YouSaid · the spoken record

Thoresson

lines on the record: 92
first: 2014-10-28
most recent: 2017-02-02
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“In that connection, we should not forget Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and Sebastopol, in clear violation of international law, including the rules and principles of the United Nations Charter. In line with consistent appeals from the European Union, Sweden calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. We reiterate our call for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Sanctions against Russia must remain in place until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented. We commend and support the efforts of France and Germany in the Normandy format. Finally, we call for the rules and principles of international law, including international humanitarian law, to be fully respected.”
2017-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7876 (2017) · source
“As a small country committed to a rules-based international order, Sweden relies upon strict adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and respect for international law. Violation of those core principles and commitments poses a threat to the European security order, and are therefore a fundamental concern for all of us. Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected, as underlined by all of us in the Security Council press statement of 31 January (SC/12700). Let us not lose sight of who is the aggressor and who is the victim in this conflict. We highlight Russia's particular responsibility in that regard, and stress that Russia can bring its influence to bear to end the violence, should it wish to do so.”
2017-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7876 (2017) · source
“Humanitarian actors must have access to the entirety of the Ukranian territory, including the zones outside the control of the Ukranian Government. The recent escalation in violence is a clear breach of the first point of the Minsk agreements, which call for an immediate and full ceasefire. A cessation of hostilities is essential for security, which, in turn, is a basic prerequisite for finding a sustainable political solution to the conflict. In that regard, we fully support the efforts of the Organizaion for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the difficult work of its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. Safe, full and unhindered access for its monitors must be guaranteed.”
2017-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7876 (2017) · source
“Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Feltman, Ambassador Apakan and Under-Secretary-General O'Brien for their very useful briefings. As today's briefings have reminded us, the conflict in Donbas has now been ongoing for almost three years. Each day that it continues to simmer without a solution results in more deaths and injuries, as well as fear and uncertainty for civilians. The humanitarian fallout of the current deterioration in the region is particularly alarming. Access to basic needs, including water, electricity and heating, has been interrupted. Sixteen thousand people are acutely affected, with reports of 2,000 children in need of assistance in Avdiivka. We call on all parties to ensure that civilians are protected in line with international humanitarian law.”
2017-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7876 (2017) · source
“As a member of the Security Council for 2017 and 2018, Sweden will work to advance the women, peace and security agenda on the ground in all country-specific situations on the Council's agenda, including Afghanistan. From 1 January, Sweden will co-chair the Council's informal working group on women, peace and security, together with Uruguay. We look forward to continued interactions with UNAMA also within that forum. In conclusion, Sweden's support for Afghanistan remains firm. We will continue to work hard for democratic and peaceful development that benefits all of Afghanistan's people.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Sweden welcome's UNAMA's continued efforts to advance Afghan women's equal and full participation in building peace and security within their communities and their country. Excluding half of the population from the peace process is not only wrong, but has been proven to lead to less successful and less sustainable peace agreements. Ensuring that women can fully play their role in peace and security is a high priority for Sweden. Last week in Kabul, we conducted dialogue and mediation training for women from 32 ofthe 34 Afghan provinces. This training will continue over the course of the year, with at least two more gatherings.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Sweden calls on all actors to take responsibility and to work together towards a sustainable peace. In 2016, more than a million Afghans returned from Pakistan and Iran. These people are joining those internally displaced in facing the challenging Afghan winter. All actors should support the humanitarian community's efforts to provide life-saving emergency assistance to vulnerable Afghan families over the winter. However, an adequate response plan for returnees is also required, and we urge the Government of Afghanistan to work with UNAMA and others to increase efforts in this regard. Women's participation in society and in peacebuilding is crucial if Afghanistan is to lift itself out of poverty, war and violence.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Unity and cooperation within the National Unity Government remain key to the continued development of Afghanistan. While the Government's agreement with Hizb-i Islami (Gulbuddin) is welcome, increased political dialogue with other insurgent groups is also needed. Sweden underlines the importance of the full implementation of the economic and political reforms pledged by the Government at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan in October. The sustained engagement of the countries of the region also remains essential to Afghanistan's future. The constructive engagement of regional partners can create a regional environment that is conducive and contributes to security and stability in Afghanistan and in the region more broadly. A peaceful and sustainable Afghanistan should be in everyone's interest.