YouSaid · the spoken record

Taula

lines on the record

150

first

2014-01-29

most recent

2017-02-21

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28

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un-security-council

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1. “In Ukraine, we urge all sides to ensure that the OSCE is able to effectively carry out the responsibilities entrusted to it by the parties with a view to establishing a lasting ceasefire. All parties must deliver on their obligations under the Minsk agreements. We reiterate our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, and also the territorial integrity of Georgia. In Georgia, we call for internally displaced people to receive unimpeded humanitarian access and to be able to return to their homes. We also hope to see commitment from all parties to resolve tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is in the interests of all of us, and small States in particular, to ensure that the principles of the Charter and the international rules-based system are adhered to.”

   2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source

2. “We also encourage the Secretary-General to proactively use his good offices and other preventative-diplomacy tools to avert conflict, including briefing the Council at his own initiative in the spirit of Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. Conflict prevention is not easy. New Zealand is all too aware of how sensitive it can be in a practical sense within the Council, particularly when specific country situations are being discussed. But the Council should continue to assess how it can take practical steps to do better. Doing so will save lives and ensure a more cost-effective use of resources. There are a number of current threats to peace and security in Europe that New Zealand continues to be concerned about, as detailed by other speakers today.”

   2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source

3. “Those ongoing tensions are a further demonstration of the need for the United Nations system and the Council to increase their conflict- prevention capability. As a Security Council member, New Zealand was committed to working with others to take practical steps to improve the ability of the Council to prevent conflict. We hope that all Council members will continue to make good use of the tools at their disposal, such as the regular situational awareness briefings by the Secretariat and timely visiting missions to try to prevent conflicts before they break out. Unclogging the heavy agenda of the Council would be one way to help it focus on problem-solving and prevention, rather than on just managing conflict.”

   2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source

4. “Monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) are working in eastern Ukraine to assist efforts to consolidate a ceasefire. The European Union (EU) is facilitating dialogue in Kosovo between Belgrade and Pristina, and is leading a multinational stabilisation force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. EU support for the settlement negotiations in Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations is also very welcome. We hope to see the role of regional organizations in Europe continue to be strengthened in support of peace, and we welcome their enhanced engagement with the Council. While there is much to feel encouraged about, we are concerned at the fact that some old animosities have been reasserting themselves in parts of Europe.”

   2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source

5. “I thank Ukraine for convening today's open debate. With great sadness I, too, wish to acknowledge the passing of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. New Zealand had the honour of working side-by-side with that outstanding diplomat over the last two years. I would like to convey the deep condolences of the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the Russian Federation, and particularly to the members of the Russian delegation here in New York. Ambassador Churkin served his country with distinction and was deeply respected by all who worked with him. He will be greatly missed. In Europe we have seen the significant role that regional organizations can play in reducing tensions and promoting peace and security.”

   2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source

6. “We would echo the concerns expressed about the process followed in negotiating the resolution. We feel that more could have been done to bridge the diverging views within the Council in order to reach consensus and thereby send a united message to Liberia. Finally, we again commend Liberia for the progress made in the country. We wish it continued success in the important period ahead.”

   2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7851 (2016) · source

7. “New Zealand saw considerable merit in arguments made in favour of the United Nations providing support to Liberia through 2017, including the elections period, but to bring to an end the current peacekeeping mission. The current resolution extends the mandate of the Mission for a final period until 30 March 2018. New Zealand considers it important that the Security Council convey two key messages. First, the United Nations should continue to support Liberia in a strong partnership as it enters the next phase in its history. Secondly, UNMIL will rightly withdraw in early 2018, given that the Liberians have demonstrated that a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country will no longer be warranted in the light of the significant progress made.”

