YouSaid · the spoken record

Shaanika

lines on the record: 33
first: 2011-04-21
most recent: 2013-08-19
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“With the goal of meeting the challenges I have mentioned here, international humanitarian law has been integrated into the training programmes of the Namibian defence force, as well as the Namibian police force, so that when deployed in peacekeeping missions or in any other operations, they will abide by international humanitarian law and effectively assume the responsibility of protecting civilians in conflict. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Namibia's strong commitment to meeting its international obligations, particularly under international humanitarian and human rights law. In doing so, we strive to contribute to the attainment of the noble ideals of reaffirming faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women to live in peace and freedom.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Hence, my delegation rejects the usage or deployment of drones as inappropriate for the purpose of protecting civilians in conflict. In most cases, the use of unarmed drones results in the death of innocent civilians. Therefore, enhancing compliance with international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law is an obligation that requires strict adherence by all warring parties, including those assuming the responsibility to protect civilians. Those who have been identified and proven to have committed or tolerated war crimes should be held accountable for their crimes.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“While the primary responsibility to protect the civilian population lies with the Governments concerned, in some conflict situations, it may happen that Governments are unable to act on that responsibility. If their inability is due to a lack of capacity, then the international community should offer its assistance. It is for that reason that, at the World Summit in 2005, Heads of State and Government adopted the global norm known as the responsibility to protect. However, those assuming the responsibility to protect, in particular under the third pillar of that responsibility, should take extra precautions so that civilians do not become statistics of so-called collateral damage due to the negligence of those assuming responsibility to protect them.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“It is more often women and girls who are disproportionately affected in conflict because, in many cases, they have been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence. The preamble to the Charter of the United Nations opens with a firm determination by Member States to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Therefore, it is our shared responsibility to protect civilians and vulnerable groups in conflict situations. However, the protection of civilians in conflict situations should not be motivated by factors other than purely humanitarian considerations. Also, double standards and selectivity send the wrong signals to perpetrators of crimes against civilians in armed conflict and make a mockery ofjustice.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The international community has long had in place instruments of international law that provide the legal framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts. They notably include the following: international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977, which established basic rules of conduct during hostilities and the need for making a fundamental distinction between the civilian population and combatants. Those instruments include the prohibition of torture. The protection of particularly vulnerable groups, notably women, the elderly, children and internally displaced persons, are essential elements in protecting civilians in armed conflict.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The protection of civilians in armed conflict can be strengthened by strict adherence to the elements highlightedbythereportsofthe SecretaryGenera1,which are, enhancing compliance by parties to conflict with international law, enhancing compliance by non-State armed groups, enhancing protection by United Nations peacekeeping and other relevant missions, improving humanitarian access and enhancing accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. The Namibian delegation appreciates the fact that, since adopting resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict and has adopted numerous resolutions on that issue.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, and your country, Argentina, for organizing this open debate on the important issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his informative briefing, as well as Ms. Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Ms. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Mr. Philip Spoerri, Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their invaluable contributions and briefings. They all made persuasive presentations on the numerous challenges and risks that civilians face in conflicts and in which they are victims.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“It is therefore imperative that they be included at all peacebuilding levels. It is unfortunate that, more often than not, the efforts of women are insufficiently recognized and supported, both politically and financially. As a result, women's rights are rarely integrated into peace agreements or post-conflict support structures. In conclusion, my delegation urges the Security Council to act expeditiously on the information presented to it. The paramount consideration should be that more needs to be done to protect women and girls and men and boys from the scourge of sexual violence. I support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“When the use of legal mechanisms are insufficient to fight against sexual violence in the quest for justice, reforms in the administration of justice and the legislative process may become necessary. While this debate is mainly addressing issues of sexual violence, we must also focus our attention beyond the realm of conflict periods. However, we are concerned about the continued low representation of women in all structures and phases of the peacebuilding processes. In spite of the disproportionate impact of conflict on women, they continue to hold their families and communities together, often undertaking initiatives between warring factions under extremely difficult conditions. When included in formal peace processes, they bring their experiences to bear on the parties.