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

“We therefore call on all United Nations Member States, not only the members of the Security Council, to respond promptly and adequately to the Ombudsperson's requests for information and assistance. It is of paramount importance that the Ombudsperson has access to all relevant information, including confidential and classified documents, regarding the listing. We have taken due note of the Ombudsperson's initial priorities of safeguarding the independence of her office and of raising general awareness of the role of the Ombudsperson. All Governments should assist the Ombudsperson in making the office's mandate widely known by, for example, bringing the existence of the Ombudsperson's website to the attention of relevant non-governmental organizations and to national bar associations.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“Judge Prost has a wealth of experience in a number of legal disciplines as well as in the counter-terrorism field. We are confident that she will execute her important mandate to the full satisfaction of all involved parties, and we pledge full support to and cooperation with Judge Prost and her office. The Ombudsperson receives and considers requests for removal of entries from the Consolidated List. To that end, she engages with individuals, entities and States in order to obtain a clear picture of why a given person or entity has been listed by the Committee, and also in order to assess the current justification for the listing. The Ombudsperson cannot function effectively without the full cooperation of Member States.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“We should also like to recognize the efforts and hard work of the Secretariat and the Monitoring Team in that process. We are also pleased to note that the number of narrative summaries posted on the Committee's website continues to grow. In the view of the like-minded States, the adoption of resolution 1904 (2009) is a major step forward in strengthening due-process guarantees, in particular for persons or entities that wish to be removed from the Consolidated List. The creation of the position of an Ombudsperson to assist the Committee when it considers requests for de-listing is of course the main feature introduced by resolution 1904 (2009). We commend the Secretary-General for the appointment in June this year of Judge Kimberly Prost to serve as Ombudsperson.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“In doing so, I should underline that the group supports and fully recognizes the application of targeted sanctions as a useful and necessary tool to effectively combat international terrorism. Our position has been guided by the goal of strengthening the regime established by resolution 1267 (1999) in order to make that regime more credible and thus more effective. First of all, we commend the 1267 Committee, under the leadership of Ambassador Thomas Mayr- Harting of Austria, for having completed the review of all the persons and entities on the Committee's Consolidated List on 30 July this year. The review is an important achievement, as the removal of 45 entries, including 9 deceased persons, strengthens the credibility of the system. Many Member States have made important contributions to the Committee's review.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the informal group of like-minded States comprising Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and my own country, Norway. The members of the European Union (EU) in this group also align themselves with the statement to be delivered by the delegation of the European Union. We thank the respective Chairpersons for their briefings today. The Council and the 1267 Committee have taken significant steps to further strengthen the due-process elements in the work of the Committee. It is against that backdrop that the informal group of like- minded States makes this intervention today.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“The donor community stands ready to carry its share of the burden in seeing the Palestinian State-building process finalized. In the international community, there is consensus that there is no alternative to the two-State solution and that detailed final-status negotiations over many years have dealt with many, if not most of the critical issues. Norway strongly supports all initiatives to bring credible negotiations back on track, and supports actions taken by the parties and the international community to underpin continued Palestinian State-building efforts.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Today, restrictions on the movement of goods and people have severed ties between the city and the rest of the West Bank, harming trade and economic growth. The continued expansion of Israeli settlements, exemplified by the recent decision to add another 240 units to settlements on occupied territory, only adds to the separation of East Jerusalem from the West Bank. The expansion of PA governance into these areas is necessary to secure economic growth and a sustainable Palestinian Authority. At a time when direct talks have stalled over Israel's decision to continue the expansion of illegal settlements, it is worth recalling that the stakes are high. The Palestinian State structure is there and ready to assume statehood responsibilities.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Sixty per cent of the West Bank is still under full Israeli control. These areas are currently serving as military or environmental zones or are occupied by illegal settlements, and the PA cannot serve the Palestinian population in these areas properly either with regard to security or in ensuring proper infrastructure and utilizing the economic potential. If the PA is to become independent of the support of the international donor community, it must be allowed to tap into the potential for economic growth that these areas hold. And the potential is substantial. Independent surveys suggest that the Jordan Valley could generate $1 billion-worth of industrial and agricultural output annually, and employ as many as 100,000 Palestinians. East Jerusalem has traditionally been the engine of the Palestinian economy.