YouSaid · the spoken record

Takasu

lines on the record: 863
first: 1998-08-13
most recent: 2010-07-21
sittings or episodes: 125
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

“The Commission will therefore have to support the Government's efforts, on the one hand, while, on the other, the Government demonstrates true political will in order to together build lasting peace in the Central African Republic. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the leadership of Ambassador Takasu, Chairman of the Peacebuilding Commission, who has succeeded in breathing the necessary life into the work of the Commission during the second year of its existence. I should also like to express our appreciation for the work of the Peacebuilding Support Office and to thank Ms. Carolyn McAskie for her commitment. I also wish to express our full cooperation to Ms. Jane Holl Lute, the new Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“In recent years, the Government of the Central African Republic has worked to re-establish stability throughout the country and to launch a national reconciliation process. In the international community that has engendered the hope that the situation in the Central African Republic will be stabilized in the coming years, as well as renewed trust in the political will of the country's protagonists. National ownership has already been reflected in the identification of national priorities. We welcome the commitment of the Government to make training a crucial part of its future efforts. The process of political dialogue should be restarted and include all armed groups and political actors, so as to genuinely re-establish peace and stability throughout the whole of the country's territory.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“As many Member States urged last week in the general debate of the General Assembly, the Commission will continue to 3 improve the efficiency of its working methods, with a clear sense of added value. Finally, during the reporting period, the relationship between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission was well established. As Chairperson, I regularly consulted with the Presidents of the Council, and I am very grateful for that courtesy. In addition, the Chairs of the country-specific configurations were regularly invited to the relevant Council meetings. I was personally invited to open Council debates on cooperation with the African Union, security sector reform, women and peace and security, and post-conflict early recovery. Those interactions became an established practice that is beneficial to both organs.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“Building upon efforts to establish strong partnerships with United Nations funds and programmes, the World Bank, the IMF, regional development banks and major bilateral players, we must continue those efforts in order to make certain that the commitment of those partners is translated into specific cooperation on the ground. We will also continue to engage actively with civil society organizations. Fourthly, the coherence of the Peacebuilding Commission's activities must be ensured. We will continue our efforts to ensure that all parts of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture work in a coherent and coordinated manner for the sole purpose of serving people on the ground.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“The Commission will cooperate closely with the Secretariat in preparing the report of the Secretary-General on that subject, and early examination by the Commission will provide useful inputs to the forthcoming review in the Council. In anticipation of the inclusion of additional countries on the agenda, the issue of the entry point for the Peacebuilding Commission is also important. Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are not mutually exclusive. We should avoid duplication of efforts, of course, but some overlap may be necessary and justified in certain cases to ensure a seamless transition. We request the Council to continue to consult closely with the Commission on the referral process. Thirdly, partnership must be strengthened.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“We would encourage 08-56187 the Council to consider that need when it reviews the mandates of relevant missions and offices. Secondly, strategic and policy discussion must be deepened. The strategy for international peacebuilding efforts is still in its early stages of development. We must make every effort to develop policies on how to fill the gap between peacekeeping and peacebuilding and also the gap between peacebuilding and development. There is a need to promote policy guidance for effective peacebuilding efforts through discussions in the Commission. Topics such as youth employment, the role of the private sector, justice and peace and the subregional dimension may be considered. Post-conflict early recovery will be a major issue of interest, both for the Council and for the Commission in the coming months.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“In that context, the call made by the Security Council in the recent presidential statement on Guinea- Bissau (S/PRST/2008/37) for support for the implementation of its integrated strategy was very useful and appreciated. Such political support by the Council is essential if the Peacebuilding Commission is to fulfil its mandate. I hope that the Council will continue to express its strong support for the work of the Commission and the implementation of the integrated strategies. It is crucial that the United Nations presence on the ground have the appropriate mandate and capacity to support the work of the Commission and the engagement of the national Governments concerned. The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone is a good example.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“Building upon our achievements to date, I would like to outline four priority areas that need to be focused upon. First, we must continue to produce tangible results on the ground. We should bring about Visible impacts of direct benefit to the people in the countries under consideration. To consolidate peace, it is essential that people actually be able to see and experience signs of the arrival of peace after a ceasefire, in the form of positive changes in their livelihoods. We need to elicit the support of all stakeholders and to mobilize resources, not only from traditional partners but also by bringing in new and non-traditional partners.