to Host Countries and in the national Afghan policy on IDPs. We must prepare to look ahead beyond 2014.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“That calls for strict application of the Elimination of Violence against Women Law and ensuring that women and girls can participate more actively in public life. We have to strengthen the way we provide development assistance in order to strengthen Afghan ownership. For its part, the Government must maintain momentum on putting in place the economic governance reforms needed to increase the sustainability of security and political transitions. Tackling the illicit economy is also critical to boosting economic confidence. The High Office of Oversight and Anti-Corruption, together with the United Nations, has documented the scope of the corruption that is tearing at Afghanistan's economic and social fabric. I am also concerned that the Opium Risk Assessment shows an increase in poppy cultivation.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“UNAMA'S monitoring of civilian casualties prompted two statements from the Taliban that perhaps indicate a willingness to engage. I encourage a meaningful dialogue aimed at reducing the intolerable, continuing death toll and at protecting civilians. I welcome the speech President Karzai gave on International Women's Day, especially his focus on raising the awareness of gender issues among men. But I remain deeply disturbed that, despite some improvements in prosecuting cases of violence, there is still a pervasive climate of impunity in Afghanistan when it comes to the abuse of women and girls, who have the inviolable right to live free of fear or attacks. Women and girls are key to a better future for Afghanistan; protecting them is central to peace, prosperity and stability for everyone in the country.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We have reported on the torture and ill- treatment of conflict-related detainees. A presidential fact-finding commission also heard widespread testimony of abuse and put forward 11 recommendations to address the problem. On civilian casualties, the Government and international forces have taken measures to reduce the adverse impact of their operations. Anti-Government groups must now live up to their public statements and international obligations and cease targeting civilians, using children in suicide operations, attacking public places and using victim- activated pressure-plate explosives. Such actions are crimes under international law. I am especially concerned about the 20 per cent increase in civilian casualties among women and girls in 2012.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“The principle of respect for the independence of the electoral management body in the conduct of its constitutional duties is vital. Afghanistan's greatest need is for peace. I welcome January's joint United States-Afghan declaration supporting greater coherence in reconciliation efforts. Expectations must be realistic. Reconciliation efforts will not be quick or easy. The United Nations is pushing for a culture of peace, including support for a second phase of the Afghan People's Dialogue on Peace. Afghanistan's people must come together, not only to shun conflict but also to assume leadership and ownership of the transition process for the sake of a united Afghanistan. That is essential if we are to end the more than 30 years of conflict and establish true and lasting peace. Our human rights efforts are built on constructive engagement.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“Another core element is the appointment of a respected, widely accepted chairperson to the Independent Electoral Commission. That Commission, along with the Ministry of Finance and donors, will have to engage seriously on the task offinding solutions to electoral funding that are realistic and satisfactory to all. The Government favours an electronic national identity card project. That is an important initiative with wide-ranging potential applications. It should be used, to the extent possible, in the 2014 and 2015 elections. At the same time, it is important to understand that there may be few improvements in voter identification for elections during those years. That makes other checks and balances, including generally agreed-on rules of the game and anti-fraud measures, all the more essential.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“I would like to speak briefly on all of those issues today. Afghanistan's political climate is dominated by the 2014 elections. Broad participation and a credible process are essential to reaching the goal of a widely accepted leadership transition. Let me stress that the elections are Afghan-led and Afghan-managed. Now is the time to take critical decisions. The Government has committed to making the elections an inclusive, consultative and transparent process. I welcome the active and responsible participation of all stakeholders in building a widely accepted electoral framework. I also welcome President Karzai's emphasis on adopting electoral legislation at the opening of the National Assembly. Agreement on an impartial, credible and independent mechanism for electoral dispute resolution will be critical.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“I am pleased to brief the Security Council today on the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I am grateful to the Russian delegation for organizing this open debate on a crucially important subject. This has been an intense period of activity as we look ahead to 2014. The United Nations is reflecting on its future role, and we are preparing for the challenges ahead. Our core priorities should guide us going forward. We should continue providing good offices, including support for elections, and maintain our work for reconciliation and regional cooperation. We must stand firm for human rights, and we must advance development. Humanitarian action is also crucial to our future role. It is especially important in order for us to address Afghanistan's chronic vulnerability and the impact of the transition.