YouSaid · the spoken record

Tachie-Menson

lines on the record: 79
first: 2005-05-26
most recent: 2008-07-17
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“Our delegation's expectation is that the implementation of the resolution will take cognizance of the relevant thematic issues on the Council's agenda, including children in conflict situations. We wish to applaud the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, The positive nature of the contacts and discussions of the Special Representative with respective Governments during her country visits have had the necessary impact by ensuring better collaboration on the protection of children. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that children affected by armed conflict, like all other children of the world, should have the right to live and to dream of a better future.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Such programmes should include employment support and income-generating projects for former combatants. There is also an urgent need for the rehabilitation of school buildings and the provision of school materials to support continued schooling and the provision of life and vocational skills for children who have left school. In addition, increased attention must be paid to sexual and gender-based Violence, since the sexual exploitation of children in conflict situations has become widespread. It is significant to recall the Council's adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) on sexual violence during and after armed conflict. Under that resolution, we have an important opportunity to create a more systematic approach to protecting women and girls from sexual violence during conflict, as well as to providing timely and sustainable intervention.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Ghana continues to place emphasis on the effective implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes. In order to enhance the protection of children on a long-term basis, resources should be mobilized for programmes aimed at the sustainable reintegration of child survivors of conflict into their societies. It is also critical for DDR programmes to include primary health care, counselling and social support to address the special needs of girls in the context of armed conflict and the specific problem of sexual violence. Also, a sustained investment in development, especially in education and skills training, will secure the successful reintegration of children into their communities and prevent recruitment.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Secretary- General's report in document S/2007/757 strongly emphasizes national action to bring to justice individuals responsible for grave violations against children and to end impunity for such Violations. The prime responsibility for investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators of such acts falls upon State authorities. Clearly, there is a need to build the capacity of national security and legal actors, including by increasing the provision of human and financial resources to the concerned authorities to strengthen their capacity to investigate and prosecute crimes against children. However, it is apparent that, where State authorities lack the ability to carry out those functions, the international community should play its role without fail.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Numerous children have been killed and injured as a result of conflict, sexual violence against children and attacks on schools are on the increase in conflict situations, humanitarian access is restricted and aid to those unfortunate Victims cannot be assured in many conflict areas. Obviously, more remains to be done to ensure the practical implementation of resolution 1612 (2005). The effective closing of the gaps in the implementation of resolution 1612 (2005) will require concerted action by all stakeholders, including affected States, parties to conflict, United Nations entities, peacekeeping and support units and the international community as a whole. There should be no impunity for those who target children during armed conflict.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We hope that the desire to make positive differences in the lives of children affected by armed conflict will continue to be the guiding principle in the Group's deliberations. We express our support for the Chairman's recommendation calling for increased Secretariat support for the Working Group's effective and efficient functioning. While acknowledging that the engagement of the Security Council has yielded some tangible results, the overall situation of children affected by armed conflict remains worrisome. The recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups continue to be a cause of concern.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to thank this month's Vietnamese presidency of the Security Council for organizing this debate. Allow me also to express my delegation's appreciation to the Chairperson of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict for the annual report on the activities of the Working Group. Ghana remains convinced that the Working Group has a key responsibility in moving forward the children and armed conflict agenda by proposing stronger and more effective recommendations for the Council's consideration. We note with satisfaction that the sustained activity of the Council's Working Group has resulted in definitive conclusions and recommendations. We regret, however, the recent inertia in the Working Group's discussions, as that development may hinder progress.