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“With that purpose in mind, the Organizational Committee conducted in-depth policy discussions on the synergy between peacekeeping and peacebuilding and the role of the private sector. The Working Group on Lessons Learned took up several topics in order to share best practices from past efforts. Thirdly, a serious effort was made to enhance partnerships at the highest level, in particular with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Union and the European Union. Regular consultations with the Presidents of the Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council were established. Many outreach efforts were made by the Chairpersons and the Peacebuilding Support Office to deepen understanding regarding the specific needs of post-conflict countries and the work of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“A field mission will visit the Central African Republic shortly to prepare for that country's strategy. The notions of national ownership, sustained partnership with the international community, mutual accountability and dialogue - in other words, a cooperative and participatory approach - have come to be the greatest assets and have added value to the Commission. Secondly, there are many more countries in the world than those now on our agenda that are facing challenges in the post-conflict process. The Peacebuilding Commission may provide invaluable support for efforts to address these challenges by developing effective peacebuilding strategies and 08-56187 policies.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“It brings together all stakeholders. It formulates an integrated strategy and monitors its implementation. It garners support and mobilizes resources. The Commission is grateful to the Council for the political guidance and substantial support that it has received and that is essential in fulfilling such a role. I also believe that the Commission can in turn fulfil a useful role complementary to that of the Council. First, the four country-specific configurations engaged in intensive work, under the strong leadership of the respective Chairs, to produce tangible results supporting national efforts. Integrated strategies were adopted for Burundi and Siena Leone, and they are now being implemented. The strategy for Guinea- Bissau was recently adopted.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“Mr. Takasu: It is my distinct honour and pleasure to present to the Council the annual report on the work of the Peacebuilding Commission (S/2008/4l7). The report covers the wide range of activities undertaken by the Commission during its previous session. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of members, the Commission made steady progress and produced concrete results in many areas of its work. Maintaining peace and security is a prerequisite for successful post-conflict peacebuilding efforts. It is equally true that durable peace and a sustainable State will never be achieved without good governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and economic recovery and development. The Peacebuilding Commission is a unique United Nations organ that addresses all those challenges in an integrated and coherent manner.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“Japan supports strengthening the capacity and priority needs of UNAMA so that the Mission can fully accomplish the mandate given to it by the Council.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“We welcome positive steps, such as the planning for the next peace jirga and the Afghan economic cooperation conference, which is now under way. Japan places priority on assistance to the Afghanistan- Pakistan border region, including follow-up of the G8 initiative. To reverse the current negative trend and achieve social and economic stability is a major challenge for the international community as a whole. In that endeavour, the coordinating role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is more important than ever. I applaud the leadership of Mr. Kai Eide in carrying out that challenging task, as well as the dedication of UNAMA staff, who are working under very harsh conditions.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“The elections in 2009 and 2010 are too crucial to fail. Their success is essential to consolidate nation- building efforts and democracy in the country. It is necessary to ensure that the will of the Afghan people will be faithfully reflected. Voter registration has started as a first step in the preparations, with other steps to follow. The Afghan Government and the international community together must make every possible effort to complete the necessary preparations in time so that the elections are organized in a free, fair and secure manner. Japan will lend its full support to the Afghan Government and the United Nations. Regional cooperation is another essential element in achieving stability and development in the country.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“In the area of reconstruction and development, concrete steps have been taken to implement the Afghanistan National Development Strategy on the basis of the outcome of the Paris Conference. We welcome the recent decision to make the decision- making process of the Joint Coordinating and Monitoring Board streamlined and more effective. However, much remains to be done on both the Afghan and the international sides. The commitment and pledges of the international community must be followed through and implemented promptly. I am pleased that Japan, for its part, has fulfilled almost all of its previous financial commitments, and the additional pledge we made in Paris will also be implemented in a timely manner. I would join in the call of the Secretary-General for pledges to be translated into urgent action.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“The implementation of development projects in the districts committed to the disbanding of illegal armed groups is becoming more efficient than ever before. However, given the importance and urgency of those efforts, the pace of progress must be accelerated. The establishment of a unit for the disbanding of illegal armed groups in the Ministry of the Interior in the coming weeks will be a step forward. Japan will continue to do its utmost to support the Government of Afghanistan through policy coordination and by providing necessary assistance in that area. Counter-narcotics is another priority issue requiring urgent action. Building on ongoing efforts, including full implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy, additional measures have to be explored to cut the link between the insurgents and drug production and trafficking.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“In order to improve the security situation, the issue of governance of the central and local Governments is essential and must be seriously addressed. We expect commitments for anti-corruption efforts to be followed through and effective measures to be taken. International forces are playing an indispensable role in the security of the country. Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 1833 (2008) as a demonstration of the solidarity of the international community in the fight against terrorism. Japan is determined to continue to play its important role in supporting the activities of the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition in the Indian Ocean. The disbanding of illegal armed groups contributes to improving the security situation. In Afghanistan, more than 370 illegally armed groups have been disbanded.