YouSaid · the spoken record

Skoog

lines on the record: 1,817
first: 2015-03-16
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 248
sources: un-security-council

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“The importance of the provision by all actors of rapid, unimpeded and sustained passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in conflict zones is not only a moral obligation; it is a legal obligation. The role of United Nations peace missions in protecting civilians when Member States and armed groups do not cannot be overstated. As troop contributors, we have a responsibility to stay and deliver. However, we know that this task is not only challenging, but also dangerous. National caveats should be avoided to ensure that missions can operate effectively. We need to improve cooperation with local and national authorities and provide proper training and equipment to United Nations troops. The training of local authorities is often key.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The Arms Trade Treaty, with its humanitarian goals, provides a tool for addressing those problems, and we urge all countries to join the Treaty. We also support the call of the Secretary-General on parties in conflict to avoid using explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas. Attacks on education centres and the military use of schools and universities are on the increase. Special efforts are needed to ensure the safe education for children and young people in countries affected by conflict. Thirdly, international humanitarian law has been established to protect civilians in conflict. We all have a responsibility to ensure that that is upheld, that violations are prevented and that accountability is ensured when the law is violated.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Timely briefings by the Special Advisers to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect in contributing to early awareness of potential crises, in line with the Human Rights Up Front initiative, are instruments that need to be fully utilized. I would like to highlight three particularly important aspects related to the protection of civilians. First, a zero-tolerance policy must be applied against gender-based violence, including sexual abuse and exploitation. The United Nations should never be seen as failing to act in holding those responsible to account, regardless of the perpetrators. The special protections needs ofwomen and girls must be addressed. Secondly, the flow of arms to conflict areas further increases the risks for civilians.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The protection of vulnerable populations is a core task of the United Nations, and we must ensure that the United Nations lives up to that task, as laid out in the Charter. Therefore, the debate today is both timely and necessary. Currently, 10 out of 16 United Nations peacekeeping operations have the protection of civilians at the core of their mandates. While host States bear the primary responsibility to protect their population - as has been stated numerous times today - United Nations peace operations must be able to assist States in fulfilling that responsibility. Peacekeeping operations, as well as many other parts of the United Nations system, also play a preventive role, and they need to report to the Security Council ifcivilians are at risk.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country Sweden. My full statement will be made available through other means, and I will limit myself to some - in our view - key elements for the sake of brevity. First of all, I would like to express my recognition, respect and admiration for Oxfam, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian actors for the work they do every day, and I urge everyone to give them our full support. The besieged town of Madaya in Syria provides the most recent image of the horrifying and totally unacceptable suffering inflicted on civilians in armed conflict. Reports of staggering numbers of civilian victims at the hands of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham is another.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, I look forward to forging a closer relationship with the Council to bring to bear the complementary advice that the PBC can offer. There is scope for enhanced collaboration, drawing upon both bodies' respective mandates.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“It also requires an understanding of inherently complex interrelationships and a shift away from a linear understanding of conflicts. We can learn from successful examples such as the transition in Sierra Leone. In the years ahead, we will have a chance to demonstrate in Liberia that we are able to work through joined-up approaches across areas of security, development and human rights. As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission this year, I have worked very closely with the six country configurations. I know we all strive to diversify our working methods and adopt more flexible tools of engagement. That work that has already begun, but I think we can do more, and better, to assist more countries in need of peacebuilding efforts.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“I believe the Peacebuilding Commission can help break down some of the silos and address fragmentation and duplication of effort. Through its convening role of a wide array of critical regional and international actors, we can help bring a peacebuilding perspective to deliberations of the principal organs of the United Nations. Furthermore, the Commission can provide strategic assessments of United Nations efforts on the ground and actionable recommendations in specific country contexts, as well as contribute to donor coherence. The importance of increased coherence across the United Nations spectrum is perhaps never more evident than during transitions. Getting transitions right requires genuine integration of peace and development.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“It is important that youth not be seen as primarily victims of violence in conflict. And our focus not be on youth as a potential risk group or perpetrators, but as actors. The last shift I would like to call for concerns the way we collaborate with one another. Responding to challenges of conflict and post-conflict countries demands of all of us that we do more and better within our respective mandates. International actors need to start acting more coherently. That applies across the United Nations system, the international financial institutions and regional and national actors. By overcoming short-sighted turf wars, we would not only increase the efficacy of the Organization but, even more important, provide more effective support for the societies that it was set up to help.