YouSaid · the spoken record

Tirumurti

lines on the record: 575
first: 2021-05-27
most recent: 2022-06-23
sittings or episodes: 87
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

“On the political front, India continues to call for an inclusive dispensation in Afghanistan that represents all sections of Afghan society. A broad-based, inclusive and representative formation is necessary for both domestic and international engagement. We are deeply concerned about recent developments in Afghanistan, which directly impact the women and girls of Afghanistan. There has been an increasing attempt to remove women from public life in Afghanistan. We join others in calling for ensuring the protection of the rights of women and children and to ensure that the long-fought-for gains of the last two decades are not reversed. Peace and security in Afghanistan are critical imperatives that all of us need to collectively strive for. India will continue to play its role towards the pursuit of that objective.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“The report further noted that the Taliban is yet to dissociate itself from other terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida, which remains active. The linkages between groups listed by the Security Council, such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, as well as the provocative statements made by other terrorist groups operating out of Afghanistan, pose a direct threat to the region. There are therefore serious concerns that need our immediate attention and unified action to ensure that the Afghanistan does not become a haven for other terrorist organizations, including ISIL-K, Al-Qaida, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba. We need to see concrete progress in ensuring that such proscribed terrorists, entities and their aliases do not get any support, tacit or direct, either from Afghan soil or from the terror sanctuaries based in the region.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“The terrorist assault on places of worship of minority communities and the targeting of the innocent civilian population continues to be a serious concern. The recent findings contained in the report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) indicate that the current authorities need to take much stronger action to fulfil their anti-terrorism commitments. There has been a significant increase in the presence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) in the country and its capacity to carry out attacks. ISIL-K, with its base reportedly in Afghanistan, continues to issue threats of terrorist attacks on other countries.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“The expectations of the international community on the way forward in Afghanistan have been clearly set forth in resolution 2593 (2021) and reiterated subsequently, including in resolution 2626 (2022). They relate to ensuring that the territory of Afghanistan is not used to launch terrorist attacks against other countries; the formation of a truly inclusive and representative Government; combating terrorism and drug trafficking; and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities. India is closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan and is actively engaging with the international community to ensure a consensus on the issues of security, peace and stability. We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Gurudwara Dashmesh Pita Sahibji in Kabul on 18 June.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“In addition, the team also visited places where Indian programmes and projects are being implemented, such as the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital, Habibia High School, the Chimtala subpower station and the World Food Programme wheat distribution centre. We are now in the process of shipping more medical assistance and food grains to Afghanistan. We also gifted 1 million doses of India’s Covaxin COVID-19 vaccines to Iran to administer to Afghan refugees in Iran. In addition, we have assisted UNICEF by supplying almost 60 million doses of polio vaccines and two tons of essential medicines. Our approach to Afghanistan, as always, will be guided by our historical friendship and our special relationship with the people of Afghanistan.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“These humanitarian consignments were transferred to the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul and to specialized agencies of the United Nations, such as the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme (WFP). To ensure fair and just distribution of India’s wheat assistance, the Government of India signed an agreement with the WFP for the distribution of 50,000 metric tons of wheat within Afghanistan. The dispatch of this wheat to Afghanistan has already commenced. Moreover, to oversee the utilization of India’s medical and food-grain assistance and to further assess the humanitarian requirements of Afghan people, an Indian team visited Kabul recently — on 2 and 3 June — and met with the representatives of the international organizations involved in the distribution of the humanitarian assistance.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“In this context, we reiterate that humanitarian assistance should be based on principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. The disbursement of humanitarian aid should be non-discriminatory and accessible to all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political belief. In particular, the assistance should reach the most vulnerable first, including women, children and minorities. In response to the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people, India has dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 30,000 metric tons of wheat, 13 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine and winter clothing.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“Therefore, given our strong historical and civilizational linkages to the Afghan people, we are deeply concerned about the recent developments in the country, especially the deteriorating humanitarian situation. India supported resolution 2615 (2021), which provided for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, while ensuring that the Security Council would continue to exercise its oversight to guard against any possible diversion of funds and misuse of exemptions from sanctions. We note the briefing by the Emergency Relief Coordinator on the working of the resolution and the concerns he has expressed. We hope that the humanitarian carveouts provided for in this resolution are fully utilized by United Nations agencies and their aid partners and that the aberrations are addressed.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“At the outset, I express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families and to all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan. India shares the grief of the people of Afghanistan and is ready to provide assistance and support in this hour of need. I thank the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ramiz Alakbarov, and the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Under-Secretary- General Martin Griffiths, for their briefings. I also thank Ms. Yalda Hakim and Ms. Yalda Royan for their briefings. As a contiguous neighbour and long-standing partner of Afghanistan, India has direct stakes in ensuring the return of peace and stability to the country.”