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“As the insurgents have come to rely more on asymmetric attacks, the number of innocent civilian victims has increased. We are deeply concerned that even humanitarian workers and their convoys have increasingly become targets. A Japanese aid worker was killed recently. Such heinous attacks are not acceptable. We condemn all attacks against those innocents who are genuinely supporting Afghanistan. Afghan security forces must be strengthened urgently. Japan fully supports the Joint Coordinating and Monitoring Board decision to expand the Afghan National Army. The reform of the Afghan National Police and the Ministry of the Interior should be also accelerated. Japan has supported the efforts of the Afghan Government by providing assistance for the police payroll through the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Kai Eide for his very helpful briefing this morning. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/6l7) is also appreciated. We share the Secretary-General's candid assessment of the challenging situation in Afghanistan. The security and humanitarian situation, in particular, is of serious concern. At the same time, we should acknowledge the significant achievement of State- building efforts over the past seven years. With the resolute efforts of the Government and people of Afghanistan and the united support of the international community, we strongly believe that the situation can be reversed. Today's meeting will be an important opportunity to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to assisting Afghanistan to achieve its aspirations. The security situation is of paramount concern.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“It is essential to bear in mind the importance of having coordinated and planned strategies. UNMIT and the international partners have so far made significant contributions to the peace and stability in Timor-Leste. In respecting the views of the Government of Timor- Leste, Japan will continue to follow closely the progress of peacebuilding efforts and to develop the most appropriate ways to support such efforts. Japan looks forward to the medium-term strategy to be included in the next report of the Secretary-General.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“In that context, a good investment in the education, training and capacity-building of Timorese personnel is critically important for sustainable development. The economic activities of the private sector, local as well as international, should be supported and promoted. This would create a wide range of opportunities for young people. The major challenge and the principal focus with regard to Timor-Leste are now shifting from the stage of simply maintaining security to that of achieving peacebuilding and durable peace and stability. Regional peacebuilding is a long, complex and multidimensional process. Japan is ready, together with other partners, to support the national efforts of the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, who are the principal actors in this transformation.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“It is encouraging that a significant number of internally displaced persons have returned to their communities in recent months and that many camps have already been closed. The vital support provided by the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF and other United Nations agencies under the leadership of UNMIT is highly appreciated. We should now intensify our efforts to finally solve this long- standing problem without losing momentum. Timor-Leste is fortunate to possess great resources generated by oil revenues. While there is some logic in utilizing those revenues to meet short- term emergency needs, effective and well-planned use of those funds to contribute to the country's long-term development must be given consideration.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“It has to be emphasized that members of security institutions must abide by the law under any and all circumstances. Now that the state of emergency has ended, all PNTL officers report to the UNMIT Police Commissioner, and the Government needs to draw a clear distinction between the role of the armed forces and that of law enforcement institutions. The armed forces must be accountable to the democratically elected Government. In order to ensure sustained stability and pave the way for long-term peace, it is essential to develop economic and social infrastructures and to create opportunities for all, particularly young people. Focused attention should be given to socio-economic and humanitarian issues during the current mandate period.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“We are pleased with the steady progress made in the screening and certification of police officers. At the same time, that process must proceed prudently, in tandem with actual progress in the reform and capacity-building of the national police. We should avoid any setbacks and earn people's trust and confidence in the process. We therefore support the Secretary-General's recommendation that the existing strength of the UNMIT police force be maintained through the current mandate and that the PNTL receive appropriate support during the transition period. We acknowledge the positive developments in the security sector. We must also express concern over the reported misconduct by some military and police officers, particularly during the period of operation under the Joint Command.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“The marked improvement in the overall security situation is most welcome. The Joint Command of the armed forces and the national police has effectively maintained public order. The Government succeeded in persuading the rebellious "petitioners" group to surrender without violence, which was followed by the resolution of that long- standing issue. Thus, one of the fundamental factors affecting the security situation in Timor-Leste has been successfully addressed. In order to ensure its stability, Timor-Leste must have the national capacity to police itself. The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the Government of Timor-Leste have jointly developed a strategy for the phased transfer of policing responsibilities to the National Police Force of Timor- Leste (PNTL).”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“I would like to add my sense of empathy and solidarity to the feelings expressed with regard to Sergio de Mello and his colleagues, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the United Nations. Whenever we talk about East Timor, we think about him. I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Atul Khare, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his dedicated work and for his very helpful briefing this morning. I am also grateful to His Excellency Mr. Zacarias Albano da Costa, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, for affirming the strong determination of his Government to achieve sustainable stability. Since the regrettable incident that occurred last February, political leaders in Timor-Leste have demonstrated the capacity to better handle security disturbances.”