   2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7851 (2016) · source

8. “New Zealand voted in favour ofresolution 2333 (2016). This is a critical period for Liberia. The Council's consideration of the future United Nations presence in the country was important, given the considerable gains that Liberia has achieved in recent years, including taking over full responsibility for security from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) earlier this year. Today's resolution rightfy commends the successful completion of that process. After 13 years of UNMIL support in the country, it was right for the Council to consider the next steps for the United Nations engagement in the country and to carefully consider the best interests of Liberia itself.”

   2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7851 (2016) · source

9. “We also owe it to our peacekeepers and the people they are mandated to protect to ensure that they are more consistently provided with clear and realistic mandates, as well as the resources, equipment and support to carry them out.”

   2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7840 (2016) · source

10. “It will also be important for the work of the task force headed by Assistant Secretary-General Wane on the independent special investigation to be mainstreamed into the future mandate. In the meantime, we support the Secretary-General's message from his strategic assessment of UNMISS that the Mission needs to focus on its most pressing tasks, particularly the protection of civilians and support to the political process. As a final point and as this may be our last public statement on a peacekeeping mission before our term ends, I wish to briefly note New Zealand's efforts to provide new, more meaningful Security Council engagement with troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and other key stakeholders through informal triangular consultations. We encourage Council members to continue those efforts to engage TCCs more productively.”

    2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7840 (2016) · source

11. “New Zealand strongly supports the work of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and we are pleased that the Council was able to reach consensus on the Mission's new mandate. That said, we would have preferred a fuller discussion in order to work through the contentious issues, and we hope that sufficient time will be provided for such a discussion at the next renewal. The Council should continue to closely monitor the suitability of the UNMISS mandate in the light of developing circumstances on the ground. It will be important for the incoming Special Representative of the Secretary-General to make his own assessment of the needs of the Mission with fresh eyes and to bring that assessment to the Council early next year.”

    2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7840 (2016) · source

12. “The missions ongoing contingency- planning efforts are particularly important in that regard, as outlined by Mr. Sidikou. Finally, we would have seen real value in Assistant Secretary-General Andrew Gilmour participating in this briefing to share his observations on his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights inside the country. Indeed, the linkage between human rights abuses as a potential driver of conflict could not be clearer than the present circumstances.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

13. “When we were in Beni last month, we saw the fear and anger felt by Congolese who are suffering from appalling human rights abuses. While addressing the immediate political crisis in Kinshasa, we must also remain engaged on the imperative of stabilizing the security situation in the east, protecting civilians, neutralizing armed groups, such as Allied Democratic Force and the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda, and establishing accountability for the human rights abuses that have taken place. The Congolese authorities have the lead role to play in achieving that, supported by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). At the same time, MONUSCO must devote resources and be well prepared for conflict risks associated with the political crisis.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

14. “First, the Congolese political leadership - both in Government and opposition - must heed the calls from the Council to act with a spirit of compromise to achieve a consensus political agreement on the path ahead, building on the 18 October agreement and before the scheduled end of the President's current term at the end of December. Secondly, political leaders on all sides need to encourage a political environment in which the Congolese can freely engage, with freedom of assembly and the media, while avoiding incitement of violence. Thirdly, as was underscored by our visit and meetings in Luanda, the region is among those first to face the implications of conflict, and it has a key role to play in building support for an inclusive political agreement. The Congolese continue to suffer from insecurity in the eastern parts of the country.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

15. “Visiting missions, like the one we undertook last month, is important in order to engage directly with the Governments and other stakeholders, listen to them and deliver messages from Council members directly to the parties. We are pleased that we have now agreed on a common set of messages in today's presidential statement S/PRST/2016/18. That is an important outcome, although ideally it would have been preferable to issue the statement closer to the time of the visit. There are a few points that deserve particular emphasis.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

16. “There has been no shortage of warnings to the Security Council regarding the risk of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The failure to undertake timely preparations for the electoral list were apparent a year ago. And in July, the Deputy Secretary-General warned the Security Council (see S/PV.7732) that violence and instability associated with a political crisis could still preventable if an inclusive political agreement could be reached. We saw early signs of that instability and violence manifest itself, with dozens killed on 19 and 20 September. But a slow, burning situation can be among the most challenging for the Security Council to address when we are confronted with so many emergencies at the same time. And influencing the parties in a situation that has been on the Security Council's agenda for so long is not easy.”

