YouSaid · the spoken record

Thomson

lines on the record: 368
first: 2002-10-22
most recent: 2014-10-28
sittings or episodes: 57
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 Fiji delegation calls on the United Nations system and its agencies, in partnership with Member States and regional organizations, to support the development and implementation of national action plans so that greater progress can be achieved.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“It is widely accepted that the first to bear the negative impacts of climate change are vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls. Climate change not only affects our land and food resources, but the resulting sea-level rise also forces the displacement of our coastal communities. We urge the Security Council to accept that climate change is a security issue and that vigilance must be applied to ensure that vulnerable women and girls are safeguarded. In conclusion, we acknowledge that progress has been made by countries in the implementation of the resolution; however, it is undeniable there is still so much more to be achieved so as to ensure that the dignity, peace and security of women is realized globally.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“In that respect, the Fiji Constitution of 2013 encompasses a comprehensive range of human rights, including the right to freedom from unfair discrimination based on sex or gender. On the eve of International Women's Day this year, Fiji launched its national gender policy, which has become the guiding document for mainstreaming gender issues across all sectors and within all spheres of national life. Fiji is committed to increasing women's participation in decision-making in political, social and economic processes at all levels. In the context of the Pacific Islands, the issue of climate change and the associated calamities of sea- level rise and the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, has resulted in disproportionately high financial, political and social costs for our developing island States.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“In tandem with current efforts by the United Nations to mainstream gender within the United Nations system, Fiji is endeavouring to make its contribution to that global effort. Fiji is committed to the alignment of policies so as to provide its best gender-sensitized peacekeepers in helping to rebuild post conflict communities. We recognize that national implementation will be crucial in meeting the objectives of resolution 1325 (2000). The involvement of women in peace and security requires a multidimensional approach, and Fiji is guided by the regional action plan on women and peace and security, which supports our national efforts to ensure that women are active participants at all stages of national life, including conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Therefore, guaranteed access to legal and justice systems for displaced women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings is crucial in order to ensure that their vital needs are addressed. We must redouble our efforts to implement the relevant legislation, reinforce the rule of law and ensure the protection of victims, witnesses andjustice officials so as to safeguard displaced victims, particularly the most vulnerable women and girls. Often, displaced women and girl survivors who have experienced violence, sexual exploitation and abuse suffer from stigmatization, social shunning and reprisals from within their communities. Therefore, the provision of critical support services, such as psychological support, mental health support and the provision of health care services, is essential for their social rehabilitation.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“That important step builds on the previous momentum by incorporating essential accountability checks that aim to change the business-as-usual approach. We urge the Council to continue such a progressive approach so that women's peace and security issues remain at the forefront. The exponential increase in the global number of displaced people is a matter of great concern. Tragically, over 50 million people are currently displaced, the highest number since the Second World War. The record shows that women and girls in such situations are the most vulnerable groups, often becoming victims of violence, sexual exploitation and abuse. In the context of prolonged and repeated displacement, effective mechanisms to prevent abuse and violence are often absent or limited.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Thank you for the welcome, Madam President; it is an honour to share the graveyard shift with you this evening. I believe I am the last speaker. Ijoin with others in thanking you for convening this debate. Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), adopted 14 years ago, along with subsequent resolutions affirm that women's participation in conflict prevention, mitigation and recovery is imperative for the maintenance of international peace and security. Resolution 1325 (2000) also highlights the focus of our discussions today, notably that women and girls in displaced groups are subject to violence, sexual exploitation and abuse. The Fiji delegation welcomes the adoption of resolution 2122 (2013) by the Council last October.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“In addressing the principles and forms of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations for the maintenance of international peace and security, we recognize that the United Nations must adhere to the provisions of the Charter that specifically prohibit any enforcement action without the authorization of the Security Council. Actions by regional and subregional organizations must therefore be consistent with the mandates and authority of the Security Council. In conclusion, I would like to pay tribute to all those who have served in United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1948. For their sake and for the sake of the people in whose countries they serve, our efforts must remain focused on optimizing United Nations peacekeeping in response to changes in global realities.