2008-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5958 (2008) · source
“We hope that it will assist in the efforts to fulfil its intended goal. In conclusion, Japan remains fully committed to providing all possible support in the hope of achieving progress in the peace process.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We therefore welcome the recent exchange of prisoners by Israel and Hizbollah as a step towards reducing tensions and building confidence, and extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. However, much remains to be done by parties in the region, including all Lebanese parties concerned and Israel, in order to achieve a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution. They must vigorously continue to disarm and disband all remaining militias, to delineate the borders of Lebanon, including the Shaba'a Farms, and to ensure that there is no illegal trafficking of weapons. We welcome the recent comment of President Assad that Syria is ready for the reciprocal establishment of embassies in Syria and Lebanon. Japan decided recently to extend financial support to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The feasibility study on the agro-industrial park in Jericho will be completed in November and projects to develop basic infrastructure will move into the implementation stage as early as next year. We strongly believe that this initiative will help build confidence between the two sides by contributing to the creation of a viable Palestinian economy and will ultimately give Palestinian youth hope for a productive future. Japan welcomes the formation of the new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Siniora. We hope that, under the leadership of President Sleiman, all parties concerned in Lebanon will continue to engage in 08-4336] dialogue with a view to enhancing the stability and political independence of the country. To achieve stability in Lebanon, it is essential that Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) be fully implemented.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“At the same time, we remain concerned about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The integrity of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip should soon be restored under the leadership of President Abbas. We support the reform efforts of the Palestinian Authority, including the training of the security forces. In that connection, we call on Israel to take further steps to ensure movement and access. On 2 July, Foreign Minister Koumura of Japan hosted the third round of the ministerial meeting of the Four-Party Consultative Unit for the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative, with the participation of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Japan. The four parties then issued a press statement welcoming the developments made so far and stating how they were looking forward to future progress.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“A peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians should be achieved as soon as possible. We hope that peaceful coexistence and prosperity for the Israeli and the Palestinian people will thereby be realized. We call on all parties to make every effort to that end by showing maximum restraint and good faith in the bilateral negotiations, to refrain from any action that would undermine the negotiations and the momentum for peace, and to implement their road map obligations such as ending all acts of Violence, terrorism and incitement. We reiterate the call on Israel to freeze all settlement activities and the construction of houses in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Japan welcomes the truce that took effect in Gaza recently through the mediation of Egypt and calls for it to be observed.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“As a result of such efforts, indirect peace talks between Israel and Syria have resumed under the auspices of Turkey, the Doha agreement was reached in May with the mediation of the relevant Arab countries, and a new cabinet was formed in Lebanon. At the Hokkaido Toyako Summit, the leaders of the Group of Eight reiterated their commitment to realizing a comprehensive peace in the region. The Paris Summit for the Mediterranean also provided valuable support for the parties concerned. The situation in the Middle East, however, remains fragile and much still needs to be done. We believe that progress on the Palestinian track, which is the core issue in the Middle East peace process, will lead to peace between Israel and its neighbours and eventually to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East as a whole.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this timely open debate on the situation in the Middle East. We appreciate the fact that non-members of the Security Council are regularly afforded an opportunity to address that issue. My appreciation goes also to Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his comprehensive and informative briefing this morning. Over the past few months, there have been positive developments in the Middle East. We welcome the continuing efforts to advance the Annapolis track. The international community should continue to support the efforts of the parties concerned to reach an agreement by the end of this year. We highly appreciate the active diplomatic efforts that countries in the region have been making.”
