YouSaid · the spoken record

Seger

lines on the record: 350
first: 2010-10-26
most recent: 2015-06-18
sittings or episodes: 42
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We encourage the Security Council to consider options for increasing pressure on persistent perpetrators, as outlined in the Secretary-General's report, and look forward to a rich discussion on how to further develop those ideas. We also call for more efforts to address impunity and to investigate, prosecute and punish all those who commit grave violations against children. The verdicts of the International Criminal Court and the Special Court for Sierra Leone against Thomas Lubanga and Charles Taylor are positive steps in that regard. The convictions warn perpetrators and would-be perpetrators of unlawful child soldier recruitment that their crimes will not go unpunished.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The monitoring and reporting mechanisms, the dialogues and resulting action plans, the work of UNICEF, the task forces and the recognized partners are all part of the well-established international framework for the protection of children in armed conflict. The Human Security Network is also pleased with the work undertaken by the Security Council. It has resulted in a strengthened protection framework for children in armed conflict, as last seen by the inclusion of attacks against schools and hospitals as a trigger in the monitoring and reporting mechanism last summer (see resolution 1998 (2011)). Yet, sadly, the issue of persistent perpetrators of grave Violations against children remains of deep concern. As of today, 32 of the 52 parties listed for grave violations against children qualify as persistent perpetrators.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I would also like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Leila Zerrougui. We congratulate her on her recent appointment and wish her courage, strength and perseverance for the important work that lies ahead. In the Network's View, the contributions of the Special Representative to the work of the Security Council are fundamental to the Council's work. We thus encourage the Council to invite her to regular briefings in order to promote substantive and interactive discussion. The Human Security Network welcomes the submission of the Secretary-General's recent annual report (S/2012/261), including the listing ofperpetrators and the highlighting of persistent perpetrators.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“President, for convening this important open debate, which is on one of the priority issues for the Human Security Network since its inception. Let me also take this opportunity to thank former Special Representative of the Secretary-General Radhika Coomaraswamy for her tireless efforts to protect children from the devastating effects of armed conflict. We appreciate the results of the process over the last six years under the former Special Representative, including the signing of numerous action plans, the freeing of 10,000 child soldiers and the abolition of child soldiering by almost all national authorities, and we look forward to the further development and strengthening of the monitoring and reporting mechanisms.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I take the floor today wearing not only my traditional bowtie, but also two hats - one as the speaker on behalf of the Human Security Network and the other as the representative of Switzerland, speaking in my national capacity. Let me start by speaking on behalf of the Human Security Network, which is an informal group of States that advocates a people-centred, holistic approach to security, complementing the more traditional understanding of national and international security. Its membership includes Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Panama, Slovenia, Thailand, with South Africa participating as an observer, and my own country, Switzerland. Let me take this opportunity to thank you, Mr.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We will follow the next steps with great interest, including the measures announced by the President of the Republic to implement transitional justice mechanisms and revise the electoral code and the Constitution.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“The PBC is comprised of Member States, which makes it possible to exercise considerable influence within the United Nations, for example by transmitting important political messages. In the light of the complementary role of the PBC, it is deplorable that the country-specific configuration was not involved in or even informed about the setting of criteria for the transition of BNUB into a country team. In the future, I would be grateful if the configuration could be closely associated with the discussions that will take place on such a transition, which should, in my opinion, be done in close cooperation with the PBC. Only a few days after celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its independence, Burundi can look with pride upon its success and new-found stability. The ground is fertile for peacebuilding.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“I would take this opportunity to ask all Council members to consider supporting the Strategy and to actively participate in the conference in Geneva in late October. I cannot conclude my statement without presenting my most sincere compliments to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Karin Landgren, for her excellent work during the time we worked together. I wish her every success in her future post in Liberia. Once again, I personally rue her departure, but I also recognize the opportunities that her future work in Liberia will afford her. I also wish to welcome the future Special Representative, Mr. Parfait Ononga-Anyanga, whom I see seated in the back of the Chamber today. I wish him every success in his new post, and I look forward to working closely with him.