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Inclusivity is at the core of the work of the Peacebuilding Commission. As part of its convening role, the PBC is uniquely placed to listen and consult with a broad range of stakeholders at the local, national and regional levels. Furthermore, it is set up to support national and local ownership. The countries with which the PBC engages are always in the lead. Our role is to support their processes. We cannot address inclusivity without mentioning the importance of including women as actors in all aspects of our work. The Peacebuilding Commission is currently developing a gender strategy to ensure more systematic and strategic engagement on the topic. Furthermore, in a few weeks' time, we will discuss the issue of youth and peacebuilding, an agenda that has not yet received as much attention as it should.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“I would like to recognize the important work done by the Peacebuilding Fund in supporting integrated, time-sensitive and risk-taking work across the United Nations system. As recommended by the reports of the reviews, it is crucial that sufficient and predictable resources be provided to that important tool. To better respond to the needs of conflict-prone countries, we should do much more to strengthen the capacity of regional actors, who are often first responders. Peace can emerge only from within societies, and build on inclusive national ownership. Transparent and accessible institutions that are accountable for, and responsive to, the needs of the entirety of its population are crucial for building trust and strengthening the relationship between States and citizens.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“As the report (see S/2015/490) on the peacebuilding review points out, creating legitimate institutions that can help prevent relapse takes a generation. The PBC provides a forum for countries that are not in situations of immediate conflict but where sustained attention is needed and where root causes of conflict need to be addressed. Successful peacebuilding and preventive work also requires sound political analysis as the foundation of international support, both in conflict and post-conflict settings. For that, increased conflict-assessment capacity is needed. United Nations efforts should be systematically underpinned by an analysis of conflict and fragility. In addition, the United Nations should better utilize all the tools at its disposal for preventing conflicts, including the peacebuilding architecture.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“I will describe what each of these shifts entails, and also touch upon where and how the Peacebuilding Commission can add value. First of all, preventing lapse and relapse into conflict should move to the fore of United Nations engagement and build on the realization that building peace is a primarily political process that requires sustained and long-term engagement. One of the most effective ways to sustain peace and prevent conflicts is by building national capacity, strengthening domestic institutions and supporting good governance. Furthermore, countries that are prone to conflict need support from international partners that are willing and able to stay for the long haul. We need to consider adjusting our horizons from the standard three-to-five-year programme cycles to frameworks that rather span 15 to 30 years.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The issue, of course, is how we go about it. The United Nations and the international community at large must become better at supporting efforts to build and sustain peace. As part of this, we must do more to avoid relapse into conflict and step up efforts to prevent conflict from occurring in the first place. There needs to be a renewed determination that includes seizing the opportunity of the three reviews related to peace operations currently under way. The challenge is to turn normative developments and political momentum into concrete reforms for better operational response. I should like to highlight three shifts that I believe will be necessary in order to better support efforts to sustain peace: more emphasis on prevention, increased inclusivity and strengthened coherence.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Less than two months ago, Heads of State confirmed, inter alia, the intention to promote peaceful, just and inclusive societies that are free from fear and violence. Two weeks ago, the Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross issued an unprecedented joint warning about the impact oftoday's conflicts on civilians and appealed for urgent and concrete action to address human suffering and insecurity. They referred to the fact that the world is at a turning point and called upon States to redouble their efforts to find sustainable solutions to conflicts and take concrete steps to that effect. I want to pay a tribute to the mission statement that the Secretary- General put forward this morning to that respect. I think it is up to all the rest of us to heed that call, too.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I wish to thank you, Madam, for organizing this debate and inviting me to brief the Security Council on behalf of the Peacebuilding Commission. This debate on security, development and the root causes of conflict is both important and timely. The Peacebuilding Commission, which I represent here today, was set up 10 years ago to address challenges around bridging the gap between security and development. This debate offers an opportunity to reflect on our common successes and shortcomings so far. Of course, it is only by addressing the root causes of conflict that we can contribute to building lasting peace. In 2015, the international community has confirmed that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and that peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Above all, that requires political will and that members of the Council take their roles and responsibilities with the utmost sincerity and with the full realization that their task is to put the Charter of the United Nations above their narrow national interests.