YouSaid · the spoken record

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120

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2013-12-17

most recent

2016-12-19

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21

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un-security-council

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1. “At the Brussels Conference, we pledged to support the Afghan Government with substantial financial resources. Germany remains committed to supporting Afghanistan in close cooperation with the Government and our international partners.”

   2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source

2. “I also thank the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration for their support to the returning refugees. At the same time, we call upon all parties to ensure that the return of refugees is conducted in a dignified manner and takes into account the absorption capacity of Afghanistan. A stable security situation, economic growth and job creation will be essential to avoiding a possible humanitarian crisis. Germany remains committed to supporting the Afghan Government's efforts towards a sustainable reintegration of the returning refugees and encourages all Member States to join that endeavour. Afghanistan represents Germany's single-largest engagement in a foreign country in both civilian and military terms.”

   2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source

3. “The production and trade in illegal narcotics negatively affects the entire region, as well as Europe, but it also increasingly has an impact on the health of Afghan society. We strongly encourage the Government to step up its efforts to fight opium poppy cultivation and opium production more decisively. The volatile security situation in large parts of the country hampers economic growth and constitutes an additional challenge to accommodating returning refugees. As has been reported, over 500,000 Afghans have been displaced internally, and over 600,000 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring countries during the course of the year. I would like to commend the long-time host countries, such as Pakistan and Iran, for the assistance they have provided Afghan refugees.”

   2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source

4. “The security situation continues to be the main challenge in Afghanistan. As the Secretary General points out in his report, the number of armed clashes rose by 22 per cent. The number of civilian casualties continues to be very high, and the number of child casualties has increased by another 15 per cent. Germany recently assumed the chairmanship of the local group of friends on children in armed conflict. We will continue to raise awareness about the suffering of that most vulnerable group of victims. The difficult security situation is also one of the reasons that the eradication efforts on opium poppy cultivation have decreased by 90 per cent as compared to last year.”

   2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source

5. “That was an important step towards the holding of early parliamentary and district council elections. It will now be critically important that the Government act with resolve and unity of purpose in implementing the necessary electoral reforms. We also took note, with appreciation, that the Anti-Corruption Criminal Justice Centre took up its work, received its first cases and held its first trials. Visible progress in fighting corruption is key to economic development, and we strongly encourage the Afghan Government to maintain its efforts to fight corruption and foster the rule of law. The culture of impunity must be eradicated. To that effect, we have called for a fair and transparent official investigation with regard to the allegations of recent gross human rights violations and abuses by the Vice-President.”

   2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source

6. “Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. In his report (S/2016/1049), the Secretary General highlights some encouraging developments. Germany welcomes the peace agreement with Hezb-i Islami (Gulbuddin), which gives us new hope that lasting peace is possible in Afghanistan. 1 would like to commend the Government of National Unity for keeping its doors open for peace negotiations with the Taliban. A comprehensive peace and reconciliation process remains the only way to long-term stability in Afghanistan and the region. We call on all Afghan parties to seize the moment and to join the peace talks. Furthermore, we are encouraged by the transparent recruitment process for the Independent Elections Commission.”

   2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source

7. “In order to be adequately prepared for mitigating the effects of looming water crises and their potential implications for peace and stability, as well as to ensure the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, we encourage all United Nations States Members to actively contribute to strengthening the United Nations water architecture.”

   2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source

8. “At the global level, the United Nations Water Conventions of 1992 and 1997 provide valuable tools for transboundary cooperation, benefiting all of the riparian countries in a basin. We therefore encourage all countries to join those Conventions and make use of their experience and frameworks. At the regional level, the river-basin organizations are key for the implementation of the principles laid down in those two Conventions. Finally, in order to prevent water from being used as a method of warfare, it is ofthe essence to strengthen the implementation of international humanitarian law. Let me mention in particular the 1977 Additional Protocols to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. The recent example of Da'esh and the Mosul dam has drastically shown the tangibility of such threats.”

