YouSaid · the spoken record

Silva

lines on the record: 45
first: 2010-10-26
most recent: 2016-03-21
sittings or episodes: 6
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 consolidation of a democratic culture requires stability. I do not mean stability at any price, but rather stability built on strict fulfilment of the constitutional order, the rule of law, transparency and free and fair electoral processes, as well as State institutions that safeguard the interests of the entire population. In concluding, I reaffirm Portugal's commitment to collaborate with the countries of the Great Lakes region, in the wish that Nelson Mandela's dream of an Africa at peace with itself will become a reality.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“I take this opportunity to commend the work of Angola in its presidency of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, in which it has promoted efforts for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the development of the region. Aside from the great challenges in the Great Lakes region, there is great potential for development. Only peace and security can foster the basic conditions for development. Only peace can make it possible to avoid the exploitation of natural resources by warlords and rebel factions. Only good governance and solid institutions will enable transparency in the extractive industries and the implementation of policies to ensure that economic development translates into human development, tangible to all segments of the population. No one should be left behind.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“We will continue to participate in the efforts being undertaken by the international community aimed at promoting dialogue with the countries of the region, notably through regional and subregional organizations, including the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. We will promote and support training initiatives on good governance, anti-corruption efforts, the equitable distribution of resources, the empowerment of women and the right to education. We stand ready to develop cooperation in the area of capacity-building, notably on the reform of the security and justice sectors. We will encourage private-sector and civil-society participation in the implementation of projects that promote peace and development.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“We therefore call for the unreserved cooperation of all States in the establishment of the conditions required for access so that we can lessen the suffering of refugees, internally displaced people and populations in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Africa holds a special place in Portuguese foreign policy. Portugal is also firmly committed to effective multilateralism that is based on the primacy of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. Our motivation is to constantly be a solid partner in solidarity, both bilaterally and within the European Union. We shall continue along that path, in full respect for the principle of State ownership and while recognizing the specific responsibility and role of regional organizations.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“It is urgent to ensure the inclusiveness and representativeness of the national political dialogue within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Any changes in the constitutional framework that do not garner the necessary political consensus represent a risk factor for the country's stability, with potential negative repercussions for the entire continent. The repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and the tragic human rights situation in South Sudan are very concerning. All parties must commit with urgency to fulfilling the terms of the Peace Agreement and to establishing the planned transitional Government. It is also urgent to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need throughout the whole region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“In that context, we commend the recent agreement that enables joint operations of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo/United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) against the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda. It is therefore crucial to ensure strong support for MONUSCO and to promote its closer collaboration with the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We highlight the importance of the strategic dialogue between the United Nations and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with regard to the MONUSCO exit strategy, which, in our View, should be a gradual process based on progress on the ground.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“The Arusha Agreement, which is still in force, is a good example of an African solution to an African problem. We hope that the current conflict will be solved through inclusive political dialogue. The deployment of 200 military experts and observers of the African Union to the field is an important positive step. There has been progress on security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, progress in the implementation of the Nairobi Declarations has been slow, with the persistence of tension and the presence of armed groups in the country.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Portugal, both nationally and as member of the European Union, has supported and will continue to support the efforts of the countries in the Great Lakes region in their processes of national reconciliation, democratic consolidation, social and economic sustainable development and the promotion of respect for human rights, in accordance with the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, agreed in Addis Ababa in 2013. We have been following the situation in Burundi with particular attention and concern. We commend the efforts of the East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations to promote an inclusive dialogue. We believe that is the only valid path to avoid an escalation of the conflict and further deterioration of the human rights situation in the country.