YouSaid · the spoken record

Shava

lines on the record: 62
first: 2014-10-21
most recent: 2015-06-18
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“The trauma experienced by children during armed conflict affects them for the long term and can contribute to recurring cycles of violence if left unattended. It is therefore vital to reintegrate and rehabilitate the children in those areas so as to ensure that they receive the medical, psychological, educational and economic support they need to rebuild their lives and realize their full potential.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“Mainstreaming the protection of children's rights in final peace agreements would go a long way towards promoting children's rights. We underscore the need to build local and regional capacities, particularly in the judiciary, to deal with perpetrators of violence against children. Holding perpetrators accountable helps to prevent impunity for the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Accountability requires instituting legal measures to criminalize violence against children. In conclusion, SADC wishes once again to underscore the necessity of conflict prevention and the need to tackle its root causes, including the ethnic, religious, social and economic factors that facilitate the recruitment of children by non-State armed groups.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“We must redouble our efforts to protect children and to respect their rights in time of war as in time of peace. The international community must confront decisively the devastating impact of armed conflicts on children in the many regions of the world where they are occurring. In this context, the whole range of tools available should be used to exert pressure on both States and non-State armed groups in order to end and prevent grave violations of children's rights in situations of conflict. SADC also believes that in order to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, the United Nations and regional organizations should secure a commitment from parties to conflicts to promote child protection in the context of political dialogue during peace talks.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“The heinous acts committed by Boko Haram and ISIS highlight the increasing violence perpetrated through abductions, killings and the instilling and perpetuating of extremist ideology in societies through indoctrination. Recruitment is not the only danger to which children are exposed. Violations and abuses against children in armed conflict take many other forms, including sexual slavery, human trafficking and involvement in suicide bombings. SADC strongly condemns attacks on schools and hospitals, which deprive children of the right to education and health. Those who commit atrocities against children must be held accountable for their actions. Children's rights to education and health must be guaranteed, and the Security Council must condemn equally firmly such violations, wherever in the world they occur.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“An example of this cooperation is the joint action taken by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in freeing child soldiers from the grip of armed groups. In South Sudan, the Democratic Movement/Army-Cobra Faction has released 1,757 children since January 2015 to UNICEF and its partners. While significant progress has been made in achieving child-free Government armed forces, it must be noted that Governments are not the only recruiters of children. The current increase in the proliferation of non-State armed groups poses a great threat to the protection of children.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“The provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict and other instruments provide us with guidelines on how to address the protection of children in armed conflict. SADC believes that strengthening the cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations would enhance the protection of children in armed conflict. As the African continent and its subregions continue to play important and significant roles in the continent's mediation, conflict-resolution and peacebuilding processes, it is imperative to make that partnership stronger in order to confront the complex emerging challenges emanating from the proliferation of armed gangs and extremist groups.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“Strengthening cooperation among its member States and subregional organizations with a view to improving child protection remains a priority of the African Union. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which came into force in November 1999, addresses the issue of child soldiers. In its article 22.2, it states that: "States Parties to the present Charter shall take all necessary measures to ensure that no child shall take a direct part in hostilities and refrain in particular from recruiting any child". At the subregional level, most SADC member States have signed and ratified international child- rights-protection instruments and have enacted various legislative measures to give effect to them.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“This year also marks the first anniversary of the Children, Not Soldiers campaign, which was launched in March 2014 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict along with UNICEF, which is aimed at preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. SADC believes that the campaign's primary goal of achieving child- free Government armed forces in conflict by 2016 is attainable. A significant number of children affected by conflict live on the African continent. In an effort to protect children affected by armed conflict, the African Union has ensured that child-protection concerns are central elements of the peace and security of the continent.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“The horrific Videos released by the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS) showing a young boy executing a captive and a teenage suicide bomber bear testimony to the extent of the grave violations committed against children who are forced to commit despicable acts of violence. As we mark the tenth anniversary of resolution 1612 (2005), which established the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, this debate is a significant step in assessing the progress achieved so far on combating grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the 15 States members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Allow me to welcome and thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia for presiding over this important debate. I also wish to express gratitude to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Leila Zerrougui; and other briefers for their invaluable presentations this morning. This debate comes at a critical time in the maintenance of international peace and security, with the current upsurge in violence attributed largely to non-State actors. Tens of thousands of children have not only been displaced and separated from their families but also recruited, maimed, killed or forced to kill.”