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We also support the proposal to deploy women's protection advisers to United Missions missions, as well as to address sexual violence in the context of security sector reform. Furthermore, my delegation supports the establishment ofa mechanism to monitor commitments by parties to a conflict, including issuing clear orders through the chains of command and enacting codes of conduct prohibiting sexual Violence. Those who have been identified and proved beyond a reasonable doubt to have perpetrated or condoned acts of sexual violence should in future be excluded from any security institutions, or from holding positions of influence. Specific measures to impose targeted sanctions on those committing or condoning sexual violence should be taken against the perpetrators.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The empowerment of women and girls, as well as the education of boys about the rights of girls and women, are some of important elements that instil nurturing and responsible behavioural patterns. We welcome the call by the Group of Eight for urgent action to address impunity and to hold perpetrators of sexual violence in armed conflicts accountable. There can be no sympathy for any person or group of persons who commit sexual violence anywhere. My delegation acknowledges the important role that the Council plays by encouraging the development of joint Government-United Nations comprehensive strategies on combating sexual violence. We encourage the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to work with Governments and armed groups to seek their commitment to becoming accountable in the quest to prevent sexual violence.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In conflict situations too, the family bond remains and it must be accorded adequate protection. My country has made its modest contribution to the issue of women in peace. During Namibia's presidency ofthe Council in October 2000, a discussion was initiated and an open debate held (see S/PV.4213) that culminated in the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). The Council has also adopted resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), which highlight the seriousness of sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security. The urgent question confronting the international community today is, what are the appropriate strategies to end sexual violence in conflict? The international justice mechanism should support the restoration or establishment of justice and accountability at the national level.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Without downplaying the impact of sexual violence on men and boys, women and girls are often more disproportionately affected because the impact of such acts and the consequences with which they have to live are often much more severe than for men and boys. However, no human being should be subjected to such a heinous and disgraceful crime. It is a pure manifestation of evil that cannot be justified or tolerated in the twenty-first century. In conflict situations, the dignity of women and girls must be respected; they cannot be treated as subhuman. First, they are human beings endowed with the right to pursue happiness in every possible way. Secondly, they are grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters and little girls in the eyes of their parents and in their communities in general.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the United Kingdom, Mr. President, for scheduling this important debate. I would also to thank the Secretary- General, his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Bangura, Ms. Angela Joli and Ms. Jane Adong Anywar for their illuminating introductory presentations on sexual violence in conflict. Their presentations, together with the concept paper you circulated, Mr. President (S/2013/335, annex), has undoubtedly guided our deliberations today. Sexual violence, wherever it is committed, is a crime against humanity. When committed in conflict situations, it is more than a double-edged sword for the victim. As highlighted in the concept note, this not only affects a large number of women and girls, but also men and boys.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We have repeatedly acknowledged that Israel, like any other country on Earth, is duly entitled to adequate security. That ought to be recognized and acknowledged. However, the pursuit of security should not be a blatant excuse to violate the human rights of the people of Palestine. It is our firmly held conviction that the only way that Israel can guarantee its security is through the creation of a viable and contiguous Palestinian State that would exist side by side with Israel, inside internationally recognized borders. It is only then that the leopard will be able to lie with the lamb and the calf will graze together with the lion cub.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Genuine peace can come about only when parties to the conflict take bold steps to heal the bleeding wounds and usher in an era of hope and optimism. We have therefore come here today to express our support for the revival of the Middle East peace process, based on the relevant Security Council resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, the Quartet road map, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the existing agreements between the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Similarly, my delegation reaffirms the legitimate right and aspiration of the people of Palestine to their own independent State, and we hope that one day the Council will recommend its full membership of the United Nations. My delegation wants to make one thing clear. Our position is not biased against Israel, but merely opposed to its actions.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The upgrading ofPalestine's status by the General Assembly is a matter of legitimate aspiration for the people of Palestine and the decision of Member States in the exercise of their sovereign rights and free will. Namibia shares the conviction that achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, is imperative for the attainment of peace and stability in the Middle East. There is no substitute for negotiations to that end, but the process of negotiation cannot become open-ended. While we express our support for the resumption of the peace process, we caution that it should not be turned into a perpetual orbit with no destination. The overwhelming vote of the General Assembly last year underscored the urgent need to resume meaningful talks.