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Mr. Silva (Portugal) (Spoke in Portuguese; English text provided by the delegation): It is with great pleasure that for the first time I address the Security Council on behalf of Portugal in this timely initiative of the Angolan presidency. I welcome the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General and of his Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region to support the stability, peace, security and development of the countries in the region. In that connection, we welcome the United Nations Great Lakes Regional Strategic Framework 2016-2017. We acknowledge with satisfaction the establishment of a road map of priorities by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, as well as the six pillars of action selected, all corresponding to areas we recognize to be crucial for adequately tackling the most important challenges in the region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Sri Lanka also supports the Palestinians' application for admission to full membership of the United Nations. We also recognize that the viability of the two-State solution will depend on the political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people. We hope that every effort will be made to achieve success in the peace process so that both the Israeli and the Palestinian people will be able to enjoy peace and prosperity in their own lands. We should not let go of the chance, once again, to achieve a sustainable peace when there is much international goodwill supporting the process.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“We would like to emphasize our strong support for the work of United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The security needs of the people of Israel must also be respected. A climate conducive to peace will be encouraged by a approach of mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians will only worsen feelings of suspicion and insecurity and widen the gap between the parties. Sri Lanka supports the implementation of the General Assembly resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“The international community has repeatedly called for a freeze on settlement activity. We encourage the parties to exercise restraint for the sake of the greater goal of peace. The blockade of the Gaza Strip is another obstacle to the peace process. Restrictions on imports and exports due to the blockade are stifling economic growth, and should be lifted in accordance with resolution 1860 (2009), an act that would contribute significantly to the economic advancement of Gaza and the well-being of its people. We note with concern that the United Nations has been hard pressed to keep the vast majority of the people of Gaza supplied with minimum necessities.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“I join other speakers in commending you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate. We align ourselves with the statement made by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The year 2014 has been a critical year for the Middle East peace process. It is important that the international community remain committed to finding a just and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East. We must not give up hope at this crucial juncture. We believe it is the responsibility of the parties concerned to create an environment conducive to peace. Improved conditions for Palestinians can only help to improving the situation in the region as a whole. The ongoing settlement activities, which are illegal under international law, must end as soon as possible if a sustainable solution in the region is to be found.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“There is a need to give countries such as those the much needed space to begin that restorative process so as to reach an even keel. The United Nations must provide leadership in capacity-building efforts to address the gaps by also factoring in local sensitivities. Sri Lanka reiterates its willingness to engage with the United Nations in order to promote the rule of law on the basis of constructive, fair, non-selective and objective assessments.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General is the depositary of more than 530 multilateral treaties, which cover almost all aspects of human interaction. Domestic compliance with treaty obligations, which is an obligation under the Vienna Convention on the Law of the Treaties, is an area where the United Nations can play a crucial and helpful role, particularly in assisting States with capacity-building. Conflict and post-conflict settings are complex environments with many competing priorities. Therefore, we must recognize the tensions and difficulties that emerge, while trying to balance national security interests and the maintenance of civil rights under such trying local circumstances. Countries with strong legal foundations have the resilience and the capacity to restore democratic institutions.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“In maintaining a balance among economic progress, development, environmental sustainability and the utilization of natural resources, the scope of the rule of law can be broadened at both the national and the international levels. As the rule of law at the international level evolves, the responsibility to make a contribution should not rest with a handful of States nor should its implementation be selective. Selective implementation would cause doubts to arise with regard to credibility. A key aspect of the rule of law at the international level is the codification of international law. The United Nations has been undertaking such work since its inception. In addition, the multilateral treaty framework, developed mainly under the auspices of the United Nations, has played a seminal role in advancing the international rule of law.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Close cooperation in the application of laws at the national, regional and international levels is vital in addressing the growing problems of transnational organized crime and terrorism, which threaten international peace and good order. States have concluded a wide range of treaties on mutual assistance that facilitate such cooperation. The rule of law must also be understood in the context of ensuring the economic progress of individuals and societies, particularly with regard to the right to development. An equitable and democratic international financial structure is necessary in order to fully protect the rule of law at the international level.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Specific circumstances may call for involvement, which should be based on the agreement of all States. Unilateral and selective applications of the principles of international law must be avoided. In particular, Sri Lanka urges an end to unilateral and selective coercive measures, including economic embargoes against sovereign States that hinder the freedom of trade. Disputes in the international arena that continue to occur must be settled in accordance with the principles developed to settle disputes peacefully. Justice should not always be reduced to retribution or to resorting to force. Negotiations, arbitration, mediation and other peaceful means must be the first essential recourse.