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“We believe that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), through its work in support of the Afghan people, continues to play a critical role in the process of stabilization and in preventing a return to conflict in Afghanistan. We are particularly pleased to see the significant attention given to women, peace and security in the most recent report. Peaceful and inclusive societies, as well as effective, accountable and inclusive institutions, are prerequisites for sustained economic and social development. We enourage UNAMA's efforts to promote the rule of law, respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Afghanistan has made progress. However, much remains to be done to consolidate the gains and to create the basis for a lasting transformation.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Allow me, too, to express our deepest condolences to our Russian friends and colleagues for the heinous crime committed in Ankara today. Sweden aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. In my national capacity, I would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his report (S/2016/1049), which as usual provides a sound and comprehensive basis for our discussions today. Let me also thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Yamamoto, Executive Director Fedotov, Ambassador Van Bohemen and Ambassador Saikal for their insightful briefings. Democratic and peaceful development in Afghanistan remains a priority for Sweden.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“For its part, the Commission stands ready to continue its political accompaniment by ensuring continued international attention on Liberia, in the event that Liberia leaves the agenda of the Security Council, and assisting by drawing attention to gaps. The PBC is committed to making substantive contributions to the Council's deliberations, and those of us who have dual membership in the Council and the PBC will make sure to play our part in strengthening our advisory and bridging role. The PBC will also undertake continued advocacy on the importance of pursuing reforms that are central to State-building and sustainable peace in Liberia.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“Preserving the function of its good offices will be useful during the period when there will be a heightened risk of tension in the lead-up and during the elections next year. In conclusion, it is crucial to maintain international attention on Liberia at this critical time. An immediate task is to ensure that the remaining United Nations presence is set up and resourced to respond to the continuous need for peacebuilding support. The PBC therefore encourages the entire United Nations system to intensify collaborative and strategic planning, and looks forward to engaging in a regular dialogue with the stakeholders on how that is proceeding and to offer further support.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“Liberia is facing an incredibly important year in 2017, with a defining election. Many root causes remain unaddressed. After the peacekeepers withdraw, there will be residual peacebuilding tasks - some of which address root causes of conflict that remain unresolved in Liberia and require sustained international support. Those factors should be borne in mind when the future of the United Nations presence beyond December 2016 is decided. Given 13 years of massive investment in UNMIL, it will be important to ensure a responsible and careful drawdown that safeguards the gains and achievements made and sends Liberia on a stable and robust path towards the further consolidation of peace. The United Nations leadership in Monrovia still plays a key role.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“Economic growth has not increased at all over the past three years, and the International Monetary Fund projection for 2016 is -0.5 per cent. That limits the fiscal space available for taking forward critical peacebuilding reforms under the current Administration. Economic growth is dependent upon economic diversification, but the foundation is weak. The economy faces huge challenges, such as the decline in Government revenue, overreliance on concessions, social exclusion in the governance structure and the need for structural reforms to improve the business environment. During the visit, daunting statistics regarding education were presented: 63 per cent of Liberian children are not attending school. This is a key challenge today with real implications for the future. Where does that leave us?”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“We understand that UNMIL is heavily involved in such efforts, along with the National Election Commission, both providing crucial support. Other priorities in preparing for a successful election are civic education, awareness- raising and outreach to a largely disenfranchised population. A special focus on the active participation of women is needed. Several interlocutors in Monrovia noted that it would be premature to withdraw the peacekeeping Mission before the elections. Even a smaller presence, with police contingents could play an important role. It is important to be aware of the current socioeconomic situation in which the election and transition will take place. The Liberian economy is under considerable stress, in the aftermath of both Ebola and the downturn in prices of iron ore and rubber.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“That leads me to another key point of discussion during the PBC visit - the presidential and legislative election in October 2017. The election was described as a defining moment for Liberia, as the first democratic transfer of power from one living president to another since it became a republic. A successful election and peaceful transition would further consolidate democracy and good governance. As is often the case, the running of an election is fraught with the risk of tensions. More than 20 candidates are running for President. Efforts to establish solid mechanisms for dispute resolution early on, as well as drafting joint codes of conduct and managing run-offs, should be supported and prioritized.