YouSaid · the spoken record

Skau

lines on the record

211

first

2017-02-22

most recent

2018-02-13

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32

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un-security-council

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1. “Let me reiterate Sweden's condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected. We call for an end to this senseless violence and for those responsible to be held to account. We encourage the Afghan Government to take the necessary steps to defuse the tensions following the attacks. As we heard today from the Special Representative, unity is of the utmost importance if the people ofAfghanistan are to tackle the many challenges ahead. Internal differences must be put aside in order to make progress with the reform agenda and to bring an end to the conflict. As the Secretary-General says in his report, "[p]eace must be attained through negotiations and not on the battlefield" (S/2017/508, para. 58).”

   2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source

2. “I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Mr. Yamamoto, for his candid briefing, and we welcome the Secretary- General's comprehensive report (S/2017/508). We also welcome the Secretary-General's visit to Afghanistan, which demonstrated his solidarity with the Afghan people. Despite decades of effort by national and international actors to stabilize the security situation in Afghanistan, the situation today remains volatile and has deteriorated further since we last met (see S/PV.7896). The ongoing violence takes a heavy toll on the civilian population. Each attack on a mosque, each bazaar, home, hospital or school targeted, each life lost, undermines the ability of the Afghan people to plan their lives and futures with hope or certainty.”

   2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source

3. “In line with resolution 2334 (2016), we also call on all States to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied in 1967 in their dealings. Ending the occupation will improve the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians as well as contribute to wider peace and security in the region. This must be our common goal. The Council must stand ready to assist, and we must spare no effort.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

4. “The continued construction and expansion of settlements as well as violence and acts of provocation will, if not reversed, render the two-State solution impossible. It is therefore vital that the issue of settlements be addressed without delay. As clearly stated by the Council, settlements in occupied territory constitute a flagrant violation of international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution. Furthermore, in resolution 2334 (2016), the Security Council reiterated its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities. The recent Israeli announcement of the construction of 3,000 new settlement units is worrying and contradicts Israel's commitment to the two-State solution.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

5. “The decision of the Israeli Government, with the consent of the Palestinian Authority, to further reduce electricity supplies to Gaza is adding to the suffering and risks, leading to a dangerous escalation. A new conflict in Gaza would be in no one's interest, and we must prevent it from happening. We continue to call on all Palestinian factions to engage, in good faith, in a reconciliation process leading to a unified Palestinian leadership and a reunification of Gaza with the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Thirdly, we welcome the Secretary-General's quarterly report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). The resolution contains clear messages to both parties, and both parties have a duty to implement its provisions, including by ensuring accountability for acts of violence against civilians.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

6. “Sweden, actively engaged with civil society in both Israel and Palestine, calls for a re-engagement with young people, in line with resolution 2250 (2015), and the revival of a public debate on the prospects for peace and a two-State solution. We must show the post- Oslo generation that there is an alternative to violence and occupation; after all, it is their future that is at stake. The purpose of Sweden's recognition of Palestine was to contribute to making the parties less unequal and to give hope and belief in the future to young Palestinians and Israelis alike. Secondly, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the day. The civilian population, particularly women and children, is bearing the brunt of the suffering.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

7. “The United States has always played a leading role in efforts to resolve the conflict. United States leadership to revive the peace process is key, and we welcome the efforts made by the United States Administration in this regard. Regional partners also have a key role to play. The Arab Peace Initiative, as Secretary-General Aboul- Gheit has outlined today, is essential. Any regional effort should build on this initiative, as it could contribute to a new dynamic benefiting all actors. The support and active engagement of the people directly affected, particularly the youth of Israel and Palestine, is also much needed. Generations have grown up shaped by recurring cycles of violence and retribution. People-to-people contacts are now at a record low.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