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“That is the only way the Tribunals can discharge their mandate successfully and leave behind a lasting legacy in the fight against impunity and also in strengthening international humanitarian law. Finally, my delegation wishes to express appreciation to Ms. Carla Del Ponte, the outgoing Prosecutor of the ICTY, for her dedicated pursuit of justice and for her sterling service to the Tribunal and the international community.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“The international community is soon to be confronted with legacy issues, particularly the question of fugitives at large, review of judgements, supervision of prison sentences and archives. It is clear that a downsized version of the Tribunals will have to be in place to tackle these issues for the sake of continuity. In this regard, we wish to say that, for practical reasons and as a matter of principle, we do not regard the completion strategy as a fixed and rigid deadline. It is our View that there must be flexibility to enable all outstanding cases and issues to be concluded. National jurisdictions may have a role to play in assisting the downsized Tribunals in that regard.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“We believe that in order to make some of these transfers possible, the Tribunal may have to put in place capacity-building and technical assistance programmes in the target countries, some of which have overburdened judicial systems. The international community should provide the Tribunal with the necessary resources to ensure the success of this programme. This will reinforce the outreach activities of the Tribunal, which are a key contribution of the Tribunal in bringing peace and national reconciliation to Rwanda. We are certain that, by its work, the Tribunal will leave behind a legacy of justice and respect for the rule of law - which is at the core of peace, stability and security in the region. We wish to touch on the crucial subject of the completion strategy and legacy issues for the two Tribunals.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“On this point, it is disappointing that four fugitives, including two of the most notorious, are still at large. We urge the relevant States to take the necessary steps to apprehend these fugitives and bring them to justice. We wish to express our concern about reported cases of witness intimidation and call for the setting up of an effective and permanent witness protection programme. This is both a moral and a legal duty owed to those who risk their lives to give crucial testimony in some of these trials. With regard to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, we are again impressed with the progress made in the disposal of cases. We note the difficulty faced by the Tribunal in seeking to have some of the cases referred to competent national jurisdictions, particularly in Africa.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“This people-centred and grassroots approach is indispensable to the efforts of the international community to build institutions that will entrench the rule of law in the affected areas. Linked to this is the question of capacity- building, which is critical to enhancing the capacity of the national jurisdictions to enable them to handle referred cases and legacy issues. On the subject of cooperation, we call on all States to meet their obligations in such areas as assisting in the tracing and arrest of fugitives and in whatever areas of assistance may be required by the Tribunal. Without this cooperation, the effectiveness of the Tribunal and its Completion Strategy would be undermined. It is necessary that a clear message is sent to the accused persons still at large that they cannot play a waiting game.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“On the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, we note with satisfaction the fact that out of 161 accused under indictment, only 11 remain in the pre-trial stage, even though four accused persons are still at large. We also would like to commend the role of the ad litem judges, who also contributed to this achievement. The issue of referral of cases to competent national jurisdictions is another important means, not only of reducing the work load of the Tribunal, but also of putting it on course towards the successful implementation of its Completion Strategy. We consider the Tribunal's Outreach Programme as essential to educate people, not only on the role of the Tribunal, but also on the task of putting in place systems of justice in the post-conflict areas.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“Allow me first to join members in thanking the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Judge Fausto Pocar, the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Judge Dennis Byron, the Prosecutor of the ICTY, Madam Carla Del Ponte, and the Prosecutor of the ICTR, Mr. Hassan J allow, for their detailed reports. We are impressed by the commitment and professionalism shown by the Presidents, Judges, Prosecutors and staff of these Tribunals, who are in the forefront of the international community's efforts to combat impunity for the most serious crimes.”
