YouSaid · the spoken record

Spinellis

lines on the record: 34
first: 2013-07-17
most recent: 2015-01-19
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Therefore, we are strongly committed to continuing to promote the placement ofpeaceful societies at the centre of the post- 2015 development agenda.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“The Security Council in particular has a unique opportunity to implement inclusive development policies through its peacekeeping operations, which play a major role in rebuilding and developing societies in the wake of conflict. Moreover, it should be noted that the security- development nexus is also relevant as we seek to address the very pertinent threat of terrorism. In that sense, we recognize that concrete progress in the areas of security, justice, human rights and the rule of law are critical both for tackling terrorism and for achieving sustainable development. Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region that has witnessed great political turmoil in recent years, Greece is a strong advocate of inclusive and sustainable development as an enabler of long-term stability and sustainable peace.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“When confronting the multiple vulnerabilities that affect different countries and communities, through its multidimensional and comprehensive vision, human security addresses those challenges through the elements of peace and security, development and human rights - the three interlinked pillars of the United Nations system. Inclusive development diminishes the risk of conflict and enables long-term stability and sustainable peace while ensuring equal opportunity and equitable access to basic services, which are indispensable for social development and inclusive societies. The United Nations is key in promoting inclusive development.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“Sustainable peace requires that we ensure that no person is denied universal human rights and basic economic opportunities, while, at the same time, the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable are respected. The economic and political integration of marginalized populations is a determining factor for peace and security. Fundamental freedoms must be respected, protected and fulfilled, including the freedoms of expression, association and the media, while democratic governance and the rule of law should prevail. Furthermore, Greece, being a member of the Human Security Network, believes that the human security approach can make a significant contribution to today's discussions.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“I would also like to convey some additional points from a national standpoint. Recent events around the world are serve as a pointed reminder of the imperative of addressing the underlying and root causes of conflict by promoting sustainable development, inclusion, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights and inclusive political processes. It is undoubtedly well-established common knowledge that security and development are closely interrelated and mutually reinforcing in attaining sustainable peace. Furthermore, building sustainable peace is inescapably linked to inclusive development. On several occasions, the Security Council has underlined its readiness to strive for sustainable peace in all situations under its consideration.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“At the outset, since this is the first time I have an opportunity, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the newly elected members of the Security Council - Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - and to wish them every success. Furthermore, allow me to express our deep appreciation to Chile for taking the initiative to convene this pertinent and timely debate. I would also wish to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Ambassador Patriota of Brazil and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee for their comprehensive briefings. Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union, as well as with the statement delivered by the representative of Austria on behalf of the Human Security Network.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“That should be accompanied by political dialogue, demarches, multilateral cooperation and mainstreaming the topics of children in armed conflict so as to advocate for the protection of children. In the words of a former child soldier in Sierra Leone, Ishmael Beah, "children have the resilience to outlive their sufferings, if given a chance". Let us work together to give those children a chance for hope and a future.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Engagement with non-State armed groups for the purposes of ending violations and concluding action plans is also necessary. It is important for Member States to pursue concrete, time-bound action plans and to commit to action plan implementation through national-level strategies. It is therefore crucial to call upon donors to support national efforts to strengthen capacities for child protection. That includes training and capacity-building for child protection workers and advisers, peacebuilders and peacekeepers, and working together with communities on preventive efforts. We must also aim to support national institutions and mechanisms that protect civilians in armed conflict. Furthermore, the monitoring and reporting of violations should be upheld and considered as noteworthy tools to mitigate the ongoing effects of impunity.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Lamentably, the culture of violence is replacing the culture oflearning, thereby reinforcing ideologies of an unsafe world. In Syria, for example, approximately 1,000 schools were used as detention and torture centres in 2013. It is vital for Member States to protect children and teachers from attacks and to protect children's rights to education by taking steps to end the military use of schools and to hold perpetrators accountable. A strong commitment to the responsibility for dealing effectively with persistent perpetrators of violations against children in armed conflict is encouraged of all States in order to combat impunity. The importance of national protection and accountability mechanisms is therefore essential.