2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source
“We wish to express our support for a resolution that sets parameters for a final-status agreement on ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and this decades-long injustice. A resolution delineating a time frame for the independence of Palestine, in line with the United Nations proposal on the two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders, would restore hope to the Palestinian people that their national aspirations will soon be realized. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Zimbabwe's unflinching solidarity and support for the Palestinian people in their quest for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The Security Council cannot remain on the sidelines in the quest to find a just and peaceful solution to the question of Palestine. Failure to resolve this question continues to undermine the credibility of our international system and the rule of law. Zimbabwe urges the Security Council to take the lead and revive the peace process in order to preserve the internationally supported goal of a two-State solution. There is unanimity that the status quo cannot be sustained. The Security Council should act in accordance with its Charter responsibilities and end Israeli occupation and impunity, which has brought untold suffering to the Palestinian people and sown so much instability in the Middle East.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Zimbabwe supports investigations into the alleged war crimes committed during the last Gaza war, and those found accountable should be prosecuted as recommended by the Human Rights Council. Limited progress has been made in the reconstruction of thousands of homes, hospitals and schools damaged or destroyed by the Israeli army in Gaza last August. The critical situation in Gaza needs to be urgently addressed so as to alleviate the humanitarian disaster caused by the Israeli armed forces' indiscriminate bombardments. We urge the international community to accelerate support for reconstruction to address the basic needs ofthe Palestinian people. We also call on the international community to address Gaza's underlying problems to ensure that the matter is dealt with in a holistic manner so as to prevent future wars.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“A lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-State solution. Any attempt to change demographic realities through settlements or the use of force will only prolong the suffering of the Palestinian people. We continue to witness the suffering and persecution of the people of Palestine at the hands of the occupying Power, Israel. Zimbabwe strongly condemns, now or in the future, the withholding of the much-needed tax revenue owed to the Palestinian Authority. This inhumane act has forced and will continue to force the Palestinian Authority to adopt austerity measures affecting the livelihood of the Palestinian people. For these crimes, Israel should be held accountable.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The Israeli Prime Minister's unfortunate statement, on the eve of the Israeli elections, rejecting a two-State solution, and his pledge to continue building settlements, confirmed suspicions that he was never serious about negotiations, casting the viability of a two-State solution into grave doubt. We call on the Israeli Government to reaffirm its commitment to a two-State solution and take credible steps towards a peaceful solution. Zimbabwe is seriously concerned about Israel's escalation of settlement construction throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, in breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and several United Nations resolutions, including some of the Council's. Those and other systematic violations, including the detention and displacement of Palestinian civilians, undermine any prospects for peace.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The question of Palestine has been on the agenda of the United Nations for more than 60 years now. Yet despite decades of Palestine's good-faith participation in peace efforts, its plight continues to worsen on all fronts. It is regrettable that the Security Council has failed to contribute meaningfully to a peaceful solution in the Middle East, even as the situation continues to deteriorate and threaten the stability of the whole region and of global peace and security generally. Israel, the occupying Power, continues to undermine all peace efforts, supported by some within the Council under the guise of the right to self-defence.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to Jordan for convening this important debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, at this critical time for the Palestinian people. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing and Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs for presiding over our debate this morning. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We wish to reaffirm our long-standing solidarity and support for the Palestinian people's realization of their legitimate national aspirations and inalienable right to self-determination and freedom in their independent State of Palestine, living side by side with the State of Israel.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“In order to address sexual violence against women in time of conflict and in post-conflict situations, we have to work on preventive measures during peacetime. Gender mainstreaming is a critical factor, as is putting laws in place that protect women against abuse and violations of their rights. Equally important is ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women and girls are held accountable. We need to intensify efforts to address the plight of women and girls in conflict situations to ensure their effective participation in development. The high- level review of resolution 1325 (2000) in October will provide an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved and what challenges still lie ahead. In closing, I would like to reaffirm SADC's commitment and support to the women and peace and security agenda.