2007-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5796 (2007) · source
“We therefore unreservedly condemn the deliberate targeting of journalists and media personnel and call on all parties to conflicts to comply with resolution 1738 (2006). Finally, we wish to express our support for all measures aimed at restricting and ultimately prohibiting the use of cluster munitions, in view of their devastating impact on civilians. The use of such weapons is unconscionable and unacceptable. We also strongly support the Secretary-General's recommendation for the establishment of an expert level working group to facilitate the systematic and sustained consideration and analysis of the protection of civilians.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“The recent issuance by the Court of arrest warrants for crimes against humanity and war crimes, in respect of atrocities committed by The Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda, as well as those committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Darfur, sends a strong positive message that the international community will not tolerate impunity. In debating this matter, we cannot afford to forget the valiant role played by journalists in reporting these conflicts. Without the commitment and professionalism of these journalists and media personnel, who have to operate under great risks, the extent of some of these conflicts and atrocities committed might have been difficult to detect.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“On the subject of peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance, which have played key roles in keeping conflicts in check and have reduced the scale of human suffering, the position of my delegation is that these two tools, while distinct, are mutually supportive and complementary. With the strengthening of peacekeeping mandates to make them more robust, it may be possible to ensure not only the physical protection of civilians, but also the facilitation of humanitarian assistance. The role of a fully operational International Criminal Court in the development and enforcement of international humanitarian law and in combating impunity is also indispensable.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“The international community, therefore, has a moral and legal duty to extend this protection as affirmed in paragraphs 138 and 139 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (General Assembly resolution 60/1), and as stressed in Council resolution 1674 (2006). In this context, we are pleased to note the progress, as indicated in the Secretary-General's report, in creating the necessary regulatory and policymaking framework to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict, such as, inter alia, strengthening peacekeeping mandates to cover the protection of civilians, strengthening peace mediation mandates and combating impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“There is, however, no reason for complacency in View of the brutality and atrocities of the remaining conflicts, which have brought misery and untold suffering to millions. The world's refugee population stands at 9.9 million and internally displaced persons at a record 24.5 million. That is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the international community. While it is recognized that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians falls on States and Governments, the present situation clearly indicates that in most conflicts, States and Governments are either unable or unwilling to provide that protection.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“That brings to the fore the need for the international community, working in collaboration with the relevant Governments and civil society, to promote acceptable standards of governance, economic management and the rule of law in potential areas of conflict. In this regard, my delegation wishes to recall resolution 1674 (2006) and to emphasize the need for a coordinated, comprehensive approach to the promotion of economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development in vulnerable areas and regions by the United Nations and its agencies. Regional and subregional organizations also have a role to play in this area. We believe that many conflicts could be avoided if these ideas were actively pursued. In considering the Secretary-General's report, we note the relative decline in the number of conflicts in the world.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“I wish to express my delegation's appreciation to the Secretary-General for his statement and for his very comprehensive sixth report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2007/643). I also wish to express our appreciation to the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs for his briefing. In discussing this subject, which is one of the critical issues facing the international community, it is important that we consider the means of preventing conflicts. It is now widely recognized that the promotion of human security and human development is the basis for conflict prevention.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“We therefore urge the non-reporting States to take urgent measures towards fulfilling their primary obligation. We also encourage the Committee to relentlessly pursue its mandate by continuing with its outreach activities, as well as to deepen and widen its cooperation with regional and subregional organizations. If we acknowledge that all States, irrespective of their economic status and military capabilities, are not insulated from the threat of nuclear terrorism, then the collective strength of the community of nations should be harnessed to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, which resolution 1540 (2004) seeks to achieve.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“Concerning the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), my delegation commends the Chairman, the Committee and the group of experts for their tireless efforts, as evidenced in ensuring the realization of the underlying objectives that informed the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). Despite that, we remain concerned that the objective of universal reporting is yet to be attained. While cognizant of the challenges confronting some States in the fulfilment of their commitment, it is equally an incontrovertible truth that anything short of universal adherence to the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004) would undermine the collective efforts against the twin scourge of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“On the question of the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005), which deals with incitement to terrorist acts, we consider the decision of the Committee to explore the technical assistance needs of States in the area as timely in view of the fact that quite a significant number of States are yet to fulfil their reporting obligations. Finally, we wish to commend the experts of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate for their invaluable support of the Committee, and welcome the new Executive Director. We call on the Council to extend the mandate of CTED when it expires in December this year.