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union. It has already been established that the impact of armed conflict on children is a grave and urgent matter. It is therefore essential to shift our focus to the implementation of Security Council resolutions adopted to date as a practical way forward. Greece welcomes the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2014/144) and we too express our concern pertaining to the escalating numbers of children that are negatively affected by conflict and post-conflict situations. This is in addition to the military use of, and attacks on, schools as a tool of war. Schools, which formerly represented a place of safety, are now being transformed into places of trepidation and terror.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The Human Security Network urges Member States to keep concerns relating to children high on the international agenda and remains committed to, and diligent in, the implementation of resolutions relevant to the topic, including resolutions 1261 (1999) and 1998 (2011), as well as resolution 2143 (2014), adopted by the Security Council today, which contains important provisions to ensure and protect the right of the child to education. The members of the Human Security Network are dedicated and committed to responding to the issues that have been raised. I should now like to add some remarks in my national capacity. Greece welcomes the holding of this debate to tackle this critical matter. We also welcome the adoption of resolution 2143 (2014), which enables us to keep up the momentum to proceed to a successful way forward.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“That should include sustainable ways to ensure an age-verification process in recruitment procedures, measures to ensure that children have birth certificates, and education programmes to inform communities on national and international laws pertaining to recruitment and the consequent reporting of unlawful recruitment practices. We underscore the importance of peacekeeping missions and the provision of key psychosocial services to children and their families affected by armed conflict. We must also aim to support national institutions and mechanisms that protect civilians in armed conflict.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The Human Security Network highlights the importance of focusing on the prevention of future violations, and of restoring and integrating those who have been affected by conflict through protection and relief. The Arms Trade Treaty is a step forward towards the protection of children in armed conflict, as its provisions establish that exporting States shall take into account the risk of covered conventional arms or items being used to commit or facilitate serious acts of violence against children. The implementation of concrete primary prevention strategies is imperative.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“It is the responsibility of all States to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violations against children. It is therefore important to develop legislation criminalizing violations against children and to develop the necessary prosecutorial and investigative capacities. In that regard, we reiterate the importance of ensuring universal registration, including late birth registration, in order to investigate and verify the age of recruits and ensure protection of those under 18 years of age from active military service. Furthermore, Member States are encouraged to take the necessary steps to end violations such as the military use of schools and to hold perpetrators accountable for violations that have already been committed.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We highlight the monitoring and reporting of violations, which should be upheld and considered as noteworthy tools, to mitigate the ongoing effects of impunity. That should be accompanied by political dialogue, demarches, multilateral cooperation and mainstreaming the issue of children in armed conflict in order to advocate for the protection of children. The Security Council is encouraged to exert pressure on perpetrators and to apply the necessary measures to address these violations. That includes imposing lawful consequences for perpetrators. Stronger collective commitment to the responsibility for dealing effectively with persistent perpetrators of violations against children in armed conflict is encouraged of all States.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“This is a grave and urgent matter, and it is therefore essential to shift our focus to action plan adoption and implementation as a practical way forward. Action plans are vital strategic tools in order to end these horrendous violations against children in situations of conflict. It is therefore important for concerned Member States to pursue concrete, time-bound action plans and to commit to action plan implementation through national-level strategies. We acknowledge that respect should also be given to the time frame of the action plans, and non-compliance should result in direct consequences for those concerned. The importance of strengthening national accountability mechanisms is also essential. It is vital to ensure an adequate child-protection mandate and to place importance on the monitoring and reporting of violations.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Since Graca Machel's seminal report (A/51/150) recognized the impact of armed conflict on children, millions of children have continued to be caught amid armed conflicts, not only as mere bystanders but as targets of multiple acts of violence, such as attacks against schools, mutilations and sexual abuse, as well as hunger, disease and exploitation as tools of war. Such children are subjected to death and suffering and are consequently transfigured into victims of terror and fear. We therefore remain deeply concerned for children's safety in all armed conflicts, including in Syria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and many other places. Furthermore, we strongly deplore the use of schools as detention and torture centres.