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“A month ago, the international donor community met here in New York in the framework of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee to assess the progress made on building Palestinian institutions in the Palestinian territory. At that meeting, the World Bank reported to the donor community that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is now "well positioned for the establishment of a State at any point in the near future". Over the past few years, the PA has made impressive efforts in building transparent and accountable institutions. Economic growth, combined with a steady decline in budget deficits, gives hope that the Palestinian economy is gradually moving towards financial sustainability. However, the World Bank report also stated clearly that this emerging State structure is not sustainable in its current form, but remains dependent on foreign aid.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Recommendations from Afghan and international observer missions are key in this respect. Such a process must include expanding and strengthening civic education efforts on elections, with the particular aim of including women and civil society groups in the political process.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“Norway welcomes the establishment today of the Human Rights Support Unit in the Ministry of Justice and has high expectations of its role in advancing the capacity of the Afghan Government to fulfil its international human rights obligations in a coordinated manner. It is still early to judge the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections, where preliminary results are expected early next month. The real test will be if the electoral institutions, the Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission, are able to address complaints and irregularities systematically and impartially. It is not too early, however, to determine the need for long-term electoral reform and increased capacity-building of the Afghan electoral institutions.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“Many relevant groups from the Afghan community have been left out, including civil society. We are in particular concerned about the limited number of female members of the Council. The participation of women is key to any durable peace process. As next month marks the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, we reiterate the importance of its implementation in this regard. Furthermore, it is important throughout reintegration and reconciliation efforts not to preclude transitional justice. Addressing issues of transitional justice and human rights in a context of ongoing conflict is challenging, but the Afghan people need to be included in a meaningful way and have their rights protected in the context of a peace process. Injustice is no less a strategic concern than corruption or weak governance.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“As we have emphasized several times before in this Chamber, peace and reintegration in Afghanistan should not only be Afghan-led but must also be based on the principle of inclusiveness and conducted in conformity with the Constitution and international human rights. Norway supports an Afghan-led reconciliation process, including talks with those from the armed opposition who have renounced violence and resumed a civilian life, as parts of a viable broader Afghan political settlement. But this process has to be inclusive, transparent and truly national. Reconciliation requires broad representation of religious, ethnic and civil society groups, including women. In this regard, we are concerned about the narrow composition of the High Peace Council which was announced by President Karzai yesterday.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“The recent renewed attention on corruption and administrative misruling also highlight the need for the Afghanistan Government to show stronger political will to combat corruption and to reform State institutions, both of which are prerequisites for a sustainable State-building agenda based on a contract between the Afghan people and their Government. Furthermore, the Kabul process can only be successful if it really delivers at the provincial and district levels, countrywide. Efforts towards transition, as well as bringing the Afghanistan National Development Strategy to bear throughout the country, point to a more urgent need to enact a viable Afghan subnational governance policy.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“Norway is already contributing its part towards alignment and coherence. Furthermore, a successful Kabul process requires a more robust Afghan leadership. The new national programmes presented at the Conference need to be implemented soon and in a sequenced way through clear targets and priority areas. Afghan leadership and accountability are paramount for the Kabul process to succeed. Such leadership, in truth, must enable political processes that are inclusive and truly national in their nature. Otherwise, public support for Afghan ownership will decrease.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“Let me first express our sincere support for Special Representative De Mistura, his efforts to implement the newly refocused mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and his commitments to Afghan ownership. In a time of transition towards such ownership, the role of UNAMA is critical, particularly because it is the international guarantor for the integrity of the transition to greater Afghan leadership. The Kabul Conference was an important step towards greater Afghan ownership. It mobilized broad international support and demonstrated clear commitments by the Afghan Government towards its own people. However, concrete implementation of the commitments at the Conference is key, and donors should start aligning their support with Afghan priorities.