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“On the facilitation of technical assistance, we commend the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and the Committee for organizing the fifth special meeting with international, regional and subregional organizations in Nairobi from 29 to 31 October, on the topic "Prevention of terrorist movement and border security". We believe that the results of those deliberations will enhance cooperation between States and those organizations. We also agree that such meetings provide a valuable opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the facilitation of technical assistance.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“With regard to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, we note with satisfaction the ground covered in the Committee's work programme for the period from lJuly to 31 December, in three areas, namely; monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), facilitating technical assistance and implementation of resolution 1624 (2005). We are satisfied with the progress made in the Committee's analysis and adoption of Preliminary Implementation Assessments. We also support the decision of the Chairman to convene an informal meeting of all States to explain the format of the Preliminary Implementation Assessments, which is an invaluable tool in the evaluation of States' implementation of resolution 1373 (2001).”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“The importance of the Chairman's and the Monitoring Team's visits to States cannot be denied. The wealth of information and knowledge gathered on those field visits have enhanced and shaped policymaking and rule making to suit the practical realities on the ground. On the newly established focal point for de-listing, we are happy to note that States and individuals are now availing themselves of the facilities offered. On that point, we wish to reiterate our position that the idea behind the focal point is access, simplicity and transparency. It is therefore essential that we avoid overly bureaucratic and complicated procedures that might frustrate petitioners and undermine the very objective of the mechanism.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“The accuracy of the list is critical not only for the effectiveness of the sanctions regime, but also for its credibility. In that regard, it is worth noting, as stated by the Chairman of the Committee, that since ownership of the list is vested in all Member States, the primary responsibility for achieving the objective of accuracy and improving quality rests with States. It is therefore imperative that States provide the necessary inputs and assistance to facilitate the Committee's efforts in that area. We also wish to commend the Chairman for the idea of open briefings for the general membership. We believe that that outreach approach provides the best platform to sensitize the membership to their obligations; it is also an opportunity for an interactive dialogue on how best to tackle the issues of implementation.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“Allow me first of all to express my appreciation to the Chairmen of the 1373, 1267 and 1540 Committees for their informative briefings. The briefing by the Chairman of the 1267 Committee pursuant to paragraph 31 of resolution 1735 (2006) was very encouraging. Resolution 1735 (2006), which reaffirmed the need to implement sanctions measures imposed by resolution 1267 (1999) and subsequent resolutions relating to Al-Qaida and the Taliban, reminds Member States of their obligations under those resolutions. The Chairman's briefing indicated the appreciable progress that has been made since resolution 1735 (2006) was adopted. It is against this background that we commend the Chairman and the 1267 Committee for their efforts in improving the accuracy and quality of the consolidated list.”
2007-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5779 (2007) · source
“I thank Mr. Pascoe for his briefing. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion of the subject. The meeting rose at 10.30 a.m.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations and in the absence of objection, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs. There being no objection, it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to whom I give the floor.”
2007-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5767 (2007) · source
“Various studies indicate that water is likely to replace energy as the most critical natural resource and is also likely to be a source of tensions and conflicts within and between nations. To avert this looming crisis, the international community must institute a comprehensive coordinated programme of action on the management of water resources, population policy and climate change. Finally, my delegation wishes to stress that the issue of natural resources and conflict must be examined in all its multifaceted aspects if we are to make any progress.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Once a freely elected and accountable Government is in place, the sanctions may be lifted. In discussing the link between natural resources and conflict, we cannot overlook the most precious of all natural resources: water. Water is life itself. Even though water is a renewable resource, supplies have been affected by pollution, overpopulation and climate change. Those factors have combined to increase pressure on water resources in terms of both quantity and quality. The result is a looming global water crisis, with which the international community will have to contend in the future. A 1999 World Bank report indicated that 40 per cent of the world's population - approximately 2billion people - has no access to safe drinking water.