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Grievances based on violations of economic and social rights have the capacity to spark violent conflict that could spill over borders. The United Nations has a vital role in promoting dialogue on the realization of economic and social rights for all peoples. The Charter of the United Nations sets out the framework for the development of a rules-based international order. It enshrines the principle of sovereign equality, which continues to be intrinsic to the international legal order and must be respected as international rules are made and implemented. It is a principle that protects all States, especially the small and the weak. Upholding the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States, especially in situations that do not pose a threat to international peace and security, is also fundamental.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“The United Nations has the fundamental responsibility to maintain and strengthen international peace and security in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It is fitting that the Council should highlight the centrality of the rule oflaw at a time when the world is facing ever increasing threats to international peace in the form of transnational organized crime, terrorism, piracy and climate degradation. The many organs and agencies of the United Nations must play a role in contributing to the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law at the international level. Strengthening the rule of law is essential in order not only to maintain peace but also to enable sustained economic progress. The flashpoints of future conflicts may well lie in access to critical resources, such as water and energy.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Sri Lanka supports Palestine's application for admission to full membership in the United Nations, and it is our hope that the Security Council will give it favourable consideration. In conclusion, Sri Lanka welcomes the declaration made in solidarity with the Palestinian people and State of Palestine adopted at the recent special meeting of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, held in Caracas.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is important to remain engaged in the process of finding ajust and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East. Sri Lanka supports the implementation of the General Assembly resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. The viability of the two- State solution will depend on the political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people, and we are confident that Palestinian internal reconciliation efforts will continue. The progress made by the Palestinian Authority despite the severe political and economic constraints is commendable.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Both parties to the conflict must create the environment necessary to facilitate peace. There is an urgent need for mutual confidence-building measures in support of efforts to resume dialogue and substantive negotiations. Israel must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied territories and desist from actions that are contrary to the established rules of international law and practice. We are also mindful of the security needs of Israel. The indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians, including the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel, will widen the gap between the parties. We encourage both parties to exercise the utmost restraint for the sake of the safety of civilians and for the greater goal of peace.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The blockade imposed on Gaza has resulted in approximately 80 per cent of families in that location being dependent on humanitarian aid from the United Nations for their survival. Restrictions on imports and exports are stifling economic growth. Those restrictions need to be lifted within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009), as that would contribute significantly to the economic advancement of Gaza and the well-being of the people. Sri Lanka also supports the work of the United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which keep the majority of the people in Gaza supplied with the bare necessities.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The settlement activities run counter to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) and are therefore a factor in the recurrence of violence in the region. The international community has repeatedly called for a freeze on settlement activity. The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council and the International Court of Justice all have condemned the settlement activities as illegal. Ending those practices, which contribute to much human suffering and continuing friction in the occupied territories, are essential steps that need to be taken to improve the situation on the ground as well as for confidence-building.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I join other speakers in commending you, Mr. President, for having convened this important debate. The Sri Lanka delegation associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The world must not forget the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially in Gaza, where conditions are unsustainable. We stress the urgent need for the leadership to end the marginalization and oppression of Palestinians in their own land. International humanitarian law requires the protection of the civilian population in the occupied territories. It is regrettable that unethical practices continue that could erode the likelihood of a two-State solution.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950Resumption1 (2013) · source