2022-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9075 (2022) · source
“India stands ready to engage with its partners to work towards mainstreaming the women and peace and security agenda with a view to building inclusive, peaceful and resilient societies. Just as a bird cannot fly with one wing, durable peace cannot be achieved without the active participation of the other gender. Our collective commitments and actions towards global peace must be anchored in that premise.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“Women police officers and peacekeepers have played a critical role in preserving the women and peace and security agenda. Having women peacekeepers is crucial to the success of peacekeeping missions. It also improves access to civilians and other stakeholders, as well as bringing additional skill sets to peacekeeping teams. Women peacekeepers serve as powerful mentors and role models for women and girls in post- conflict settings. They inspire grit and resilience in female victims and encourage them to champion their own rights and pursue non‐traditional careers. India welcomes the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy for increasing the number of women peacekeepers. We also support increasing the deployment of women protection advisers for effective monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on sexual violence in conflict.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“However, extremist groups and terrorists have increasingly exploited those tools to women’s detriment. They have threatened women who are active in public life, muzzled their voices, amplified discriminatory ideas and promoted violent radicalization. To counter such misuse, we require a non-discriminatory and collective effort through a whole-of-society approach. Terrorism and violent extremism continue to be the biggest violators of human rights and persistent threats to global peace and security. Needless to say, women and girls invariably suffer disproportionately from acts of terror. Such acts deserve strong condemnation and demand the adoption of a zero-tolerance approach. The Council must focus its attention on the consequences of terrorism for the rights of women.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“To that end, we have opened online bank accounts for more than 445 million people, with more than 55 per cent of the account holders being women. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, that initiative helped nearly 200 million women via direct benefit transfers. With regard to conflict situations, the United Nations, regional organizations and the international community have a special responsibility towards women. Checking impunity and stopping violence and exploitation in conflict situations are crucial. The nature of peacekeeping and peacebuilding has changed to accommodate those imperatives. In that regard, it is important that we factor in growing concerns emanating from misuse of new and critical technologies. The Internet and social media networks have the potential to augment women’s voices and increase their participation.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“With the aim of ensuring stability in our region, we have therefore been underlining the importance of inclusive and representative governance in Afghanistan, with the meaningful participation of women, in accordance with resolution 2593 (2021). We are particularly concerned about the discriminatory inferior status imposed on women in Afghan society, which among other things has had an adverse effect on the education of Afghan girls. India’s development processes are guided by the principle of “participation by all, prosperity for all”. Several citizen-centric initiatives have been taken to ensure that women are full participants and beneficiaries in India’s development story. We have leveraged digital technologies to provide greater access for women to finance, credit, technology and employment.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“As the world’s largest democracy, India offers a unique template for gender-sensitive governance. More than 1.3 million elected women representatives, who constitute nearly 44 per cent of the total number of elected representatives, are leading political decision-making at the grass-roots level. All-women panchayats — village-level local elected bodies — are playing a defining role in grass- roots policymaking in India. Twenty Indian States have made provisions to reserve 50 per cent of seats for women in legislative bodies. Our actions are driven by a deep conviction that an environment conducive to the participation and inclusion of women in political processes is indispensable for peace. A democratic polity, pluralism and the rule of law are essential prerequisites for fostering this type of enabling environment.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“We thank you, Madam President, for convening this important meeting. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his insights and appreciate the insights provided by all of the other briefers today. Discriminatory social and political structures have made violence against women systemic and deeply entrenched. Women have therefore always been easy targets in situations of armed conflict. More often than not, they have found themselves on the receiving end of peace and development processes. India’s political and development trajectory has navigated several complex challenges through its women-centric initiatives. From women’s development to women-led development, women in India are driving India’s development in general. Our governance has been transformed from being Government-led to a multi-stakeholder, inclusive governance model.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064 (2022) · source