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Sanctions-busting also has become a fine art, with the prohibited items finding their way into the world market. Clearly, there is a need to strengthen the sanctions regime and the certification process. That cannot be done without vigilance and active cooperation on the part of all Members. Another aspect of the illegal exploitation of natural resources in conflict situations is its impact on the environment. In the absence of a responsible governance system, it is unlikely that safety and environmental standards will be complied with. With regard to post-conflict situations, the Peacebuilding Commission has an important role to play in facilitating the rebuilding of institutions of governance to ensure competent and responsible management of natural resources.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In conflict situations, short of intervention, the challenge for the international community is to devise means to prevent the misuse of profits derived from natural resources from fuelling and prolonging the war. The United Nations and the international community as a whole have resorted to commodity sanctions and certification as means of confronting the problem. The question is: how effective are the sanctions and the certification process? It must be stated that the Kimberley Process of certification for diamonds has achieved quite significant success in stemming the trade in diamonds from conflict areas. However, there is there is evidence that in some cases greedy businessmen have found ingenious means to trade in such diamonds through unwitting third-party countries, thus obscuring the origin of the diamonds.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Such a good-governance approach should be aimed at promoting human security and economic development. The nexus between human security and development should be the basis of such a policy. It is the responsibility of Government to ensure the protection and survival of the constitutional order by creating the conditions necessary for human security, which will reinforce efforts towards development. In sum, the critical factor is equitable distribution of the returns from natural resources to provide, inter alia, health care, education, poverty alleviation programmes and systems to entrench the rule of law. This inclusive approach removes the sources of tension and disaffection from society.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In the discharge of its responsibility to maintain international peace and security, it is only appropriate that the Security Council should focus on natural resources as one of the root causes of conflict. In theory, natural resources provide an opportunity for enhanced economic growth and development. However, in various instances, those same resources have provided a motive for conflict and, in several cases, have fuelled and prolonged conflicts. In discussing this issue, it may be helpful to consider it from the following perspectives: conflict prevention, conflict situations and post-conflict situations. With regard to conflict prevention, it is imperative that natural resources be managed responsibly for the benefit of the population.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“My delegation welcomes you, Mr. Minister, to this meeting and would like to express its appreciation to the Belgian presidency for organizing this debate. My delegation also associates itself with the statement to be made by the representative of Tunisia on behalf of the African Group. Over the ages, natural resources and their exploitation have been a factor contributing to tensions and conflicts within States and between States. In recent years, while inter-State wrangling over natural resources has been managed relatively well through mechanisms put in place by the international community, such as mediation and international judicial bodies, intra-State rivalry and claims for such resources have been causes of brutal conflicts and civil wars in some regions of the globe.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In that context, we are happy to note that the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has become fully operational, can play an effective deterrent role in the promotion of the international legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The referral of the Darfur situation by the Security Council to the ICC is an important test case in this regard. Finally, we call on the international community to muster the necessary political will to put in practice the measures necessary for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as I have outlined.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“On the fourth point, concerning post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation, it is important that the international community make available the necessary resources, which would facilitate not only economic reconstruction but also the building of political and judicial institutions that will ensure the rule of law and enable the individual to live in peace and security. In that regard, the importance of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration is very clear. Reconciliation and the bringing to justice of those guilty of the most serious crimes should also form part of the nation-building and healing process.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“To enable peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance to work effectively, it is necessary for peacekeeping missions to be reconfigured through the adoption of robust mandates to ensure not only the physical protection of civilians but also the facilitation of humanitarian assistance. Since the practical and moral underpinnings of peacekeeping operations are imperilled if the local population cannot be protected, the protection of civilians should be part of the core mandate of peacekeeping operations. That requires additional resources. However, this is the most cost- effective way to prevent a humanitarian disaster, which would absorb even more resources.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“The international community as a whole and regional and subregional organizations, in concert with NGOs, have a role to play in sensitizing the various factions to the need for observance of these rules and in exerting sustained pressure to ensure compliance. When States and combatants prove unwilling or unable to act, the international community has a moral and legal duty to intervene to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. Peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance are two important tools currently used by the international community to keep conflicts in check and reduce the scale of human suffering. These two tools, while distinct, are mutually supportive and complementary.