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“With only one more year left in the transitional period, time is now highly limited if we are to find a lasting solution in Somalia.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“At the same time, we note with concern that the prosecution of captured pirates remains insufficient and sporadic, despite our collective efforts. Even if AMISOM. should be significantly strengthened, a lasting solution to the conflict in Somalia can be achieved only by political means. Norway remains a strong supporter of the Djibouti process and the efforts to reach out and integrate those groups that are not yet party to the peace process. We believe this should be vigorously pursued. At the same time, it is vital that the TFG get its act together and show a unity of purpose. The internal dispute over political positions is seriously undermining not only security, but also any efforts to achieve peace. Norway will continue to support the transitional federal institutions of Somalia, in particular the ongoing constitutional process.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“It is therefore important for the Security Council to take appropriate action to boost the strength and the operational capability of AMISOM. The main victims of the ongoing war of attrition in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia are, of course, the Somali people, who have been compelled to live under the direst conditions for such a long time. As long as the present situation continues, there is little hope for any improvement, and those who are able to do so are fleeing Mogadishu with their families. Norway, together with other donors, is seeking to provide humanitarian assistance, but access is often difficult. As regards piracy, Norway wishes to thank all the countries that are currently contributing to the naval capacities in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“I join others in thanking Special Representative Mahiga for his thorough and comprehensive briefing. Norway joins the Secretary-General and other Member States in strongly condemning the recent terrorist attacks carried out by extremist groups against the peacekeepers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and innocent civilians in Mogadishu and Kampala. In spite of the commendable efforts made by AMISOM. under extremely difficult circumstances, we have to face the fact that the situation in Mogadishu is still fragile. And the same may also be said about the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). The threat posed by militant and extremist groups to other countries in the region underlines that what is happening in Somalia is also a serious threat to peace and security in the wider international community.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“We endorse the Secretary-General's call for more of the international support and for budgetary support to be channelled through the Fund, thus supporting the Government's own reconstruction efforts. While there are positive developments in relation to the preparations for presidential and legislative elections, we are concerned about shortcomings in the voter registration process. This may have a negative impact on the elections and their legitimacy. The challenge is now to achieve a gradual transition from relief to recovery mode, keeping in mind that the humanitarian situation is volatile. We expect the United Nations to play a leading role in the longer-term recovery process, including by supporting capacity-building, enhancing the legitimacy of the Haitian institutions and engaging civil society.”
2010-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6382 (2010) · source
“Norway encourages MINUSTAH and other relevant international bodies, including the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, to take fully into account the recommendations issued by the High Commissioner for Human Rights in her statement to the Human Rights Council on 11 June 2010. We join the High Commissioner in calling for all reconstruction programmes and projects to adopt a human-rights- based approach, including during tender processes. A gender-based approach must be applied to all relief and reconstruction efforts. Norway has channelled a substantial part of our support through the Multi-donor Trust Fund, including as budgetary support. The Norwegian contribution to the Fund of $33 million has been disbursed.”
2010-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6382 (2010) · source
“One must look for solutions that permit the United Nations to engage in areas of Port-au-Prince that are rated as not secure. Norway commends the work done by the community violence reduction programme and recommends the extension of the programme. Norway clearly supports MINUSTAH's measures to address sexual and gender-based violence, including training and the establishment of a referral system and mechanisms for reporting and data collection. The Inter- Agency Standing Committee's Guidelines for Gender- based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings should inform the implementation of these measures.”
2010-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6382 (2010) · source
“First, I should like to thank Mr. Mulet for his comprehensive briefing today. As a sign of Norway's commitment, we are nominating a team of five police officers with expertise in sexual and gender-based violence to serve in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). This is our first specialized team to a United Nations mission, reflecting the great importance that Norway places on contributing to the concrete work of United Nations missions against sexual violence. We commend MINUSTAH's support to the Haitian authorities in setting up community police substations that can assist victims of sexual and gender-based violence in camps for internally displaced persons and in crime-prone areas. The potential for social unrest prevails.”