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“Such interaction helps the Council to devise preventive measures. Finally, we need more efficiency. New non-permanent members need to be prepared when they join the Council. We welcome last year's decision to hold Council elections six months before the start of the new members" term. We note the annual Finnish workshop called "Hitting the ground running", which aims at providing new members with an in-depth orientation to Council practice, procedures and working methods. The expectations regarding the Security Council are high. The challenges in coming to grips with the new threats are indeed very daunting, but we believe that the Council can move to become more effective.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“As a first step, the next President of the Council should, together with the President of the General Assembly, kick-start the nomination process with a joint letter calling for qualified candidates, especially women. Fourthly, we need a more holistic approach, as highlighted in all the recent reports on peace operations, peacebuilding and resolution 1325 (2000). Active consultation and dialogue with troop- and police-contributing countries and regional and subregional organizations, as well as with countries on the Council's agenda, leads to a richer understanding of the challenges and potential solutions. The use of other instruments, such as the horizon-scanning briefings, Arria Formula meetings and informal interactive dialogues, can help bring potential crises and deteriorating situations to the early attention of Council members.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“Secondly, we need a reformed Council that is truly representative and that reflects the geopolitical realities of today, and in which Africa, Asia and Latin America are adequately represented. The Nordic countries support the intergovernmental process on Security Council reform and efforts to move this process forward. Thirdly, we need more transparency. Open debates and public briefings serve to make the Council more open to the wider membership, thereby contributing to strengthening the buy-in and the legitimacy of its decisions. The use of new technology offers new opportunities. A topical matter is the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General. We expect the Council to do its part in ensuring that the landmark resolution adopted in September (General Assembly resolution 69/321) is fully and promptly acted upon.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“We believe that we need a more effective, representative and transparent Security Council that can adequately respond to today's challenges. First, limiting the use of the veto would be a key step in enhancing the Council's ability to respond to global crises. Therefore, we the Nordic countries strongly support the code of conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes elaborated by the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group, as well as the Franco-Mexican initiative to restrain the use of the veto. We encourage those Member States that have not done so to come forward and support those initiatives.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“At the same time, the peace and security leg is hobbled. The number of conflicts in the world is at its highest since the 19605. The number of people fleeing from war, persecution and poverty is the highest since the end of the Second World War. We have failed in prevention, and we have failed in our response. The Security Council is clearly falling short of its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. The determination that the international community has demonstrated in the areas of sustainable development financing and climate must be matched by Council resolve to redouble its efforts in support of diplomacy, good offices and political solutions. The world has a right to expect that the Security Council and its members will be guided first and foremost by the ideals set out in the United Nations Charter.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“I should now like to say a few words in my national capacity under rule 37 and on behalf of the Nordic countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. A few weeks ago, world leaders gathered here in New York to adopt an agenda of historic significance. The 2030 Agenda sets the world on a path towards sustainable development. A month before that, leaders met in Addis Ababa to agree on means of financing for development, and we are now optimistically looking ahead to Paris, where we are, hopefully, set to embrace a universal and ambitious climate agreement. These achievements are signs of political will. They demonstrate our ability to unite and find collective solutions to face the most serious challenges of our time. Vigorous strides are being made with respect to the development leg of the United Nations.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, the report of the Advisory Group of Experts entitled "The Challenge of Sustaining Peace" will be under consideration by Member States. It provides important recommendations on how to strengthen the relationship between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Council. The Group recommends that the Security Council regularly request and draw upon the advice of the PBC. We can certainly do more from our side as well in terms of providing more timely, relevant and strategic advice on post- conflict peacebuilding to the Council. A number of recommendations in the report aim at ensuring that we remain an effective instrument that can help the Council meet its longer-term objective, and it is certainly our ambition to try to live up to that.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“Our input contributes to breaking the silos between United Nations principal organs and actors and addressing fragmentation and duplication of effort by bringing together security and development actors. Secondly, the PBC can help formulate the post- conflict strategies of the countries requesting our advice and bring priority peacebuilding issues to the attention of the Security Council upon its request. Lastly, in support of the drawdown phase of peacekeeping operations, the PBC's partnerships with regional organizations and international and regional financial institutions will help sustain attention and commitment from the international community to national peacebuilding priorities, focusing in particular on addressing the root causes of conflict and supporting post-conflict peacebuilding objectives.