   2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source

9. “We believe that transboundary water cooperation is the appropriate answer to achieving effective and lasting regional solutions for water disputes. Such cooperation must reflect the interests of all riparian countries and must be based on efficient and sustainable water use. There are several positive examples to prove that. In Europe, there is water cooperation in the Danube and the Rhine river basins. In Africa, there is water cooperation in the Lake Victoria basin and the Lake Chad basin. In the latter example, the riparian States strive to protect the dwindling Lake Chad and to ensure water security for the entire region, despite being afflicted by the terror of Boko Haram. We are convinced that fostering and promoting transboundary water cooperation requires stable legal frameworks.”

   2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source

10. “I thank the Republic of Senegal for the invitation to this important discussion on the links between water, peace and security. In recent years, the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report has ranked water crises as among the global risks with the greatest impact and likelihood of occurring. Water scarcity is a cross-cutting issue that affects all spheres of human life: drinking water and nutrition, peace and security, sustainable development and economic growth. The International Organization for Migration estimates that by 2050 approximately 200 million environmental migrants will be forcibly displaced, temporarily or permanently, owing to floods, droughts, desertification or sea-level rise. Despite those bleak forecasts, the often evoked "water wars" are not inevitable.”

    2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source

11. “We encourage the next Secretary-General to continue to treat the women and peace and security agenda as a high priority. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) remains a cross-cutting task for the entire United Nations system, not just the Security Council. We see the women and peace and security agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as interlinked. That means that we need to approach their implementation in tandem. Those present can count on Germany's support in taking practical and specific steps to transform the women and peace and security framework into action.”

    2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source

12. “Next month we will host a meeting in Berlin on women and peace and security that will discuss ways to accelerate the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) both within the OSCE framework and beyond. Where do we stand on the implementation on the national level? Germany is currently revising its national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). We look forward to exchanging our lessons learned with partners, not just here in New York, but also at the capital level. Germany has also taken an active role in the setup of the focal points network founded by Spain. We are proud to host the 2018 meeting of the network in Berlin. We are currently working with UN-Women, the African Union (AU) and the AU Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Bineta Diop, to explore ways to facilitate the exchange of experiences between African women leaders.”

    2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source

13. “Within less than a year of its existence, the Expert Group has already assessed four country situations, in close collaboration with United Nations field missions on the ground. We now need to ensure that the excellent outcomes of the Group reach the Council more frequently and directly. How can we improve the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) at the regional level? The Council has rightly called upon regional organizations to partake in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. As part of our Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairmanship, Germany has heeded that call and has appointed a Special Representative of the OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office on Gender Issues.”

    2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source

14. “After all, the shortcomings in the implementation of the women and peace and security framework are due not to a lack of words, but to a lack of action. How can we do better here in New York? A year ago, the adoption of resolution 2242 (2015) gave the Council a clear mandate to be more inclusive and to involve civil society in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. The Council needs to live up to that commitment and should open its country-specific considerations for briefings by civil society whenever possible. Germany sees the establishment of the Council's Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security as a major institutional milestone.”

    2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source

15. “Germany aligns itselfwith the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and that delivered by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women and Peace and Security. About a year ago, we met in this Chamber for the high-level review on women and peace and security (see S/PV.7533). On that occasion, a record number of speakers in the history of the Council voiced their support for the agenda built on resolution 1325 (2000). However, despite some progress, huge implementation gaps remain, as today's briefings have clearly demonstrated. I would like to particularly thank Rita Lopidia from EVE, who spoke about the difficult situation of women in South Sudan in a very impressive manner. I will keep my remarks short and operational.”

    2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source

16. “In the long run, a peace and reconciliation process is the only way to long-term stability in Afghanistan and the region. Such a process can succeed only if it enjoys the united backing of all key stakeholders in the region and beyond. Germany joins all of Afghanistan's friends and partners in a sending the clear message that we remain committed to supporting Afghanistan, in close cooperation with the Afghan Government and our international partners.”