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo deserve to live normal lives and not be subject to rape, abduction, exactions, fear or worse. We owe them our best efforts to tackle the root causes of their insecurity. Eleven Heads of State and Government have proclaimed their commitment to uniting for this cause. I call on the Council today to support them. Let us offer the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo not only hope, but a concrete engagement for the peace and stability they have so long deserved.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“I call on the Security Council to authorize the deployment of the brigade and to provide it with the necessary political backing. The effective implementation of the commitments and oversights mechanisms will require the long-term efforts of the international community, including the Security Council. Structural reforms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the commitments made at the regional level will need the international community's sustained support and heightened attention. The Council should remain seized of the progress made in implementing the provisions of the Framework. Commitments must be translated into results. The latest crisis in North Kivu has displaced 900,000 civilians, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to 2.6 million.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“That enforcement capacity, which was initially called for by the regional actors, seeks to address the imminent threats to stability and will provide the most appropriate response to the active conflict environment in which MONUSCO has been operating for several years. The intervention brigade will be tasked with containing the expansion of Congolese and foreign armed groups alike, neutralizing those groups and disarming them. That will provide much needed capacity to our peacekeeping operation. We are now consulting with current MONUSCO troop-contributing countries and potential contributors to the international brigade in order to prepare, should the Council agree, for a rapid deployment of the brigade. The security situation remains fragile and demands urgent actions.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“Supporting the implementation of the national commitments set out in the Framework - and consistent with the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) - my Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will play a central role in promoting inclusive and transparent political dialogue among concerned stakeholders as a key priority. To further support the political objectives of the Framework, my report also proposes the establishment within MONUSCO of an intervention brigade. The intervention brigade will have the ability to conduct, with or without the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo, offensive operations against all armed groups that threaten the peace in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“Implementation is essential, and innovative national and regional oversight mechanisms have been included in the Framework. Multitrack action plans with benchmarks that will ensure the measurement of progress must be developed. The regional oversight mechanism has the format of a peer review among all signatories. That mechanism, composed of the ll+4 signatories of the Framework, will meet at the highest level twice a year to review progress on its implementation. That meeting will take place every January at the margins of the African Union Summit and each September at the annual session of the General Assembly. I will also appoint a special envoy who, together with concerned stakeholders, will support the implementation of the Framework, including through benchmarks to measure national and regional progress.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“Eleven countries of the Great Lakes region have committed to respecting the sovereignty and integrity of their neighbours, to strengthening economic integration and to neither tolerating nor providing support to armed groups. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has also committed to undertaking significant internal reforms, such as army reform, decentralization, the expansion of infrastructure and basic social services delivery, reconciliation and democratization. The chairs of the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the Southern African Development Community and I are acting as co-guarantors of the Framework. All of us understand that signing the Framework is a beginning, not an end.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“Thirdly, it must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate concerns and interests of all countries concerned. Fourthly, it demands the commitment and long-term support of the international community. Building on existing and ongoing regional peace and security initiatives, we developed an innovative and comprehensive approach. We focused on addressing the root causes of the recurring cycle of violence through a combination of actions at the national, regional and international levels. The approach is presented in my special report before the Council (S/2013/ll9), and it also formed the basis of the Framework for Peace, Security and Cooperation for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, signed on 24 February in Addis Ababa. The signing of the Framework represents a historic opportunity.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“Longer-term stability in the entire region is possible, but it requires us to collectively commit to addressing the root causes of the violence. That is why I have reached out to regional leaders and joined with them to find a durable solution. We came together at the margins of the General Assembly last September and at the African Union Summit in January. We agreed that military action alone would not deliver for the people of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A lasting solution requires at least four ingredients. First, it must be anchored in the political will of the leaders of all the countries of the region. Secondly, it must address the structural causes that are fuelling instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo itself.