YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Bohemen

lines on the record: 705
first: 1993-08-27
most recent: 2016-12-31
sittings or episodes: 114
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

“It must stop. We must also register our deep disappointment that other permanent members declined to engage meaningfully on the key provision in our draft of what effective Council action might look like, other than to insist on language that had already proven unacceptable. Earlier this week, we had a curious situation in which one side of the debate said that the key paragraph in our draft resolution (S/2016/846) was not acceptable because it would stop all air attacks over Aleppo, and the other side said that it was not acceptable because it would not. Both cannot be right. Yet for now, there is no prospect of navigating through these mutually inconsistent positions. We understand that a third failed draft resolution in as many weeks would serve no one, and certainly not the people of Syria.”
2016-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7795 (2016) · source
“Even so, we considered it our responsibility as a member of the Council to try to find a way for the Council to act. The continued inability of the most powerful members of the Council to effectively address this issue is nothing short of tragic. General Assembly politics are being put ahead of people and, once again, preventing agreement on effective international action. We are appalled that Russia will not step back from its current assault on eastern Aleppo for long enough to allow the seeds of peace to begin to take root, or use its influence to change the Syrian Government's behaviour. Humanitarian pauses may give some glimmer of hope but, for now, the bombardment of eastern Aleppo and its civilian population has resumed. It is brutal, cruel and indiscriminate. It is fundamentally at odds with international humanitarian law.”
2016-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7795 (2016) · source
“New Zealand will continue working with Spain and Egypt as co-leads in the Council's consideration of humanitarian issues in Syria, but it should be clear to everyone that even if, by some miracle, the Syrian Government decided to relent in its wilful obstruction of humanitarian assistance - and we see little hope of that happening - that alone cannot make much of a difference on the ground unless the bombs stop dropping and the cessation of hostilities is restored. It was that fundamental reality that led New Zealand to push Council members to set aside the recent history of failed efforts and focus on what the Council can now agree to do to help stop the slaughter and make space for humanitarian relief and a return to dialogue. We knew that it would not be easy and that we would get pushback from various quarters.”
2016-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7795 (2016) · source
“Today's briefing highlights once again the horror of the situation in Syria. After nearly six years, the conflict gets even more brutal and shocking. The situation currently unfolding in eastern Aleppo, where the presence of a few hundred terrorists is being used as a pretext for indiscriminate attacks that are bringing misery and death to more than 250,000 civilians, presents a new and profoundly disturbing low. We need to ask ourselves how the situation has been allowed to get so bad, but more importantly, what are we going to do about it? Bringing humanitarian relief to the people of Syria remains an urgent priority.”
2016-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7795 (2016) · source
“This is unacceptable and is further eroding what trust remains between the parties. The Palestinian Authority must do all it can to prevent and condemn such attacks. The only alternative on offer to a two-State solution is a future of perpetual occupation, characterized by endless violence and increasingly brutal oppression. This scenario should provide a compelling rationale for engagement and action by the Security Council. And yet it has been almost eight years since the Security Council last passed a resolution on the issue. In July, the Council was unable even to acknowledge the Quartet's latest report (S/2016/595, annex). We fervently hope that Council members will commit themselves to supporting action to reaffirm the need for a two-State solution and enable practical steps towards making it a reality.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“As my Minister stressed to the Council last month, no amount of spin or any criticism of well-intentioned Israelis and others can hide the fact that these settlements are a violation of Israel's international obligations and have profoundly negative implications for the peace process. The significant expansion of these settlements deep into the West Bank increasingly calls into question the continued viability of any future Palestinian State. We call on Israel to stop the settlements and the demolitions. Continued inflammatory rhetoric, incitement and acts of violence are also profoundly damaging to prospects for peace. We continue to see attacks on Israeli security and civilians, at times with the tacit acceptance or outright encouragement of elements of the Palestinian leadership.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“None has borne fruit in the continued absence of a genuine will by leaders on both sides to make the hard decisions and tough compromises necessary to break the current deadlock and put peace ahead of short-term thinking and self-interest. I would draw on Amos Oz's recent eulogy for Shimon Peres - where now are the brave leaders who recognize that peace is not only possible but necessary, because the Israelis and Palestinians have nowhere else to go? Instead, what we have seen has been the continuation of actions and trends that take us further and further away from the possibility of a negotiated, two-State solution. Israel's continuedpoliciesofsettlementconstruction and demolitions are particularly concerning, as last Friday's Arria Formula meeting underlined.