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“This can operate at two levels: first, to warn of tensions in the community that can trigger conflict; and, secondly, to alert the international community to situations that might lead to an escalation of violence against civilians and result in a humanitarian crisis. The Peace and Security Council established under the African Union Constitutive Act, which is a collective security and early-warning arrangement, is an example of this. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) early-warning system is also a step in the right direction. On the question of the observance and implementation of the rules of international humanitarian law, the responsibility lies with the relevant States and combatants.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“In that regard, we are guided by the Secretary- General's report of April 1998 on "The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa", which identified the promotion of human security and human development as the basis of conflict prevention. That raises issues related to governance, economic management and the rule of law. As stressed by resolution 1674 (2006), there is a need for a coordinated, comprehensive approach on the promotion of economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development in vulnerable areas and regions by the United Nations and its agencies. This also calls for cooperation with regional and subregional organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). An important aspect of conflict prevention which is often overlooked is an early-warning system.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“The problem of the protection of civilians in armed conflict will have to be considered within the context of the following factors: first, prevention of conflicts; secondly, observance and implementation of the rules of international humanitarian law; thirdly, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance; and, fourthly, post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation. With respect to the first point, it is only logical that, in order to stop the abuse of civilians, we should go to the root of the problem, removing, through conflict prevention, the conditions that breed conflicts in the first place.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“The 2005 World Summit Outcome Document also affirmed that principle in its paragraphs 138 and 139, which emphasize the responsibility of the United Nations to use appropriate diplomatic and other peaceful means to protect populations at risk, and, failing that, to take collective action under Chapters VI and VII of the Charter to protect civilian populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. That was also stressed by resolution 1674 (2006). It is therefore undeniable that the international community has the legal and institutional tools to deal with this issue. The challenge for us now is how to translate the mechanisms at our disposal into effective practical systems for the protection of civilians.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“First of all, let me join members in thanking the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. John Holmes, for his comprehensive briefing. The question of the treatment of civilians in conflict situations is as old as civilization itself. However, in recent times, the proliferation of brutal conflicts in various parts of the world has focussed the attention of the international community on this problem. It is clear that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians lies with States and Governments. That fact was recognized in General Assembly resolution 46/182 of 1991.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“On the issue of genocide, we wish to reiterate our position that it would be desirable that the genocide trials, which form the core of the Tribunal's mandate, be disposed of within the timeframe for the completion strategy. We also commend the Tribunal's outreach programme, which has had an impact on community- based alternative justice mechanisms. Finally, we wish to stress that there is a need for flexibility in our consideration of the two Tribunals' completion strategies. We believe that, following the completion strategies' cut-off date, it should be possible to have in place a residual mechanism to handle cases of fugitives still at large, hear outstanding appeals and handle administrative and archival matters. The Security Council should consider all options on how best to approach those residual issues.”
2007-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5697 (2007) · source
“The Tribunal has made an invaluable contribution to the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the region by bringing to justice the perpetrators of heinous crimes. The international community therefore has an obligation to support the Tribunal and its programmes, if the gains are to be sustained. We are impressed that, in spite of the difficult circumstances under which it has to operate, 27 judgements have been delivered, involving 33 accused persons. However, in view of the increasing workload, we need to focus on how best to strengthen the Appeals Chamber, which also handles cases for the ICTY. We endorse the President's recommendation on the need to take the necessary procedural steps to amend the statute to enable the number of judges of the Appeals Chamber to be increased.”
2007-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5697 (2007) · source
“We also consider referrals as a tool to build capacity in domestic jurisdictions, in the sense that they enable domestic courts to develop experience in handling similarly complicated cases and contribute to entrenching the rule of law. We are impressed with the Tribunal's outreach programme, which has had an influence on the level of awareness of the importance of the work of the Court in the various communities concerned. On the question of cooperation, my delegation wishes to express concern that four high-level fugitives are still at large. We call on all members to collectively or individually ensure the apprehension of the fugitives for trial. With regard to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, we are again impressed by the gains made.”
2007-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5697 (2007) · source