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The construction of illegal settlements and the apartheid wall of annexation will not enhance Israel's security, and they mutilate the State of Palestine, thus contributing to a hostile environment that will make the prospect of a two-State solution impossible to achieve. Such activities are also contrary to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of July 2004 and constitute grave breaches under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Similarly, we deplore the action of the Israeli Government in withholding Palestinian tax revenue as a punishment for Palestine's admission to the United Nations as a non-member observer State.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“My delegation supported and voted in favour of resolution 67/19 because we did not see it as an obstacle to the peace process; we thought it would enhance it and send a clear message that international patience was gradually wearing thin. That important gesture by the international community was greeted with peaceful celebrations in the occupied territories and with punishment for the people of Palestine by Israel, the occupying Power. My delegation noted that following that important vote, Israel, with total disregard for international opinion, announced its intentions to proceed with plans for the settlement construction of more than 3,000 housing units in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and, most alarmingly, indicatedthat planning would proceed on several thousand housing units in the E-l area of East Jerusalem.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“There is not a shred of doubt that the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied territory of Palestine, continues to face numerous challenges and the test of time. This is due to a combination of many factors, such as the absence of any political will for pursuing the peace process and to continuing acts of provocation by the occupying Power. Namibia believes that for a negotiation process to succeed, it requires an impartial peace broker and committed and willing partners to carry it through to its logical conclusion. Currently, those factors appear to be entirely absent, and that vacuum is filled by negative activities. Last year, on 29 November, the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to accord Palestine non-member observer State status in the United Nations.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I am honoured to participate in today's open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. I would like to express our appreciation to Pakistan for convening the debate, and to Mr. Robert Serry, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, for his insightful and comprehensive briefing on the prevailing situation. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, but I would also like to add some comments that reflect our national position. Due to the time constraints, I will limit my comments to the situation in Palestine.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We believe that that will contribute to an inclusive and informed decision-making process that could positively impact ongoing peacekeeping operations. In conclusion, let me also take this opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women from many nations, including your own country of Pakistan, Mr. President, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while trying to bring peace to conflict-ridden parts of the world. As we speak today, there are still many peacekeepers on various missions trying their best to make the world a better and more secure place for us to live in. It is not an easy task. Yet, in the face of multiple challenges, they always show an enduring determination to bring hope to people in despair and to put a smile on the faces of children in conflict areas.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“That principle constitutes a pillar of international law, and indeed serves as the bedrock of peaceful relations among nations. Namibia was a beneficiary of a United Nations peacekeeping mission between April 1989 and March 1990, when the United Nations Transitional Assistance Group (UNTAG), composed of peacekeepers and monitors from many parts of the world, assisted in its transition to independence. Our experience has demonstrated the importance of national ownership of peacebuilding and the responsibility to guard it. The success of UNTAG's mission also stimulated a sense of responsibility for Namibia to play its modest role in the maintenance of international peace and security. My delegation wishes to highlight the importance of enhancing cooperation among troop-contributing countries, the Security Council and the Secretariat.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“It is therefore important to strengthen the early-warning capacity of regional organizations to monitor and detect potential conflicts and contain them before they become full-blown. The contribution of women in peacekeeping operations requires special acknowledgement. Often, women in peacekeeping missions serve as a source of inspiration to women and girls in conflict-ridden parts of the world. On its part, Namibia has heeded the Secretary- General's call by nominating women to serve in various United Nations peacekeeping missions. While many conflicts today are between local actors, external actors must refrain from fuelling conflicts and instead use their influence to assist in finding amicable solutions to conflicts. That is why Namibia believes in respect for the sovereign equality of all States.