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“We urge all involved to respect its terms and use this opportunity to commit i genuinely and fully - to achieving a political solution. We extend our strong support to the ongoing efforts by the United Nations Special Envoy, the Quad countries, Kuwait and others in the region to maintain momentum towards a political solution to this crisis. The Council must be ready to act in support of their efforts. Thirdly, with regard to Israel and Palestine, it has been deeply disappointing to witness the continued stagnation of efforts to resolve the decades-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. During our time on the Council, we have seen several initiatives to encourage progress, including by my delegation.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“Millions are at risk of famine. And there is an increasingly serious risk of economic collapse, which would further exacerbate the suffering. Like others, New Zealand was shocked by the coalition air strike against a funeral in Sana'a on 8 October, which resulted in significant levels of civilian casualties. We are encouraged by the Coalition's response in moving quickly to acknowledge its responsibilities and investigate the circumstances of this tragic event. Urgent steps are now needed to ensure such incidents do not happen again and that those responsible are held to account. But our central focus on the Council must be on ending the fighting. We welcome the ceasefire announced by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy and due to begin later today.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“We have been encouraged that all Council members have been prepared to engage in discussions on our draft resolution. But it has also been apparent that the level of distrust between key players is high, as is scepticism about the prospects for a meaningful outcome. We find that very sad. If we can do nothing, we will only confirm the view prevalent in many of our populaces that the Security Council is not capable of fulfilling its responsibilities under the Charter. Secondly, with respect to Yemen, 18 months after the actions of the Houthi and their allies tipped Yemen into conflict, all sides to the conflict now need to do much more to pursue a sustainable peace. As in Syria, civilians on both sides have borne the brunt of this conflict. Thousands have been killed. Most Yemenis are now in need of humanitarian assistance.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“We therefore welcome the resumption of diplomatic efforts in Switzerland last weekend and are encouraged those discussions are continuing. Those taking part in the Lausanne process have the opportunity and responsibility to translate these talks into making a meaningful and sustained difference for Syrians. But so too does this Council. As is widely known, New Zealand has, with the active support of a number of other Council members, made an effort in recent days to promote a new approach to a possible Council resolution. Our immediate priority has been to de-escalate the current Violence, particularly in eastern Aleppo, which could be achieved by ending attacks against civilians. We also wanted to take steps to build trust, for example, through medical evacuations and pauses for humanitarian access.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“As my Prime Minister underlined to the Council last month (see S/PV.7774), the key steps needed are clear to all: a nationwide ceasefire, negotiations on a meaningful political transition and a united front for fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and other terrorist groups. We were deeply disappointed that the efforts by the United States and Russia to chart a way out of the Syrian crisis broke down. We were appalled that the breakdown was followed by a devastating escalation in bombing, particularly of eastern Aleppo. We were outraged that the alleged pursuit of terrorists was used to justify large-scale indiscriminate attacks, for which civilians have paid the price. And in the face of all of that, the Council has been unable to act, as was demonstrated so clearly 10 days ago.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“And often, the Council has allowed itself to outsource to other players the role envisaged for it in the Charter of the United Nations as the principal international organ responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. Today I will focus on three specific situations where we need to make progress. First, on Syria, after more than five years of brutal conflict and intolerable suffering for the Syrian people, it is shocking that those with the power to halt the war continue to delay, equivocate and escalate, rather than genuinely pushing for a political solution.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“Let me also like to thank Nickolay Mladenov and Stephen O'Brien for their briefings. This is the final Middle East open debate of New Zealand's current Security Council term. We think it appropriate, therefore, to reflect on the Council's collective response to the grave and intensifying peace-and-security challenges confronting the region. Over the past two years, New Zealand has sought to challenge the passivity that has often characterized the Council's response to these problems. We have encouraged Council colleagues to focus on identifying practical contributions to preventing and resolving these conflicts, and we have put forward our own ideas for action to support progress. Frankly, it has been an uphill battle. The forces that gave rise to these conflicts are complex and intractable.