8. “First, the international community remains clear in its stance on the occupation and the need for a two-State solution. But we must act before it is too late; otherwise, the solution that the Council is striving for - two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security - will move beyond our reach, resulting in a one-State reality and perpetual occupation. A renewed peace effort between Israelis and Palestinians is needed. After decades of violence and suffering that has affected both sides, this anniversary reminds us that the parties alone are not able to resolve the conflict. Together with the Israelis and Palestinians, the international community and the Council have a responsibility to remain engaged to end the occupation and achieve peace.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

9. “The hardships faced by generations of Palestinians during the Israeli occupation are numerous, not least for those forced to leave their homes to seek refuge elsewhere. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which has supported Palestinian refugees since 1950, now faces a chronically difficult financial situation. As a major donor to the Agency, Sweden fully supports the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's recent report on sustainable funding. To mobilize the much-needed political and financial support, we look forward to hosting a high-level meeting, together with Jordan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, on 21 September during this year's session of the General Assembly. Today I would like to make three points on what we believe is needed now to move forward.”

   2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

10. “Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul-Gheit; the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov; and Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi for their briefings and for their tireless efforts striving for peace. I also thank Mr. Michael Doran for sharing his perspective with the Council today. This month marks 50 years since the 1967 Six- Day War, which resulted in the occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan. Since then, the Palestinian question has rarely been far from the top of the Council's agenda, with the Council, in successive resolutions, calling for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East that includes the withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territories.”

    2017-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7977 (2017) · source

11. “Moving forward on this agenda will require substantial and sustained political investment from the Security Council. While we are encouraged by the commitment by the Secretary-General as well as by the increased structure for cooperation at the Secretariat level, it must now be matched by political engagement from us as members of the Council. Let us utilize and build upon the momentum we have.”

    2017-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7971 (2017) · source

12. “We very much recognize the need for flexible, predictable and sustainable funding of AU peace operations, and we welcome the proposals pertaining to financing contained in the report of the Secretary- General. We look forward to continued discussions in the Council on the various options and models, including access to assessed United Nations contributions. Our planned visit to Addis Ababa in September for the annual consultations with the AU Peace and Security Council would be an excellent opportunity to discuss this matter further. We believe that the Peace Fund will be a robust mechanism for cooperation and partnership. We will consider channelling Swedish financial support to the Peace Fund once it has been operationalized.”

    2017-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7971 (2017) · source

13. “We now have concrete proposals and options for closer cooperation with the AU, including the process for mandating AU peace-support operations. This will no doubt help us move forward towards ensuring more predictable collaboration and accountability. We also thank the African Union for providing us with an update on the progress on its side, including the communique from the AU Peace and Security Council meeting of 30 May. In particular, we welcome updates on what has been done to strengthen work within the realm of human rights and conduct and discipline, as well as plans for addressing the remaining gaps. We commend once again the AU summit's bold decision on financing the African Union in an effort to secure financing for peace in Africa, in line with the recommendations made by President Kagame in his report on AU reform.”

    2017-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7971 (2017) · source

14. “The African Union (AU) and its regional partners can at times undertake operations in working environments in which the United Nations cannot and can often deploy quickly. We therefore very much welcome the current momentum and energy around the United Nations- African Union partnership agenda. The first-ever United Nations-AU summit just a few weeks ago and the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which was signed on that occasion represent very positive developments. We thank the Secretary-General for his report pursuant to resolution 2320 (2016) (S/2017/454). We welcome the thorough work that underpins this report, and I want to pay particular tribute to the joint nature of the efforts that have characterized its drafting.”

    2017-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7971 (2017) · source

15. “Let me also begin by extending our deepest condolences to our Chinese friends for their tragedy at the nursery this morning. Our thoughts are with those affected. I would also like to begin by extending my thanks to the briefers this morning - Ambassador Chergui, Mr. Kaberuka and Chef de Cabinet Viotti - for their very thoughtful and insightful briefings. I should also like to thank my colleagues from Senegal, Egypt and Ethiopia for having called for this timely meeting. Sweden is a long-standing supporter of an enhanced strategic partnership between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in Africa. The reasons for this commitment are many. Regional actors have a better understanding of the issues at stake on the ground; they are often more invested, and they carry credibility at local levels.”