    2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source

17. “Germany is committed to maintaining its support for Afghanistan. However, it is crucial that inclusive, effective and reform-oriented governance remain a priority beyond Brussels. This includes progress on electoral reforms to pave the way to parliamentary and district council elections. Also, economic reforms are of the utmost importance to counter slaw economic growth. The accession of Afghanistan to the World Trade Organization is an encouraging sign in this respect. We encourage the Afghan Government to maintain its efforts to fight corruption and to implement the existing strategies in a transparent manner. Visible progress in fighting corruption is a strong argument for justifying the exceptional level of donor support to Afghanistan. Development and security go hand in hand.”

    2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source

18. “The protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict is paramount under international humanitarian law. We welcome the Government's national policy on civilian casualty mitigation, which needs to be fully implemented. It is important that the international community continue to give its full attention to the situation in Afghanistan. The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan will be a chance for the international community to once more underline its political and financial support for Afghanistan, while at the same time allowing the Afghan Government to present its achievements and the remaining challenges in implementing its reform agenda. Afghanistan is Germany's single largest engagement in a foreign country, both in civilian and military terms, and we are conscious of the resulting responsibilities.”

    2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source

19. “Let me begin by thanking Mr. Yamamoto for his briefing. I wish him every success in his important posting at the helm of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and would like to reassure him of our full support. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. While Afghanistan has made considerable progress in many areas over recent years, the security, and consequently the economic, situation remain extremely challenging. It is a matter of concern that the number of civilian casualties is on the rise. As the Secretary- General points out in his report (S/2016/768), the number of armed clashes rose by approximately 15 per cent, and the number of casualties among children increased by 18 per cent.”

    2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source

20. “Let me conclude by stressing that Germany stands ready to broaden the scope of the Wiesbaden process by addressing the issues of biosecurity, chemical and nuclear security, transport, brokering and export control.”

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

21. “There are three outcomes that I would like to mention in particular: first, ways and challenges to effectively implement compliance programmes within enterprises; secondly, the creation of industry networks, especially to help small- and medium-sized enterprises to comply with all national regulations and requirements; and, finally, the establishment of regional forums. Moreover, on a broader scale, Germany is engaged in fighting the proliferation of biological and chemical weapons. We are of the opinion that it is crucial to raise awareness of illegal procurement activities and dual-use risks among enterprises in the biotechnology and chemical industries. As producers of products that are critical owing to their dual-use risk, enterprises play a key role in the implementation process of resolution 1540 (2004).”

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

22. “Listening to concerns and proposals of industry representatives has helped and will facilitate more effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) - first, by strengthening export controls, secondly, by controlling access to intangible transfers of technology and, thirdly, by controlling information that could be used for WMDs and their means of delivery. The fourthWiesbadenConference,heldinNovember 2015, aimed at contributing to the comprehensive review by focusing on lessons learned from past conferences.”

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

23. “At the same time, we need to keep in mind that, in a globalized world, the involvement of the private sector is vital for successful non-proliferation. After all, it is the private sector that must implement many of the rules and laws. Against that backdrop, Germany initiated the Wiesbaden process in 2011, which focuses on private sector engagement in the context of resolution 1540 (2004). To date, four international industry outreach conferences have taken place. Industry representatives from diverse sectors, such as the aviation, biosecurity, banking, finance, electronics, energy, public-health, pharmaceutical and transportation sectors, have shared best practices in export control and compliance. We are proud that Wiesbaden has become a brand and that the issue is part ofthe agenda on this resolution.”

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

24. “Against the background of recent proposals to intensify efforts to combat the use of chemical weapons by terrorists, we need to carefully examine the contribution that resolution 1540 (2004) can make in that context, while working closely with other forums, such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The key to preventing such acts is without any doubt the national implementation of Security Council resolutions and other obligations. We need to think more carefully about ways to enhance the implementation of the relevant resolutions. Resolution 1540 (2004) requires States to take a number of specific measures, adopti and enforce effective laws and establish export controls of dual-use goods and technologies.”