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“Consultations with, and contributions from, these stakeholders can help to ensure greater coherence and continuity of international engagement and support throughout the so-called conflict cycle. Turning to the relationship between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission - a relationship that is of fundamental importance to our ability to fulfil our mandate and to deliver on our advisory function - I should like to highlight three points where our respective bodies might work even better together. First, through its convening role of a wide array of critical regional and international actors, we can help bring a peacebuilding perspective to the Council's decision-making.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“Thirdly, the unique composition structure of the PBC membership ensures that peacebuilding strategies receive the broad support of key stakeholders, which contribute to and engage in the process of the design and implementation of these strategies, both in New York and in the field. For example, through the membership of the top troop- and police-contributing countries, the PBC can help ensure a more holistic approach when considering decisions on transitions between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We engage with those that are implementing the often far-reaching peacekeeping mandates. Our membership also includes key donors, including the international financial institutions.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“During the just-concluded Africa Week, the impressive depth and breadth of the activities undertaken by both the AU and the regional economic communities in responding to conflict became clear. Closer cooperation means first of all that we listen. By virtue of being neighbours in the region, these actors have a more intimate understanding of the issues at hand; they are often more invested; and they often have a lot of credibility at the national level. By drawing on these actors' knowledge and experience, we gain a deeper understanding of country-specific realities, which in turn is a prerequisite for effective United Nations support. The Peacebuilding Commission forged stronger partnership with regional and subregional actors as a matter of priority, and we encourage others to do the same.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“Durable peace can be achieved only at the national level and requires strong national leadership, building, inter alia, on broad, inclusive processes. Without their perspective, our understanding will fall short of addressing the specific challenges they face. Therefore, it is imperative that we focus our support on strengthening the capacities of post-conflict countries in order for them to take the lead and exercise full national ownership. It is also therefore a critical aspect of the PBC's advisory function to help integrate the national perspectives of the countries on its agenda. Secondly, the PBC is a staunch advocate for improved cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations such as the African Union (AU).”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“More integrated, coherent and holistic action is called for in order for our common goal of building and sustaining peace not to be relegated to a near afterthought, but rather to put it at the centre of what we do. That will require concerted efforts from all of us, within our respective roles, as well as a real shift towards working better together. With only 10 years in the making, the Peacebuilding Commission is still one of the youngsters in the United Nations family. I would like to highlight three features that make the PBC a fairly unique intergovernmental advisory platform to the Security Council, upon its request, and that have made useful contributions in support of the countries with which it has engaged over the years. First, the countries with which the PBC engages are always at the centre of our deliberations.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“I very much welcome the opportunity to participate in this open debate of the Council on behalf of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). I would first like to say a few words on behalf of the Commission. I wanted initially to express appreciation for the recognition of the role of the Peacebuilding Commission that has been expressed by so many here around the table this morning. I believe that today's debate is very timely in the light of the three reviews on the United Nations related to its peace and security agenda that have been presented to Member States over the last couple of months. The reviews make a strong case for changing the way we do business in order to ensure a more effective response and support to sustaining peace.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“We are committed to supporting those efforts and will continue to offer predeployment training on resolution 1325 (2000) and gender to peacekeeping mission staff, as well as seconding gender advisers to international institutions and missions. We also remain committed to a strong and adequately resourced UN-Women. We were the programme's top donor in 2014, with a total support of $35 million. In conclusion, in order to take our common commitment seriously, we need to ensure that women's voices are being heard and that the needs and realities of women living in conflict and post-conflict countries influence our decisions. It is time for a paradigm shift. Sustainable development and peace and security can never be achieved if half the population is excluded.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Gender equality and women's rights and empowerment will remain top priorities in our development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Gender equality was the primary focus of 16 per cent of our development support to conflict-affected countries in 2014. We challenge the United Nations to reach its set target of 15 per cent gender funding within all aid flows to conflict-affected countries. We welcome resolution 2242 (2015), adopted today by the Council, and its call on the United Nations to redouble efforts to integrate women's needs and the gender perspective. By strengthening gender competence and accountability at strategic, tactical and operational levels, the United Nations will be better fit to cater to the needs of women and men, boys and girls.