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“At the twenty-fourth AU Summit, held in Addis Ababa in January, the year 2015 was declared the Year of Women's Empowerment and Development, in recognition of the Vital role of women in Africa's development. We recognize that economic empowerment also reduces women's vulnerability to violations of their rights. While considerable progress has been achieved in establishing the legal and normative framework on women and peace and security, implementation remains a challenge. SADC is concerned about continued gross abuses, sexual exploitation and the abduction of women in areas of conflict. We urge the international community to collectively respond effectively to violations of women's rights in a holistic manner. This entails addressing the root causes of conflicts and strengthening national capacities for peace and reconciliation.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The AU's five-year Gender, Peace and Security Programme, launched on 2 June 2014, is designed to serve as a framework for the development of strategies and mechanisms for women's increased participation in the promotion of peace and security. The African Union is working closely with the Office of the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to translate this framework into a plan of action containing indicators and directives for implementation that will guide member States in implementing resolution 1325 (2000). The AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ms. Bineta Diop, is mandated to lead the AU efforts to promote women's roles in preventing conflict and peacebuilding.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“SADC's programmes on women and peace and security are guided by the region's commitment to women's rights. The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, signed in 2008, encompasses commitments made in all regional, global and continental instruments for achieving gender equality. Articles 20 and 25 of the Protocol provide for the implementation of a variety of strategies including enhancing, reviewing, reforming and enforcing laws aimed at eliminating all forms of gender-based Violence and trafficking. At the continental level, tremendous efforts have been made to ensure the adoption of laws, policies and programmes to safeguard gender equality and women's empowerment.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Other key reference points include the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. As we mark the fifteenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), SADC recognizes that significant steps have been taken to address the plight of women and girls to improve international, regional and national responses to their protection. However, we wish to underscore that States have the primary responsibility to protect women and girls from all forms of gender- based discrimination and abuse, which are often aggravated in conflict situations. While international cooperation and assistance are important, they should not replace the central role of the State in the protection of women and girls.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“It details how terrorists use sexual violence to achieve tactical objectives, dispelling the notion that sexual Violence is a by-product of conflict. This month marks the first anniversary of the kidnapping by Boko Haram of more than 200 young girls from their school in Chibok in northern Nigeria. SADC condemns this barbaric act and stands together with the Government and the people of Nigeria and the international community in calling for their safe return. The international community has recognized that women's participation is vital to achieving sustainable peace. In this regard, in the year 2000 the Security Council laid the foundation for the women and peace and security agenda in the landmark resolution 1325 (2000) and other subsequent supporting resolutions.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“In recent years, the world has witnessed a multiplicity of conflicts leading to an unprecedented increase in the scale of Violence against women and girls. There is growing recognition that newly emerging unconventional conflicts associated with the proliferation of militias, armed groups, terrorism and violent extremism have had a disproportionate impact on women and children. Conflicts have had devastating consequences for women, including heightened risk for human trafficking, sexual violence, forced and early marriages as well as lack of access to basic services. The Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2015/203) describes the year 2014 as a one marked by harrowing accounts of sexual violence in the context of violent extremism.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the 15 States members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Let me at the outset congratulate Jordan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and express our great appreciation for the President's personal leadership in conducting the business of the Council, particularly in today's open debate. I would also like to express our appreciation to today's briefers for their valuable contributions to the discussion on women and peace and security in the context of conflict-related sexual violence. SADC wishes to associate itself with the statement delivered by Ambassador Tete Antonio on behalf of the African Union (AU).”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Poverty eradication, economic transformation, including industrialization and protection of the planet Earth, can be achieved only in an environment of peace and security.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“In accordance with the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, SADC has established a standby brigade whose mandate includes undertaking interventions for peace and security. