YouSaid · the spoken record

Smith

lines on the record: 99
first: 1999-07-08
most recent: 2020-02-24
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“In sum, the case of Somalia shows us the future of peacebuilding. There are practical steps decision makers can take to address the negative impact of today’s environmental crises to improve tomorrow’s prospects for peace and security. UNSOM and the Federal Government of Somalia have both made important steps in this direction, and there is room for more. I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address the Security Council, whose attention is greatly appreciated.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Some tried and tested measures are still relevant, but, all other things being equal, a changing world requires some new responses. Knowing what does not work means it is time to find something new, even experimentally. Finally, there are implications for the wider United Nations system. To synthesize climate-risk-assessment capacity, risk-assessment information should be made available to those that need it via the United Nations system and the climate security mechanism; we must ensure that the training of peacebuilding personnel includes a specific focus on climate sensitivity; and lastly, we must carry out the systems adjustments needed so that funding streams can support integrated responses to climate-related security risks and prioritize programmes that promote climate resilience.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Accordingly, and fourthly, the case of UNSOM in Somalia exemplifies what we have also identified in other operations in the Sahel, in the Middle East and in Asia — the imperative of preparing now for climate impacts. The first step is to increase capacity to assess climate-related security risks. A good starting point is to step up the dialogue on this issue among United Nations agencies working in-country. It is or should be a central plank of the sustaining peace and conflict prevention agenda. Fifthly, by increasing information exchange between missions, knowledge about what works and what does not will be brought together and can be more widely shared. And sixthly, dare we say it, we should dare to find new responses.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Secondly, it can remain alert to the need to adapt its response structures to evolving conditions. Part of its long-term strategy and part of the recovery and resilience framework for Somalia should be to build the capacity to receive, process, disseminate and act upon information that reflects the changing on-the-ground realities in the dual context of a changing climate and protracted conflicts. Thirdly, climate and climate change cross national boundaries and so does the impact. Broader regional responses are required. Through the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, appropriate inter-State frameworks exist, with which UNSOM can cooperate. If I may, our report also contains relevant input for similar United Nations missions in vulnerable areas.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“This is the basis for forming the Disaster Operations Coordination Centre, working with the comprehensive recovery and resilience framework for Somalia. It is also important that the role of an environmental security adviser was created, so as to address the need for coordination. UNSOM is therefore taking steps to address climate-related risks. Together with the United Nations country team, what more can it do? First, the Mission can focus on improving coordination between the Government and humanitarian and security actors, both Somali and international. To be sure, care must be taken not to undermine humanitarian neutrality, but assistance in a humanitarian emergency can be accepted from different quarters. Preparation for this will reduce the impact of future shocks and can be done without compromising humanitarian principles.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The evidence is clear that climate-related shocks and stresses can destabilize Somalia’s prospects for peace. Extreme weather events create water and food insecurity that give Al-Shabaab the opportunity to act as service providers, which allows the group’s political narrative to gain support and decreases trust in the peacebuilding efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations. UNSOM and the United Nations country team have responded to the increasing pressure and recurrence of extreme weather events and their knock-on effects. Based on the lessons learned from the 2011 drought and its catastrophic consequences, initiatives were developed that curbed the potentially severe famine in 2016 and 2017. The key was timely information and effective interagency cooperation across Somalia.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“It therefore indirectly encourages criminality and creates opportunities for recruitment by armed factions. In short, local climate realities feed Al-Shabaab with a pool of potential recruits. Of course, the influx of small arms into the region offers armed factions additional opportunities for building their strength. Further, local conflicts can quickly escalate to become conflicts at the national level. Disagreements on natural resources are absorbed into Somalia’s larger political dynamics and have led to some of its deadliest violence. And worryingly, at the same time as resource-based conflicts have both deepened and escalated, migration to the cities and internal displacement have had the effect of weakening traditional means of managing and resolving conflicts.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In 2014, the IPCC projected more rain for Somalia in the coming decades, with the rain falling more intensely, thus generating a high and growing risk of flooding and soil erosion. Consequently, seasons and weather are hard to predict. This uncertainty has a direct impact on everyday life for a people who are highly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. It intensifies competition for natural resources and generates conflicts because, as herders shift away from traditional grazing routes due to unexpectedly changed conditions, so farmers find themselves having to defend their land and crops against extra pressure. Herders are more inclined to sell livestock in times of extreme weather, which depresses local prices, weakening an already weak market, which closes options for a dignified livelihood for young men.