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

25. “We therefore urge all States to continue to work towards the aim of full implementation, bearing in mind the importance of a global, multilateral and binding approach to non-proliferation. Germany reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full and universal implementation of the obligations deriving from resolution 1540 (2004). That of course includes enhancing the security of nuclear materials worldwide. Germany continues to encourage and assist other States in implementing resolution 1540 (2004). We have done so, for example, by sharing experiences and identifying effective practices.”

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

26. “Let me express our gratitude to the Presisdent for convening this open debate on non-proliferation. I would also like to align myself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. While it is undisputable that substantial progress has been made in the 12 years since the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), there is no doubt that the risk of non-State actors acquiring, developing, trafficking in or using weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery remains high. Unfortunately, it is a risk that can quickly become a reality, as the use of chemical weapons by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham in Syria, particularly in Iraq, has clearly shown.”

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

27. “The implementation of the children and armed conflict agenda is more urgent than ever and will remain one of our top priorities.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

28. “It therefore comes as very welcome news that the renewed mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq now contains a stand-alone paragraph on the protection of children in Iraq. Germany applauds the tireless efforts exerted by Malaysia to mainstream the children and armed conflict agenda throughout the work of the Council. As we now stand, 20 years after the presentation of the Machel report and five years after the adoption of resolution 1998 (2011), on attacks against schools and hospitals during the last German presidency of the Council, let me conclude by reaffirming Germany's unfailing commitment to the protection of children victimized by armed conflicts and to Special Representative Zerrougui and her team.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

29. “Child protection and the re-integration of former child soldiers into their respective societies remain an important element of our bilateral discussions with partners. We will continue to support the formation of local groups of friends on children and armed conflict. The recent formation of the Group of Friends in Afghanistan is such an example, and Germany is proud to take over the chairmanship of that group. Finally, the discussion on children and armed conflict in the Security Council must not be limited to this type of thematic debate. We need to further strengthen the operative language on child protection in the country-specific resolutions of the Council.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

30. “Through her campaign Children, Not Soldiers, Special Representative Zerrougui has tirelessly spread a key message: children are victims, not perpetrators, and must be treated accordingly. We would also like to applaud the United Nations field missions for their day-to-day work in implementing the monitoring and reporting mechanism - the key element of success of the children and armed conflict agenda. We need to ensure that United Nations missions continue to receive dedicated and appropriate resources for their child-protection work. The discussion on how to advance the children and armed conflict agenda is still overly New York-centred. But New York can only develop guidelines. The implementation needs to happen elsewhere. Germany is therefore committed to raising awareness for the protection of children on the ground.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

31. “It is both a matter of urgency and a key priority to further strengthen the United Nations mechanisms for the protection of children and implement them impartially and objectively. There are numerous examples for how those mechanisms have very tangibly improved the lives of thousands of children on the ground. Notably, all eight Government armed forces listed in the Secretary-General's annexes have now signed national action plans and committed themselves to specific steps to end the victimization of children. We welcome the most recent adoption of such an action plan by the Sudan, and expect that it will now be swiftly implemented. Germany commends the work of the Special Representative on Children andArmed Conflict and fully supports her mandate.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

32. “Nine parties to conflict have successfully implemented action plans to end and prevent the recruitment of children, and were subsequently removed from the annex to the Secretary-General's reports. As former Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, Germany is proud to have contributed to the development of this indispensable framework. Yet in spite of those achievements, children, along with other civilians, are increasingly and deliberately under attack, leaving them vulnerable to violence, exploitation and abuse. Germany remains particularly concerned about the increase in grave violations recorded by the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The children and armed conflict agenda remains more relevant than ever.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

33. “Let me start by thanking the Presisdent for convening this debate. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General, Special Representative Leila Zerrougui and Executive Director Anthony Lake for their comprehensive and very insightful briefings. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union and with the statement by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict. Twenty years ago, in August 1996, Graca Machel presented her seminal report (see A/51/306) to the General Assembly on the impact of armed conflict on children. The normative framework that we have developed since then has contributed to some major successes. Some 150,000 child soldiers have been freed.”