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“While each operation is unique, hard lessons from past experiences can serve as guides in new operations to avoid repeating past mistakes. While peacekeeping continues to be an essential means of assisting people in conflict areas suffering from the scourge of war, strong emphasis should be placed on prevention and peacebuilding. Once conflict is resolved, the task of peacebuilding is equally challenging. It often requires a number of corrective measures by weighing reconciliation on the scales of justice. Such efforts require well-trained, disciplined and motivated personnel. Regional and subregional organizations are equally important partners in solving conflicts throughout the world, as provided for under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“The nature and scope of United Nations peacekeeping operations have evolved over the years since the first deployment, in 1948. That evolution has come with challenges and complexities. In order to overcome challenges and meet the changing demands, the creation of conditions enabling the success of missions is essential at an early stage. Similarly, the international community, in particular the Security Council, must at all times muster the necessary political will to a send clear message expressing its resolve to act. It is our conviction that peace is a cornerstone to the foundation of sustainable development. It is therefore essential that it be promoted and that, whenever it is in danger, efforts be made to maintain and preserve it.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“I will be brief. My delegation joins other representatives, Mr. President, in congratulating you on assuming the presidency of the Council. We also commend you for scheduling this important debate on United Nations peacekeeping. The concept paper you circulated, on the theme "United Nations peacekeeping: a multidimensional approach" (S/2013/4, annex), has been very helpful in guiding our deliberations today. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful statement on this important subject. While my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Ambassador Mootaz Ahmadein Khalil, Permanent Representative of Egypt, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, I would like to make some additional comments in my national capacity.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“It must garner the necessary political will to act with consistency to uphold international law, the Charter of the United Nations and all relevant Security Council resolutions, with which all States Members of the United Nations, including Israel, are bound to comply. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Namibia's full support for Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's plan to end the occupation of Palestine and achieve the independence of the State of Palestine, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. We call on the Security Council to demonstrate effective leadership and support for that plan.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Furthermore, the Council should not fail to discharge its responsibility to protect the civilian population as part of its commitment to maintain international peace and security and its duty to implement its resolutions relating to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and the broader Arab-Israeli conflict. Israel and Palestine must resume negotiations to build confidence, which is a clear and necessary step to build a harmonious future. The international community must not shy away from its responsibility to help the people of Palestine, who have been yearning for freedom for more than 60 years. The time for the international community to act is now.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We continue to witness the ongoing deplorable Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which is a clear punishment of the entire population of Palestine. The hardship and misery being imposed on Gaza is morally unjustifiable and unacceptable by any human standard. The blockade must be lifted immediately and the human rights of the population respected. The Security Council must take appropriate measures and demonstrate its resolve to protect the civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territories in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law. The international community, and the Security Council in particular, should not cherry- pick, acting as a matter of expediency at times, while ignoring the plight of a people who have been dispossessed of everything, including human dignity, for more than 60 years.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Namibia believes that the construction and expansion of illegal settlements and the erection of walls of separation and annexation are serious impediments to peace and obstacles to the realization of the two-State solution. The illegal construction of Israeli settlements in and around East Jerusalem in particular is nothing but an attempt to alter the legal status of the city and its physical, demographic and cultural character. They must cease. We call on Israel, as the occupying Power, to stop these provocative activities, which are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. Israelis are entitled to live in peace and security, which must be acknowledged. However, the pursuit of security by Israel should not create insecurity for other people in the region, in particular not for civilian populations.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We wish to see the people of Palestine emerge from the chains of oppression just as we emerged from them 21 years ago. This year began with dramatic events in the Middle East, marked by the democratic aspirations and demand for freedom, justice and human rights. The situation in Palestine is even more urgent. However, Israel's unlawful construction of settlements and its demolition of Palestinian homes and property, including the historic Shepherd Hotel, continue to undermine efforts to return to the path to peace, increase tensions and further destabilize the situation on the ground, which is yet another attempt by the occupying Power to overshadow international goodwill towards the people of Palestine.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I join other representatives in thanking Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in the Middle East. Namibia aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Let me at the outset reaffirm Namibia's unequivocal and unwavering support for and solidarity with the people of Palestine in their quest to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. Namibia believes that the right to self-determination is a fundamental human right and that the international community is duty-bound, in accordance with its legal and political obligations, to assist the Palestinian people to achieve this right as soon as possible. Namibia was once an occupied territory. Its people know too well the harsh reality of living under occupation.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source