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“But the evidence is that if our analysis leaves out nature, including climate, then the analysis is incomplete. Somalia experiences some of the world’s highest mean annual temperatures and has long been prone to extreme weather conditions. In the six decades since 1960, the country has experienced a gradual and continuous increase in mean annual temperature. While the conflicts have made data collection and tracking difficult, in 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected a temperature increase of between 3.2°C and 4.3°C by the end of the twenty-first century — far exceeding tolerable levels. Meanwhile, rainfall is erratic and varies widely between the seasons and from year to year.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“I do not need to explain to the Council the contours of conflict in Somalia. Conflicts persist among competing clans and ideological and political groups. There are both national and local conflicts, and both types feed each other. The local conflicts are often closely linked with access to natural resources, especially land, fisheries and water. The ownership of resources is closely linked to livelihoods and ways of life and therefore to markers of communal identity, which makes conflict particularly hard to resolve or even manage and embeds the influence of climate deep within the factors that shape the prospects of security and insecurity — peace or conflict — in Somalia. Let us therefore turn to the country’s climate. Our report does not argue that climate defines everything in Somalia or elsewhere.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In a nutshell, floods and droughts in Somalia exacerbate conflict and displacement, thereby increasing the risk that the efforts of UNSOM and the work of the Federal Government of Somalia to build peace will be undermined. The pressure of weather events is part of what challenges the current power- sharing agreement, providing, inter alia, recruitment opportunities for the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization. Turning that around, so that the response to climate variability creates opportunities for peacebuilding, is perhaps the essence of the challenge facing the Federal Government of Somalia and UNSOM. Addressing the negative impact of environmental change on peace operations could offer an opportunity to build a positive relationship between environmental resilience and sustainable peace.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Mr. Smith: I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to speak to the Council today about the effect of climate-related impacts on peace operations in Somalia. This is a glimpse into the world of tomorrow, in which peace operations will be undertaken in security environments that are increasingly influenced by climate and vulnerable to its vagaries. The mandate renewals in 2018 and 2019 for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) referred to the impact of climate change. Against that background, my institute, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, has explored the evidence of climate impact, assessed the risks it poses and identified responses. We released our report in late 2019, and my briefing today summarizes its findings.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“At the Tokyo Conference in July, we must make progress on the development cooperation with the Afghan Government by making tangible and sustainable commitments based on Afghanistan's own national priority programmes. Norway's development assistance to Afghanistan is long-term and based on mutual promises of governance reforms. In conclusion, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan depends upon good relations with its neighbours. We therefore fully support the follow-up to the Istanbul process and the regional confidence-building measures that are being developed. Norway strongly encourages Afghanistan and its neighbours to develop and expand political, security and economic relations.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The strengthening of political parties, civil society groups and free media will be crucial, as will the establishment of the rule of law and the fulfilment of the demands of the Afghan people for justice. Furthermore, all parties must respect the achievements of the past decade, in particular Afghanistan's international human rights obligations and core principles enshrined in the Afghan Constitution. Women's rights and the empowerment of women should be critical elements of the peace process, and must remain on the top of our agenda. Violence against women remains a major challenge, and the legal rights that Afghan women now enjoy need to be protected through the transition. In that regard, we welcome the Afghan Government's recent publication of its first report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“In that regard, we expect that the appointment process of the new commissioners to the Commission will be finalized shortly in a transparent and inclusive manner. Afghan civil society has a crucial role to play, but the Government should also improve its own institution- building and internal cooperation. Afghanistan needs a political settlement that brings the insurgents and key political and social groups, including civil society, on board to address the root causes of the conflict. A political settlement will not be viable unless it is supported by a majority of Afghans across the political and social spectrum. In the long run, the most sustainable basis for a peaceful future is formed by a broadening of the political space.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Another equally important factor is the ability of the Afghan Government to properly perform its functions. Progress on good governance, the rule of law and the protection of the human rights of all Afghans is vital to a sustainable security transition and a durable peace. Promoting the accountability of Government institutions, including separation of powers, will be necessary to build a viable Afghan State. Moving towards transition, it is equally important that efforts to promote human rights also strengthen the Afghan State's ability to fight impunity and protect the rights of its citizens. It is also vital that the necessary monitoring and watchdog functions of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, civil society groups and free media are not undermined.