    2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source

34. “Germany joins all of Afghanistan's friends and partners in sending the clear message that we will not abandon Afghanistan at this critical time. Germany remains committed to supporting Afghanistan, in close cooperation with the Afghan Government and our international partners.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

35. “The adoption last year of the national action plan on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), and the recent symposium on Afghan women's empowerment in Kabul, sent the positive message that women have made great strides in Afghanistan over the past few years as parliamentarians, doctors or businesswomen. But again, implementation of the national action plan is key; for instance, Germany hopes to see, as agreed, the swift roll-out of prosecution units specialized on violence against women and girls in 26 provinces this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank UNAMA and Nicholas Haysom personally for their excellent work in the area of human rights, especially in the monitoring of violations against children in the Afghan conflict.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

36. “As the Secretary-General notes in his recent report on children and armed conflict (S/2016/360), the number of children killed or maimed in Afghanistan rose by 14 per cent last year - an abhorrent and highly worrisome development. While the vast majority of those casualties are caused by non-State actors, the Government can do more to protect children as well. We are encouraged by the Government's proactive engagement with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; at the same time, there is an urgent need to implement the agreed commitments. Another area in which we hope to see more progress before Brussels is women, peace and security.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

37. “Although talks with the Taliban remain elusive, there is much that Afghanistan and its partners can do to lay the groundwork. It is absolutely crucial that doors remain open. In that regard, we support all efforts of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group and others. In our view, progress will be possible only if all key stakeholders in peace in Afghanistan, especially the countries of the region, unite around basic common positions and the joint endeavour. Negotiations with Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin are a welcome development, and a successful outcome would send a strong positive message. We are highly concerned by the high toll that the conflict continues to take on Afghan civilians after the record number of civilian casualties registered last year. Children suffer particularly from the continued brutality of the conflict.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

38. “Overall, the German authorities registered around 154,000 Afghans last year. This is a cause of grave concern to us also in light of our long-standing effort to help stabilize Afghanistan. Since the start of this year, another 38,000 Afghan nationals have arrived in Germany. In this situation, it is crucial to make quick progress in reducing migratory flows. It is in our joint interest that young Afghans can see a future in their own country. We note Afghanistan's commitment to honouring its international obligation to readmit nationals who are not in need of international protection. An inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process remains the only viable path to a sustainable solution of the conflict. There is no exclusively military solution.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

39. “All actors in the Afghan political system bear a responsibility to implement the reforms, as the National Unity Government enters its third year in office this fall. In that context, we commend yesterday's decisions by the Afghan Parliament to confirm the appointments of Acting Director Muhammed Masoom Stanekzai and Minister of Defence Abdullah Khan Habibi. Those decisions send out an important signal of national unity. Visible progress on the political and economic reform agenda is the only ground on which to justify to donor constituencies the exceptional level of support to Afghanistan. The need for economic and political reform brings me directly to my second point - migration. Afghan migrants were the second-largest group of asylum seekers in Germany in 2015.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

40. “Under the chairmanship of our Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, the International Contact Group reaffirmed this support at its most recent meeting, held in Istanbul on 5 June. Afghanistan in turn needs to make substantial progress on the agreed reforms before the Brussels conference in October. The implementation of electoral and economic reforms, as well as the fight against corruption, are at the heart of the Mutual Accountability Framework. The Afghan people and international community deserve to see tangible results in these areas: reforms to bolster the private sector, the creation of job opportunities and a clear and realistic timetable for electoral reform and parliamentary elections, which also need to be communicated to the Afghan people.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

41. “Let me begin by thanking Mr. Nicholas Haysom for his briefing and for his outstanding leadership at the helm of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). During his tenure as Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and prior to that as Deputy Special Representative, he has played a key role in bringing the international community together to support Afghanistan, especially at pivotal moments such as the latest presidential elections. Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Germany is committed to continuing its support for Afghanistan, together with its international partners and in close cooperation with the Afghan Government.”

    2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source

42. “Let me add that we fully support the commitment of Japan's G-7 2016 presidency to maritime security, and we welcome the efforts made by the Portuguese presidency of the G-7 Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea.”