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“I am used to the fantastical reveries of the Syrian representative. Very little of what he says can be relied upon as accurate. But when he tells blatant lies about the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, I must speak up. The record is clear. The delays in the delivery of humanitarian aid, the removal of medical equipment and the other obstructions that are put in the way of United Nations convoys - all the responsibility lies very much with the Syrian regime.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“New Zealand voted against the draft resolution submitted by the Russian Federation (S/2016/847) due to its partial and misleading nature and Russia's destructive role in the Syrian conflict and because Russia provided no scope for any negotiation on a text on such a sensitive issue - an issue to which Russia is a direct party. Action of this kind only serves to deepen the divides in the Council that are preventing constructive action from being taken. As you earlier observed, Mr. President, New Zealand has been working on some ideas to try and bring the Council together on this most difficult issue. That we have not yet put our ideas forward has been our decision and ours alone, but I invite Russia and all Council members to work with us in the coming days to see if we can chart a course in a more positive direction.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“The Council has a special responsibility. We will continue to talk with other Council members to explore what action might be possible in the coming days.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“We had hoped that the Council would have been able to come together on a text that all parties could accept and that could stand a chance of contributing to practical and constructive action on the ground. The failure of today's draft resolution, contained in document S/2016/846, contributes to the polarized dynamic on Syria among the major Powers and undermines the credibility of the Security Council. Given the recent breakdown of the cessation of hostilities and the curtailing of diplomatic efforts by the United States and Russia, it is vital to use all multilateral channels, particularly the Council, to move the parties away from the killing and back towards the negotiating table and, in the meantime, to spare the Syrian people and allow them the humanitarian assistance they so desperately need.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“The situation in Aleppo is devastating, as Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura made very clear to us yesterday. He warned us that we are facing a situation not dissimilar to those in Rwanda and Srebrenica, atrocities the Council signally failed to prevent. We must learn our lessons; we must stop the destruction of the entire city of eastern Aleppo. Terrorism is a scourge to the world, but it is not acceptable that Russia and Syria use counter-terrorism as a pretext for a large-scale bombing campaign for which civilians are paying the greatest price. Whatever the sins of the hundreds or thousand plus terrorists in eastern Aleppo, that cannot justify the prolonged bombardment of 275,000 civilians.”
2016-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7785 (2016) · source
“We have reached decisions on several important issues, notably with regardto Colombia, aviation security, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and Afghanistan. But as today's briefing has underlined, we have not been able to reach decisions on the most pressing issue facing us. That is a matter of deep disappointment to my delegation. Nonetheless, we recognize the very As we end our presidency, I know I speak on behalf of the Council in wishing the delegation of the Russian hard work, support and positive contributions of all Federation our best wishes for the month ofOctober. I now invite Council members to informal delegations and representatives of the Secretariat, as . . . . . consultations to continue our discussmn on the subject. well as all conference service officers and interpreters. The meeting rose at 11.40 am.”
2016-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7780 (2016) · source
“I thank the representative of Uruguay for his statement, which reflects the views of the New Zealand delegation and, I am sure, those of many others in the Chamber. As this is the last scheduled meeting of the Council for the month of September, I would like to express the sincere appreciation of the delegation of New Zealand to the members ofthe Council, especially my colleagues the Permanent Representatives, their respective staffs and the Secretariat for all the support that they have given to us. Today's meeting takes on special poignance for me and my team. It will probably be another two decades before a New Zealander presides over the Security Council. It has been a very busy month.”
2016-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7780 (2016) · source
“I thank Mr. O'Brien for his very sobering briefing. I shall now give the floor to the member of the Council who wishes to make a statement.”
2016-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7780 (2016) · source
“In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Stephen O'Brien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, to participate in this meeting. Mr. O'Brien is joining us via video-teleconference from Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2016/796, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2191 (2014) and 2258 (2015). I now give the floor to Mr. O'Brien.”