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We also welcome the adoption of resolution 2143 (2014), which enables us to proceed with a successful way forward. The Human Security Network also welcomes the launching of the campaign "Children, not soldiers", initiated by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF, in collaboration with other United Nations partners, with a view to ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children by Government armed forces in conflict by 2016. The Human Security Network remains concerned by the numbers of children that are negatively affected by conflict and post-conflict situations, as mentioned by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the members of the Human Security Network, namely, Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Panama, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, and on behalf of the Republic of South Africa as an observer. The Network is a cross-regional group of States that promotes human security as a people-centred, comprehensive and prevention-oriented approach for achieving peace, development and human rights. The protection of civilians in armed conflicts is a core matter for the Network. First, I should like to express my appreciation to Luxembourg for taking the initiative to convene this very important meeting and for the comprehensive and stimulating concept note (S/2014/144, annex). We welcome the holding of this debate to tackle this critical matter.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“In that vein, we also welcome the presentation provided on the protection of civilians in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, and we note the attention given by the Special Committee and its sensitivity to the issue of the protection of civilians. The protection of civilians remains a serious challenge for the international community, but we cannot allow ourselves to fail.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“However, with a changing media landscape that relies increasingly on freelancers, Internet journalists and social media, conflict journalists and their work are becoming progressively more vulnerable. My delegation shares the View that the protection of civilians should include, in all its aspects, the component of the protection of journalists in an effort to introduce this dimension into the peacekeeping and peacebuilding stages through a comprehensive approach in which training plays a crucial role. Training is a fundamental pillar, and Greece is contributing to that effort by supporting training initiatives to develop safety and security for civilians, peacekeepers and United Nations staff in the field.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“On another note, attacks against journalists and media personnel covering armed conflicts continue to increase. Local journalists account for the majority of victims, and female journalists are routinely targeted. Combating impunity will undoubtedly decrease the deaths, including among journalists working under dangerous conditions. Moreover, the role of journalists in conflicts is further expanding, as they remain in the field from the very beginning until the end of peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations. Besides, journalists' role in reporting on conflict is dependent upon their ability to provide independent and fair coverage of all sides.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Although the main responsibility lies in the hands of the parties involved in a conflict, the protection of human dignity, along with the consolidation of human rights, is the responsibility of all Member States. The use of new weapon technologies is a new threat to civilians and, at the same time, raises questions about the compliance of those weapons with the rules of distinction, proportionality and precaution set out in international human rights law and international humanitarian law. However, that same technology is capable of facilitating the tracking and recording of civilian casualties, while contributing to easing civilian suffering and pain and to bringing perpetrators to justice. Humanitarian access and the relevant corridors, whenever feasible, should remain unimpeded.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“I, too, would like to thank the Lithuanian presidency for organizing this timely and important debate. More often than not, civilians constitute the bulk of the victims of armed conflicts around the world. Although, at the normative level, significant progress has been made over the past decade to enhance the protection of civilians, the same progress has not been reflected on the ground. Security Council resolutions and the Secretary-General's reports, although unanimously adopted and endorsed by Member States, lack the required implementation in the field. A more efficient and better coordinated protection effort is needed in order for the necessary level of protection to be reached. Enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict is one of the core responsibilities of the Security Council,.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“To ensure genuine rule of law, beyond the formal establishment of institutions, judicial systems need to be fully accessible to all individuals and groups. A major obstacle to access is the cost involved in legal advice and legal representation services. We support the work of the United Nations to implement a wide variety of projects focused on providing legal aid to address that obstacle. In conclusion, Greece is ofthe View that genuine and inclusive participation in the elaboration of transitional justice mechanisms ensures that they not only respond to the needs and expectations of victims, but provide transformative change for sustainable transition to peace and reconciliation, which is the ultimate goal of all of our efforts.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“The rule of law should address justice, equality and equity with a strong focus on the empowerment of women and girls, gender equality, and preventing and combating violence against women as essential preconditions for equitable and inclusive sustainable development. In that context, we praise the work of the United Nations in assisting Member States to address rule of law issues in conflict contexts and we consider it vital that the United Nations continues to emphasize the importance of providing redress and assistance to Victims in conflict, post-conflict and other crisis situations. The prevention of and response to violence against children, in particular, including sexual violence and abuse, forced marriage and maltreatment, should continue to be an important focus area of United Nations assistance.