“The safety and security of peacekeepers is of the utmost priority for us. We therefore we see value in augmenting the troop ceiling, as proposed by the Secretary-General in July 2021, so that MINUSMA is able to protect its personnel, convoys and camps and deliver its mandate effectively. However, such augmentation should be supported by providing MINUSMA adequate additional resources. In conclusion, India continues to remain closely engaged with Mali in numerous capacity-building programmes, such as scholarships for higher studies and professional training in India, including in defence and security-related areas. India remains steadfast in supporting the people of Mali in their quest for enduring peace, security and development.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Fourthly, the role of MINUSMA remains critical in helping Mali to achieve stability. The Mission continues to operate in an increasingly dangerous asymmetrical threat environment. While we appreciate the efforts taken to address the safety and security issues concerning United Nations peacekeepers, it is equally important not to burden MINUSMA directly with counter-terrorism operations. Such counter- terrorism operations need to be undertaken by the national security forces, which command a better understanding of the terrain and local dynamics. In that regard, we note the recent efforts made by the Malian security forces in the past months. Fifthly, we have also noted the concerns raised by MINUSMA with respect to the capacity gaps arising due to the withdrawal of international forces.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Secondly, the crisis in Mali has systemic multidimensional challenges. The long-standing shortcomings in the administrative, constitutional and security set up cannot be addressed in the absence of political stability. We hope the agreement on the transitional road map will pave the way for an effective implementation of the 2015 peace agreement, including administrative and electoral reforms, leading to an inclusive election in the agreed time frame. We need to encourage all Malian and regional stakeholders to take concerted actions in that regard. Thirdly, a lasting solution to the Malian crisis can be achieved only through a Mali-owned and -led process that is inclusive and representative. It is our hope that the people of Mali will overcome the political crisis through inclusive dialogue and democratic processes.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“The tri-border region of Mali, the Niger and Burkina Faso has become a hotspot of terrorist groups due to the security vacuum created by the departure of international forces. That situation is further complicated by the lack of cooperation among the internal stakeholders of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). In that context, let me submit five issues for the Council’s consideration. First, the challenge of terrorism in Mali needs to be accorded high priority and treated with the same level of urgency as other global hotspots that face the scourge of international terrorism. In that regard, it is important that G-5 Sahel countries resolve their differences expeditiously in order to enable the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel to resume its operations.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“We appreciate the ongoing engagement between the Economic Community of West African States and the Malian transitional authorities and hope for a swift understanding on the transitional road map, including on a monitoring mechanism. That road map needs to be realistic and objective, while factoring in genuine operational challenges. The continuous attack on MINUSMA peacekeepers, civilians and security forces in Mali demonstrates the grave security threat posed by terrorist groups such as Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam waal-Muslimin and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, some of whom are inspired by the terrorist ideologies of Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Those terrorist groups continue to expand their operations — not only in Mali and the Sahel region but also in other regions of the African continent.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“Such attacks deserve the Security Council’s strongest condemnation, and we call for swift action on part of all stakeholders for the expeditious implementation of the provisions of the resolution 2589 (2021) in order to bring the culprits to justice and ensure accountability for crimes against United Nations peacekeepers. The transitional road map is the sine qua non for securing peace in Mali. The lack of clear understanding on the transitional road map to restore constitutional order is having an adverse impact on MINUSMA’s activities, as well as on the implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. El Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Sadya Touré for her insights. I welcome the presence of His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Mali at today’s meeting. His presence is a testimony to the importance Mali attaches to our discussions. The increase in the frequency of attacks against United Nations peacekeepers is of alarming concern. We express our condolences for the deaths of the Egyptian and Jordanian peacekeepers who lost their lives earlier this month in attacks against MINUSMA.”