2008-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5940Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We therefore strongly urge the parties to come to an agreement on the future status of their army as soon as possible, while the United Nations Mission continues to monitor the activities for a limited extended period. As a peace-fostering nation, Japan is firmly committed to supporting Nepal's peacebuilding efforts to consolidate peace and democracy. Mr. Osamu Uno, Japan's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Nepal two days ago to convey Japan's commitment. As part of our support, in cooperation with UNICEF, we will address the issue of child soldiers and promote the development of socio-economic infrastructure and the reduction of poverty throughout the country.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“We also highly appreciate the good offices efforts made by Special Representative Martin, who, working within his mandate, has spared no effort to move the political process forward during this process. We understand that Nepal needs some more time to consider the future of the soldiers in cantonment, which is a cornerstone to consolidating durable peace. As this is a critical time in achieving lasting peace and stability in the country, Japan supports the extension of the mandate of UNMIN for six months, in line with the request of the Government of Nepal. The arms monitors, including those from Japan, have ably carried out their duties. I am convinced that arms monitoring will be effectively conducted under the extended mandate. At the same time, the United Nations cannot continue to monitor arms and soldiers 08-42878 indefinitely.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“We commend all the parties who respected the will of the people and carried out the transition in a peaceful manner. The parties are now engaged in consultations to formulate a new Government. That process of political dialogue among all parties reflects the sound state of the nation's new democracy. We are also pleased to note that the political dialogue among the parties is proceeding peacefully. The people have proven their wisdom by demonstrating that political differences can be addressed through dialogue without resorting to violence. We strongly urge all the Nepalese people to maintain that strong momentum towards democratic governance and to refrain from any type of violence.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“I wish to thank Mr. Ian Martin, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and head of the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), for his dedicated work and his comprehensive briefing this morning. I would like first to congratulate the people and Government of Nepal on their efforts in conducting the successful election for the Constituent Assembly in April. Credit for that success goes to the people themselves, but UNMIN and the international community also played a very helpful and indispensable role. Japan joined other partners in sending 24 electoral observers and two parliamentarians to support that historic election and to serve as witnesses to the new democratic governance process in Nepal. At the first session of the Constituent Assembly, Nepal declared itself a federal democratic republic.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development was also an occasion to address the importance of ensuring human security as a top priority. Political leaders in Africa and in many other parts of the world agreed the importance of approaching seamless peacebuilding efforts from a human-centred perspective, encompassing conflict prevention, early warning, conflict resolution and the prevention of relapses into conflict, all of which contribute to durable peace. Equally crucial are a smooth transition between one phase and the next and the creation of interdependence between security, human rights and development.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For instance, at the recent G8 summit, leaders stressed the importance of the enhancement of human security and the promotion of good governance in achieving those goals. In mainstreaming the human security approach, Japan has been providing assistance and support to the programmes aimed at supporting former child soldiers and Victims of sexual exploitation and Violence in many countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Uganda and Liberia. In addition, through the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, Japan supports capacity-building in local communities to build durable child-friendly environments, for instance, in Kenya and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Peacebuilding Commission, with its diverse stakeholders, is in a position to provide valuable support to develop a coordinated and integrated approach to achieve durable peace. Children are the most vulnerable members of society when conflict breaks out. The concept of human security, focusing on the safety and security of the individual, which Japan promotes wholeheartedly, provides a vitally important perspective for the protection and empowerment of children affected by armed conflict. An integrated approach based on that concept is highly relevant to the entire process. Japan believes that those endeavours will, in turn, contribute to the international efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“For example, the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Burundi has made specific commitments addressing the needs of child soldiers and to promote their human rights in the context of transitional justice in response to Special Representative Coomaraswamy's briefing at the country-specific meeting. In the case of Sierra Leone, the Peacebuilding Cooperation Framework recognizes that the education, employment and empowerment of youth are critical and priority issues. At the last open debate on children and armed conflict here in February, the Council issued a presidential statement in document S/PRST/2008/6, inviting all parties concerned to enhance their exchange of information about programmes and best practices on the reintegration and rehabilitation of children.