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Indeed, it is only if Burundi increases its efforts in the political and institutional areas that its partners will feel sufficiently confident to commit to the country and provide their support for the Strategy. Without political and institutional progress, there can be no socio-economic progress, and vice versa. One strengthens the other. Burundi fully deserves our support. Having only recently emerged from a bloody conflict, that small country has made considerable progress, as I have already said, and needs the Council's help if it is to make further progress. A stable prosperous Burundi in an unstable subregion of Africa is in the direct interest of the Security Council. Let us also not forget that Burundi has contributed to stability in the Horn of Africa by sending peacekeeping contingents.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“In addition, the configuration and I will put all of our efforts at the disposal of Burundi in the coming months in order to promote the Geneva conference. Bujumbura's expectations for the conference are high. I urge Burundi to demonstrate a sense of realism in order to avoid a potential boomerang effect. The financial situation of many donor States is critical. Taking that reality into account, I shall continue working with my Burundian colleagues to increase the number of partners by generating interest in Burundi with so-called non-traditional donors. As far as possible, we will also be approaching philanthropic organizations and the private sector. In that respect, substantive progress in the area of peacebuilding would considerably ease my task.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“The conference is being organized under the supervision of the Office of the Second Vice-President and the Ministry of Finance. In our View, it is important at this point for the Government to define its Strategy priorities and determine a timeframe for its implementation. The substantive preparations and organization of the conference must be speeded up, but I remain confident that the Government is able to make the commitment required for the conference. I applaud the great efforts that have already been made to ensure that it is well organized. Switzerland will provide the conference facilities and give the organizers every possible support, specifically by contributing to a common basket fund managed in Burundi by UNDP.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“This will be the main thrust of the new shared framework. The States members of the Burundi configuration undertake to continue to assist Burundi to generate support and mobilize resources to promote a culture of democracy, political dialogue, good governance, human rights and the rule of law. Furthermore, in the run-up to the partners conference, which we support and promote politically, we will maintain our efforts to develop close partnerships with all key peacebuilding players, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Thirdly, the Burundi development partners conference will be held on 29 and 30 October in Geneva for the purposes of generating financial support for the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Framework.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Since all aspects of peacebuilding will from now on be contained in the first of the four pillars of the new Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Framework, we have agreed that future reviews will be based on that monitoring and evaluation structure. We call on the Government of Burundi to continue to promote political and institutional progress, in particular by engaging in active and inclusive dialogue with all political actors with a view to the 2015 elections. We furthermore encourage Burundi to take stronger measures against human rights violations, political violence and impunity, strengthen the National Independent Human Rights Commission, establish transitional justice mechanisms, intensify the fight against corruption, and implement the socio-economic reintegration programme.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“In that regard, the Burundi country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) has continued to support as best it can the work of the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB), and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in particular, in support of Burundi in its efforts to build peace. Secondly, I would like to inform the Council that the Burundi configuration plans to adopt on 18 July its latest conclusions and recommendations, which will define the respective peacebuilding commitments for the next 12 months between the Government of Burundi and the configuration. The dual-track approach that we have used until now - involving political, institutional and socio-economic tracks - will be maintained.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“As I have already sent a report to the Security Council on my most recent visit to Burundi in April, and as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has just given a very comprehensive overview of the political and economic situation in the country, which I fully endorse, I will depart from my written notes to confirm that the general developments over the past few months give me hope. We must now maintain the still-fragile progress and support those who are seeking help in the preparation of peaceful and inclusive elections in 2015.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Secondly, within the Peacebuilding Commission's country-specific configuration on Burundi, we are compiling our conclusions and recommendations for the annual review of the outcome document, which defines the respective peacebuilding commitments of the Burundi Government and the configuration. Thirdly, I would mention the Burundi development partners conference, which will take place on 29 and 30 October 2012 in Geneva for the purposes of supporting the second Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Framework.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for inviting me to address the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. First, I would like to congratulate the representative of Burundi on his country's 50 years of independence, which it celebrated recently. We wish him all the best and a prosperous future for his country. I should like to structure my remarks around three main points. First, my most recent trip to Burundi in mid-April confirmed my view that overall the political situation has stabilized and that some degree ofprogress has been made towards strengthening peace. Today, the greatest concern for the people of Burundi is the socio-economic situation and rising prices.”