    2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source

17. “Now is the time for an open, honest and respectful dialogue between the Council, the ICC and its African members, aimed at finding a way through the current crisis that best serves our common goal of ending impunity. As a friend of both the Court and of Africa, New Zealand is committed to playing its part.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

18. “But we also need to get much better at listening to, and engaging with, African States on issues of concern to them. New Zealand has tried to play its part in facilitating such a dialogue in the ICC context as well as in the General Assembly and here in the Security Council. We were disappointed that the meeting between the Council and the African Union ministerial committee on the ICC, which we scheduled during our September presidency, did not proceed. We need to see greater willingness to prioritize such engagement. The recent announcement by three African States that they intend to withdraw from the Rome Statute should concern us all. African States were among the earliest and strongest ICC supporters, and we do not believe it is in anybody's interests to now see them walk away.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

19. “We welcome the agreement in principle at the recent meeting convened by the ICC with judicial and investigative agencies from Libya and various interested States to work collectively and in a coordinated manner. While we remain supportive of the Prosecutor's efforts in Libya, we cannot pretend that this referral is currently the most pressing issue facing either Libya or the Court. Moreover, we must be cognizant of the broader political context in which this work is being undertaken. The ICC is currently facing an unprecedented situation in its relationships with some ofits African members. None ofus should be surprised. That situation has been brewing for some time. There are genuine substantive concerns, and they need to be thoroughly discussed.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

20. “It was never intended to take the place of national justice systems, but rather to complement them. However, Libya's current domestic judicial options remain significantly constrained, especially its investigative and judicial capacities. We believe the international community, including the ICC, has a role to play in helping to build Libyan capacities in this area. The ICC's interactions with Libya have given it useful practical knowledge of Libya's circumstances and needs in that regard. We note the Prosecutor's active efforts to encourage the development of coordinated investigative and prosecutorial strategies with regard to Libya-related cases in order to help to close the impunity gap for ICC crimes.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

21. “Developments in Libya have not yet paved the way for re-establishing effective Government authority, restoring the rule of law, protecting basic human rights and providing justice for past violations. The situation remains extremely fragile. As a result, the environment for the ICC in taking forward the Council's Libya referral remains extremely challenging. The current security environment makes it almost impossible for ICC staff to undertake investigations on the ground. Moreover, Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi remains in detention in an area outside the custody and control of the Government of National Accord. We nevertheless commend the Office of the Prosecutor for its continued efforts, and we welcome the ongoing cooperation provided by Libyan Prosecutor- General's Office. The ICC is ofcourse a court oflast resort.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

22. “Furthermore, the Council should not make referrals unless it is also prepared to follow up on their implementation. Sustained non-compliance with resolutions under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations calls into question the very credibility of the Council and the authority of its resolutions. In our view, costs incurred by the ICC as a result of decisions by United Nations organs should be attributed to, and accounted from, the United Nations budget. At the very least, Council members should not obstruct open discussions on the issue, but should defer to the General Assembly, which has the prerogative and mandate to determine funding issues.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

23. “We thank Prosecutor Bensouda for her briefing. Our experience on the Council over the past two years has reinforced to us the need for an effective international accountability framework. The International Criminal Court (ICC) plays an important role in that framework. Its existence sends a clear message that the international community has the tools to ensure that serious international crimes will not go unpunished. The Security Council's ability to make referrals to the ICC is an important part of that framework. However, as we have stressed numerous times, the Council must remain scrupulous in avoiding perceptions that it is using referrals as a political tool, particularly in the midst of a conflict. Such actions risk politicizing the Court and can prolong both the conflicts concerned and the process of seeking accountability.”