    2017-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7971 (2017) · source

16. “Sweden is a State party to all conventions relevant to the banning or regulation of the use of non-controllable mines, anti-personnel landmines, cluster munitions and the handling of explosive remnants of war. We believe that continuing to work to universalize those conventions is the most effective way to counter the risks associated with the use of such weapons. In conclusion, a commitment to international frameworks, as well as well-resourced and effective mine-action programmes, will not only save lives but will also enable those who have survived the ravages of war to begin rebuilding their lives.”

    2017-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7966 (2017) · source

17. “In addition to financing, technical assistance is also an important aspect of mine action. Sweden's Civil Contingencies Agency is a partner of UNMAS and the International Committee of the Red Cross and conducts humanitarian mine action worldwide. Through UNMAS, for example, we recently supported mine-action activities in Somalia aimed at minimizing the impact of explosive hazards, building national explosive management capacity and enabling the African Union Mission in Somalia to fulfil its mandate with greater safety and freedom of movement. More broadly, Sweden believes in an approach to disarmament and international security that puts human beings at the centre of our policy.”

    2017-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7966 (2017) · source

18. “Children, who are naturally curious, are likely to pick up strange objects and, deplorably, some landmines have even been designed to be toy-like. Children are also far more likely than adults to die from mine injuries. Their needs should therefore always be at the forefront when mine-awareness and physical-rehabilitation programmes are being designed. The task of clearing the explosive remnants of war is often dangerous and painfully slow, but the effects of humanitarian mine clearance on communities can be transformative, as we heard this morning from Ms. Ochoa Nifio. It is therefore important to ensure that support for mine action, including through funding and expertise, is maintained. Sweden has contributed more than $100 million to mine action worldwide over the past decade.”

    2017-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7966 (2017) · source

19. “We welcome the ongoing work within the framework of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its Amended Protocol 11 that is designed to enable us to share experiences regarding the humanitarian problems posed by IEDs and to learn about national, regional and international efforts to prevent their use. Sweden fully shares the concerns that have been expressed about the serious humanitarian problems caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war in post-conflict areas. We must step up our efforts to minimize the occurrence, effects and risks of this threat. Children are particularly vulnerable. The landmark Graca Machel report (A/51/306), which led ultimately to the United Nations mandate on children in armed conflict, noted that landmines represent an insidious and persistent danger to children.”

    2017-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7966 (2017) · source

20. “In the 20 years since the Ottawa Convention was drawn up, impressive progress has been made in the fight to end the use of landmines. It is a positive development that casualties from landmines have fallen in the past few years, in a reflection of the almost total elimination of the use of anti-personnel mines, thanks to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, as well as progress in efforts to make previously mined areas safe for use. However, that work is far from finished. The number of casualties of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has risen sharply, a development that is largely attributable to the use of IEDs in conflict and post-conflict areas, particularly by non-State actors. Every effort must be made to mitigate the threat that IEDs pose to individuals and communities.”

    2017-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7966 (2017) · source

21. “Iwould like to begin by thanking Bolivia for putting mine action on the Council's agenda today. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary- General Alexander Zuev for his useful briefing and, especially, Ms. Nathalie Ochoa Nifio for her passionate and inspiring statement this morning. The terrible legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war in the communities where they are found cannot be overstated. Families returning from the displacement caused by conflict find that the land that once sustained them has now turned against them. The presence of landmines undermines returnees' ability to grow and harvest crops for food or sale, undermining health and livelihoods, and holds an even worse threat, that of death or injury.”

    2017-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7966 (2017) · source

22. “In conclusion, I would like to join the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in commending the Government and the people of Cote d'Ivoire for their resilience and their efforts to restore peace and stability to their country, with the support of the international community. The closure of the UNOCI mission underlines the remarkable journey the country has made since 2004. The international community must now continue to support the Government and the people of Cote d'Ivoire as they work to build a peaceful, equitable and prosperous country for all Ivorians.”