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“It is also vital that the United Nations continue to promote the capacity of Afghan electoral institutions and the integrity of future electoral processes as the key to empowering democratic institutions. Building robust electoral institutions that can hold elections that meet international standards remains a key area of reform. In parallel to assisting with capacity-building and promoting increased aid coherence in international assistance, UNAMA should focus on supporting the Afghan Government in becoming more accountable, transparent and inclusive. Today's debate takes place during an important transition period for Afghanistan. The security transition is progressing and will be reviewed at the upcoming NATO Chicago summit on Afghanistan in May. Well-performing Afghan security forces are a key to stability and peace.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Let me first thank Special Representative Kubis for his briefing today and express our firm support to him and the dedicated staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We welcome the renewal of UNAMA's mandate to be adopted this week. The essence of that mandate is political, not technical. As we gradually transfer power from international to Afghan ownership, UNAMA'S role as the guarantor of the integrity of the transition process becomes indispensable. UNAMA serves the purpose both of supporting the Afghan Government and of empowering the Afghan people in their tireless efforts to build a peaceful and democratic future. Good offices and political outreach in supporting an inclusive, Afghan-led process for a political settlement and monitoring human rights remain essential to UNAMA's mandate.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“We remain concerned about the ongoing efforts within the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons to negotiate a new protocol on cluster munitions. The current draft would in fact perpetuate, rather than prevent, the civilian suffering caused by cluster munitions. These concerns are widely shared by other States, the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations field organizations and other humanitarian organizations. To ignore the advice of those entities and the facts they have provided on the humanitarian realities on the ground would be a very negative signal. We urge all States to work to strengthen international humanitarian law and to keep our focus on the humanitarian realities in the field.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“That is yet another acknowledgement of the fact that the ICC is a necessary tool for ensuring that perpetrators of international crimes are brought to justice. It follows that security sector reform must be given a higher priority, with a particular emphasis on the justice sector. While respect for existing rules is of key importance, the rules of international humanitarian law 11-5866] also need to be continually reviewed and strengthened in order to keep up with new developments in warfare and new emerging humanitarian concerns. Over the past 15 years, fundamental norms, such as the Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, have been developed with a view to outlawing conventional weapons that cause unacceptable harm.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The United Nations must continue to expand its range of tools for preventive capacities in order to avert mass atrocities, including a focus on crisis response through diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means. Thirdly, perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law must be brought to justice. It is States that bear the primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law. In cases where national judicial systems fail, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an indispensable vehicle for ensuring justice and accountability. In February of this year, the Security Council for the second time used the powers granted to it by the Rome Statute to unanimously refer the situation in Libya to the Court.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We welcome the commitment of the Security Council to establishing a stronger protection framework against sexual violence in conflict and for children in armed conflict, most recently through resolutions 1960 (2010) and 1998 (2011). We further encourage the Security Council to strengthen its monitoring and oversight in the area of the protection of civilians. Secondly, the protection of civilians cannot be seen in isolation from the principle of the responsibility to protect. While it is the responsibility of States to protect civilians by promoting and protecting their human rights, the international community has a responsibility to assist in ensuring that civilians are protected from mass atrocities.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Since the 2010 report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians of civilians in armed conflict (S/2010/579), we have seen further evidence of the pattern of harm caused by explosive weapons used in populated areas in a number of country contexts, such as Cote d'Ivoire, Libya and Syria. Stronger data-gathering on the impact of explosive violence on civilians would allow us to better understand this pattern of harm and to strengthen accountability. Norway would welcome discussions with partners on this issue ahead of the next debate on the protection of civilians. In addition, we need to enhance the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“A major obstacle to strengthening the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a general lack of respect for international humanitarian law and the way in which its rules are interpreted and implemented. Another challenge is to continue efforts to further strengthen international humanitarian law. There can be no doubt that the protection of civilians must include conflict and post-conflict situations alike. Increased accountability is key to ensuring better compliance with fundamental international norms to protect civilians. Let me address three points that relate to situations where populations remain vulnerable in the face of armed hostilities. First, an indispensable building block for accountability is data on the civilian harm being experienced in conflict situations.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“They undermine negotiations and may soon render the two- State vision unattainable. The Secretary-General, the General Assembly and the International Court of Justice have all rejected the legality of such unilateral actions. Norway welcomes the agreement on the release of Gilad Shalit and the exchange of prisoners. The family's long wait is now over. Norway's position all along has been that Shalit's imprisonment was unacceptable, and we have been among the countries actively working for his release. We expect that agreement to have implications for the situation in the West Bank and Gaza over the next few weeks.