2016-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7780 (2016) · source
“On behalf of the Council, I want to Ms. Liu and Mr. Maurer for their contributions to this debate. I commend them and all the people who work with them for their bravery and dedication. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussions. The meeting rose at 12.05 p.m.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“Most of all, Council members have to show by their behaviour here and in the conflicts in which they are involved that their respect of international law is real. If they do not, they call into question the very purpose of this body and their right to sit on it. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked to make a further statement.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“We ask the Secretary-General to continue drawing attention to this issue in his regular reports to the Council. This reporting must be supported by the consistent collection of relevant data, including through information-sharing between the United Nations and relevant entities, such as the World Health Organization. The Council should use the annual briefing provided for in resolution 2286 (2016) to highlight key challenges and to press States to take further steps, including by using their influence over warring parties, to improve compliance with international humanitarian law. We owe it to all those civilians caught up in conflict, as well as those who risk their lives to save others, to ensure that health-care workers are protected and that their neutrality is respected.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“Resolution 2286 (2016) strongly condemns the widespread impunity for attacks against health care, and urges States to conduct full, prompt, impartial and effective investigations. It is critical that these investigations be rigorous and serve the interests ofjustice, including the rights of victims. The Security Council has an important role to play in ensuring that violations of international humanitarian law are properly investigated and, where appropriate, that those responsible are held accountable. While the Council cannot be the global enforcer of international humanitarian law, we must be willing to use the tools available to us when the circumstances demand. Finally, continuing assaults on medical workers and facilities demonstrate the critical need for ongoing oversight by the Council.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“First, States can and should do more to ensure that international legal frameworks relating to the protection of medical care in armed conflict are reflected in domestic law, as well as in relevant rules of engagement, military manuals and other operational guidelines. Compliance with international humanitarian law is not discretionary. It is as binding on States as any other rule of international law. Secondly, States must promote understanding of international humanitarian law within their armed forces through regular training and the enforcement of military discipline. Thirdly, we must get serious about holding to account those most responsible for attacks on health- care workers.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“Such attacks show that some Member States of this Organization are willing to deliberately breach or show reckless disregard for international law in order to achieve their military and political ends. That charge applies both to those that carry out such attacks and to those who ally themselves with such states. Such behaviour is utterly unacceptable. The Secretary-General's letter (S/2016/722, annex) provides recommendations that we fully support. If followed, they will help operationalize the measures contained in resolution 2286 (2016), which reflect well- established and long-standing rules of international humanitarian law. I wish to highlight several that deserve particular attention.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“We have seen a clear pattern of systematic targeting of hospitals, clinics and ambulances, obstructing health workers and confiscating life-saving medicines and equipment. It has been reported that all hospitals in eastern Aleppo have been subject to military attacks and are only partially functioning as a result. As we have reported today, there have been two more attacks on hospitals in eastern Aleppo overnight. The apparently deliberate attack last week on a humanitarian convoy near Aleppo represented a new low for a conflict that has been characterized by flagrant violations of international humanitarian law. Like so many other recent attacks on healthcare and humanitarian workers, it probably constitutes a war crime.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“As we have heard, attacks against medical workers and facilities and against the humanitarian convoys delivering medical supplies, have increased since the adoption of the resolution. As others have reminded us, these attacks are taking place in various places around the world, but for frequency and ferocity Yemen and especially Syria are in classes of their own. In Yemen, indiscriminate attacks, including the deadly attack on the hospital in August, resulted in Medecins Sans Frontieres having to withdraw support from six hospitals in northern Yemen. The result has been increased suffering and deaths ofinnocent Yemenis. Syria is the most dangerous country in the world for health-care workers, largely as a result of the actions of the Syrian Government.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of New Zealand. I want to begin by thanking the Secretary-General, Ms. Liu and Mr. Maurer for their briefings, and I want to underline the gravity of the messages they have conveyed to the Council. We adopted resolution 2286 (2016) in May with a degree of optimism and a strong sense of unanimity. Eighty-five countries sponsored the resolution, making it one of the most widely sponsored Security Council resolutions ever. As one of the drafters, New Zealand hoped the strong message it sent about the need to protect health-care workers and facilities in times of armed conflict would be heeded where it most matters - in the conflicts that are currently on the agenda of the Council. The past few months have been more than dispiriting.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Ms. Joanne Liu, International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres, and Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Mr. Maurer is joining us via video-teleconference from Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2016/722, which contains a letter dated 18 August 2016 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council. I now give the floor to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon.”