    2017-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7957 (2017) · source

23. “Thirdly, regarding the transition from UNOCI to the United Nations country team, we welcome the robust transition plan developed by the United Nations and agreed with the Government at the end oflast year, but we note that the closing of UNOCI means that the United Nations presence in the country will face a financial cliff, which jeopardizes the sustainability of the gains achieved. We believe that the United Nations can do even better in ensuring that transitions in general are transformative and forward-looking processes. More systematic and integrated work across the United Nations system is needed sooner. We have a joint responsibility to ensure that United Nations country teams have that capability.”

    2017-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7957 (2017) · source

24. “The final report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/89) illustrates the potential for the increased participation of women in the political process, and we urge the United Nations country team to contribute to ensuring the participation of women and youth in the transition process. Secondly, as UNOCI closes its mission, there is a need for continued international engagement. It is important that Cote d'Ivoire's partners provide ongoing support to the Government's efforts to sustain peace and safeguard the investments already made in a sustainable future. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States have played a key role in achieving a successful outcome to the Ivorian peace process. Going forward, regional actors will continue to have an essential role to play.”

    2017-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7957 (2017) · source

25. “First of all, while we have many reasons to celebrate, this is not the end of the road for Cote d'Ivoire as it works to consolidate a stable and secure society for all Ivorians. It is important that we pay attention to the latest developments on the ground, in particular the second incidence of mutiny by soldiers, which occurred last month. Those developments are serious and demand a serious response. They underline the clear need for the Government to carry out meaningful reform of the security sector, including restructuring forces and enhancing cohesion, discipline and accountability. A reformed security sector will help build the population's confidence in the security institutions. In addition, women's participation is of paramount importance to fostering sustainable and inclusive peace.”

    2017-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7957 (2017) · source

26. “I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her leadership and personal commitment during this important last and final phase. Today is a day of transition for Cote d'Ivoire. We are gathered here this afternoon to discuss the closing ofa peacekeeping mission, while only a few short hours ago Cote d'Ivoire was elected to serve on the Security Council. I congratulate Minister Marcel Amon-Tanoh and his team here in New York on their election this morning and we look forward to working with them next year in the Council. We welcome the continued progress of peace and security in Cote d'Ivoire. The closing of UNOCI at the end of the month represents an important milestone and a new chapter in the history of the country. As the country begins to chart its way forward, I would like to make three points.”

    2017-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7957 (2017) · source

27. “Mr. Skau (Sweden) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, let me congratulate you, Mr. President, and your team on assuming the presidency. We wish you great success in your work. I also wish to thank our friends from Uruguay for their exemplary work last month. (spoke in English) Let me begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Mindaoudou, for her comprehensive briefing this afternoon. As this is likely to be our last opportunity to take the floor on the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), we would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the valuable efforts and important work of the mission over the past 13 years and to pay tribute to the women and men who have served in that mission over the years.”

    2017-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7957 (2017) · source

28. “We therefore call for continued close cooperation and coordination between the United Nations, the AU and IGAD. We commend the leadership shown by the Secretary-General and encourage him to continue play an active role. In that regard, we would welcome the inclusion in his next report of more concrete proposals on a way forward, including on how the United Nations can best support the region in facilitating an inclusive political process. There can be no more business as usual on South Sudan. There should be no illusions - our commitment and engagement must be there for the long term. But let us, in the short term, seize on the recent commitments made by the Government and build on the sense of renewed urgency in the region, including that coming from Uganda and Kenya, to push for a solution.”