    2016-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7806 (2016) · source

24. “I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meett'ng rose al10.50 am.”

    2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source

25. “I thank Mr. Madeira for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to the member of the Security Council who wishes to make a statement.”

    2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source

26. “Madeira,who is joining us via video-teleconference from Mogadishu. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2016/763, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on Somalia. I now give the floor to Mr. Keating.”

    2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source

27. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Somalia to participate in this meeting. On behalf ofthe Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Abdusalam Hadliyeh Omer, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Michael Keating, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, and Mr. Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia, to participate in this meeting. Onbehalfofthe Council,Iwelcome Mr.”

    2016-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7778 (2016) · source

28. “I thank Mr. Ibrahim for his briefing. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 3.25 pm.”

    2016-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7769 (2016) · source

29. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by Mr. Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, and Ambassador Ramlan Bin Ibrahim, Permanent Representative of Malaysia, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya.”

    2016-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7769 (2016) · source

30. “That would, of course, have to be done in close cooperation with the OPCW. Finally, we echo the comments made by the Secretary-General and High Representative Won-soo that we must restart progress on the disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. It is only through complete and verifiable nuclear disarmament that we can be sure to eradicate nuclear-related weapons of mass destruction and to eliminate their chances of being used.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

31. “For example, we would see merit in considering steps the Council might take to encourage and support States to monitor, investigate and report possible chemical weapons activities by non-State actors within their jurisdiction, as well as to reaffirm the various investigative tools available to the international community. We could also consider ways to ensure regular reporting to keep the Council fully apprised of incidents of chemical weapons use by non-State actors so that it can respond appropriately. In addition, consistent with its recent decision with respect to Libya, the Council could signal its commitment to considering authorizing the transfer of chemical weapons or precursors to other States for destruction in situations where they have been seized from non-State actors or are at risk of falling into their hands.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

32. “For example, while the Chemical Weapons Convention clearly prohibits the use of chemical weapons by anyone, including non-State actors, there is currently no explicit requirement for States parties to the Convention to report chemical weapons-related activities by non-State actors in their territory to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Nor is there a duty on States parties to investigate such activities. We welcome the ongoing discussions in the OPCW on options for addressing this issue. We also welcome the OPCW establishment of a rapid response assistance team for dealing with alleged incidents. There may also be scope for the Council to complement these efforts.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

33. “That is the approach New Zealand has taken in supporting the implementation efforts of our partners in our region, most recently in a workshop we hosted for Pacific Island countries with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Pacific Islands Forum secretariat, the Financial Action Task Force, the Asia- Pacific Group on Money Laundering and the 1540 Committee Group of Experts. Reform of the current assistance mechanism is also important for small States. The input of the Group of Experts is critical in helping to develop clear requests for support. We would support a review of whether the current composition of the Group is adequate for that purpose. The recent actions of non-State actors in Syria and Iraq in making and using chemicals as weapons has raised questions regarding the adequacy of current international frameworks.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

34. “There is little sense in taking a rigid, one-size-fits all approach to States that do not produce, store or act as transit points for sensitive materials. Similarly, we see little value in imposing additional reporting requirements and new universal legal obligations that are not realistic or justified for small States with limited capacities. Exploring flexible, pragmatic approaches for such States, such as reducing reporting for low-risk States and affording a greater role for regional organizations, could help smaller States improve their implementation while reducing compliance burdens. Focusing outreach and support in complementary areas such as counter-terrorism, border security, non-proliferation and export controls can also help small States.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

35. “That would better ensure resources are targeted to activities and regions where they can have the greatest impact. Such visits would of course still require the consent of the host country. New Zealand also supports a more flexible approach to engaging States with low risk profiles. While we recognize the importance of universal implementation of the regime established by resolution 1540 (2004), we caution against an approach that measures success simply by counting the laws enacted or the reports submitted. Thirdly, we need to ensure that the compliance burdens are both necessary and realistic, especially for small States. That requires restraint in imposing new obligations, as well as a willingness to consider flexible approaches.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