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The MSG's peacekeeping concept is focused on developing collective peacekeeping capabilities in the area of the police sector in peacekeeping. The United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations has agreed to meet an MSG delegation in New York to discuss United Nations support for the development of such collective peacekeeping capability. We look forward to the fruition of that visit and to useful discussions while the delegation is in New York, with a View to assisting the MSG to realize its potential to play a positive role in the United Nations peacekeeping community.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Fiji already has a well-established record in the service of United Nations peacekeeping. We have recently taken on a new challenge upon request of the United Nations, namely, that of contributing 501 troops to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights at a critical juncture in that mission's work. Recognizing our established tradition of peacekeeping and the ability of our region to contribute further, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has recently agreed to the concept of establishing an MSG Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The MSG is a subregional organization headquartered in Port Vila, Vanuatu, and is comprised of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, the Front de liberation nationale kanak et socialiste of New Caledonia and my own country, Fiji.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“What we are saying is that the United Nations should not measure the success of contributions to any peacekeeping mission by the number of States contributing troops, police, corrections or other experts, but by the efficacy ofthe contributions made in meeting the host country's requirements. It is therefore the Fiji delegation's View that, in examining the principles and forms of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, one element that is often missing from the discussion is how to encourage contributions to peacekeeping from regions that are most suited to the situation in the country concerned and to encourage and use collective peacekeeping capabilities accordingly. In the Pacific Islands region, we are taking regional initiatives to support United Nations peacekeeping.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“That includes providing expertise most suitable for the systems existing in the local situation and sourcing peacekeeping expertise from States and regions that are able to provide unified or consistent advice, particularly in the area of building the capacity of local institutions. While expertise from different backgrounds can provide well-intentioned advice, that advice can nonetheless result in local capacities that are not uniform and may not be best suited for the local context. In such situations, the contributions of regional and subregional groupings that come from similar backgrounds to the host country can be advantageous.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“At the outset, the Fiji delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for choosing the subject of today's thematic debate. It is most pertinent, given the growing number of peacekeeping mandates issuing from the Security Council and the increasing complexities of the tasks of peacekeeping missions. The peacekeeping missions of today are not the peacekeeping missions of yore. They include mandates that fit well into traditinal peacebuilding and, sometimes, mandates that focus on development related to the rebuilding of national capacities in the security sector. Fiji has, in various forums, expressed the need for Security Council peacekeeping mandates to be focused on the requirements of local situations in order to promote local solutions.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“If we are to address emerging security and developmental challenges, we have to ensure that those most at risk of marginalization, including at-risk women and children, are freed from the risk of violence and fully empowered to contribute. Accordingly, I would like to conclude by restating Fiji's steadfast commitment to working with the international community to implement resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Beyond this, community policing and assisting local police institutions in awareness-raising and preventative policing has also formed part of Fiji's contribution. Eliminating sexual violence is crucial, because only in the absence of sexual and other forms of violence will the empowerment of women be possible so as to achieve gender equality. Women in our communities are change-makers and core to the functioning of our communities. They are first responders in moments of crisis, including in responding to natural disasters and in adapting the approach of communities to new challenges such as those posed by climate change. Our societies are only as strong as the weakest among us.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The Ministry also champions a campaign on zero tolerance of violence against women and children, which operates at the community level in partnership with community leaders, the police force and non-governmental organizations. At the international level, Fiji's commitment to eliminating sexual violence is expressed primarily through its peacekeeping efforts. Fiji sends police peacekeepers to missions where the mandate includes capacity-building of local security institutions. In post- conflict situations, our experience has been that a large part of that capacity- building is to assist local security institutions in responding to cases of sexual violence, from initial contact with victims through victim counseling through to the finality of police involvement in such cases.