2010-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6382 (2010) · source
“Norway believes that the Trust Fund should be spent primarily on building the capacity of the justice sector in States in the region that accept pirates for prosecution. The Fund should also be spent on projects in States that announce their willingness to prosecute pirates. In addition, the Trust Fund should be used to strengthen the justice sector in Somalia. In the short term, the prison sector is being upgraded to make it possible for pirates convicted elsewhere to serve their sentences in Somaliland and Puntland. In Norway's view, enhancing prosecution in existing judicial systems of States in the region is the best option. It promotes burden-sharing, it strengthens the justice sector and it prevents the creation of a two- tier system in which pirates are treated differently from other criminals.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“Our point of departure is that the prosecution and incarceration of pirates should take place in the region, close to where the actual act of piracy is committed. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, there are the preventive and deterrent effects of prosecution and imprisonment. In addition, cultural, linguistic and family considerations are strong arguments. Cost-effectiveness and practical aspects are also important. We strongly believe in financial burden-sharing. Norway has already contributed â‚¬500,000 to the Contact Group Trust Fund. Today I would like to announce that we will double our contribution to the Fund. We encourage all affected States to follow suit to ensure that the Fund can continue its ambitious work.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“It is simply unacceptable that suspects are released when there is sufficient evidence against them. Moreover, this undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the naval presence. Pirates must be brought to justice in accordance with widely recognized principles of due process and applicable human rights. Norway appreciates the Council's engagement on this issue. We strongly welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/394), which once again confirms the magnitude and urgency of the problem. Ideally, Somalia should prosecute and imprison its own pirates. In parts of Somalia, this is already the case, and such domestic efforts should be encouraged. Nevertheless, extradition to Somalia is not yet an option. We thus need well-functioning, alternative mechanisms for the prosecution of pirates.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“First of all, I would like to join others in expressing our deepest condolences to those affected by the violent attack in Mogadishu yesterday. Every twentieth ship passing through the Gulf of Aden is Norwegian-owned. To fight the increasing problem of piracy, Norway is actively engaged in all relevant international forums. Our goal is to offer greater protection to ships and their crews and to support those engaged in the prosecution and incarceration of pirates. Norway puts great emphasis on supporting African solutions to the piracy problem. I wish in particular to thank the Governments of Kenya and Seychelles for their leading roles. Other States are preparing their own welcome contributions. Those States deserve recognition for their efforts. Impunity for piracy sends the wrong signal.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“The appalling bombing of the United Nations offices in Algiers on 11 December 2007 serves as a sober reminder that, notwithstanding the positive efforts we have collectively made, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to us all, and it continues to evolve and to manifest itself in new and dangerous ways. Member States have to do more to address this threat, and we, the United Nations, have to do a better job to help them in that endeavour. It is my hope that, with the renewal of CTED's mandate and the implementation of the proposals set out in the revised organizational plan, the Directorate will be able to assist the Security Council, through the Counter- Terrorism Committee, to make an appropriate contribution to this collective global effort.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Some 160 of these have already been adopted by the Committee and sent to the capitals of the States concerned. Secondly, we are putting the finishing touches to a revision of "Survey of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001)" - a document in which, I know, the Committee and this Council have taken considerable interest. That survey looks at how countries in all regions and subregions across the globe are proceeding in their counter- terrorism efforts generally, where they are encountering difficulties and what gaps and vulnerabilities remain to be addressed in particular regions. I am hopeful that members will find it a valuable diagnostic tool to inform consideration of what next steps should be taken to address the ongoing threat of global terrorism.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Finally, it suggests greater effort to strengthen collaboration and cooperation with the experts of the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004). It also highlights the usefulness of strengthened relations with international, regional and subregional organizations. I am confident that implementing those changes in the structure and work of CTED will improve the credibility and usefulness of our work in future. Let me now mention two particularly significant pieces of work on which we are currently engaged. First, we are close to finalizing the 192 Preliminary Implementation Assessments - or PIAs - one for every Member of the United Nations. This is a new and innovative tool that will greatly enhance our dialogue 3 with Member States on the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001).”