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“The passing of the Land Rights Act would not only address crucial property rights, but would also help reform the agricultural sector in Liberia, which is falling short of delivering on its potential. Government leadership is needed to promote structural reform as a critical preventive measure before the elections. Another message emanating from the forum is that critical gaps remain in institutional capacity. The rule of law remains weak and access to justice constitutes an ongoing challenge. The large disenfranchised youth constitutes a real risk factor. Making jobs available for youth, engaging them and ensuring meaningful channels for participation is important - not least now in the run-up to the elections. The right support should be provided to ensure that the youth can play an active role in peacebuilding.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“That tells us that reconciliation in Liberia goes beyond coming to terms with what took place during the civil war. Building social cohesion requires addressing historical inequalities and unequal access to resources and power. That, in turn, relates to the need of extending State authority beyond Monrovia, providing basic social services in rural communities, forging a stronger relationship between the State and its citizens and building trust in security institutions. It is encouraging to note some degree of progress on legislative reforms essential to peacebuilding and State-building, including those concerning land rights, decentralization and governance. However, while some progress has been made in the legislative process, certain regulations still need to be passed, and we must continue to monitor the situation.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“First of all, while no one seems to believe that Liberia is facing an imminent risk of relapsing into conflict, there was general agreement that the root causes and potential triggers of conflict in Liberia remain unresolved and demand concerted attention. Reconciliation has not yet fully taken place - which was also acknowledged by the President himself. The nation has yet to address the grievances of a large marginalized majority, and must also go back to implementing the road map for national reconciliation. Strong political leadership is required to fully and comprehensively address reconciliation in Liberia. In that connection, the need to forge a common national identity was identified and stressed repeatedly at the multi-stakeholder forum.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“The objective of the visit was to identify peacebuilding priorities during the transition and beyond the peacekeeping presence in the country, and to complement the atrategic assessment mission led by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The Chair met with the President of Liberia, several senior representatives of the Government, civil society, the United Nations leadership, members of the international community and political parties. The written report from the trip has been shared with the Security Council. Two main questions guided the deliberations in Monrovia: first, what must be done to address remaining root causes of conflict in Liberia and, secondly, what should international support look like after the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)? Let me highlight the key conclusions.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“Mr. Thoresson: I thank you, Mr. President, for the invitation to brief the Security Council on behalf of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Let me also congratulate you on assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of December. We meet at a pivotal point in time, ahead of the Security Council's decision on the future of the United Nations peacekeeping presence in Liberia. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present the conclusions and recommendations emanating from a recent trip to Liberia and a multi-stakeholder forum on sustaining peace through transition in Liberia, hosted by the Peacebuilding Commission and the Government of Liberia.”
2016-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7824 (2016) · source
“Our pursuit of peace and development is for the benefit not only of States and communities, but, most fundamentally, for individual men, women and children. A world based on the rule of law and respect for human rights; a world where every individual has a right to economic, social and cultural development, and where social progress and better standards of living are for everyone is a world that is safer for everyone. Allow me to end with the words of Dag Hammarskjold: "The principles of the Charter of the United Nations are, by far, greater than the Organization in which they are embodied, and the aims which they are to safeguard are holier than the policies of any single nation or people."”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Providing support and resources to the African Union and to African subregional organizations for operations authorized by the Security Council is of particular importance in that regard. The Nordic countries' support to African solutions to African problems is not only a political commitment, but a practical one, demonstrated by the many strands of cooperation that exists among us in the field of peace and security. Let me stress that this is a two-way street. African States are often the first to deploy their peacekeepers to theatres where peace is elusive. This needs to be acknowledged, and lessons need to be learned from the African experience. Many speakers today have referred to the opening words of the Charter: "We the peoples of the United Nations".”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The perpetrators of the grave crimes we see committed every day must be held accountable for their actions in order to bring justice to the victims and to deter future crimes. The founders of the United Nations showed remarkable foresight in stressing the role of regional organizations in the prevention and resolution of conflict. Indeed, the Charter encourages the peaceful settlement of disputes by regional arrangements before referring them to the Security Council. These vital and mutually reinforcing partnerships now need to be made even stronger and more strategic. The United Nations needs to not only work alongside regional organizations in different theatres, but also enable them to share the burden in accordance with the Charter.