“United Nations peacekeeping operations remain, despite their shortcomings, vastly superior in terms of effectiveness and efficiency to other alternatives. In conclusion, Sri Lanka is pleased to reiterate our continued commitment to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“It is equally important that the criterion for the selection of peacekeeping troops always remain the level of their proven and recognized professionalism and integrity during their deployment. Peacekeeping budgets and the number of peacekeepers have grown as the nature of peacekeeping mandates has changed - a development that has attracted criticism. At the same time, the gaps between mandates and the resources required to carry them out have widened. We hope that this debate will focus on the importance of providing adequate resources to allow peacekeeping missions to carry out their mandates. From the stage of planning until actual deployment, it is imperative to have closer consultations and careful evaluations of the resource gaps.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The ultimate goal should be building peace and the institutional capacities of the affected countries to enable them to manage their own affairs free from outside interference. Hence, exit strategies are of paramount importance. A successful transition can be guaranteed only by developing clear, credible and achievable mandates, which this Council agreed to ensure at its deliberations in February. Sri Lanka firmly believes that United Nations peacekeeping operations should be conducted in respect for fundamental principles such as the consent of the parties, the non-use of force except in self- defence, and impartiality. The success of any peacekeeping mission will depend on the respect accorded to the principles of the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Cooperation between troops and police personnel from different countries forges bonds of friendship and trust that transcend differences in language and culture. We continue the training and assessment of peacekeepers in Sri Lanka in an effort to uphold the highest standards of peacekeeping. Sri Lanka's steadfast commitment to United Nations peacekeeping is reflected in our strategic reserve of a highly professional and fully equipped battalion for deployment within 48-hours' notice. In keeping with the United Nations stated goal of ensuring gender parity in all areas, Sri Lanka also has in reserve highly professional and well-trained female personnel to serve as peacekeepers. Peacekeeping should not be treated as a substitute for addressing the root causes of conflict.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Let us remember and pay tribute to the hundreds of peacekeepers and associated staff who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty over the years. Theirs was a sacrifice for the today, the tomorrow and the future of many countries and their peoples. Sri Lanka is honoured to have been able to serve with other Member States in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Over the years, we have made a modest contribution to assisting United Nations peacekeeping missions. The year 2010 marked the fiftieth anniversary of our first contribution to a United Nations peacekeeping mission. We believe that United Nations peacekeeping missions embody the best example of nations coming together for peace and security.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“They are at the forefront of the Security Council's effort to carry out its mandate to maintain international peace and security. United Nations peacekeeping operations, an activity that was not envisaged at the inception of the Organization, have come a long way from their modest beginnings and have evolved into complex operations. Therefore, it is appropriate that the performance and direction of United Nations peacekeeping be reviewed at regular intervals to maintain its focus on priorities, fundamental principles and ground realities. The world today is a relatively safer place because of United Nations peacekeepers. They safeguard the peace, often in hostile and difficult environments.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“At the outset, my delegation condemns the shocking terrorist attack on the United Nations office in Abuja. We extend our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims. We stand in support of and solidarity with the United Nations family and the Government of Nigeria in the face of that horrific attack. Let me join previous speakers in congratulating India on its initiative to convene this timely and important debate. The Sri Lankan delegation associates itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement by the representative of Morocco. Today, United Nations peacekeepers are one of the most widely recognized members of the United Nations family. They bring hope and security to millions of people around the world.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“After all, it is the collective responsibility and objective of all of us Member States to ensure a world free, safe and fair for all women and girls.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Sri Lanka is also willing to share its experiences in this area with other countries in need of such assistance, through relevant United Nations agencies. We remain hopeful that the Council will make every effort to ensure that the indicators proposed for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) are also acceptable to, and achievable by, all Member States. That is especially so given our varying levels of development and prevailing socio-economic conditions. We wish to caution, however, that as one third of the proposed indicators in the Secretary-General's report are qualitative in nature, a balanced, transparent and objective approach must be exercised in the selection of data. Also, it is important to carefully design, through extensive consultations, the methods that would be used to verify the quantitative data.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We believe that the proliferation of small arms increases the risk of interpersonal violence, including domestic and societal violence, which often continue after conflicts. Hence, curbing the spread of small arms will be a step in the right direction in minimizing gender-based violence. As resolution 1325 (2000) focuses extensively on women's role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, Sri Lanka stands ready to extend its support to achieve gender parity in United Nations peacekeeping activities and in carrying out gender-related mandates of peacekeeping missions. Necessary background efforts, including pre-deployment training, have been completed to deploy an all-female battalion, comprised of 855 personnel and 28 female officers, at any given time.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In addition to higher-than-average performance in education and health, Sri Lanka continues to hold a privileged position regarding political empowerment." Sri Lanka will conduct a national population census in 2011 for the entire country, the first such country-wide census since 1981. The census will pave the way for adopting gender disaggregated methods to address data gaps in areas such as women and girls with disabilities and their access to educational and health services. Such focused census-taking will facilitate the development of policy inputs to initiate and strengthen programmes for women and girls in areas that have escaped adequate policy focus. There is no doubt that consolidated action will further empower women and girls in post-conflict Sri Lanka.