36. “New Zealand agrees that consideration should be given to a new draft resolution later this year to update the resolution 1540 (2004) framework in the light of the review. New Zealand will continue to focus on three main objectives. First, we want to ensure that the resolution 1540 92004) framework is fit for purpose and capable of meeting emerging threats and challenges. Secondly, we support a sharpened strategic focus by prioritizing the work of the Group of Experts of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) towards issues and regions of identified risk, vulnerability and need. In that regard, New Zealand supports empowering the Group of Experts to proactively identify and approach States to propose in-country visits.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

37. “The increasing accessibility of information and rapid advances in science and technology have brought WMD capabilities within reach of many dangerous non-State actors. It was precisely to prevent such outcomes that resolution 1540 (2004) was adopted. That resolution was the Security Council's first attempt at a comprehensive response to the risks relating to non-State actors. It imposed obligations on all Member States regarding implementation, monitoring and reporting. The comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) currently under way is therefore very timely. It provides an opportunity to consider whether the existing regime is adequate and effective, and how it can be strengthened.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

38. “We thank Malaysia for organizing this important open debate. The past two years have been troubling ones for efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The threat of the acquisition and use of such weapons by non-State actors is no longer a hypothetical question. We have seen credible allegations of the use of toxic chemicals as weapons against civilians in Syria, by both non-State actors and by a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, have demonstrated that they are capable and willing to use such weapons. Insecure stockpiles in countries experiencing conflict have heightened the risk of dangerous weapons or precursors falling into the wrong hands.”

    2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source

39. “New Zealand voted in favour of resolution 2303 (2016). The situation in Burundi and the risk of further escalation continues to be of major concern to New Zealand. The resolution meets our expectations for a credible and appropriate response. We would stress that the resolution is not the end of the process but a small milestone in efforts to restore peace and stability. Achieving this must take place in the context of efforts to achieve a political solution, with a significant role for the region and supporting a genuine incredible inter-Burundian dialogue.”

    2016-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7752 (2016) · source

40. “New Zealand is strongly supportive of African calls for a long-term solution to these financing questions that would provide regional organizations with more stable and predictable funding, recognizing that there also needs to be flexibility in specific cases. As our briefers have said, this is not just a security issue, and a military response is only part of the solution to defeating Boko Haram. It is necessary to address the conditions that have allowed extremism to take hold in the region, including political and economic marginalization, limited access to education, scarce employment and economic opportunities, and food insecurity.”

    2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source

41. “We are also encouraged by the enhanced coordination by Governments in the Lake Chad Basin area, including on intelligence-sharing with the establishment of an intelligence fusion cell in N'Djamena in April. New Zealand supports and encourages regional solutions to regional issues. The MNTJF represents a practical example of a collective, coordinated regional response to a threat that is inherently regional and cross-border in nature. Ensuring that the MNJTF is adequately financed is critical. It also speaks to a deeper ongoing problem in the international community's approach to funding regionally led counter-terrorism and peace operations.”

    2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source

42. “The large-scale displacement risks fuelling further regional instability, and we agree that a concerted effort is required on resettlement and recovery for those affected. Mr. O'Brien outlined that there are over 9 million people in need across the Lake Chad Basin region. Boko Haram's continued actions are exacerbating an already difficult humanitarian situation. The disruption of farming and herding activities is contributing to a looming food crisis in north-east Nigeria. Today's meeting is therefore important in highlighting to the Security Council and the international community the sheer scale of the problems. We welcome the gains made by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Nigerian army against Boko Haram, including the rescue of over 2,000 abductees and the arrest of key Boko Haram members.”