2022-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9061 (2022) · source
“The political leadership in the region has an extremely important role to play in seeking solutions through dialogue. Equally important is to ensure that MONUSCO be allowed to carry out its mandate within the framework of what has been agreed by the Security Council.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source
“The call of the international community on all armed groups to lay down their arms and commit to the peace process needs to be followed up proactively. It is imperative that links to the sustenance of armed groups be broken at the source. We have long been discussing how the illegal exploitation of, and trade in, natural resources in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have fuelled armed groups’ activities. Several reports by the Panel of Experts have described the mechanism in much detail. Greater commitment by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region will be needed to ensure that the mines are protected, regulations are strengthened and regional partnerships are further bolstered. The Khartoum conference has provided a useful framework and direction for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source
“That gap cannot, and should not, be bridged by a creative interpretation of MONUSCO’s mandate. We need to ensure that each of MONUSCO’s contingents is equipped and undertakes only mandated tasks. In that regard, we recall the provisions of paragraph 29, sub-paragraph (i) (e), of resolution 2612 (2021). We also need to ensure that the safety and security of peacekeepers is not compromised under any circumstances. The solution to the complex nature of the problem in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot be found solely through military means. In that context, we welcome and support the two-track road map agreed at the second Regional Heads of State Conclave, held in Nairobi earlier this year. We also note the commitment shown by the leadership of countries in the region to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source
“The Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC), with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), have been making efforts to address the threat posed by armed groups. However, the Mouvement du 23 mars has been making significant inroads. We strongly condemn attacks perpetrated by armed groups against civilians, security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and peacekeepers. That has put enormous pressure on the FARDC in discharging its primary responsibility to protect civilians. The Security Council must acknowledge that MONUSCO’s role is supportive and not aimed at replacing the FARDC. As such, there is an urgent need to match and enhance the FARDC’s capacities to take on the robust fire-power of the armed groups.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Pobee and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, Mr. Huang Xia, for their briefings on the political and security developments concerning the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I welcome the presence of the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the representatives of Rwanda and Uganda at today’s meeting. The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been worsening in the recent months, with the increasing activities of armed groups. That deteriorating situation risks undermining the political process currently under way.”
2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source
“It is important for the international community to direct its attention to the threat of terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. Recent reports of the Secretary-General have highlighted the presence in southern Libya of training camps belonging to Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates. ISIL’s continuing ability to launch attacks is deeply concerning. The Council should be focusing on eliminating every threat posed by ISIL and other terror groups anywhere in the world. Terrorism is a growing threat to Africa, and it is important for the Council to focus on it before it is too late. India has traditionally enjoyed close and mutually beneficial bilateral ties with Libya, and we remain committed to supporting Libya and the Libyan people in their endeavour to bring about lasting peace in their country.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“The political process must be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned with no conditions imposed or external interference. It is also important to see concrete progress on the full and complete withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries. It is regrettable that more than a year and a half after the signing of the ceasefire agreement, we have yet to see tangible progress in that regard. The continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries is detrimental to the peace and stability of the country and the region. In that context, I also want to stress the importance of planning for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups and non-State armed actors. Libya also needs an inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation process.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“The priority right now is to ensure that elections are held without delay in a free, fair, inclusive and credible manner. We hope that all parties in Libya can unite around that common purpose. We note that positive movement has been achieved in several areas by the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, and we look forward to seeing the Libyan parties arrive at a consensus soon on the constitutional basis for holding the elections. It is important that the Security Council and the international community support the Libyan people as they prepare for the elections. Violence in any form could undermine the progress achieved since 2020 and should be strongly discouraged. The sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Libya needs to be safeguarded.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing today. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya. The challenges that Libya is facing came into sharp focus earlier this month with the reports of clashes outside Tripoli. It is imperative that the parties concerned resolve all outstanding political issues peacefully, keeping the larger interests of the Libyan people in mind. We hope that all the parties will work together to maintain peace and stability in the country. In that regard, we once again reiterate the importance of holding the presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible, as that will be critical to carrying forward the momentum generated by the signing of the ceasefire agreement.