    2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source

43. “We also appreciate the private sector's repeated calls for transparent and pragmatic cooperation between all stakeholders of the Yaounde process. Thirdly, maritime security is more than ever a global challenge. Under the auspices of the German presidency of the Group of Seven (G-7) last year, foreign ministers collectively agreed in the Liibeck declaration to make maritime security and effective maritime governance a priority. The Liibeck declaration calls for a cooperative, rules-based, cross-sector approach to maritime security and stresses the importance of the relevant legal frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

    2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source

44. “Focused and relevant regional support is therefore needed at the political and financial levels, as well as through the human resources of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its Yaounde process. Germany has contributed more than €1 million in an effort to strengthen regional cooperation under the Yaounde process, most notably through communication equipment designed to improve surveillance operations in the Gulf. Germany stands ready to increase its support in the context of its long- standing partnership with ECOWASand the Yaounde pI'OCGSS. Secondly, the scope of the existing partnerships has to be widened. We therefore welcome efforts made by the private sector to ensure greater security in the Gulf of Guinea.”

    2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source

45. “Threats to maritime safety have become an issue of increased international concern. The Gulf of Guinea in particular is greatly affected by piracy and armed robbery at sea, inflicting billions of dollars of economic losses and threatening maritime safety. Acts of piracy are often committed with extreme violence. The countries of the region have recognized this threat. The Yaounde' process, established by Heads of State and Government in 2013, underscores the need for joint action. Allow me to stress the following three points. First, without strong local and regional ownership we will not be able to tackle this issue successfully.”

    2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source

46. “Moreover, the situation and role of women in armed conflict should be included in all briefings and reports on country situations. In October we will celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). Together we will utilize the opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved over the past 15 years. We look forward to the results of the global study commissioned by the Council, which will undoubtedly give us concrete guidance on further implementation of the resolution and its follow-up resolutions.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

47. “We have always emphasized the crucial role of women as active agents in the prevention, management and settlement of conflicts, as well as in reconciliation. Experience has shown that when women have a seat at the table and their voices are heard, the prospects for a lasting peace are better. Only when we know what is happening on the ground - and this is my third point - can we effectively respond to and help those affected by violence. Women protection advisers have proved to be an essential asset, a fact that is clear from this year's report. Such advisers should be included in the mandates of all the relevant peacekeeping and special political missions, and their funding and deployment should be a priority.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

48. “The International Criminal Court in particular has a leading role to play in that regard, and we welcome its June 2014 policy paper on sexual and gender-based crimes. We need to focus on the women and girls who fall Victim to such violence. Survivors have to be able to access counselling and medical assistance, including a full range of sexual and reproductive health services. They must be encouraged to report such crimes to the responsible authorities, and any re-victimization and stigmatization must be prevented. Finally, they have to be accepted and reintegrated into their communities. Traditional and religious leaders can play a key role in creating a welcoming environment and countering any kind of stigmatization of survivors.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

49. “Robust military and police responses and sanctions can be a part of the solution, but such measures should go hand in hand with work at the grass-roots level, where we must strengthen tolerance, the rule of law, the protection of human rights and compliance with international humanitarian law. Secondly, we welcome the fact that seven of the State parties listed in the annex to the Secretary-General's report have committed to taking joint action with the United Nations to tackle the issue of sexual violence committed by their troops. However, this year's report also shows that more and more non-State armed groups are responsible for systematic and widespread sexual crimes in conflict. The international community must find new and innovative ways to interact with those actors in order to stop them committing such horrific crimes.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

50. “First, we welcome the report's detailed analysis of the emerging phenomenon of violent extremism. It reveals that sexual violence is not only a widespread crime committed by individuals but that it functions as an inherent strategic component of extremist groups' ideology. Sexual violence and abuse are used to terrorize local populations into submission, forcibly displace unwanted populations and, even more shockingly, to recruit new fighters, who are promised the sexual availability of women and girls. With that analysis before us, it is high time to tackle the issue.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source