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“If, in due course, the Palestinian authorities decide to go before the General Assembly, Norway will consider all legitimate demands put forward. The recognition of statehood and accession to United Nations membership are issues that are best addressed in the main United Nations bodies here in New York. A main obstacle to an effective Palestinian State and full institution-building remains the occupation and the continued building of Israeli settlements on the occupied land. Norway is deeply concerned by the grave effects on peace and security of recent plans such as those for Mordot Gilo and Givat Hamatos, as well as other planned settlement expansions. Such measures are rapidly changing the territories around Jerusalem, in East Jerusalem and in the West Bank.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Prime Minister Fayyad has succeeded in what he promised two years ago, namely, establishing the necessary institutional foundation for achieving international recognition of Palestinian statehood. In September, President Abbas reiterated before the General Assembly the need to resolve the final status issues through negotiations (see A/66/PV.19). Moreover, he ensured the General Assembly of the Palestinian Authority's commitment to comply with the Charter of the United Nations, relevant United Nations resolutions, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. We take note of the Palestinian application for United Nations membership, which the Security Council is now considering. We await the result of the Council's deliberations.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Meanwhile, we support all international efforts leading to a comprehensive agreement on the outstanding final status issues, including the recent efforts of the Middle East Quartet to resume substantive talks between the two parties. Norway has consistently stood by Israel and its inherent right to self-defence in accordance with international law. We have also supported the Palestinian right to statehood and the building of the Palestinian Authority. At its last meeting in September, the donor support group for the Palestinian Authority affirmed the success of Palestinian institution-building. The performance of Palestinian public institutions was scrutinized by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations. Their joint conclusion was that the Palestinians were fully capable of running a State.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“A debate on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question on United Nations Day, 24 October, is highly symbolic. The bid for Palestinian statehood goes back to the United Nations partition plan of 1947, and even further. In 1949, Norway voted in favour of admitting Israel as a Member State of the United Nations. At the time, we based our decision on the declarations and explanations provided by Israel. Israel had persuasively explained why recognition and membership should not await the resolution of the outstanding final status issues. Since then, Norwegian policy has been based on the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Norway therefore stands ready to recognize a Palestinian State.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“This memorandum is a milestone in the operationalization of the African Standby Force, as it will provide the framework for the first ever deployment of a regional African standby force. Let me conclude by expressing the Nordic countries' appreciation of India's initiative to organize today's debate.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“This is particularly true with regard to security sector reform. Enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is another key partnering issue. Cooperation and coordination are important means to ensure that the increased role of regional organizations in peacekeeping contributes to the efficient use of scarce resources. This is highly relevant in Africa, where the African Union is shouldering a heavy burden alongside the United Nations. The Nordic countries are jointly engaged in a capacity-building programme with the Eastern African Standby Force Coordination Mechanism. We are delighted with the progress made by our East African partners. Last week, the Standby Force signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Union Commission to enhance the capabilities of the African Union Mission in Somalia.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“A well-integrated and more coherent United Nations is a more effective United Nations. This requires an ability to prioritize and to think strategically across sectors and divisions. Partnership is a key word. We acknowledge the importance of further enhancing the relationship between troop- and police-contributing countries and 11-4820!) United Nations bodies. The Secretariat and the Security Council will benefit from closer engagement in the formulation of new mandates as well as in the adjustment of existing mandates. Close relations between the United Nations and host Governments will also benefit all parties involved and pave the way for early transition. In order to succeed with those very sensitive peacebuilding tasks that tend to be included in peacekeeping mandates, national ownership is vital.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Likewise, the United Nations must make more efficient use of available resources, both in-house and internationally, in particular from the South. In this light, we welcome the recommendations of the civilian capacities review (S/2011/85). Civilian capacities, including rule of law and gender expertise, play a key role in the transition from conflict to peace and development. Together, we must build on the momentum that has been generated by the review, and continue to work for the implementation of the recommendations. As Nordic countries, we stand ready to share our expertise in developing civilian capacities in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We must also continue to strengthen the United Nations capacity to deliver as one. We cannot look at peacekeeping in isolation from peacebuilding and longer-term development.