    2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source

43. “I thank Under-Secretaries- General Feltman and O'Brien for their first-hand engagement and insights on the Lake Chad Basin. As we have heard, the region faces a range of very serious challenges, including the environmental and economic effects of climate change, lack of development, youth populations that aspire to greater economic and political participation, low commodity prices, and the presence of groups promoting an extremist ideology. We are deeply concerned by the displacement of millions of people across the region, many of whom are women and children, due to the actions of Boko Haram. This has been further exacerbated by the growing number of attacks in the southern Diffa region of the Niger.”

    2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source

44. “The protection of civilians would also benefit enormously from a more systematic approach to reviewing implementation at the mission level. The Council needs to know in what areas and by whom protection mandates are being implemented effectively and where they need to be improved. During our remaining time on the Council, New Zealand wants to achieve practical progress in these areas. If we succeed, we will be more likely to generate the political will needed to protect civilians in crises. Let us make sure we do.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source

45. “We hope that we can move forward on practical steps to ensure the Council is regularly informed of key risks to civilians and United Nations personnel across all missions. This is an essential complement to the Council's existing tools for situational awareness. Finally, protection mandates must be backed by the necessary political will to enable them to succeed. For the Council and the General Assembly, this means providing missions with the resources and political support to carry out their mandates. For contributing countries, it means ensuring deployed personnel have a clear understanding of their mandated tasks and are trained, equipped and empowered to implement them effectively. It also means being restrained and transparent in imposing caveats and respecting the United Nations chain of command and mission leadership.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source

46. “It requires relevant information to be systematically gathered, collated, analysed and provided to those who need it, whether that be area- level commanders or the Council itself. To ensure that key challenges and risks to civilians are understood and effectively managed, the Council requires better, unfiltered reporting. The Secretariat should be more open regarding the difficult policy and operational choices facing missions. Mechanisms, such as the one New Zealand helped establish last year for the Council to monitor the operational risks and protection challenges faced by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, can help in this regard, but they need to be expanded.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source

47. “Through the informal, off-the-record format, these triangular consultations give Council members a deeper understanding of the realities on the ground, and they help contributing countries to better understand the Council's approach. We believe that over time they will mean better mandates and more effective implementation. New Zealand has facilitated these consultations with four missions so far and we are working with Council colleagues and contributing countries to make them an established and consistent feature of the Council. Thirdly, decision-makers at all levels need to receive better, more timely and reliable information on emerging threats and protection needs. This requires close engagement with local populations and an understanding of why and how civilians are being targeted.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source

48. “New Zealand has pushed for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to report on lessons learned from the protection of civilians sites in South Sudan and we look forward to acting on the findings from the report. Meaningful consultations with stakeholders are also essential for making sure mandates are fit-for- purpose and effectively implemented. Engagement with troop and police contributors is critical. It is unreasonable to expect countries to take on the difficult and dangerous job of protecting civilians while excluding them from key discussions. New Zealand has been working over the past year to improve the quality of Council engagement with contributing countries and the Secretariat.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source

49. “Progress has been made in developing protection strategies, clear doctrine and operating procedures, but coordination is still lacking across political, humanitarian, military, human rights and development actors. The experience in South Sudan has highlighted many serious challenges, including cooperation with humanitarian actors, questions of mission authority and host-State relations. We believe that protection of civilians sites should never be a strategy of first choice. They should be employed only in extreme circumstances, as we saw in South Sudan, or when the mission is genuinely unable to provide more proactive protection further afield.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source

50. “These need to be grounded in clear strategies for addressing the factors that make civilians vulnerable in the first place. Political solutions will always deliver more for protection of civilians than boots on the ground will. If we are honest, we have not seen Council practice improve much since these recommendations were made. Mandating remains a relatively pro forma exercise, often without much consultation or policy deliberation on the key implementation challenges. Recent adjustments to the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the South Sudan were a more positive experience in terms of prioritization and phasing, but we would like to see more of this. Secondly, we need to build better understanding among all stakeholders of how protection mandates should be carried out.”

    2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source