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“This includes ensuring respect for human rights, which is essential to prevent conflict. For the Council, that means taking a broad view of peace, security and development, and putting the Charter above national interests. As forcefully stated by the Secretary-General in his report for the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit, we must uphold the norms that safeguard humankind. The Secretary-General reminds us that the inherent dignity and worth of the human person are the bedrock of the Charter of the United Nations. Attacks against civilians, massive and indiscriminate bombing and shelling of populated areas, and the blocking of humanitarian assistance are all demonstrations of flagrant disrespect of international humanitarian law.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“History has shown clearly that this is not only the right thing to do, but the most efficient way to prevent conflicts. That insight echoes last year's important reviews relating to United Nations peace and security efforts. They put the primacy of politics and the importance of conflict prevention front and centre. We must seize this opportunity to implement the proposed reforms. Lasting peace is not achieved through military engagement, but through political solutions and responsible governance based on the rule of law. Early warning and the prevention of armed conflict are among our greatest responsibilities and need much more investment from all of us at all levels. To lay the foundations of a sustainable peace, we must deliver on the promise to create a culture of prevention.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“More than 70 years after its adoption, the Charter of the United Nations stands as an enduring sign of multilateral cooperation based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We continue to firmly believe in and support the United Nations in leading our global collaborative efforts. We believe that the purposes and principles of the Organization, as embodied in the Charter, are as important as ever before. They constitute the bedrock of the rules- based world order on which our collective peace and prosperity rest. In the area of peace and security, we need to do far more and far better to live up to the standards set by the Charter. The Charter calls on States to, first and foremost, strive to achieve peaceful settlements of disputes through negotiation, mediation, and judicial means.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“I have the honour to speak today on behalf ofthe Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. I would like to start by thanking the Venezuelan presidency for having organized a debate on a topic that remains as relevant today as it was when the Charter was adopted, more than 70 years ago. Not since the Second World War have we faced such great challenges as we do today, with unprecedented numbers of people fleeing violent conflict, massive human rights violations and emergencies. Violent extremism is threatening the social fabric of States and societies, and climate change is the greatest threat to many States. No State can tackle these challenges alone. It is our shared responsibility, and it requires global, regional and local solutions.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“It is important that the United Nations, the international community and regional partners continue to stand by the Afghan people and the National Unity Government in their struggle for peace, stability and a vision for a brighter future.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“Those efforts will specifically target increasing respect for the human rights of women, as well as the representation of women in every area of society and their access to resources. That is a prerequisite for sustainable development and stability in Afghanistan. Sweden will continue its contribution to developing the Afghan security and defence forces through its participation in the Resolute Support Mission during 2016. As this critical year draws to an end, several challenges remain, with important milestones ahead, such as the Warsaw summit and the Brussels ministerial conference. The Afghan National Unity Government, although faced with many difficulties, has remained united. That is a reason for hope.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“Thirdly, the increasing number of refugees and migrants leaving Afghanistan - and, not least, the regrettable outflow of young people, who are much needed to rebuild the country - is a matter of serious common concern. It is important to restore hope for a better future for the Afghan people. Peace, stability and improved living conditions will contribute to that aim. The Afghan jobs-for-peace initiative has the potential to contribute to that in a short- and medium-term perspective. During President Ghani's recent visit to Stockholm, Sweden confirmed its support to Afghanistan through the signing of a bilateral agreement on development cooperation. Our support to Afghanistan remains substantial and long-term, with the aim of contributing approximately $1.2 billion during the transformation decade.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“The Heart of Asia Process is crucial in strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and confidence-building, with the aim ofa prosperous Afghanistan and increased regional security. We welcome the latest Islamabad declaration, in particular its wording on regional security cooperation. We would also like to express our appreciation to Pakistan for hosting the ministerial meeting, and we welcome the constructive dialogue with Afghanistan during President Ashraf Ghani's visit to Islamabad. We hope that the agreement to restart peace talks will yield positive results soon and that women will be an integral part of the process.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“The attack on Kunduz and the tragic events that followed, including the bombing of the Medecins Sans Frontieres hospital and the recent attacks on Kandahar airport and on the Spanish Embassy compound in Kabul, are discouraging examples. The deteriorating security situation has a devastating impact on the civilian population, not least on women and children. Attacks on the civilian population are of grave concern. International humanitarian law must be respected at all times and by all parties, and we welcome investigations that contribute to that end. Secondly, a peace process remains the only viable option for a prosperous and stable Afghanistan. We would like to commend the Afghan Government for reaching out to all parties in the region.