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Fiji is committed to the elimination of sexual violence and to working both domestically and with the international community to do so. At the national level, Fiji's Ministry of Women has revived the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Elimination of Violence against Women to coordinate policy responses across all Government agencies. It is working with the Fiji police force to implement the law introduced in the last few years that, among other things, introduced marital rape as a specific offence under the criminal code, and also introduced a child-welfare code requiring teachers, doctors and other professionals to report suspected child-abuse cases.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Allow me, first, to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's debate, which provides an opportunity for all members to contribute to the discussion on the global women and peace and security agenda. Allow me also to thank the Secretary- General for his report (S/2013/149), which provides a clear articulation of the current and emerging concerns regarding sexual violence as it pertains to international peace and security. The past debates ofthe Council on women and peace and security in which Fiji has participated have focused on the broader implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The current report of the Secretary-General focuses on sexual violence in conflict, bringing into sharper focus the work needed for the implementation of the subsequent resolutions, in particular resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010).”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“I take this opportunity to assure the Council that Fiji will continue its proud tradition of United Nations peacekeeping, and that it expects to continue to play a positive role as United Nations peacekeeping evolves.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Clear and detailed planning is required to ensure that the peacekeeping-peacebuilding transition is seamless in order to avoid any regression into conflict. That requires the involvement of local communities in trust-building exercises and the involvement of women at all levels of society in remaking their communities. It also involves well-planned and realistic strategies for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform, as well as assistance to national authorities. Resolution 2086 (2013), adopted in the course of today's debate, has the unanimous support of all members of the Security Council. We therefore trust that it will provide a useful reference point in future discussions on mandates of peacekeeping missions and their implementation, as well as guidance for the peacekeeping community as a whole.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“The roots of the conflict - be they ideological, economic or deriving from the lack of adequate State structures to provide for the citizenry - must guide our responses to it. This requires us to be clear in our mandates with regard to exit strategies for peacekeeping missions and transitions to other types of United Nations presences. Planning for handover to national authorities at the end of an effort of the international community, starting with peacekeeping and integrating peacebuilding efforts, must begin at the time of the conception of the mission. That said, the integral role of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders should be acknowledged and incorporated into the training of all peacekeepers. Transition must be coordinated with all stakeholders.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“That process moves regions and countries in conflict from being dependent on the United Nations community for security to taking control of their own development priorities. That has been and continues to be the fundamental principle on which Fiji's tradition of United Nations peacekeeping has been based - that we are part of a larger process, not an isolated mission that is an end unto itself. What, then, do today's conflicts require of a United Nations response? What does multidimensional peacekeeping require of us? Some 65 years of United Nations peacekeeping provide a rich store of experience to learn from, and we must utilize our shared experience to prepare for the future of multidimensional peacekeeping. From our perspective, a clear understanding of each situation is required, as no two conflict situations are the same.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Successive reports of the Secretary-General on peacekeeping have highlighted the unprecedented scale in terms of configuration and demand. Concepts relating to peacekeeping have evolved, with a more concerted effort in recent years on the United Nations community's responsibility to protect in situations of conflict affecting international peace and security. Work by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Services on peacebuilding strategies for peacekeepers, as well as the guidance given by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations on strategies for complex peacekeeping operations and on peacebuilding issues, recognize that peacekeeping and peacebuilding are interlinked stages of a process.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on multidimensional peacekeeping. I am pleased to align this statement with that made earlier today by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Given the emphasis on the evolving nature of peacekeeping missions in discussions in various United Nations bodies in recent years, the current discussion is most pertinent. It is particularly appreciated as it allows countries with long traditions of United Nations peacekeeping, such as Fiji, to contribute to the discussion at the United Nations body tasked with creating, implementing and overseeing the mandates of the peacekeeping missions. We stand ever ready to serve the noble purpose of maintaining international peace and security.