    2017-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7950 (2017) · source

29. “The international community owes it to the people of South Sudan to engage with renewed commitment and urgency. We welcome the intensified efforts now under way by actors in the region, including the recent visit by President Museveni of Uganda to Juba earlier this week. The world looks to the AU and IGAD to take the lead in efforts to set out a road map for peace. The Security Council must remain united in support of those regional efforts and contribute to ensuring that commitments are implemented. Important decisions, such as the joint declaration at the AU Summit in January, the IGAD communique' of 24 March and the clear steps outlined by the Security Council in its presidential statement of 23 March (S/PRST/2017/4), must be followed up on and implemented.”

    2017-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7950 (2017) · source

30. “The need to address the humanitarian situation, including ending all obstacles to relief efforts, grows more pressing by the day. The Secretary-General's report (S/2017/224) illustrates how the upswing in violence against aid workers has had a severe impact on humanitarian operations. That includes detentions, threats, physical assaults and killing. Such behaviour is simply unacceptable and is a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Humanitarian principles must be respected. The rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of relief across South Sudan must be assured. We pay tribute to the United Nations and its humanitarian partners for their efforts in that very difficult environment. We also commend the intensified efforts under way to prevent a large-scale cholera outbreak.”

    2017-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7950 (2017) · source

31. “A national dialogue could be an important way forward, but only if it is genuinely inclusive and led by impartial conveners at all levels. And there cannot be a meaningful political process unless the fighting is brought to an end. While it is unfortunate that the deployment of the regional protection force has been significantly delayed, we welcome that it is now being deployed, and we hope that it will soon be fully operational. That force should contribute to giving the necessary political space to allow the parties to engage in a meaningful political process. However, we also agree with the Secretary- General that neither the regional protection force, nor the United Nations Mission in South Sudan represent a panacea to the crisis. Only a political process is.”

    2017-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7950 (2017) · source

32. “While we welcome the declaration on a unilateral ceasefire by President Kiir on Monday of this week, we must now make every effort to ensure that this time his commitments are honoured and implemented. The region and the Security Council should agree to monitor the situation closely and hold the South Sudanese Government and other relevant actors to account. We should all make it very clear that there is no time for playing games, and that there will consequences if agreements are breached. It should by now be obvious to all that there is no military option and that only a political solution can resolve the conflict and bring peace to South Sudan. We therefore, once again, call on all parties to come to the table.”

    2017-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7950 (2017) · source

33. “Let me begin byjoining others in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, David Shearer, for his comprehensive briefing this morning. We also welcome the Council's decision today to extend the restrictive measures imposed by resolution 2206 (2015) related to South Sudan. It is important that the members of the Panel of Experts be reappointed without delay so that they can continue their important work. The dire political, security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains of great concern. Despite repeated calls from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU) and the Security Council, little progress has been made in finding a solution to the conflict.”

    2017-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7950 (2017) · source

34. “In conclusion, peacekeeping is an essential, unique and, according to many assessments, successful instrument within the United Nations peace and security toolbox. It is nonetheless essential that it evolves in response to the changing nature of the challenges that we face today. In supporting that evolution, we must not waiver in our commitment to those who serve and those whom we seek to protect.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

35. “Secondly, ifpeacekeeping is to be robust, mandates must be matched with adequate capabilities for missions to fulfil their objectives. A robust stance will also require flexibility to adjust to changed circumstances. Helicopters, intelligence and quick reaction forces, as well as the proper training of troops, are key in that regard. In addition to military and police resources, that is an area in which human rights expertise is essential. We need to consider short-term objectives in relation to longer-term consequences when developing strategies for the protection of civilians. Local engagement is also essential for understanding conflict dynamics and allowing the mission to carefully weigh its options.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

36. “Exit strategies and transitional phases of peacekeeping operations need to be analysed and planned at an early stage in cooperation with all relevant actors. Realistic expectations of what can be achieved in the immediate aftermath of the drawdown must be coupled with clear commitments from the Government to further key structural reforms. We wonder, for example, if, through the United Nations country team, the United Nations is equipped and resourced to deliver on the ambitious peacebuilding plan in Liberia. As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, we feel that the Commission has an important role to play in monitoring and following up so that the international community can provide the support needed to deliver that peacebuilding plan at this important transition phase for Liberia.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