2016-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7779 (2016) · source
“I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by Show ofhands. In favour: Angola, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russian Federation, Senegal, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) The President: The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2306 (2016). The meeting rose at 3.10pm.”
2016-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7767 (2016) · source
“International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 Letter dated 5 August 2016 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2016/693) The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/20l6/752, which contains the text ofa draft resolution submitted by Uruguay. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2016/693, which contains a letter dated 5 August 2016 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it.”
2016-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7767 (2016) · source
“As this is the first public meeting of the Council for the month of September, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Ambassador Ramlan Bin Ibrahim, Permanent Representative of Malaysia, for his service as President of the Council for the month of August. I am sure I speak for all members ofthe Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Ibrahim and his delegation for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
2016-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7767 (2016) · source
“The members of the Council cannot have meaningful political-level exchanges when sensitive discussions are repeated verbatim. Ideas cannot be tested and explored and instead become limited to set-piece interventions, safe for public consumption, not the frank exchange that is necessary when dealing with complex and novel issues. In our View, we need to do much better in ensuring that confidentiality is respected as much as appropriate. If the Consultations Room is not private, inevitably discussions will go elsewhere, which is not in anyone's interests. We look forward to hearing further from the new Council members on their reflections. I know that I can count on members' support in the month ahead.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“We are thankful for the efforts that the Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs has been making in that regard. As Council members, we need to continue to apply political energy and creativity on this issue - one that we are going to take up next month in our presidency of the Council. The question of the timeliness of information also relates to the reverse issue of confidentiality. During our 20 months on the Council, we have championed the importance of transparency in the Council's work as an important element of our responsibility to the membership that elected us, and of our own legitimacy, as the Security Council acts on their behalf. But confidentiality is an important counterpoint to transparency. The Secretariat cannot provide frank assessments if they are immediately relayed outside the Consultations Room.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“We need to be well informed of developments where the Council has a mandate to respond. In situations where there are conflicting narratives of developments, the Secretariat has a particularly important role in providing an authoritative account. We saw that last week with the briefing on Western Sahara, which was very useful in providing a clear account of developments on a contentious and sensitive issue. In situations that are developing rapidly, it is vital that all Council members be brought up to speed on the situation on the ground quickly. Otherwise, elected members can be at a significant disadvantage in such matters. Council members also need to be informed of broader emerging issues and potential crises where a political impasse risks boiling over, or where regional issues threaten to aggravate a fragile peace.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating Malaysia and your team, Mr. President, for conducting the Security Council's work so well during this past month. We want to thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting and for providing a very useful focus for our discussions, including on conflict- prevention and on the Council's working methods. In our View, the Council's capability to prevent conflict is inherently linked to its methods of work and to the way Council members relate with each other and with the Secretariat. I want to make a couple of points on two related subjects, namely, the importance of timely information from the Secretariat and some observations on confidentiality. For the Council to act early, it is important that it be aware of the potential threats and security.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“More broadly, the ongoing obstruction of UNMISS in the performance of its mandate, as evidenced by the catalog of violations of the status-of-forces agreement, is not acceptable. We welcome the clear signal in the resolution that the Council will take action, including through the establishment of an arms embargo, should the obstruction of UNMISS continue.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“But consent to every aspect ofa peacekeeping mission is not a requirement in a Chapter VII operation. The Council must ultimately be prepared to take the tough decisions in accordance with the Charter that are required for the maintenance of peace and security and in the best interest of the people of South Sudan and its region. We very much hope that the Government of South Sudan will cooperate with UNMISS. That is in the interest of South Sudan's people as well as of the United Nations. But it would be a mistake to allow the Government of South Sudan, which was at least partially responsible for the current situation, to dictate the terms of the United Nations deployment.