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Adverse impacts on food security and access to arable land, as well as the destabilization of communities, disproportionately affect women. Women must therefore be part of the policy formation dialogue at the community and national levels with regard to responses to climate change. We also recognize that women play a leading role in the rebuilding of communities after natural disasters. We therefore appreciate the theme of this year's International Day for Disaster Reduction that women and girls are the "Visible force of resilience". Finally, we acknowledge that much progress has been made, but it is self-evident that the international community still has a long way to go to ensure that the dignity, peace and security of women worldwide are realized.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Bearing in mind in particular the growing role of peacekeeping missions in supporting the capacity of local authorities, Fiji will continue to send its best qualified people to mentor and train local counterparts, in particular in dealing with sexual violence and encouraging women's participation in helping to build post-conflict societies. A discussion of women, peace and security is incomplete without factoring in the security challenges posed by the consequences of climate change. This is so because for exposed countries like Fiji, women and children are among the most affected by natural disasters. The realities of climate change and the consequent proliferation of natural disasters are inescapable challenges for our people and for our land.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“In considering the crucial role of women as agents of positive change in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, Fiji has made a concerted effort to increase the number of well-qualified female peacekeepers that it sends to United Nations peacekeeping missions across the world. In its most recent nominations of police personnel for rotation in the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, 55 per cent of police personnel nominated for deployment by Fiji were women.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Since our open debate in the Security Council on this subject last year (S/PV.6642), the Pacific region has taken the lead in developing and launching a regional action plan on women, peace and security. The plan will support national efforts to ensure that women are included as active participants at all stages of conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding. It is a landmark achievement for our region, and I would like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of various United Nations agencies with regional intergovernmental organizations and with the Fiji- based civil society organization FemLINKPACIFIC, which allowed the plan to be articulated at the regional level.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We recognize, however, that national implementation will remain the key to meeting the objectives of the resolution. In that respect, Fiji is working within the framework of its Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development to create enabling environments for women in both the public and the private domains. Recognizing the importance of women in public leadership positions, the Fiji Government has a target of achieving at least 30 per cent representation of women in all Government- appointed boards and committees. Meanwhile, Fijian authorities continue to implement and raise awareness of the Crimes Decree (2009) and the Domestic Violence Decree (2010), which contain provisions, inter alia, on sexual violence and trafficking.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Allow me at the outset to thank you, Sir, for having convened this important debate, which provides an opportunity for all Members to contribute to the discussion on the global women and peace and security agenda. Fiji recognizes the importance of resolution 1325 (2000) and acknowledges the progress that has been made globally towards achieving its objectives. We appreciate the specific actions taken in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as identified in the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/732), and we thank the Secretary-General for his report. We also appreciate the increased coordination and coherence in policy and programming in the area of women and peace and security through the work of UN-Women, and particularly in the Pacific region through a strengthened UN-Women's office in Fiji.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We welcome the pronouncement by the Secretary-General in his report that the most significant institutional development with regard to women, peace and security has been the creation of UN-Women, with the purpose of leveraging the entire United Nations system to ensure the accelerated implementation of all relevant resolutions on the issue. In conclusion, we look forward to working with UN-Women in achieving the goals of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Furthermore, we support the participation and representation of women at all levels of decision- making. In our consultations and interactions with civil society and the public, we acknowledge the work of FemLINK Pacific, a Fiji-based non-governmental organization that deals specifically with resolution 1325 (2000). The Fijian Government promotes the enhancement of efforts to collaborate with the expertise and experience of women's groups, with a view to enhancing the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) at the national level.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We believe that a framework that incorporates the principles of the resolution, with clear policy guidelines on its application to our unique national and regional characteristics, will accelerate the implementation process in the Pacific. Fiji's commitment to the resolution is exemplified in our policies that, among other things, strongly encourage the recruitment of women in our security forces and their deployment with equal opportunities to peacekeeping missions. We support the global effort to increase the participation of women in United Nations police peacekeeping roles to 20 per cent by 2014. We encourage the provision of pre- and post-deployment training of our peacekeepers and welcome further assistance and expertise in that regard.