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“The Mouvement du 23 Mars (M-23) mutiny that began in April 2012 brought yet another wave of misery to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hundreds of thousands ofpeople were displaced. Countless innocent men, women and children suffered horrendous acts of violence, rape and other forms of sexual violence, abduction and summary execution. The fighting has stopped, but insecurity prevails - and it is growing in other areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Perhaps some would dismiss the recent unrest in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as yet another cycle of violence in a long-plagued region of the world. But we have it within our grasp to break that cycle and shape something different.”
2013-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6928 (2013) · source
“Today's debate is an important opportunity for the Council and Member States to reflect on the impact of armed conflict on civilians and on the actions that need to be taken to increase compliance with international law and fulfil the Council's commitment to protection. The Council's continued and consistent discussion of this issue is essential. I urge Council members to bring all their considerable powers to bear on reducing the unacceptable toll that conflict is taking on civilians every day.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Finally, the Council must ensure that peacekeeping operations mandated with protecting civilians have adequate resources. It is particularly important that they be equipped to respond to conflict-related sexual violence. States that contribute military and police personnel to missions should be supported to ensure that they are trained to be proactive in addressing the unique vulnerability of women and children. That includes partnering with human rights and other civilian components to prevent and respond to human rights and humanitarian law violations. Next month, the Commission on the Status of Women will address conflict-related sexual Violence as part of its theme of "Ending violence against women". I count on Member States to use the meeting to make practical commitments to ending sexual and gender- based Violence in all its forms.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“This is essential to ensuring improved compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as safe access to populations in need. Fourthly, all relevant authorities should expedite administrative, visa, travel and customs procedures to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of relief consignments, equipment and personnel to people in need of protection and assistance. We need accountability for grave denials of access and for attacks against humanitarian workers. Fifthly, I urge the Council to make greater use of commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions mandated by the United Nations to investigate and verify alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It is important for accountability, justice and protection to support timely follow-up on their findings.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Secondly, the Council must emphasize that States bear the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians. Where there are peacekeeping missions, the United Nations will do its utmost to support States to fulfil their obligations, in line with our Human Rights Due Diligence Policy. I urge the Council to take a strong and visible lead in protecting civilians and pursuing accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. In this regard, I welcome the debate triggered by the call of some Member States for the Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Thirdly, States should recognize the need for consistent engagement by humanitarian actors with all relevant State and non-State actors.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“In previous reports to the Council, I have welcomed the informal experts group on the protection of civilians as an important forum for keeping the Council informed of protection developments on the ground. I encourage this practice to continue and the Council to explore ways to make greater use of the Group. My reports have also recommended steps for enhancing the protection of civilians that I would like to emphasize again. First, all parties to conflict should avoid using explosive weapons with wide-area effect in populated areas. This includes roadside bombs, heavy weapons and artillery, and air strikes. I urge the Council to recognize and act on this fundamental humanitarian issue. My next report will provide concrete recommendations for consideration.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“But, let us remember that the obligation does not rest solely with warring parties. We all have a responsibility to protect. Failure to protect civilians in armed conflict can contribute directly to the commission of atrocity crimes. Violence against civilians is also unquestionably abetted by the free flow of weapons. This underlines the importance of next month's arms trade treaty negotiations. We urgently need a robust and comprehensive agreement that addresses the humanitarian impact of the poorly regulated trade in arms. My internal review panel on United Nations action in Sri Lanka raised important issues concerning how the United Nations and Member States could strengthen the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The recommendations are undergoing internal review, and I will report on them later this year.