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“We want to work with all our partners in the initiative, and with everyone here in the Council, to make a real and positive impact on how we address gender-based violence in humanitarian crises. Sweden will also support organizations working to engage men and boys in pursuing gender equality. Recent good practices from conflict-affected countries have shown the importance of engaging men and boys in the prevention of gender-based violence. Thirdly, a lack of resources, or their uneven distribution, is often at the core of inequality. We need a thorough analysis of how resources are allocated, and to whom. If we are to achieve real change, political commitment must be accompanied by sustainable financing. We are committed to allocating 1 per cent of our gross domestic income to development cooperation.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“As a major donor to the United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, we will seek further ways to increase support to the victims and survivors of sexual violence. We will continue to cooperate with relevant stakeholders, such as the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, in order to create stronger national capacities for investigating and prosecuting sexual and gender-based crimes. In 2016, we will assume the leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies initiative, which aims to foster accountability and mitigate gender-based violence in humanitarian crises. Our main objective for next year will be to take the initiative from policy to action and from words to deeds.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“We have increased that support threefold over the past five years, but we will strive to do even more. Sweden is also developing a network of women peace mediators, and we have also participated in the creation of a Nordic women's mediation network with a capacity to assist peace efforts wherever they may be needed in the world. Secondly, we should acknowledge that sexual violence in conflict is a core security challenge that must remain on the Security Council's agenda and particularly now, when the use of sexual violence has been taken to new and horrific levels in which sexual violence is not only condoned but openly prescribed as a method of warfare. There must be accountability for such crimes and an end to impunity.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“My Government has committed to strengthening women's human rights, improving their access to resources and increasing their representation, in times of war and in times of peace. Our revised national action plan will make women's participation in peace and security a top priority. In order to make sure that the new plan duly reflects the needs and experiences of women and girls in conflict- affected societies, we have held consultations in five countries dealing with or emerging from conflict. All of the women, ranging from those in Afghanistan to those in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, conveyed the same, very clear message, which is that no sustainable peace can be achieved without them. We must hear their plea and commit to continuing to support and fund women's organizations in conflict and post-conflict countries.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Enhancing gender equality and women's contributions to peace and security are top priorities for the Swedish Government. Promoting gender equality means promoting not only the economic, political and social empowerment of women but also development and conflict prevention. I would like to highlight three areas that are particularly important to us and to which Sweden wants to pledge its continued support. First, indisputable evidence, as the global study highlights, has shown that women's participation leads to more sustainable peace. Yet women's experience, knowledge and expertise are too often excluded from peace processes. Change therefore needs to start, and it needs to start at home.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your efforts on this issue, and the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of UN- Women for their briefings this morning. I would also particularly like to thank Ms. Lusenge, Ms. Mohammed and Ms. Murabit for their participation here today. The bravery and commitment of women's organizations in preventing conflict, building peace and promoting human rights, often in very dangerous situations, is admirable and deserves our full support. We are here today not only to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the ground-breaking resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, but also to support and promote women as actors for peace. It is high time that we accelerated our common efforts and moved from normative commitments to full implementation.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Our shared vision of a prosperous and self-governed Afghanistan, in which the Afghan people can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms as enshrined in the country's Constitution, depends greatly on it.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“The refreshed framework reaffirms our mutual commitments and long-term partnership, but it also provides an important foundation for putting Afghanistan firmly on a path to self-reliance. In conclusion, Sweden's support to Afghanistan is substantial and long-term. It began several decades ago and will continue, with a commitment of $1.2 billion throughout the transformation decade. The Afghan Government and people can count on our continued support regardless of the spiralling conflict. We condemn every attack on the civilian population and every effort to obstruct a meaningful dialogue on peace and reconciliation. It is time for an end to the violence that has plagued Afghanistan for too long. It is also time for reforms to be implemented.