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Force Intervention Brigade is a good example of the cooperation that exists between SADC and the United Nations. Finally, SADC believes that the nexus between development, peace and security, human rights and the rule oflaw is inextricable. As we craft a transformative post-2015 development agenda, let us also ensure that it is responsive to the critical needs of our peoples.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The foundation of Africa's partnership with the United Nations is based on Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which provides for the participation of regional organizations as first responders to ensure the pacific settlement of local disputes. In Africa, where most peacekeeping missions operate, the partnership is proving critical for saving civilian lives and averting tragedy. In Darfur, the African Union took proactive action to save lives before the United Nations moved in. In the Central African Republic, the swift deployment of the African Union-led a force and the French Operation Sangaris prevented a further deterioration of the situation.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“In the African context, article 4 (h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union authorizes intervention in grave circumstances, such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Since both the General Assembly and the Security Council often are not in a position to undertake the proper assessment of any conflict due to their remoteness from situations of conflict, it is imperative that regional and subregional organizations in areas of proximity are empowered to take action in that regard. The importance of building sustained partnerships between regional organizations and the United Nations cannot be overemphasized. Such partnerships enhance the operational capabilities of those organizations in peace enforcement and peacekeeping activities.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Sanctions should be considered only after measures for the pacific settlement of disputes under Chapter VI of the Charter have been exhausted. Furthermore, they should be imposed for a specific time frame. We reject the use ofthe multilateral system to pursue selfish political agendas. States must refrain from the threat or use of force to solve disputes. The United Nations must continue to champion the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means within the confines of international law. History has demonstrated that heavy-handed interventions do not bring about sustainable solutions, but cost more lives and destroy economies and social infrastructure, resulting in failed States. The use of force must be guided by the provisions of Article 51 of the Charter, which authorizes force only in cases of legitimate self-defence.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels, adopted by Heads of State and Government in September 2012, cautioned States to avoid the use of unilateral measures against other States. Such measures, which are often employed by powerful States against weaker ones to achieve narrow political objectives, undermine international peace and security as well as socioeconomic development. SADC is concerned about the increase in Council-imposed sanctions. Over the years, the Security Council has increasingly resorted to using Chapter VII of the Charter to address issues that do not necessarily pose a serious threat to peace and security. We strongly believe that coercive measures should be used only when peace and security are under real threat.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“SADC is concerned that the protection of civilians is used as a pretext to intervene in some conflicts, and yet it is not applied in connection with graver situations that result in thousands of causalities. SADC also notes with concern the growing inequalities among nations in terms of adherence to the rule of law at the international level. It is regrettable that in practice international law is applied only against smaller and weaker States, while bigger Powers enjoy unmerited, yet unassailable, immunity. The sovereignty of smaller and weaker States is increasingly becoming less sacred than that of powerful States. Equally agonizing is the impotence and helplessness on the part of the United Nations in the face of growing violations of international law by major Powers.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“A more democratic and representative Security Council will enhance the legitimacy of its decisions in the maintenance of peace and security. Reform of the Security Council, which is long overdue, will involve the embedding of equity, transparency and accountability. According to Article 24 of the Charter, the Security Council acts on behalf of all Member States. That universal representation needs to be reflected in the composition of the Council today. The way by which we reform the Council will have a strong bearing on this world body and on our common security. It is important that the Security Council act in an even-handed manner. Double standards and the selective application of rules and concepts only undermine confidence in the Council.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Experience has shown that upholding the principles of the sovereign equality of States, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in the internal affairs of States fosters a global environment conducive to peace and security. Member States should respect each other's cultures and values and commit to peaceful coexistence. As we approach the seventieth anniversary, we should address our shortcomings and challenges. The Security Council, as the principal organ of the United Nations charged with the responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security, should reflect current geopolitical realities in order to maintain peace for the future.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“SADC associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. SADC recognizes the fact that the world has undergone profound changes over the past decade as new threats to international peace and security have continued to emerge. The Charter of the United Nations provides the basic framework for the peaceful conduct of relations between States. The purposes and principles of the Charter should continue to guide us in the maintenance of international peace and security and in the pursuit of the common good of all our nations.