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We should pay particular attention to alleviating the factors at the community level that are likely to lead to the recurrence of conflicts, such as discrimination against former child soldiers and the lack of productive economic activities for them. Physical and mental rehabilitation, vocational training and expanded educational opportunities should be provided to empower those Victims. In post-conflict situations, Governments have the primary responsibility to lead the way by formulating and implementing child rights- based policies, while communities and civil society play an important role in building a climate of reconciliation and forgiveness. The Peacebuilding Commission can support national efforts to address the needs of children.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/757) and the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (A/62/228) highlighted emerging critical issues of concern, including the lack of security in and around camps for internally displaced persons and refugees and the illegal detention of children for alleged association with armed groups. Those children affected by armed conflict, who have been deprived of their families and of appropriate education, should be given every opportunity to enjoy normal civilian life. Post-conflict peacebuilding must address the lives and livelihoods of such children and ensure their full reintegration into communities. It is indispensable to provide not only physical protection but also basic human services.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The monitoring and reporting mechanism established by the Security Council resolution 1612 (2005), the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and the child protection advisers in the peacekeeping and political missions have all contributed to achieving concrete results. The dialogue amongst the parties concerned led to the release of more than 3,000 child soldiers in Cote d'Ivoire. In Chad and the Central African Republic, this May an agreement was reached by the parties to the conflict to release child combatants. Despite some of those achievements, we are deeply concerned about the plight of an estimated 250,000 children who are still forced to serve in armed forces and armed groups.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to you, Sir, for convening this open debate on children and armed conflict. My appreciation goes also to the valuable presentations made this morning by Special Representative Coomaraswamy, Executive Director Veneman, Assistant Secretary-General Mulet and Ms. Hunt. Since the Council first took up this issue about 10 years ago, we have been heartened by the progress made towards protecting children who have the misfortune to be caught in the midst of armed conflict. For example, important precedents have been set at the International Criminal Court and the Special Court for Sierra Leone to put an end to impunity for crimes against children, particularly the recruitment and use of children by armed forces or armed groups.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“As the international community remains firmly committed to supporting Afghanistan, we should better cooperate and coordinate with the Government. In his visit to Kabul just before the Paris Conference, Japan's Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura stressed to President Karzai and his senior colleagues and Afghan leaders the importance of strengthening their anti- corruption and counter-narcotics efforts and regional cooperation, in order to make maximal use of international support. We very much welcome the commitment reaffirmed by the Government of Afghanistan at the Paris Conference to pursue political and economic reform, including concrete steps to combat corruption. We look forward to such reform efforts bearing fruit and thereby contributing to the stability and development of Afghanistan.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“Prior to that, Foreign Ministers of the G-8 decided to strengthen assistance and endorsed more than 150 projects in the region being planned or implemented by G-8 members. They also agreed to establish a G-8 coordination arrangement with the support of the Afghan and Pakistani Governments and in support of UNAMA. I sincerely hope that these efforts will contribute to stabilizing the border region and enhancing the security of Afghanistan. The next important step towards a stable and democratic Afghanistan is to successfully hold elections in 2009 and 2010. Thorough preparation will be the key to success in this undertaking. We are committed to supporting the work of the Afghan Government and of the United Nations in this major step, in response to the specific needs to be identified.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“Holmes today. I would like to stress, now more than ever, the particular importance of the regional dimension. Cooperation among Afghanistan and its neighbours is essential to create stable conditions for Afghanistan and for the region as a whole. Focusing particularly on the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the G-8 leaders reaffirmed the importance of economic and social development along with counter-terrorism measures in the border region. They expressed their commitment to further strengthening the coordination of their efforts in the border area in cooperation with the respective countries, international organizations and other donors.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“On the reconstruction side, we welcome the successful outcome of the Paris Conference, in terms both of the political commitment demonstrated and of the pledges made to help the country and its National Development Strategy. On that occasion, Japan made an additional pledge of $550 million in order to support the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact and the Development Strategy. With this new additional pledge, our total pledge to Afghanistan has reached $2 billion. Most of our earlier pledges have been fully disbursed. We wish international assistance to be carried out effectively, with better coordination and under the guidance of Special Representative Eide, to bring tangible benefits to the people of Afghanistan. In that connection, we support addressing urgently the dire humanitarian needs that were described by Mr.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source