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“As regards our methods of work, the revised organizational plan suggests several innovations. First, it proposes a more flexible approach to visits to countries, to allow for more focused visits tailored to the needs and situation of the country concerned. Secondly, it proposes a more comprehensive engagement with donors, the better to match their capabilities and programmes with the vulnerabilities identified in our dialogue with countries. Thirdly, it suggests that CTED become more actively involved in the work of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force - a proposal that simply recognizes that implementing the requirements of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) implements, at the same time, most part of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Those groups have been meeting regularly since their establishment and are already producing useful revisions of strategy, in the case of the technical assistance group, and revised criteria for harmonizing technical judgements about the implementation of particular elements of resolution 1373 (2001), in the case of the other groups. Additionally, two smaller units have been created: one, a quality control unit to review documents before they leave the Executive Directorate and to ensure that they are consistent in style and format; and the other, a communications and outreach unit to develop more proactive communications strategies. Both of those units have been working actively over the past few weeks and are having a positive impact on the work of the Directorate.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Let me say a little about the specific proposals in the revised organizational plan and how they address those concerns. The principal organizational change to CTED is the establishment, within the Assessment and Technical Assistance Office, of five cross-cutting functional groups in the areas of, respectively, technical assistance; terrorist financing; border control, arms trafficking and law enforcement; general legal issues; and issues raised by resolution 1624 (2005), as 08-27612 well as the human rights aspects of counter-terrorism.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“At the same time, that review was very much informed by three specific priorities that were repeatedly raised with me in the course of my consultations with members of the Council and the wider United Nations membership. The first of these is the consistency of our judgements across various countries and regions - something that is critical to the credibility of all our work. The second is facilitation of technical assistance. If we are to add real value to countries' counter- terrorism efforts, we need to be able to find solutions to the vulnerabilities that we identify. And the third is communication. There is clearly a need to explain, particularly to the wider United Nations membership, what we do and how we can help countries in their efforts to confront terrorism.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“To put it another way, these days the Counter- Terrorism Committee tends to spend less time establishing whether countries have put in place appropriate legislation and counter-terrorism machinery, and more time evaluating how effective their border control arrangements, their counter- terrorism coordination machinery and their law enforcement capabilities are. In this process, we have become more aware of the capacity, resource and infrastructural constraints that are impeding full implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) in particular countries and regions. The general progress made in the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) was part of the background for my review of CTED's organizational plan.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“We have seen hundreds of new ratifications of the key counter- terrorism conventions and protocols, and there has 08-27612 been an almost unprecedented level of international exchange of information and cooperation among relevant agencies across borders, with the purpose of disrupting planned terrorist attacks and enabling the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in terrorism. Given those developments, the need today is less to ensure that countries understand the seriousness of the challenge and more to ensure that they have the capacity and the expertise to implement the counter- terrorism measures set out in resolution 1373 (2001).”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“It also set out in that resolution the measures that all countries needed to take to combat that threat, including criminalizing terrorist acts, denying terrorists safe haven and financial resources, preventing terrorists from crossing borders and increasing cooperation with each other in order to prevent terrorist attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. All of those elements of resolution 1373 (2001) remain critical to addressing that threat and that resolution remains as relevant today as it was six and a half years ago. At the same time, it is worth noting that considerable progress has been made. Most countries in the world have now criminalized terrorism.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“I duly carried out that review of the Directorate's organization and methods of work, consulting with all the members of the Counter- Terrorism Committee, the wider United Nations membership, CTED staff, other relevant United Nations agencies and experts outside the system. I presented a revised version of the organizational plan to the Committee on 24 January 2008, where it was subsequently endorsed and forwarded to the Security Council. It is now before the Council in document S/2008/80, dated 8 February 2008. When the Council adopted resolution 1373 (2001) on 28 September 2001, following the heinous attack on the World Trade Center in this city two weeks earlier, it was underlining for the whole world the threat that terrorism poses to us all.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“Mr. Smith: It is a great pleasure and an honour to have been invited to make this statement before the Security Council. It gives me the opportunity, early in my tenure as Executive Director of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), to express my appreciation for the confidence and trust that you, the members of the Council, have shown in me, in approving my appointment to this position. On 10 December 2007, the Council adopted resolution 1787 (2007), which extended the mandate of CTED until 31 March 2008 and which requested me, in consultation with Council members, to recommend changes to the organizational plan of the Executive Directorate.”