2012-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6799 (2012) · source
“Non-State armed groups continue to pose a challenge to the protection of civilians, especially when it comes to convincing them of the need to improve their compliance with international law and to allow humanitarian staff access to populations needing assistance and protection. Switzerland calls on the Council and Member States to take into account the potentially negative effects of certain measures and legislation adopted while pursuing the legitimate goal of fighting terrorism. It would be regrettable if those measures complicated or even prevented the establishment of a dialogue for purely humanitarian purposes, prevented access to vulnerable populations by humanitarian staff or weakened respect for international humanitarian law by armed groups.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“I would also like to mention the worrying situation in the border area between the Sudan and South Sudan. We are pleased that the question of access to Blue Nile and South Kordofan states is again being dealt with specifically by the Security Council. Humanitarian access remains a critical point in the protection agenda. In contemporary armed conflicts, securing and maintaining such access in order to assist civilians is becoming increasingly difficult. To meet that challenge, Switzerland has launched a project, in conjunction with interested partners, to develop instruments to achieve and maintain humanitarian access. Those instruments clarify the normative framework and provide practical information and advice on humanitarian access.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“A longer version of my statement was distributed in the Chamber. Switzerland is gravely concerned by the situation in Syria and firmly condemns the escalation of violence against civilians. We recall that all allegations of violence must be investigated so that those responsible for such acts can be prosecuted. Whoever the perpetrators of the crimes in Syria are, they must know that they will have to answer for their acts in a court of law. Switzerland therefore asks the Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court, which is the appropriate international institution for prosecuting and judging the alleged authors of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The struggle against impunity is a necessary condition for a lasting peace.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“When international assistance is provided, it should also be supportive of the Government's capacity to sustain longer-term efforts to protect civilians and involve all stakeholders in a spirit of cooperation that transcends the action of individual actors involved in protection. United Nations peacekeeping operations can play an important role in enhancing the host Government's capacity to protect its civilians, including through assistance in strengthening national rule of law and security institutions. Finally, efforts towards durable solutions must not exclude accountability. The report of the Secretary-General contains several recommendations in that regard. We invite the Security Council to take them into account when formulating and renewing mandates. (spoke in French) I will now speak briefly in my national capacity.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“We call for compliance with international humanitarian law in the use of all weapons, to ensure and strengthen international humanitarian law training for those who operate them and compliance with international humanitarian law with respect to targeting. We also take note with interest of the increasing practice of some parties to armed conflict to offer amends in the form of recognition and assistance to civilians harmed within the lawful parameters of their combat operations, despite having no legal obligation to do so. We would encourage the promotion of the steps taken so far by warring parties committed to the protection of civilians to minimize civilian harm. However, I cannot conclude without recalling that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians lies with the State.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“On the issue of civilian casualty recording, for instance, the Council's discussions may benefit from an overview in the next Secretary-General's report of existing practices, as well as from specific recommendations on ways to ensure systematic and reliable data collection in compliance with humanitarian principles. Parties to conflict have a duty to assess the impact of their actions on civilians. Parties to conflict should improve documentation and transparency - complying with their obligation to investigate violations under international humanitarian law - and enable assessment by independent monitors. The Group of Friends was also briefed on the humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, which was identified as an issue by the Secretary-General.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“In that regard, the Group of Friends looks forward to the conclusion of an ongoing study on the impact of national counter-terrorism measures on humanitarian space. The protection of civilians is a concern for everyone. We must therefore act together, by strengthening communication channels between Council members and troop - and police-contributing countries, for instance, and by improving cooperation between the Security Council and other players - Member States and civil society actors alike. To that end, the Group of Friends has been briefed by various civil society organizations working on issues that the Secretary-General has identified as likely to benefit from further research and discussion.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“Ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, which applies to all parties to armed conflict, including the dissemination of international humanitarian law, is critical to effective protection, as emphasized in resolution 1894 (2009). Parties must be reminded time and again that even wars have limits and those limits apply to all. The Security Council must demonstrate its leadership in that regard and systematically reaffirm the basics whenever the need arises. For the protection message to be understood, it is essential to promote a positive perception of humanitarian action, devoid of any political connotation. Such a perception is also key to the safety and security of humanitarian actors, who often operate in complex environments.