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“That requires the existence of early warning mechanisms based on accurate, objective and reliable information. The collection of data relating to sexual Violence in areas of conflict is crucial and strongly encouraged, so that both national and international actors may be duly informed. While it is crucial to address sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict contexts, it is equally important to combat impunity and strengthen both international and national justice responses to those crimes. Consequently, capacity-building related to the rule of law, that is wide in scope and goes beyond traditional areas of law reform and strengthening of justice and law enforcement institutions are necessary.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“It exacerbates and prolongs situations of armed conflict and is therefore directly linked to the maintenance of peace and security. Among others, resolution 2106 (2013) underlines the importance of women's greater participation and leadership in decision-making processes in areas of conflict. In many cases, women are excluded from decision-making. Nevertheless, their full and equal participation in peacemaking and peacebuilding is indispensable for the success of those processes, since it is the only way to ensure that the needs of women involved in conflict-related situations are effectively addressed. Women must be seen not solely as victims, but as active agents of change and of peacekeeping. Prevention, rather than reaction, must be a priority.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We would like to express our appreciation to the presidency of Azerbaijan for convening this important open debate, as well as to the Secretary-General, the Executive Director of UN Women and the Under-Secretary-General for their important contributions. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and we welcome the adoption of resolution 2122 (2013) by the Council earlier today. In a conflict-affected environment, violence against women is significantly intensified, indicating that in many cases, Violence is an extension of existing gender inequality in society. Despite the continuous efforts of the international community to eradicate violence against women, sexual violence in armed conflicts remains a widespread phenomenon.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Greece attaches great importance to the issue of the protection of journalists and the fight against impunity. To that end, and in cooperation with UNESCO and Costa Rica, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day in May we organized a side event on the protection of journalists for the second consecutive year. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and one that should be universally guaranteed. Journalists and media professionals are the main actors in the process of the delivery of news and information.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Insufficient investigation, too few convictions and simple impunity perpetuate the cycle of violence against journalists. The problem of impunity is not limited to failure to investigate murders of journalists, but also directly targets freedom of expression. Curtailing journalists' freedom of expression deprives society as a whole of their contribution and damages press freedom even more, since a climate of fear results in self-censorship. States must ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice and punished for their actions. Beyond that of States, the role of civil society in the protection of journalists is crucial. Several non-governmental organizations are dedicated to combating attacks on journalists and preventing Violence against them.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“More recently, a third tool has been added - the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which is a comprehensive and practical approach to the issues of the safety of journalists and impunity. Strong support for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as for the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is essential to ensuring full implementation of the principles and objectives of the Plan of Action. And enhancing the United Nations reporting mechanism is essential to the effective protection of journalists. Combating impunity will undoubtedly reduce the unusually high numbers of deaths, abductions and detentions.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In most cases, the root cause of the targeting of journalists remains the fact that they report on unsettling truths and expose crimes, the perpetrators of which - whether political autocrats, criminal organizations or terrorist groups - have something to lose when a journalist brings their illegal actions into the forefront. States do indeed have the instruments necessary to protect journalists in armed conflicts. Both resolution 1738 (2006) and the Fourth Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I contain unequivocal provisions on the obligation to protect media professionals reporting in dangerous situations.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for taking the initiative to organize this important debate. I also welcome the remarks made by the Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Eliasson, on the issue. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Endangering or taking the life of journalists is an extreme form of censorship, not only because it silences one voice, but because it aims, and usually succeeds, at intimidating others. It therefore remains a highly problematic issue. According to reports and live testimonies by journalists and the representatives of non-governmental organizations who are in the Chamber with us today, the number of journalists or press operatives killed, kidnapped, wounded or threatened while carrying out their professional duties remains alarmingly high.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003Resumption1 (2013) · source