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“In Syria, every day provides a searing reminder of the human cost of war. Four million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. More than 2 million people have fled their homes. Many lack even the most basic services. Sexual violence is a constant threat. The volatility of the security situation, logistical challenges and bureaucratic constraints are hampering the response effort. The international community needs access to all areas so we can reach more people in need. The situation in Syria is particularly acute and intractable, but in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan and elsewhere, civilians continue to suffer and die as parties to conflict ignore their obligations to protect.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Since the Security Council last addressed this issue (see S/PV.6790), civilians have remained subject to unacceptable threats to life and dignity in conflict zones worldwide. Warring parties have continued to violate human rights and international humanitarian law with impunity. And the efforts of United Nations and other humanitarian actors to provide assistance and protection have been hampered by Violence. Every day, civilians are killed or maimed in targeted or indiscriminate attacks. Women, girls, men and boys are raped in front of their families. Children and youths are abducted, held in sexual slavery or compelled to take up arms and inflict abuses on their own communities - scarring them for life. Families are forced from their homes into a state of desperation and dependency from which they may never escape.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“I am encouraged by the swift and overwhelming international condemnation of this wanton act. This is a direct challenge to the Security Council. It is absolutely essential that the Council act and speak with one voice and engage with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in a unified manner. I welcome the press statement just issued by the members of the Council in that regard. I will remain in close contact with all concerned parties, and I stand ready to support their efforts. I thank the Republic of Korea for convening today's debate and His Excellency Mr. Kim Sung- hwan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, for coming to participate in this very important meeting.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“I have also appealed to Pyongyang to focus its energies on ensuring a better future for the country's people by addressing the dire humanitarian and human rights situation. Regrettably, my appeals have fallen on deaf ears. I am profoundly concerned about the negative impact of this act on regional stability. It is deplorable that Pyongyang has chosen the path of defiance. This third nuclear test by Pyongyang is a serious challenge to global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the only country that has carried out nuclear tests in the twenty- first century. The authorities in Pyongyang should not be under any illusion that nuclear weapons will enhance their security. To the contrary, as Pyongyang pursues nuclear weapons, it will suffer only greater insecurity and isolation.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Before I turn to the subject of this meeting, let me say a few words about the appalling underground nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. I strongly condemn Pyongyang's reckless act, which shows outright disregard for the repeated call of the international community that it refrain from further provocative measures. The test is a clear and grave violation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. Together with the rest of the international community, I have repeatedly called on the new leadership in Pyongyang to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons, to address international concerns through dialogue, and to start building confidence with neighbouring countries, particularly the Republic of Korea, and the international community.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“When national leaders and the international community allow these problems, the local population suffers. Council members bear a heavy responsibility to prevent this, including by engaging directly with host Governments. I am confident that, together, we can build on more than two decades of success in multidimensional peacekeeping. I look forward to hearing Council members' views on how to continue adapting this indispensable tool to better meet the needs of peoples suffering from the throes and aftermath of conflicts.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“In too many other cases, however, a lack of political will and sustained commitment to reform on the part of national leaders have undermined progress. Too often, international donors focus on training individuals while neglecting to build institutions. Institutions responsible for ensuring security and rule of law must be strengthened. Otherwise, when the United Nations reduces its military and police presence, we riskjeopardizing the gains we have made. Host States are ultimately responsible for ensuring the protection ofcivilians, and effective national institutions are essential to this effort. Our national counterparts must take this obligation seriously, as peacekeeping operations can never act as their surrogate in protecting the civilians within their borders. It is important to be honest and clear on this point.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Today's draft resolution rightly emphasizes that national Governments have the primary responsibility for identifying peacebuilding priorities, in consultation with a broad cross-section of society. Inclusivity and institution-building are critical to preventing a relapse into conflict. Peacekeeping missions play a vital role on both of these fronts. They promote national reconciliation. And peacekeeping missions help support national institution-building, as we are seeing in South Sudan, Liberia and Haiti. We learned especially valuable lessons from Timor-Leste, where the political commitment of the Government and close collaboration between United Nations and the National Police were critical to success.