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“With respect to the sanctions list, the Committee received a sixth communication from the focal point for delisting established pursuant to resolution 1730 (2006), in connection with the delisting request of a listed individual. The focal point process is still ongoing. I would like to conclude by reiterating the Committee’s commitment to contributing to promoting peace and stability in Libya.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“In connection with the measures aimed at preventing illicit exports of petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products from Libya, the Committee responded to a communication received from the Libyan Government focal point appointed pursuant to resolution 2146 (2014) regarding an alleged attempt to illicitly export gasoil outside the umbrella of the National Oil Corporation. The Panel of Experts also reported to the Committee on that matter. With regard to the travel-ban measure, the Committee received a travel notification from Ms. Safia Farkash Al-Barassi, for travel from Egypt to Oman and back, under a travel exemption granted previously for unlimited travel within a six-month period for humanitarian purposes.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“Concerning the arms embargo, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in connection with an arms embargo notification invoking paragraph 13 (b) of resolution 2009 (2011), submitted by Germany. The Committee also received a vessel inspection report from the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI. The Committee was informed by Italy of the transfer of certain items meant for Libyan coastal patrol. In relation to the assets freeze, the Committee approved an exemption request submitted by Luxembourg under paragraph 19(b) of resolution 1970 (2011). The Committee also received a letter from Libya transmitting a communication from the Libyan Investment Authority, a listed entity, to which the Committee responded.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“In the discussion that ensued, Committee members expressed their support and appreciation for the work of the Panel of Experts. The main issues raised during the discussion included acts that threaten the peace and stability or security of Libya; violations of the arms embargo; violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including in the context of human trafficking and migrant smuggling; illicit exports of crude oil and refined petroleum products from Libya; and the implementation of the assets freeze. The Committee members are currently considering, for possible follow-up action, the three recommendations addressed to the Committee, as well as the recommendation addressed to all Member States. Let me now touch briefly on the other activities of the Committee during the reporting period.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011) of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. The report covers the period from 17 March to 26 May of this year, during which time the Committee met once in informal consultations and conducted additional work by silence procedure. During the informal consultations held on 20 May, the Committee heard a presentation by the Panel of Experts on its final report. I will not summarize the findings and recommendations contained in the report, as it was transmitted to the Security Council on 25 May in accordance with paragraph 13 of resolution 2571 (2021), and will shortly be issued as a document of the Council.”
2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source
“We should resist the temptation to add even more to peacekeeping mandates, or we may see civilian and peacekeeping casualties increase, which should be avoided at all costs. Finally, while it is important to deliberate on the devastating consequences of armed conflict on civilians, we should not ignore the fundamental issues and international power politics that exacerbate armed conflicts. Today we should reaffirm our commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States. We should also reaffirm that the contemporary global order has been built on the Charter of the United Nations, international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“India therefore brings to the table a certain quantity and quality of experience in protecting civilians in peacekeeping missions that is unique in its relevance, variety and depth. We need to ensure that United Nations peacekeepers are adequately equipped and trained to take up the tasks involved in protecting civilians, especially by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Moreover, with the increasingly multidimensional nature of peacekeeping missions, there is a risk of diluting the focus on protection-of-civilians mandates. We need to simplify peacekeeping mandates. Peacebuilding activities such as the promotion of human rights, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and electoral assistance should be suitably separated from peacekeeping missions.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“The role of United Nations peacekeeping operations is to supplement national efforts to advance peace and security. Peacekeepers cannot and should not be a substitute for the primary responsibility of protecting civilians, which rests primarily with host Governments. In cumulative terms, India has contributed the world’s highest number of troops to peacekeeping operations. Our troops and police personnel have been at the forefront of translating the Council’s words into action on the ground across several peacekeeping missions. They were protecting civilians long before the term came into common usage in the Council. We have provided a cutting edge in many United Nations operations where civilians were under threat.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“The international community should stand firm in its opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reject any attempt to provide any justification for terrorist acts. We should remember that the consequences of any relaxation of our guard on that count would be borne not only by civilians but by our security forces, who take on terrorists in extremely difficult conditions in urban areas. I would like to urge the Council to focus on another key issue, the increasing challenges faced by peacekeepers in United Nations missions around the world in executing their mandate to protect civilians. The protection of civilians is primarily the responsibility of host Governments, an established operating principle in the United Nations peacekeeping architecture.