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“The Afghan Government has taken important steps in pursuing the reform agenda of the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework. Such reforms are necessary in order to achieve the long-term objectives of a self-reliant and prosperous Afghanistan, where women and men, girls and boys, can fully enjoy their human rights. To achieve that, Afghanistan will need continued international support, and to that end, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan will play an important role. I would like to highlight three issues. First, 2015 has seen an alarming increase in violence throughout Afghanistan, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“Sweden aligns itself with the statement soon to be made on behalf of the European Union. I would, however, like to make a few additional remarks in my national capacity. First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for both his comprehensive briefing on the current situation in Afghanistan and for his tireless efforts. I would also like to thank Ambassador Saikal for his valuable remarks. It was often said that 2015 would be a critical year for Afghanistan - a year for the implementation of reforms in order to contribute to peace, stability and a brighter future for the Afghan people. As the year draws to a close, we should take this opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and on the challenges for the years ahead.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“We must move beyond the fire brigade mode of doing business and build back more resilient institutions and stronger national systems in the Ebola recovery process. The Peacebuilding Commission looks forward to continuing engaging the Security Council and other relevant parties on the important Ebola recovery process. We stand ready to continue advocating for long-term recovery and peacebuilding needs and to accompany the affected countries on their journey to sustainable development and peace.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“The third point is that socioeconomic recovery in the aftermath of Ebola needs to be a top priority. The socioeconomic impact of Ebola has been absolutely devastating. Economic revitalization is a key priority for the affected countries to be able to emerge out of this crisis as stronger and more resilient nations. Generating employment and providing access to education, in particular for the youth and women, will be critical. Diversification of the economy will also help to ensure more inclusive growth and reduce dependency on the extractive sector. Responsible investments, an improved business environment and financial inclusion are also key levers that can help in propelling development. Before concluding, let me stress the importance of better investment in preventive action.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“During the peak of the crisis, heightened levels of grievances among the population added further impetus to the need to support recovery efforts in a way that also strengthens social cohesion and establishes trust. Our second point is the importance of the provision of basic social services throughout the affected countries. Decentralization of public services is key to extending State authority and ensuring that citizens have a stake in the governance of their own countries. It also contributes to restoring trust between citizens and the State. Improved access to health care in all areas of the affected countries is key to achieve real resilience. That will require capacity-building to enable the operation of local Government in remote areas and strengthen governance in the health sector.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“We must therefore step up our support in the recovery period, by building strong institutions and supporting inclusive politics. There is also a need to emphasize regional approaches by supporting regional frameworks and capacities. In that regard, we warmly welcome the important role that the Mano River Union continues to play. Moving forward, the Peacebuilding Commission would like to highlight the following three points. The firstpoint is the need to strengthen State-society relations, including institution-building. The successful national and local community leadership in the Ebola response should also be built upon now for the coming recovery phase. Strengthening national and local institutional capacity should be the focus, including as a way to improve State-society relations.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“International attention and support at the outbreak of the Ebola epidemic must now be matched by equal levels of commitment for the long-term recovery. In that regard, we welcome the successful outcome of the Ebola recovery conference on 10 July, where the international community pledged more than $5 billion in long-term recovery efforts. We must now make sure that the donors deliver on their commitments, because only by staying the course will we ensure that this does not happen again and that progress made in peacebuilding can be sustained. The crisis has exposed gaps in international peacebuilding efforts during the last decade in terms of institution-building, security sector reform, reconciliation and economic recovery.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Mr. Thoresson: First of all, I would also like to thank you, Madam President, for having organized this very important meeting. Our deepest gratitude also goes to Dr. Chan and Dr. Nabarro in particular for their important briefings and tireless efforts throughout this period. I also wish to highlight, and express my gratitude to, the African Union for its absolutely crucial contributions in fighting the Ebola outbreak. I am honoured to take the floor today on behalf of the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission. As is well known, the three worst-affected countries are all on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, and we have been closely engaged from the very beginning of the Ebola crisis.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“The ATT remains a political priority, and we will continue to play an active role in supporting its effective universalization and implementation. For Sweden, the ATT is also important for the reason that it focuses on the potential humanitarian consequences of the arms trade, and thus on human security, which is at the core of Sweden's disarmament and non-proliferation policies. Moreover, for the first time in a binding international instrument, gender-based violence is included as a factor to be considered. I would like to conclude by referring to the words of the Secretary-General on weapons and ammunition. They are hardware, and, as such, they are physical commodities on which we can take measurable action. Weapons management is concrete in character, and therefore warrants our unflagging attention.