37. “The protection and promotion of human rights must constitute a whole-of-mission approach. Furthermore, when a gender perspective is implemented from the beginning of a mission, it leads to more operational effectiveness, better situational awareness and more security for our troops. All missions should continually report on how gender considerations are included across operations. Let me turn now to some of the points raised by today's briefers. First, with regard to drawdowns, the type of cross- pillar, political strategies, which were mentioned, should lay the groundwork for successful drawdowns. Experience shows us that there is room for improvement in how the United Nations deals with transitions.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

38. “To achieve that, we also need to empower the field, including by simplifying administrative procedures and achieving greater delegation of authority, but also by ensuring that the highest calibre candidates be appointed to lead those United Nations missions in the field. Support for capacity-building needs and better reporting of caveats by troop- and police-contributing countries are essential. All peacekeepers, as well as contributing countries, need to be properly prepared, trained and equipped so as to meet the challenges that they will face in the field. There is an inherent link between security and human rights. Human-rights components should be standard in peace operations so as to enhance their quality and effectiveness, not least in the promotion of the rights of and protection of civilians.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

39. “That work needs to be supported with high- quality conflict analysis, including through intelligence and analysis jointly prepared by the whole of the United Nations system. Experience shows that agreeing more realistic, context-tailored and flexible mandates will increase the potential for successful outcomes. Within mandates, tasks need to be prioritized, sequenced and adjusted over time, and we encourage efforts to enhance the flexibility and the ability to correct course, including through frank input from across the system and enhanced capacity to engage with local communities.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

40. “The broader concept of the primacy of politics is key to ensuring effective peace operations and the successful implementation of peacekeeping mandates. As sustainable peace can only be delivered based on political solutions, political strategies must be built across all pillars of the United Nations system. Military components represent a crucial part of those integrated strategies. Clear and measurable objectives accompanied by benchmarks for follow-up and reporting back to the Security Council should provide those integrated missions planning and leadership. Today's briefings highlighted the diverse challenges facing various missions and also indicated the need for a context-specific approach to the configuration of all missions.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

41. “I, too, should like to begin by thanking today's briefers for their very insightful remarks. Like Matthew Rycroft, I would like to begin my statement by paying tribute to the brave men and women serving with the United Nations, who, on a daily basis, place themselves in some of the most difficult and dangerous contexts in the world. We appreciate their commitment, which over the past 70 years has saved countless lives. Today's briefing provides a timely opportunity to discuss operational challenges across the peacekeeping realm, not least in the light of the ongoing review of the United Nations peace and security architecture. We welcome the Secretary-General's efforts to implementing a more holistic approach to sustaining peace. That work deserves our full support. We encourage the Secretary-General to be bold in his recommendations.”

    2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source

42. “Finally, we call upon the Iraqi Parliament to swiftly adopt electoral laws and hold provincial and parliamentary elections. In that context, we emphasize the importance of transparency in the work of the Independent High Electoral Commission. In conclusion, the Government and people of Iraq now stand on the cusp of liberating the last parts of their country from the tyrants ofDa'esh. After liberation, they will then need to turn their attention to reconciliation and to building an Iraqi State that represents all Iraqis. That will take commitment and determination. It is important that we in the international community continue to support them in that endeavour.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

43. “Building a security sector that is at the service of the whole of Iraqi society will also be critical to future stability. The ongoing security-sector reform work is encouraging, and we hope that the European Union can enhance its engagement in support of long-term civilian stabilization and strengthen its support for the security sector in Iraq in the near future. Thirdly, as the Secretary-General has made clear, gender equality is central to efforts to recover from conflict. We welcome the establishment ofthe Women's Empowerment Directorate and urge the Government to finance and implement the objectives set out in the national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). More must be done by UNAMI to increase women's participation in reconciliation and governance post- Da'esh.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