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“That development is disturbing and must be countered. We are very concerned about the continuing violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law, which cause great suffering and despair. The universality of human rights must not be compromised. It is important to ensure that the violations are ended and mechanisms for achieving accountability strengthened. Thirdly, Sweden welcomes the recent senior officials meeting at which a framework for self-reliance through mutual accountability was endorsed. We welcome its strategic focus and the efforts made to increase Afghan ownership and ensure that development aid is spent as effectively as possible. We would like to commend the Government of Afghanistan for prioritizing work on human rights and gender equality.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, it is essential that UNAMA's role in providing its good offices for peace and reconciliation be maintained, in order to help facilitate what must be an Afghan-led peace process that is inclusive and representative of the population. The participation of women in that process is particularly important. Unfortunately, the prospects for a peace dialogue, despite regional and international efforts, which we welcome, have been threatened by repeated attacks on the civilian population. Secondly, recent events have brought with them a worrying number of civilian casualties and conflict- related displacement. Violence, in the form of suicide attacks, targeted killings and abductions, is part of the daily lives of millions of Afghans, and as is so often the case, women and children are in particularly vulnerable situations.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“We are particularly pleased that the recommendations acknowledge the normative role of the United Nations in several important areas, based on the cardinal principles of transparency, participation and accountability. Afghanistan will need international support for the foreseeable future. UNAMA will therefore continue to have a role in donor coordination, the facilitation of humanitarian access and support for capacity-building for humanitarian response. UNAMA's physical presence in the country is critical to the effectiveness of the United Nations mandate and to the ability of United Nations donors to deliver and monitor assistance throughout the country, not least in the humanitarian field.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“We have observed his work with great admiration and wish him good luck in the future. I would like to focus on three points. First, we welcome the results of the review of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) carried out by the Tripartite Review Commission, which will feed into the debate here in the Security Council. We would like to thank the National Unity Government of Afghanistan for its constructive contributions, and the UNAMA team for facilitating that process. Sweden remains a dedicated supporter of UNAMA and agrees to the proposals put forward by the Commission concerning the future of its engagement.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“While Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union, we would like to make just a few additional remarks in our national capacity. First, I would like to thank Mr. Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, for his comprehensive briefing on the worrying situation in Afghanistan and, more important, for the work he has been doing with his team on the ground. We take particular note ofthe continued fragile security situation and the intensity of the conflict. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks and the gratitude of the Swedish delegation to Ambassador Zahir Tanin for his work here. He is a true example of how an individual can bring about positive change for his country.”
2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source
“In closing, one might say that the value-added of the accompanying role of the Peacebuilding Commission is clearly being tested as a post-conflict country approaches a milestone in its journey towards sustaining peace. Liberia has a challenging year ahead. The Council and bilateral and multilateral partners have accumulated experience and knowledge that we must continue to deploy in support of Liberia's own efforts to consolidate peace. The Commission that I chair stands ready to contribute to all these efforts focused on national priorities and sustained peace.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“The preparations for the elections in 2017, the current constitutional review and the process of decentralization will also remain on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, as these processes will affect fundamental aspects of State- and nation-building. Similarly, implementing the strategic road map for national healing, peacebuilding and reconciliation also remains imperative. We will also try to highlight land issues and their relevance to the crucial area of natural-resource management, not only to ensure reduced tensions between affected communities and concessionaires, but also to help Liberia develop a sustainable source of domestic revenue. Lastly, tackling corruption with continued vigor will be key in order to raise public trust in Government institutions.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“The key priorities of our current engagement remain valid, namely, reform of the security sector, national reconciliation and the rule of law. The updated instrument is intended to align and bring together existing national plans, including the Agenda for Transformation, the Government's plan for the UNMIL transition and the Ebola recovery plan. The configuration looks forward to engaging with the Liberian Government on updating our framework of engagement, and we will keep the Council informed on this exercise as well. As Liberia is preparing for the security transition, it is simultaneously grappling with a number of other reforms with a bearing on peace consolidation.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“The Commission is ready to share the conclusions of those deliberations with the Council. In addition, in order to ensure that the Peacebuilding Commission plays a relevant role beyond the transition, the configuration has taken steps towards the revision of its current instruments of engagement with Liberia. The Commission has invited the Secretary-General to make recommendations for a updated framework of engagement for the PBC in view of the security transition. This strategic input by the United Nations system will be critical to enabling the Commission to play an effective role and will help align our support for the efforts made by the operational actors in the field. Those actors include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source