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“The widespread violence against women and children, as well as sexual violence, the indiscriminate use of weapons in densely populated areas, and the targeting of schools and health-care facilities are worrying and unacceptable trends that must be acknowledged. The Group of Friends believes that serious and timely consideration should be given to the concrete recommendations made by the Secretary-General in that regard in his latest report. The Group of Friends wishes to use this opportunity to highlight the need to rebuild consensus around the concept of the protection of civilians. In our endeavour to re establish confidence, it is of the utmost importance to reaffirm the basic tenets of the protection of civilians as a legal concept based on international humanitarian law, human rights refugee law and international criminal law.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“The latest report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians (S/2012/376) is a stark reminder of the importance of our continued collective efforts to address the challenges posed by the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As we speak, more than 26 million persons are internally displaced because of armed conflicts and more than 15 million are refugees. Finding ways of responding more effectively to the five core challenges identified by the Secretary-General in his last three reports should help the Security Council in its deliberations on protecting civilians, as parties to conflict all too often fail to comply with their obligations.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“I am pleased to take the floor on behalf ofthe Group ofFriends on the Protection of Civilians, which is composed of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and Switzerland as the Chair. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate and for inviting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos, Assistant-Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovie and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Philip Spoerri.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“That is why we believe that the Security Council should develop a predictable and coherent approach with regard to the situations that it refers to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), while supporting past decisions. The ICC is a court of law; as the Court is a judicial body, the principles of equality and of objectivity play an even more important role than elsewhere. The implications for the action of the Security Council are basically twofold. First, if the Security Council refers a case to the Court in a given situation, it must also do so when dealing with other comparable cases. Secondly, once it has referred a case, it must continue to give its full support, including its financial support, to the work of the Court, while respecting its independence and its decision-making autonomy.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We recommend that the conclusions of the report be carefully considered by the Council. Much remains to be learned about exactly how the rule of law can and must be strengthened in post-conflict situations. By systematically including the strengthening of justice and the rule of law in its mission objectives, the Security Council could itself help to move this issue forward by insisting on regular evaluations of the progress achieved. I would cite the recent positive example of resolution 2027 (2011), on Burundi, in which this approach was highlighted. Thirdly, the Secretary-General's report calls on the United Nations to make its measures more predictable, effective and transparent. Recourse to international legal mechanisms should not be exempted from those requirements.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Secondly, we wish to draw the attention of the Security Council to the conclusions of the World Bank's_World Development Report 2011 on conflicts, security and development. In our view, the report highlights several crucial aspects that must be part of discussions on justice and the rule of law. In particular, it points to the links between conflict, impunity and the weakening of Government structures, while also emphasizing the clear links between the economy, development and the rule of law. The report also states that justice and the rule of law are essential in the prevention of conflicts and the consolidation of peace. An investment by the Security Council in the rule of law is therefore not only a good investment in the maintenance of peace, it is also a good investment in development.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In that context, we believe that it is particularly important to draw the attention of the Security Council to the new mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, established by the Human Rights Council by consensus in September 2011. That new special procedure was put in place to contribute to the fight against impunity, to enable States to better fulfil their obligations and to give a voice to victims and ensure that their rights are respected. We call on the Security Council to actively consider the work of the Special Rapporteur, and we hope that the Rapporteur will receive the full support of the Council.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The report rightly stresses the need for a holistic approach to conflict and post- conflict situations. The principles on combating impunity that were formulated by the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights between 1994 and 2005 are the cornerstone of such an approach. Those principles state that dealing with the past in an effective and lasting way must include processes of truth-telling, justice, reparations to victims and institutional reforms, aimed at ensuring that past abuses do not recur. More needs to be done so that a coherent approach is pursued systematically across United Nations activities and is felt in the field.