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“They have been. Sweden will continue to support women's organizations, with a focus on conflict and post-conflict settings, in cooperation with civil society and through the United Nations. For my final point, I would like to turn to a major positive development. In regulating the international trade in conventional arms and in helping to combat the illicit trade in small arms, the Arms Trade Treaty represents a giant step forward. The ATT's success is the result of the international community's political will and commitment. It shows that political support can bridge traditional divides and lead to real progress, and that tangible results can also be achieved when national security interests are involved. Sweden has long been an active participant in the Arms Trade Treaty process, because we believe in it.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“In that regard, it is vital to address the male social roles that in many cases shape armed violence. That will continue to be a priority for Sweden. Without women's full participation in combating the misuse and illicit transfer of small arms, in line with the agenda on the issue of women and peace and security, effective and lasting results cannot be achieved. Women's participation has proved central to sustainable peace and development. However, the reality on the ground shows that there is considerable scope for improvement. Of the 585 peace agreements negotiated in the last two decades, only 92 include references to women. During the same period, fewer than 4 per cent of the signatories of peace agreements, and less than 10 per cent of negotiators, were women. However, that does not mean that women have not been involved.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Sweden will continue to promote the development of agreed standards and best practices. We will also continue to promote the use of technology to improve the management and security of small arms and ammunition, as well as to strengthen physical and stockpile security, in conflict and post-conflict situations. Thirdly, the use of weapons has different effects on women and men, boys and girls. Research shows that easily available small arms and light weapons increase the levels of armed violence, which in turn increases the levels of violence against women. However, the reality is far more complex than the commonly held perception that women are always on the receiving end of violence. Young men are still the most common perpetrators, but they are also more likely to become victims of armed violence themselves.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“We should make every effort to strengthen United Nations peace-support operations and their mandates with regard to small arms and stockpile security in conflict and post-conflict areas. Poor stockpile security constitutes a serious threat to peace and security, owing to the risk of diversion. And tragic accidents involving stockpiles of ammunition serve as reminders of the immediate threat that they pose to physical security. In that regard, international cooperation and assistance are key. Increased coordination and local ownership are crucial to getting results. We have seen that in successful projects, such as in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Moldova and Kenya, where Sweden and other donors and partner countries have worked in close collaboration.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“While monitoring transfers of ammunition may be difficult, it is essential if we want to prevent the misuse of existing stocks of small arms. Reporting must be encouraged. Mapping should be strengthened. Tracking and traceability need to be improved. Furthermore, we would like to see ammunition included in the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms, and reporting on ammunition should be fully included in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. Secondly, efforts to prevent the misuse and illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons, along with the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), are crucial to rebuilding peaceful societies.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“As we have heard from many other speakers, the illicit transfer and destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition are key drivers of conflict, and thus continue to undermine international peace and security. The human toll is disastrous. The importance of mainstreaming the issue of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition on the Council's agenda could not be more urgent. The same goes for the arms-control-related findings of the high- level review of United Nations sanctions, of which Sweden is a sponsor. I would like to make four points. First, we would like to see a sharper focus on ammunition in discussions on small-arms issues. Without ammunition, small arms and light weapons are inoperable.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“And I would like to acknowledge the important work of Member States in implementing and developing the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as that of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, UNICEF and other United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations in the field. In addition, I would like to recognize the crime-prevention efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which make up a critical complement to our work. The theme of today's debate could not be more relevant and timely.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Sweden aligns itselfwith the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. I would first like to thank the Lithuanian presidency of the Security Council for taking the initiative of convening this important debate and of launching a draft resolution to follow it up. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his excellent report (S/2015/289) and his briefing today.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source