44. “We also encourage UNAMI to increase preventative diplomacy so as to facilitate dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil. In that regard, we echo the Secretary-General's encouragement to political leaders in Baghdad and Erbil that they should engage in constructive dialogue on outstanding issues. Secondly, building institutions that are inclusive and equitable must be a priority in the coming period. UNAMI has an important role to play in advising and assisting the Iraqi authorities in strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities. Freedom of expression is an important element of a functioning democracy. We are therefore concerned by the recent reports of the disappearances of political activists and journalists.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

45. “Reconciliation must be inclusive in order to be successful. In that context, the UNDP initiative aimed at increasing the participation of civil society in reconciliation deserves our strong support. In addition, constructive engagement by regional and international actors will be crucial to such reconciliation efforts. Building a new future for Iraq will require recognition of the past, however difficult that may be. Accountability will be critical to reconciliation. Sweden is supportive of initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability for violations of international law and crimes committed throughout the conflict. It is also essential to strengthen the Iraqi legal system, and we encourage international partners to consider how they can support such efforts.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

46. “The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has the potential to continue to contribute significantly to preventing a relapse into conflict by strategically focusing its efforts and resources. Let me therefore turn to some of the key challenges to sustaining peace in Iraq after the Da'esh offensive has been completed. First, reconciliation will be critical to building a stable Iraq and preventing future conflicts. Strong Iraqi leadership will be required to help bring the many initiatives currently under way together, within a joint plan and with tangible proposals to build confidence among the various parts of the Iraqi population. We encourage UNAMI to continue to deepen its reconciliation efforts and its coordination within the United Nations family, with other initiatives and with Iraqi stakeholders.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

47. “As the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq has made clear, significant additional humanitarian needs are likely to arise before the end of the Mosul operation, and the end of the operation will not be the end of the road. Major stabilization efforts will be needed for a long time to come. Sweden is contributing both to the humanitarian response, as well as towards post- Da'esh stabilization, through the funding facility of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We call upon all States Members of the United Nations and other partners to show solidarity with Iraq and to contribute financially to the humanitarian and stabilization efforts. The period ahead will require strong leadership from the Government, supported by the international community and with the continued attention of the Security Council.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

48. “In responding to an ideology that is devoid of any decency or humanity, it is imperative that we uphold the principles and values that we share and for which we are fighting in this struggle. In the context of the current offensive, that means ensuring that civilians are protected. The humanitarian situation in the remaining part of western Mosul is gravely concerning. We commend the humanitarian response carried out to date by the Iraqi authorities, the United Nations and its partners. We emphasize the importance of continued respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians during the final difficult phase of the liberation of Mosul. We are also concerned by the presence of armed actors in and around camps for internally displaced persons and emergency shelters, which compromise their civilian character.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

49. “Let me first thank the Secretary- General for the comprehensive report (S/2017/357) before us today, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his detailed briefing to the Security Council. We appreciate the work that Mr. Kubis and his team are doing on the ground, often in very challenging circumstances. We also welcomed the recent visit by the Secretary-General to Iraq. I would like to begin by expressing our strong support for Prime Minister Al Abadi and the Government and the people of Iraq at this critical juncture for the country. The offensive against Da'esh in and beyond Mosul is a fight not only to reclaim Iraqi territory, but to defeat an enemy that is a threat to us all. For that reason, Sweden is stepping up its contribution to the global coalition against Da'esh.”

    2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7945 (2017) · source

50. “The resolution that we have just adopted offers the best opportunity in a long time to relaunch a political process that has been dormant for almost a decade now. The path towards a mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, is now, with the adoption of this resolution, a little closer in sight. Finally - and like Uruguay - I would like to commend the United States delegation, as penholder, for their extraordinary leadership on this issue, as well as their exemplary efforts in facilitating the negotiations on this resolution.”

    2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source