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank South Africa for having organized this debate. I would also like to state that Switzerland associates itself with the statement to be made by the representative of Austria on behalf of the Human Security Network. In our national capacity, however, we would like to bring the following three points to the attention of the Council. There is a great deal to say on this issue, in particular on the critical role of the International Court of Justice in maintaining a world order based on law, 5 but given the limited time available, we should like to draw the Security Council's attention to three points that we believe to be of particular relevance. First, we welcome the October 2011 report of the Secretary-General on the rule of law and transitional justice (S/20ll/634*).”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Their efforts have been extremely important and very much appreciated. As the Council will have noted, we still have work to finish. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and throw myself into those tasks as long as the Government continues to show its interest and political resolve to continue along this path with the Commission.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“The configuration is also willing to support the national institutions that play a key role in the areas of the rule of law and good governance, such as the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman. Once those tasks are completed, it will be time to take stock and decide together if and, should that be the case, how cooperation with the configuration should continue. Less intense support might be a possibility. We are in any case heading in that direction through holding meetings more often within the steering group rather than convening the entire configuration. I would like to thank warmly some of the countries represented here in the Council that are 11-62586 especially active in the steering group, particularly some African countries, the United Kingdom and China and others.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“When I briefed the Council on 17 May (see S/PV.6538), I said that our ultimate goal is to ensure that the Commission becomes obsolete. The configuration has already begun, flexibly and gradually, to prepare for that transition. In the near future, however, as I have already said, the PBC's big challenge will be to give Burundi support in mobilizing resources for its economic and social development. In that regard, the Commission will focus its efforts on areas that are closely related to support for conflict-affected groups and the first pillar of the poverty-reduction strategy, dealing with matters pertaining to peacebuilding. After that we should be able to consider helping the country attract private investment, since, ultimately, the people of Burundi's prosperity will depend on developing its private sector.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“They are a signal to Burundians that the international community and New York have not forgotten them. The fact that the Commission is a body made up of States gives it significant political clout. For States that give Burundi financial support, the involvement of the PBC assures them that the country is part of a structure that affords a platform for regular and institutional dialogue on all peacebuilding-related issues. The PBC's support helps complete the excellent operational work that the Special Representative and her team are doing on the ground and without which the PBC could not fulfil its mandate. I should thank her and her team sincerely for their work. In conclusion, allow me to touch on the future of the configuration in Burundi.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“I also call on the opposition to abandon its empty-chair policy, unequivocally distance itself from all forms of violence and participate constructively in political debate in the interests of the country. Like the Secretary-General, I hope that the forthcoming elections, scheduled for 2015, will allow all parties to participate freely and equally. The elections will not only be important for Burundi; I believe that they will provide a assessment of our own endeavours to build peace. Every time I visit Burundi I am quite impressed by the richness and human quality of the country. Its 6 people deserve a better future, and as a country configuration we are ready to contribute to that. Based on the reactions I have had from many conversations, I believe that the follow-up by the PBC and my visits to the country are appreciated.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“I call in particular on the Government to allow opposition parties that are not represented in the Government, human rights defenders and journalists to carry out their activities freely, with respect for the law, without fear of being intimidated, threatened or physically attacked. Reports indicating that opposition members have been detained or even arbitrarily killed by the forces of law and order are worrisome and are a blot on Burundi's image as a democratic, peaceful country. It is in the interest of the Government of Burundi that such cases be addressed with seriousness and objectivity and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Key partners such as the World Bank, with which I have already met three times, and the African Development Bank, with which I met recently in Tunis, are ready to work with the PBC to support the economic recovery of Burundi. The economic and social progress that Government is rightly seeking for its people will not be sustainable in the absence of the rule of law and stable, reliable institutions. The Arab Spring has shown us to what extent peace, human rights and economic and social development are interdependent. Like the Secretary-General, I urge the Government of Burundi to ramp up and speed up its efforts in connection with political dialogue, respect for human rights and good governance.