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“New Zealand's vote in favour of the resolution demonstrates our strong support for the Council's response to the clear message we have received from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union that the Council needs to act urgently and decisively to mandate a Regional Protection Force within UNMISS. Any questions as to the need for this force are comprehensively answered in the letter from the Secretary-General to Council members earlier this week. In the deployment of peacekeeping forces, host State consent is desirable and should be worked for in every case. There is a clear practical reason why this important. In this respect, we note and welcome the in-principle consent given by the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“New Zealand, too, welcomes the adoption of resolution 2304 (2016). It is disappointing that the Council was unable to reach unanimity on the text, but on issues as important as this, sometimes that is just not possible. The Council has nonetheless adopted this resolution under Chapter VII of the Charter, as was the case for the earlier United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) resolutions, and we must give it our full support in its implementation. We thank the United States for its commendable efforts and made in the negotiations on the draft and the significant engagement of all Council members, including the Russian Federation, for calling the important discussion on the text at yesterday's informal consultations.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“In closing, let me reiterate New Zealand's full support for the work of the Special Representative and her office, the rigour and integrity of the monitoring and reporting mechanism, and the Secretary General's comprehensive reporting and recommendations. We urge all Member States to continue to support their vital work and to help them translate the global consensus on the need to protect the rights of children in conflict settings into a much better reality than we see today.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Adequately funded reintegration programmes for children separated from armed forces and groups are needed to enable children to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. Without support, children may return to violence. Former child soldiers who have acquired a disability during conflict have particular rehabilitation and reintegration needs. Such children are especially likely to experience isolation and neglect. We would welcome discussion among the Secretary-General's Special Representative, UNICEF, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other relevant stakeholders to develop recommendations or guidance for the reintegration and rehabilitation of these children.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The abuse of children in detention only creates a greater sense of grievance in communities and further fuels the spread of violent extremism. The detention of children without charge must stop. Children associated with armed groups should be transferred to child protection authorities for rehabilitation. If charged with a valid criminal offence, children must be treated in accordance with international juvenile justice standards. We urge Member States to treat children associated with armed groups as victims entitled to full protection of their human rights. In that regard, we fully support the Secretary General's message around reintegration and rehabilitation. No child's story ends simply with his or her release by an armed group.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“It is that simple. And yet attacks on hospitals have continued, with children frequently among the casualties. The recent fighting in Aleppo has seen further egregious examples. These attacks are an affront to our common humanity and must stop. We urge all States and parties to conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and to redouble their efforts to protect civilians and limit the harm to which they are exposed. Where fear of violent extremism builds, we see increasing numbers of children detained without charge by Governments that consider them security threats. These children are frequently subject to torture and ill- treatment. As the Secretary-General has underlined, depriving children of their liberty is contrary to the best interests ofboth the child and of society as a whole.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Parties to conflict continue to use schools and universities for military purposes, leaving children vulnerable to retaliatory attack. Even where no military attack occurs, the presence of armed forces within schools exposes children to increased risk of sexual violence and of recruitment by armed actors. New Zealand has endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, as have 52 other Member States. We urge others to do the same. In May, at the initiative of New Zealand and four other elected members, the Council adopted a resolution on health care in armed conflict, which unequivocally condemned attacks on health-care workers and health- care facilities. Our message was clear: the wounded and sick, medical personnel, facilities, transport and equipment must be respected and protected. The delivery of medical assistance must not be obstructed.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Zerrougui has reminded us, action plans with listed parties are delivering clear, practical results. Since 2003, nine parties to conflicts in Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Uganda have completed their action plans and have been delisted from the annexes of the Secretary-General's annual report. This progress is welcome. At the same time, we must acknowledge that the situation of children in many conflict settings remains grave. The Secretary-General's latest report (S/2016/360) paints a harrowing picture. I wish to highlight several issues that demand urgent attention. Both schools and hospitals have special protections under international humanitarian law. Yet attacks on schools and hospitals were documented in 19 out of 20 situations of conflict in 2015.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source