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We welcome the initiatives of the Security Council and the work carried out by the Secretary- General in establishing the set of indicators for tracking the implementation of the resolution and to provide guidance for all Member States in their efforts to achieve its desired goals. Such universal indicators should be complemented by national implementation frameworks and policies to ensure that the various thematic areas of the resolution are addressed. It is for that reason that Fiji supports the development of a regional framework for the Pacific small island developing States as an important step towards the full implementation of the resolution in the Pacific.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We believe, however, that much work remains to be done; not only in relation to the United Nations strategic framework, but, importantly, in national implementation of the resolution. We need to take a holistic response to effectively make progress in the implementation of the resolution. We depend upon the guidance of the Security Council and the advice of the Secretary-General, UN-Women, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other relevant United Nations departments and agencies. We need the input of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as the assistance of civil society and regional organizations. In addition, we need to build local capacities by learning from the experiences and good practices of other countries on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Fiji delegation wishes to convey its salutations to you personally, Madam, and to your Government on the occasion of your presidency of the Council, and to express our gratitude for the convening of this important debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his most comprehensive report (S/2011/598*) and his valuable recommendations. Fiji associates itself with the statement delivered earlier today by the Permanent Representative of Vanuatu on behalf of the Pacific small island developing States. We are encouraged by the initiatives currently being undertaken by the Secretary-General and UN-Women on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We acknowledge that progress has been made in all four thematic areas of the United Nations system- wide action plan.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Thus, our concluding contribution to this thematic debate is that United Nations peacekeeping must indeed prepare for the future - a different future in which, we submit, humanity will face hostile environmental forces to a degree we have not faced since the last ice age drove our kind to the edge. In all the drawn-out climate change deliberations being pursued through other organs and bodies of the United Nations, we submit that the Security Council should throughout maintain focus on the security and peacekeeping implications of climate change that lie ahead of us.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“This is not a struggle that individual countries can win, for climate change will not respect national boundaries. Rising sea levels may drive some low- lying countries to extinction, while others will have to deal with massive population displacement as the great food-producing deltas go under water. Desertification, ferocious storms and melting ice-caps will disdain national boundaries and similar human constructs. It is for this reason that Fiji and the other Pacific small island developing States spoke up so strongly at last month's thematic debate in the Council on the impact of climate change on international peace and security (S/PV.6587).”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The reason is that if this world body is to fulfil its Charter obligations, it must begin steeling itself for the great security threat of the twenty-first century. We refer not to squabbling neighbours, to long-festering ethnic, tribal or religious feuds, or the geopolitical gamesmanship of the twentieth century; we refer to the looming onslaught of climate change and the geophysical alterations it will bring upon our planet, upon our societies, and perhaps upon life itself. All our human resources - intellectual, economic and political - will be required if we are to handle this ultimate challenge as best we can. And if we care about the welfare of our grandchildren, only our best response will be good enough. We say "our" because it is here at the United Nations that the solutions must be found.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Thus, the United Nations must examine all its options for cost-effectiveness, including decreasing the number of United Nations peacekeepers deployed internationally, encouraging greater South- South and triangular cooperation, allowing more sharing of resources between nearby peacekeeping missions, and instituting better coordination between the United Nations and contributing countries. Turning to preparations for the future, the clear view of the Fiji delegation is that it is humanly possible to resolve the various political conflicts that have preoccupied the world's attention for so long. What is required is the genuine political will of the parties concerned to negotiate and settle. There is a reason these conflicts have to move to speedy settlement.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In terms of taking stock, it is no secret that peacekeeping is a loss-making undertaking for many troop-contributing countries. For a country like Fiji, the cost of the fair wages we pay our soldiers serving on United Nations peacekeeping missions does not equate to what the United Nations reimburses us; in fact, the United Nations reimbursement falls far short. This is a stock-taking item that requires further introspection by the United Nations. We recognize that the United Nations must cut the cloth to fit the suit.