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Here I wish to add my voice to that of the Secretary-General and the Special Representative in appealing to the international community not to forget Burundi. The Government of Burundi plans to convene international meetings in 2012 so as to mobilize funds, and the configuration itself will spare no effort in promoting the success of such endeavours. 5 I am well aware of the fact that the international environment is not exactly conducive to this kind of undertaking. However, given the high cost of an international peacekeeping operation, providing financial support to solidifying political and economic development in a country emerging from conflict would be considerably less expensive and more economical than a major operation.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“I was particularly struck by the case of an 18-year-old, a former Forces nationales de liberation combatant, who created a rice-producing association jointly with local women with support from the PBC Fund. That association made a profit of $7,000, which is a small fortune in Burundi, and is continuing with that project. We must replicate such projects, but the country cannot do this alone, without international support. The Peacebuilding Fund has recently, as Ms. Landgren noted, additionally disbursed nearly $10 million to support such projects, and my most sincere thanks go to the Fund for that decision. But although that contribution is welcome, it is not nearly sufficient to meet demand. As Ms. Landgren stated, we must find an additional $15 million in the short term.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“However, given the developments in the situation and the wishes of the Government of Burundi, the PBC in future will place a heavier accent on resource mobilization so as to implement the country's poverty reduction strategy. Indeed, the integration into society of groups affected by conflict enables them to live in dignity and also minimizes the risk of former combatants taking up arms once again and returning to violence because of a lack of alternatives. This is particularly true in the case of young people, among whom the unemployment rate remains very high. Work would not only give them a sense of purpose in life but also the feeling of being an integral part of society. In that respect, socio-economic integration is a key pillar of peacebuilding.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“In my view, the three major obstacles to be overcome are the socio-economic situation, the political gulf between the Government and the extra- parliamentary opposition, and, linked to this, the human rights situation. As the report of the Secretary- 11-62586 General lists those shortcomings in detail, I shall not repeat them here in order to save time. I merely wish to say that I share his views. This shows, in my opinion, that the bases for the cooperation between the Commission and the Government of Burundi, upon which we reached agreement, as noted in the April 2011 document of which I spoke during my previous briefing last May, remain valid.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“I was particularly impressed by the President of the National Independent Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman, who, through their commitment and integrity, are contributing to improve the functioning of institutions, good governance and respect for human rights. Such institutions are important to bolstering confidence between the people and the authorities. However, the various contacts that I had with several representatives of civil society, State institutions and representatives of the international community on the ground confirmed the observations made in the report of the Secretary-General to the effect that considerable challenges remain on the path to peacebuilding.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“Allow me at the outset to thank you, Sir, for having invited me to speak in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). I returned from a weeklong visit to Burundi in late October, and my impressions in the field largely confirmed the assessment and analysis contained in the outstanding report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/751) and in Ms. Karin Landgren's briefing. The country has indeed achieved some progress in various fields, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, which Ms. Landgren just spoke of, the establishment of an Office of the Ombudsman; and by continuing with the transitional justice process.”
2011-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6677 (2011) · source
“We expect the Council to react promptly, openly and constructively to our ideas. The 8-5 will remain seized of this matter.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We are ready to work hand in hand with the Council to improve openness and transparency. That is why we call upon the Council to take up our proposals and to relaunch the process for improvement. If there is no action, calls for reform by the wider membership will become more pressing. That would put at risk the relevance of the most important organ for ensuring peace and security in the world. In closing, I wish to recall the commitment of the S-5 group to the cause of improving the working methods and to stress its constructive approach. The group is ready to embark on an institutionalized dialogue with the Security Council on implementing note 507 and on any other improvement in its working methods along the lines that the 8-5 set out in its draft resolution.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“Thirdly and lastly, the designation of the chairs of subsidiary bodies by the five permanent members only, and of the elected members only, is an anachronism. Likewise, the practice of the P-5 taking the lead on nearly all country-specific resolutions is outdated. We encourage the P-5 to revisit these practices. Given the complexity of today's world, the Council should make the best use of the expertise of each ofits members. The 8-5 group takes note of the position of the P-5 that improving the working methods is a matter for the Security Council only. If the Council wants to be solely responsible for its working methods, it should act accordingly by improving them soon. The 8-5 group has always taken a constructive approach and will continue to do so.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source