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“But we have to do more than integrate the work of the United Nations system; we have to coordinate with other international partners. In most cases, regional organizations, the World Bank, bilateral donors and countries of the region concerned play a major role. It is often far more difficult to ensure the coherence of this broader international support than to integrate our own United Nations work, but such coherence is critical. That is why we will continue supporting transition compacts and other efforts that align international support behind clear national priorities. I encourage the Council to work harder for greater coherence across the international community, including with advice from the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We will conduct periodic reviews of our missions to ensure that we have the right mix of skills and capabilities to respond to evolving mandates and changing conditions on the ground. We are improving how we integrate our efforts across the United Nations system to maximize the collective impact of our missions and our country teams. DPKO and the United Nations Development Programme are coming together as the joint global focal point for police, justice and corrections. We are also improving the way we carry out transitions as missions draw down and ultimately close, as we did recently in Timor-Leste. We aim to deploy, work hard, fulfil the mandates that the Security Council entrusts to us, and leave behind strong structures to maintain lasting peace.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“I call on them to contribute military and police personnel with the professional skills, training and integrity required to fully implement their mandates. I also call on Member States to provide the key military assets and enabling capabilities we need to operate in ever more challenging environments. When Member States show the will to make the right contributions at the right time, we can deploy more quickly and operate more effectively. And I repeat my standing appeal for more women to serve in our operations. I am a proud advocate of gender equality, and I want to usher in the day when our peacekeeping operations benefit from the full participation of women, especially in leadership positions.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“No other international tool is as effective in combining political, security, rule of law and human rights efforts. And our missions are integrating their work with the development efforts of United Nations country teams. The draft resolution before the Council today (S/2013/27) identifies the many contributions that United Nations missions make towards enhancing security and building sustainable peace. We continue to press for progress in the face of challenges. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support are working to further improve how we plan, manage and support our missions. We count on the members of the Council and all Member States to support this effort.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We are honoured to have the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan here to preside over this important debate, and we thank you, Sir, for this initiative. Pakistan is the single largest troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping. Its personnel are working courageously every day under the United Nations blue flag to bring peace to troubled areas. This year marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping. Peacekeeping has come to be a flagship activity of the United Nations. Thanks to debates like this one, careful analysis and adjustments in our work, peacekeeping has kept pace with the times. Our operations today are more varied and more complex than ever, and whatever form it takes, multidimensional peacekeeping remains a highly cost-effective investment in progress towards lasting stability.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“I count on all members of the Council - and all members of the international community - to unite in advancing this important work.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“There were far too many victims of terrorism over the past year, but none was more compelling in her struggle than Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani teen who was shot, along with her schoolmates, by extremists. The Government and people of Pakistan were joined by others around the world in rallying behind Malala and offering their best wishes for her recovery. I was deeply moved by her brave efforts to champion the fundamental right to education - a value enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as in the teachings of Islam. I am proud to count myself among her supporters and well-wishers. Malala and her schoolmates have shown tremendous courage. Their grace and integrity challenge the world to respond to the terrorist threat with the comprehensive and broad-based approach that is essential to success.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“In our efforts to eliminate terrorism, I urge humanitarian, security and political actors to engage in an open and sustained policy dialogue to ensure that efforts to prevent acts of terrorism do not ever impede the timely and principled delivery of assistance of a strictly humanitarian nature to civilians. This is all the more important as we cope with increasing humanitarian emergencies around the world. This year, we face challenges in Mali and the broader Sahel region, where terrorism feeds off of extreme destitution and undermines development through violence, intolerance and human rights abuses. I welcome the Security Council's resolve to tackle the challenges in that region head on. I especially appreciate the Council's sensitive approach to underlying factors that have led to this dire security situation.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source