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“However, resource limitations are a challenge in our efforts to accelerate and implement the envisaged ameliorative programmes for those segments of the population. We sincerely thank our friends in the international community for their generous support for the livelihood development programme for the country's widows. Despite the resource challenges, it is nevertheless heartening to note that the 2010 Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum ranks Sri Lanka at number 16 in the area of gender parity. In page 27, the report notes that "Sri Lanka is distinctive for being the only South Asian country in the top 20 for the fourth consecutive year. Sri Lanka's performance remains steady as it maintains the same rank as 2009.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Furthermore, with a view to harnessing the potential of the social integration and social development of those former combatants, the ministry in charge of rehabilitation, in collaboration with the Hindu Congress and the Commissioner-General for Rehabilitation, organized a wedding ceremony for 53 couples who wished to get married. An equal number of houses were constructed for the newlyweds to complete their rehabilitation programme as husband and wife. We are mindful of the challenges before us on the larger subject of women and peace and security. On the policy level, programmes have already been identified to address the critical issues facing women and girls in the post-conflict phase. We are especially focused on the special needs of thousands of widows and orphans.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Ours is a success story that has no parallel elsewhere. With regard to former adult LTTE cadres, the Government has placed high priority on their social and economic reintegration. In recognition of that priority, a vocational, technical and language-training programme has been developed under our accelerated skills acquisition programme. It includes, among other things, training in information technology, heavy machinery operation and the electrical, mechanical and apparel sectors. That is intended to enable former LTTE members to participate fully in the various employment opportunities that are being created along with the ongoing massive infrastructure and other development projects in the north and the east of our country.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Knowing that those children had been forced to take up guns instead of school books, the Government of Sri Lanka adopted a prudent, practical and compassionate approach towards their reintegration, an approach based on the principles of women's empowerment, livelihood training, psychosocial support and, above all, restorative justice. For those who missed the opportunity to experience a childhood and a formal education, arrangements have been made through catch-up schools to enable them to complete examinations for the general certificate of education, irrespective of their current age. The State and society view them as Victims and not as perpetrators. The lessons learned and the good practices adopted by Sri Lanka in the arduous process of rapidly restoring the future of those children deserve appreciation.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Sri Lanka, having grappled with a virulent form of terrorism perpetrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), is fully cognizant of the despicable reality that clouded the lives of the young girls and women in the north and east of our country. The Council will recall that Sri Lanka had to intervene in the Council's deliberations under resolutions 1539 (2004) and 1612 (2005), on children and armed conflict, to focus attention on the abhorrent practice of child recruitment for combat by LTTE terrorists and on the deployment of young women as suicide bombers. With the defeat of terrorism in May 2009, through a massive humanitarian rescue mission our Government took concerted action to rehabilitate and reintegrate all former child combatants. Among them, 351 were girls.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The perpetration of sexual violence against women leaves them debilitated psychologically and, in most instances, physically as well. The challenges faced by women in post-conflict environments remain formidable. Often, they are forced to contend with family dislocation, social ostracism and shattered livelihoods. Some face the everyday reality of being single mothers. In many ways, a level playing field in terms of gender equity continues to elude women in post-conflict contexts as well. Those are serious issues that call for the urgent and undivided attention of the international community.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Although the devastation stemming from armed conflicts does not discriminate along gender lines, it is known that women and children, particularly girls, often experience a disproportionate share of harm during and in the aftermath of armed conflicts. It is known that in the context of some armed conflicts involving non-State actors, young girls are often forced into early and underage marriages and early pregnancies in order to avoid forcible recruitment into the fighting ranks by non-State actors. Such practices have serious health implications for the young mothers and their children. The practice of recruiting young women and girls as suicide bombers - undoubtedly a vicious and obnoxious practice - not only snuffs out their worldly aspirations but also deprives their communities and societies of their productive contributions.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. President, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to participate in this important debate. Also, we appreciate the briefings by the Under-Secretary-General for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Executive Director of UN Women, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, the President of the Economic and Social Council and the civil society representative. The adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) 10 years ago was a landmark in our efforts to recognize women's contribution to the maintenance and promotion of peace and security and their specific needs and concerns during and in the aftermath of armed conflicts. In many ways, today's debate is an assessment of the evolution of this issue as well as an opportunity to identify the challenges that lie ahead.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source