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The effective implementation of all aspects of protection mandates requires adequate capabilities, training, planning and strategy. The Nordic countries fully agree with India's focus on the need for better alignment between mandates and capabilities. Discrepancies between stated objectives and the availability of capabilities can undermine the credibility of the United Nations. To meet future demands, the United Nations needs to apply a more comprehensive and capability- driven approach. The Nordic countries support the New Horizon initiative as a solid basis for improving the United Nations capacity to deliver on all parts of the mandates. The ongoing efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support to move the focus from numbers to skills and capacity are highly commendable.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We strongly believe that we need more women at the top level in United Nations peacekeeping and that we must continue to strive for proper integration of the gender perspective in all activities. We welcome this opportunity to discuss peacekeeping in the Security Council. Our main focus will be on the issues of protection, capabilities and partnerships. The primary role of the United Nations with regard to the protection of civilians should be to assist host Governments in carrying out their responsibility to fulfil this vital task. Strengthening good governance, security and justice sector reform, and the participation of women are key issues in this regard. At the same time, the United Nations must be prepared and able to provide robust assistance when needed.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Like other speakers, I firmly condemn the terrorist attack in Abuja today. A Norwegian junior professional officer was among the deceased. Our thoughts go to the United Nations, the people of Nigeria, and the victims and their families. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. United Nations peacekeeping is crucial in supporting countries affected by armed conflict. The Nordic countries are longstanding supporters of this key United Nations endeavour. Between us, we participate in nine of the current United Nations operations. Three of them are headed by representatives from the Nordic countries, two of whom are women. That is no coincidence.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“But time is running out. We are only a few months away from the internationally recognized deadline for negotiating a framework agreement on permanent status and a subsequent comprehensive peace treaty. Now is the time for both parties to come back to the negotiating table and show, through decisive action, that this conflict can be ended and the Palestinians can have their own independent, democratic and viable State.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“As long as Israel maintains control in Area C, which constitutes 60 per cent of the West Bank, economic growth will not be sufficient to enable the Palestinian Authority to become sustainable. To break this cycle and secure the future sustainability of the Authority, Israel needs to take further steps to dismantle restrictions and measures in Area C, allow access to land and water in these areas, and pursue a coherent trade strategy. As noted time and time again by the international community, the Palestinian State-building track and the political negotiating track are interdependent. Progress on one track can only go so far without progress on the other. For all practical purposes, the State-building process has been completed. The road towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, however, goes through negotiations.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In other words, we have a functioning Palestinian State structure. This remarkable progress over the past few years could not have happened without the determination and hard work of Prime Minister Fayyad and his Cabinet, the cooperation and support of the Government of Israel, and the unwavering financial support of the international donor community. This tripartite cooperation within the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee 3 framework has greatly contributed to the success of Palestinian State-building efforts. However, there are still challenges that need immediate attention. The Palestinian State-building agenda is rapidly approaching its limits in terms of what it can achieve within the political and physical space available to the Palestinian Authority.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“At the meeting of the international donor group for the Palestinians in Brussels last week, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United Nations reported to the donor community that the Palestinian Authority is above the threshold for a functioning State. The three organizations have concluded that the Palestinian Authority's delivery of public services to its population and implementation of reforms now compare favourably with those of many middle-income countries. The IMF even reported that Palestinian reforms have come so far that the public financial management system is not only ready to support the functions of a State, but has even become a model for other developing countries. At the same time the, Palestinian Authority has reduced its dependence on donor budget support by almost 50 per cent.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“This debate comes at a time of momentous developments across the Middle East and North Africa. The popular uprisings in the region are ushering in a period of great opportunity. We are hopeful that the people of the Middle East will be heard in their rightful demands for political participation and human rights. Our message to the regimes and the people is clear - autocratic rule and popular repression belong to the past; democracy and freedom are the future. In the midst of these historic changes, I would like to take this opportunity to report on another and no less historic event in the history of the Middle East peace process.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520Resumption1 (2011) · source