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“As this is the first time I take the floor in the Security Council this month, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of February. I also wish to convey the appreciation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to you for convening this open debate, which provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, at a time when we are looking forward to celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing, and all of the Foreign Ministers who have enriched the debate by personally attending and delivering statements on this very important subject.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“More attention should be given to women's roles as leaders and to teir participation in decision-making, which must be meaningful in order to realize opportunities for positive change. Women should not be viewed merely as victims and survivors, but also as a great resource for the communities and countries they live in. We know that women's participation is essential to building sustainable peace, and it is therefore important to ensure that the women and peace and security agenda is duly reflected in all engagements relating to international peace and security. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm the continuing strong support of the Southern African Development Community for the women and peace and security agenda.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“However, it is regrettable that, in spite of the existence of legal and normative frameworks, women and girls continue to suffer. SADC is concerned about continued gross abuses, sexual exploitation and abduction of women in areas of conflict. We urge the international community to collectively respond to the specific needs of women and girls in armed conflict and to enhance the integration of a gender perspective in the work of United Nations entities and partners in a holistic manner. That entails addressing the root causes of conflict and strengthening national infrastructure for peace and reconciliation. We need to do more work on deterring newcrimes by holding perpetrators accountable.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“Article 28 of the Protocol provides for the equal representation and participation of women in key decision-making positions in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes, as well as for the integration of a gender perspective in the resolution of conflicts, in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. While considerable progress has been achieved since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), gaps remain in trying to achieve sustained change and overall peace and security. There is growing consensus that a peace process that does not include women is flawed. It is our firm belief that women's economic, cultural, political and social rights underpin democracy, stability and lasting peace.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“The Programme is designed to serve as a framework for the development of effective strategies and mechanisms for increased participation in the promotion of peace and security. The appointment by the AU Commission Chairperson of a Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security reaffirms the continent's commitment to firmly addressing issues affecting women and girls in conflict situations. At the regional level, the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, signed in August 2008, seeks to harmonize the various commitments made by member States in continental instruments to achieving gender equality. Articles 20 to 25 of the Protocol provide for the implementation of a variety of strategies, including enacting, reforming, reviewing and enforcing laws aimed at eliminating all forms of gender-based violence and trafficking.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“In the year 2000, the Security Council laid the foundation for the women and peace and security agenda in the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), which calls for the special protection and full participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as in post-conflict and peacebuilding processes. Today the narrative on conflict prevention and resolution reflects our commitment to prevent sexual violence in conflict and to address its disastrous and far-reaching consequences. At the continental level, the launch, on 2 June 2014, in Addis Ababa, of the African Union (AU) five-year Gender, Peace and Security Programme attests to Africa's commitment to addressing challenges and needs faced by women and girls in conflict and post- conflict settings.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“It also causes women heightened risk to poverty, human trafficking, sexual exploitation and child, early and forced marriages. SADC recognizes that the majority of the world's conflicts are in Africa. We believe that States have the primary responsibility to protect their women and girls from all forms of gender-based abuse, particularly in conflict situations. While international cooperation and assistance are important, they should not and cannot replace the role ofthe State in protecting women and girls. We also recognize that the economic empowerment of women is essential in any prevention and protection response.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“Women and girls are more vulnerable as a result of gender inequality and of being directly targeted as part of war tactics and deliberate assaults on their rights. It is widely recognized that emerging unconventional threats to peace and security associated with the proliferation of militias, armed groups, jihadists and terrorists linked to violent extremism affect women and girls more than their male counterparts. In that regard, women and girls constitute one of the most vulnerable groups in armed conflict, as well as in post-conflict situations. It is estimated that three quarters of the population of refugees and internally displaced persons are women and girls. Displacement exacerbates existing gender inequalities, thereby amplifying the discrimination and hardships borne by both women and girls.