2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source
“But an effective response can come over time through enhanced national and regional responses, which in turn can serve as building blocks for an effective international response. This approach has helped guide the Australian Government in the development of its own policy on the small arms issue. We offer these observations in the hope that they contribute in a practical way to this important debate. These are complex issues and clearly they do warrant further study, particularly with a focus on how our objectives can practically be built in to United Nations peacekeeping, post-conflict peace-building and post- conflict reconstruction activities. In this context, we welcome the proposal for further work on the issue assisted by a report from the Secretary-General.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The parties' agreement to such a plan will not only be significant in terms of reducing the number of weapons on the island and their threat to the peace process, but will also be a very important confidence-building measure in the context of negotiations over Bougainville's political future. I will conclude with a brief comment on the problem of small arms. Demobilization, weapons disposal and peace-monitoring programmes, such as those in which we have been involved in Bougainville, can and do play a key role in managing the problems caused in many other parts of the world by the proliferation and misuse of small arms. The small arms problem is a complex one, covering many issues: disarmament, human rights, legal, good governance and law and order issues, among others.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Their collective presence has provided a critical climate of security for Bougainvilleans, and has instilled in them the confidence to work through their differences. Without their presence, the threat to the Bougainville peace process posed by large numbers of ex-combatants would certainly have been more serious. The United Nations Political Office is also playing an important role in weapons disposal on the island. This is a key issue in the debate on Bougainville's political future. In early June 1999, the Peace Process Consultative Committee, a forum chaired by UNPOB and through which the parties can discuss peace-process-related issues and make recommendations to leaders, authorized UNPOB to develop a plan for weapons disposal, in conjunction with the key parties.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“A number of the beneficiaries are unemployed Bougainvillean youth. This is an important measure. In the absence of civil authority, a number of local law-and-order bodies have emerged with former rebels and local chiefs. In some instances, this has led to summary justice and an approach to law and order that is subject to no constitutional or legal control. The presence of the Peace Monitoring Group, a multinational force led by Australia and comprising approximately 300 personnel from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu, working cooperatively with the United Nations Political Office in Bougainville (UNPOB) have both been crucial in managing the problem of disenfranchised combatants. The Peace Monitoring Group and UNPOB are both neutral, unarmed bodies mandated to monitor the peace and report to the parties.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Working alongside Bougainville communities, the Australian Government has also rebuilt some 30 double classrooms for village schools. Many ex-combatants are severely traumatized by their experience during years of armed conflict. This challenge is also being addressed through collaborative efforts. We have encouraged and funded the work of local non- governmental organizations to train trauma counsellors, encourage the reintegration of ex-combatants and deal with ongoing social problems. We are also working closely with the New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Governments to develop a policing project, which will ultimately see 200 Bougainvilleans trained as community police. Some 30 local men and women have already benefitted from an earlier project to train them as community police.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“More than 4,000 people have been employed to date, and this number will increase as projects get under way to rehabilitate Bougainville's road and bridge infrastructure and its once highly productive agriculture sector, and to re-establish services in health and education. To date, the absence of a highly skilled workforce has usually limited the employment of local people to manual labouring. Many of the young ex-combatants in particular have received very little education and training. In recognition of this, priority is being given to the rebuilding of education facilities in Bougainville. Two major high schools are being rebuilt, and the construction of Bougainville's only vocational training centre has just been completed.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Working with Bougainvilleans and the Papua New Guinea Government, Australia has been pleased to be able to help address both the immediate and the long-term needs of ex-combatants. Rehabilitating social services, restoring much-needed employment opportunities and addressing unresolved social issues of weapons disposal, alcohol abuse, family violence and ongoing trauma are examples of areas where initiatives are being taken. Peace on Bougainville has allowed the re-emergence of a fledgling local economy and some early employment opportunities. These must continue to be nurtured and expanded. The Australian Government, through its international aid agency, encourages the participation and employment of local Bougainvilleans, including ex- combatants, in its aid projects.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The challenges are multifaceted and involve a range of economic, social, educational, judicial and disarmament issues - all of which must be addressed in an integrated, coordinated way. They include the need for effective demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants into productive civilian life; post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation in stable and secure environments; reform and capacity-building of police, judicial and penal systems; and promotion of respect for international humanitarian law, including with regard to the use and transfer of small arms. In the case of Bougainville, the first real challenge facing local leaders has been to re-establish civil society and a viable local economy.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate in an open debate in the Security Council on this important issue. We congratulate you, Sir, and the delegation of Malaysia on this initiative. We would like to make some observations about the challenges created by the problem of regions emerging from conflict, drawing on Australia's own practical experience in the aftermath of the conflict on the island of Bougainville. Many of these observations serve to illustrate the conclusions and observations in the informal paper prepared for this debate. They are themes that have been cited by other speakers today. Our experience supports the obvious conclusion that there are no simple solutions to the problems posed by former combatants.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source