“However, there are still many obstacles to its implementation. A joint effort between Government authorities and civil society is likely to give the best and most sustainable results in terms of achieving long-term gender equality in Afghanistan. UNAMA's mandate has to reflect today's political realities, including principles for a gradual and conditions-based transition. UNAMA must continue to assist the Afghan Government and the Afghan people in their continuous efforts to build a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. This requires a viable and credible Afghan leadership.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“The achievement of a peaceful and durable solution will require broad participation on the part of religious, ethnic and civil society groups from all over the country. The substantial participation of women is key to any durable peace process. We note with concern the continued assaults on freedom of speech and the media, and we commend the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission for its resolute efforts to monitor, protect and promote respect for human rights in Afghanistan. Norway is pleased to note that human rights units have been established in the Afghan Ministry of Justice. This is an example of the Afghan Government's commitment to mainstreaming human rights in all national legislation. Violence against women remains a major problem. Much has been achieved in terms of a strengthened legal framework for women's rights.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“We expect all parties to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Although the parliamentary election process was far from perfect, it is now important that the Parliament assume its functions and pursue the best interests of the Afghan people. The political crisis caused by the parliamentary elections once again showed the urgent need for electoral reform in Afghanistan. Norway will continue to support an Afghan-led electoral reform process that is sustainable and based on the joint commitment made at the Kabul Conference. A structured political dialogue is vital in order to meet the challenges facing Afghanistan today. Norway supports an Afghan-led peace process as part of a broader, viable and sustainable Afghan political settlement.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“To implement a viable political reform agenda, the Afghan Government must continue to work closely with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the international community. Future success is to a large extent dependent on developments at the provincial and district level, pending the implementation of the Afghan subnational governance policy. The continued presence of UNAMA offices is therefore a precondition for a successful and gradual political transition. Afghanistan needs a strong, well-functioning UNAMA just as much as UNAMA needs a reliable and responsible partner in the Afghan Government. We strongly support Special Representative De Mistura's call for a surge for the protection of civilians, particularly as 2010 was the deadliest year for civilians since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Let me first express our firm support for Special Representative De Mistura and commend him for his dedicated leadership in a time of transition to greater Afghan ownership. Norway has a stake in the future of Afghanistan. We make a significant contribution of troops and we provide $150 million a year in development assistance. Our engagement is based on the principles of Afghan ownership and responsibility, as expressed in the joint Kabul Declaration last year. In this respect, Norway supports a transition of security responsibilities to Afghan lead beginning this spring, provided that certain fundamental conditions are met. Yet only a political transition can bring long- term stability to Afghanistan. This, in turn, requires improved governance and substantial reforms in many areas.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“We support any measures that are suitable to maximize the effectiveness of that mandate. At the same time, we will continue to consider further steps towards strengthening the due-process rights of those listed. In our View, we should continue to reflect on how the current system could be enhanced, including in terms of guaranteeing its effectiveness and credibility, without calling into question the very important progress that has been achieved so far. I would like to once again encourage the Council to continue its open and inclusive dialogue with interested States on issues pertaining to sanctions. I would, in this regard, reassure you that the informal group of like-minded States stands ready to engage in such a dialogue and offer our views and perspective on the way forward on those important issues.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“One of the major improvements that came with resolution 1904 (2009) is that the Committee will meet to discuss the report that the Ombudsperson submits to it after she has considered a request for de-listing. We assume that in such cases, where the Ombudsperson has been involved and has thus given the request for de-listing a thorough assessment, there will be less need for putting requests on hold. The current practice of placing de-listing requests on hold is sometimes justified by a need for additional information before a final decision can be made. That justification might be less compelling in a situation where the Ombudsperson has provided the Committee with all relevant information. The informal group welcomes all the progress made so far, and we will continue to closely follow the functioning of the mandate of the Ombudsperson.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“The informal group of like-minded States would also encourage the Ombudsperson to consider giving regular interactive briefings on her role and activities, as has become the practice for other key United Nations entities in the field of counter-terrorism, such as the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The Ombudsperson cannot -and is not intended to - function in a vacuum. She will need to engage with States and petitioners when performing the key functions of her mandate. That activity may require resources for travelling. Furthermore, the Ombudsperson might benefit in her work from participating in relevant seminars or obtaining country- specific information. We therefore call on the Council to provide the necessary resources and thereby consolidate the independence of the mandate of the Ombudsperson.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“States should also be encouraged to include information in their periodic reports to the 1267 Committee on what steps they have taken to generate publicity about the mandate of the Ombudsperson. Furthermore, all States should receive the necessary general information about the work of the Ombudsperson. Such information will contribute to a deeper appreciation of the role and needs of the Ombudsperson and of any possible challenges in the exercise of her mandate. More knowledge on the part of Member States in that area could in turn strengthen the cooperation with the Ombudsperson. We therefore look forward to the biannual reports of the Ombudsperson.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source