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on such an important matter. On behalf of the 15 States members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), I wish to express appreciation to you, Sir, for providing us with an insightful concept note (S/2015/32, annex) to guide today's discussion on protection challenges and needs faced by women and girls in armed conflict as well as in post-conflict situations. Let me also thank all of the briefers for their comprehensive briefings at the commencement of the debate this morning. In recent years, the world has witnessed an upsurge in conflicts that have led to an unprecedented increase in violence against women and girls. The increase in violence leading to humanitarian catastrophes has had a disproportionate impact on women and girls.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“Women should be viewed not merely as victims and survivors but also as a great resource for their communities and countries, capable of contributing significantly to peace and security. We know that women's participation is essential to building sustainable peace, and it is therefore important to ensure that the agenda on women and peace and security is duly reflected in all engagements relating to international peace and security. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm SADC's continued strong support for the agenda on women and peace and security.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Women and girls who are the heads of households, young mothers, and girls with disabilities are the most likely to encounter major barriers to accessing services and participating in community life and decision-making. SADC urges the entire international community to unite in responding effectively to the problems women IDPs and refugees face, taking a holistic approach that combines proactive strategies, responses and solutions. That entails addressing the root causes of conflict and strengthening national infrastructures for peace and reconciliation. We need to do more work on deterring new crimes by holding perpetrators accountable. More attention should be given to women's role as leaders and their participation in decision-making, which must be meaningful if we are to realize opportunities for positive change.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“While considerable progress has been made since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), gaps still remain in our efforts to achieve sustained change and overall peace and security. There is a growing consensus that a peace process that does not include women is flawed. It is our firm belief that women's economic, cultural, political and social rights underpin democracy, stability and lasting peace. It is unacceptable that in spite of the existence of legal and normative frameworks, displaced women and girls continue to suffer. SADC is concerned about the continuing gross abuses, sexual exploitation and abduction of women in areas of conflict. Other gaps exist in, for example, the exclusion of female refugees and IDPs from decision-making at all levels, and their restricted access to basic services.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“And it promotes women's empowerment through the development and implementation of gender-responsive legislation, policies, programmes and projects. SADC fully subscribes to continental-level programmes such as the five-year Gender, Peace and Security Programme of the African Union (AU), launched on 2 June in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and designed to serve as a framework for developing effective strategies and mechanisms for increasing women's participation in promoting peace and security. It is also designed to enhance the protection ofwomen in conflict and post-conflict situations in Africa. The AU Commission Chairperson's appointment on 30 January of Ms. Bineta Diop as its Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security attests to Africa's commitment to firmly addressing issues affecting women and children in conflict.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Articles 20 to 25 of the Protocol provide for the implementation of a variety of strategies, including enacting, reviewing, reforming and enforcing laws aimed at eliminating all forms of gender-based violence and trafficking. Article 28 provides for women's equal representation and participation in key decision-making positions in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes, as well as for the integration of a gender perspective into the resolution of conflicts in the region, in accordance with resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. Constitutional and legal rights, education, health, productive resources and economic empowerment are some of the other areas the Protocol covers.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“As we continue intensifying our engagement on the matter, SADC believes that States have the primary responsibility to protect their women and girls from all forms of gender-based discrimination and abuse, including in conflict situations where those are often aggravated. While international cooperation and assistance are important, they should not replace the central role of the State in the protection of women and girls. We also believe that women's economic empowerment and full participation are essential to any prevention and protection response. The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, signed in August 2008, seeks to harmonize the various commitments made by SADC member States in regional, global and continental instruments to achieving gender equality.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source