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“As we have reiterated in the Council, all humanitarian aid and assistance must be primarily guided by the universal principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Those measures must not be politicized. Terrorism today is the greatest threat facing humankind. It exacerbates social tensions and pushes societies towards instability and violence. Any debate on the protection of civilians would therefore be incomplete without taking into account the carnage wrought by terrorist forces, particularly those backed by State actors pursuing political objectives. Having for decades suffered the scourge of cross-border terrorism in which thousands of innocent civilians have lost their lives, India has always been at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“The primary responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of populations, including the maintenance of essential services, rests with national Governments. However, we have in place international principles and jurisprudence that lay just as much responsibility on the parties to conflicts for ensuring that civilians and civilian infrastructure are not targeted in such situations. Civilians in conflict-affected areas need safe, unhindered, rapid access to basic services, which are often provided by humanitarian workers. We note with concern the spike in attacks on humanitarian teams and the increasing obstacles they face as they respond to conflict-ravaged communities.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“It is very worrying that parties to armed conflicts seem to consider civilian populations and civilian infrastructure to be legitimate targets. Vulnerable groups, including women, children and minorities, as well as essential civilian infrastructure, hospitals and irreplaceable cultural heritage, have been among the first casualties of attacks in recent armed conflicts. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in the loss of lives and countless miseries for its people, particularly women, children and the elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighbouring countries. Since the conflict in Ukraine began, India has consistently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to the violence. We have emphasized the importance of pursuing a path of dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“They have further compounded the effects of pressing challenges such as the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic, climate change and food security, driving millions towards a dire humanitarian situation. The humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts are severe. We are witnessing the debilitating effect that conflicts have on the issue of access to humanitarian aid, whether in Afghanistan, Yemen, Mali, the Sudan or Ukraine. The report of the Secretary- General (S/2022/381) paints a distressing picture of civilian suffering. There were more than 11,000 civilian casualties in various conflicts in 2021, more than 45 per cent of them in Afghanistan; 140 million people were left reeling from conflict-induced hunger; and 84 million were forcibly displaced, with women and children forming a large majority of the internally displaced.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“At the outset, let me thank you, Madam President, for convening this annual open debate today on the important theme of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. I would also like to thank Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of Coordination of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Robert Mardini; Mr. David Miliband, President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Rescue Committee; and Ms. Rachel Boketa, Country Director of Women for Women International in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for their remarks. We are witnessing a resurgence in armed conflicts around the globe.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source
“Our overarching objective should be to harness such technologies for the development, prosperity and empowerment of all people and to promote international peace and security. India stands ready to offer its expertise and share its experience in this shared endeavour.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Fifthly, maintaining international peace and security in cyberspace also depends on exchange of information among countries on the misuse of digital technologies for committing crimes. This cooperation needs to be effective and in real time in order to deter, disrupt and mitigate such misuse. The establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes is therefore a step in the right direction. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the global community needs to leverage digital technologies for the benefit of all of humankind and not just for a select few.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Fourthly, United Nations peacekeeping missions need to be equipped with the latest digital technologies to counter those employed by armed groups. Protecting the protectors should be as much our priority as protecting civilians. We have acted on this front by rolling out, in partnership with the United Nations, the Unite Aware platform during our presidency of the Council in August 2021. This technology programme provides real-time threat assessment to peacekeepers and needs to be scaled up across all United Nations peacekeeping missions. I thank the representative of France for referring to the presidential statement on technology and peacekeeping (S/PRST/2021/17) adopted under our presidency in 2021.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, the interconnected nature of the digital domain requires that solutions to the complex problems and threats emanating from this domain cannot be resolved in isolation. There is an underlying need to adopt a collaborative rules-based approach and work towards ensuring its openness, stability and security. Fostering equitable access to digital technologies and their benefits should also form an important component of this approach. The widening digital divide, digital gender divide and digital knowledge gaps create an unsustainable environment in the cyberdomain. Growing digital dependency in the post-coronavirus- disease era has exacerbated risks and exposed these fissures of digital inequalities. These must be bridged through capacity-building and technology transfers.”
2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9039 (2022) · source