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Fiji joins those who have spoken before us in condemning the Abuja bombing and in offering our condolences to the Victims and their families. The Fiji delegation would like to thank you, Sir, for having chosen the subject of this thematic debate. It displays a keen sense of relevance and foresight on the part of the Indian presidency. For a country like Fiji, which places United Nations peacekeeping at the centre of its foreign policy, better mutual understanding on this central aspect of the United Nations work is critical. The remarks that follow come from a Pacific small island developing country whose servicemen and servicewomen have for the past three decades worn the blue helmet in United Nations peacekeeping missions in more than 15 troubled countries.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We reiterate our call on the Security Council to urgently begin consideration of the threats to international peace and security posed by climate change, and to consider actions it could take to respond to these growing threats. As the Secretary-General highlighted this morning, we must focus more on the climate change- security-development nexus and on the fact that managing climate risks is necessary to achieving security.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Past emissions have already committed us to dangerous levels of temperature increase, and the world is at great risk of non-linear and destabilizing impacts that threaten global peace and security. To mitigate the prospects of conflict and insecurity, the Security Council must urgently address the security implications of climate change. In 2009, the General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 63/281, which called on all relevant organs of the United Nations to intensify their efforts in considering and addressing climate change, including its possible security implications. As the United Nations body holding primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council is duty bound to substantively address this issue.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“For some Paciflc island States, climate impacts, especially sea level rise, may even threaten and call into question current conceptions of sovereignty. This issue is unprecedented and demands the specific attention of the Council. At the same time, climate change undermines our economic development by demanding an ever- increasing share of our financial resources to adapt to its negative impacts. There is an urgent need to increase efforts to improve the development prospects of vulnerable countries in order to safeguard their resilience to the impacts of climate change, as well as the need to fund urgent adaptation projects. This must go hand in hand with global efforts to rapidly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General on climate change and its possible security implications (A/64/350) calls climate change a threat-multiplier. This is true. But climate change is also a threat in and of itself, creating instability where none before existed. Based on projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees deems it very likely that rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events will cause low-lying island States like some of the Pacific SIDS to be entirely uninhabitable long before their full submersion. The resulting and inevitable displacement from these island States can lead to serious security problems for the displaced peoples as well as the receiving community.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Global unsustainable development impacts can also weaken resilience to external shocks and threaten security. For example, global unsustainable fishing practices in Pacific waters severely undermines food security in our region. In that regard, we welcome the General Assembly's adoption of resolution 65/150, on the protection of coral reefs for sustainable livelihoods - a resolution that all Pacific countries promoted. We look forward to these important issues being addressed next year at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de J aneiro. For the Pacific SIDS, the adverse impacts of climate change pose the greatest shock risk and the most imminent threat to our development and security. Rising waters, more intense storms, global and local food shortages and freshwater scarcity endanger many of our islands.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Accelerated sustainable economic development activities such as focused investment to create jobs, building and maintaining critical infrastructure and addressing environmental degradation help to prevent a relapse into conflict, and are the only way to guarantee long-term sustainable peace. Such development, along with security, is integral to peacebuilding activities. More generally, development provides countries with increased resilience to, and greater capacity to cope with, political, economic and environmental shocks to the State. The Pacific SIDS cannot effectively cope with global shocks owing to their particular vulnerabilities, including unique geographies and the lack of both technical capacity and large diversified economies.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“1 have the honour to speak on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) represented at the United Nations, namely, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Vanuatu and my own country, Fiji. I wish to start by thanking Brazil, as President of the Security Council, for convening this open debate. The Pacific SIDS have long understood that peace, security and development go hand in hand. I am therefore glad for the opportunity to add our voice to this important discussion. Small island developing States like those in the Pacific that have experienced violent conflict know first hand the interdependence of security and development.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We consider this event to be an important opportunity to take stock of achievements, best practices and lessons learned. It is an important step towards achieving the intent of the resolution. To this end, we look forward to further exchanges of best practices from other countries and regions on resolution 1325 (2000) and call for the support of the United Nations system in assisting Fiji and Pacific SIDS in the implementation of that resolution.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source