YouSaid · the spoken record

Vaultier Mathias

lines on the record: 41
first: 2018-03-28
most recent: 2019-11-19
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-security-council

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“Last June, Portugal organized in Lisbon the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth 2019 and Youth Forum Lisboa+21, which resulted in the adoption of the Lisbon+21 Declaration on Youth Policies and Programmes by both Governments and youth representatives. That document acknowledges young people's contribution to peace processes and conflict prevention and resolution. Allow me to end on this note of hope regarding the imperative need to give voice to young people in peace processes for, as much as reconciliation may be a post-conflict necessity, through youth participation, it also becomes a powerful tool for conflict prevention, embodying our common goal of sustaining a future of peace and security.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Transitional justice tools, such as truth commissions, independent fact-finding missions and arbitration mechanisms, have proved to be effective. We should learn from such best practices to address the singularity of every post-conflict scenario. The role of women in reconciliation merits particular attention. Resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, remains a milestone in that regard. Portugal is now implementing its third national action plan on implementing resolution 1325 (2000). We call on all Member States to develop their own action plans, supporting the role of women in peacebuilding, including reconciliation. To that same end, we also participate in the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network. The role of young people, too, cannot be overstated.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“As such, it cannot be an afterthought following a peace agreement. It must be integrated into the policy framework from the outset in any peace effort. The Peacebuilding Commission has an important role to play through the development of integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery. Its capacity to coordinate relevant actors, to ensure catalytic funding through the Peacebuilding Fund and to mobilize other appropriate financing must also be seized and strengthened. Reconciliation must rely on national appropriation, with the involvement of the whole of society. Bringing justice to individuals and communities affected by conflict can play a central role in overcoming hatred and in fostering recovery.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Allow me to congratulate the United Kingdom on convening this timely debate. Portugal fully acknowledges the importance of reconciliation in ensuring that peace agreements take root, that conflict does not recur and that the foundations are laid for sustainable peace. Our contribution more directly to reconciliation processes in East Timor and Angola provided valuable lessons. Successful examples of reconciliation are present on every continent. Some current Security Council members have remarkable first-hand experience. Yet, despite such successes, the forces of separation and conflict continue to destroy families, tear apart communities, destabilize States and spread insecurity. Reconciliation rebuilds, or creates anew, the social, economic and political projects that bind societies together.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, and looking to the future, we must build on the successes of the past 20 years and strengthen our commitment to making the protection of civilians a priority of the Security Council.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Portugal's commitment to the principles of the protection of civilians can be seen in its participation in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, in which the Portuguese contingent plays a particularly active role in protecting the population. Portugal ensures that all its forces and national divisions are trained in international humanitarian law and human rights so that they can fully execute their tasks, including the protection of civilians, when that is at stake. Since protracted conflicts and extreme Violence usually result in mass displacement, it is also essential to ensure the protection of internally displaced persons and refugees, without neglecting the issue of missing persons.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“We therefore welcome the ongoing debate among the States parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on altering the current legal framework with regard to accountability, as proposed by Switzerland. The latest report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2019/373) stresses the importance of prevention. As we are aware, violence against civilians is often a predictor of conflict. It is therefore all the more important for the United Nations and Member States to further invest in early-warning and early-action mechanisms to ensure the protection of civilians. I would also like to express particular support for the work of Adama Dieng, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and Karen Smith, the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“In that regard, Portugal subscribes to the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians, which provide a committed and guiding framework for our collective action, and we encourage other Member States to accede to them. Our first priority should be the application and execution of existing directives and commitments. The Security Council should enhance its activities for the protection of civilians. As a member of the Group of Friends on the Protection ofCiVilians in Armed Conflict, we call on the Security Council to systematically and consistently demand that Member States and parties to armed conflicts fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law. In that regard, it is deplorable that starvation is increasingly being used as a weapon of war, in violation of international humanitarian law.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Mr. Vaultier Mathias (Portugal) (spoke in French): I would like to commend you for convening this open debate, Mr. President. Portugal attaches particular importance to the protection of civilians and aligns itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the observer of the European Union. We would also like to make some additional remarks in our national capacity. The celebration of the seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999), on the protection of civilians, reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen the protection of populations affected by armed conflict, in strict compliance with international humanitarian law.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Such synergies could go a long way in improving the safety and performance of all peacekeepers. Finally, we are ready and willing to share our experience and lessons learned, namely, by assisting in the training of contingents from other troop- and police-contributing countries. In that regard, and particularly in the framework of our defence cooperation with members of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, we have been exploring ways in which our collective accumulated knowledge can constitute a deliverable to improve the safety and performance of United Nations peacekeepers.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“Another positive experience that is worth mentioning here is our participation in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, together with Belgium, Denmark and Norway, where we have implemented the transport aviation unit rotational concept. It is a clear case of good cooperation among United Nations Members to articulate our needs and capacities in a structured and coordinated way. Looking ahead, we believe that the Santos Cruz report provides the most comprehensive set of recommendations to promote the training and, therefore, the safety and security of peacekeepers. One of its main virtues is identifying ways for the Secretariat and Member States to integrate policies in different areas, including medical services, improvised explosive devices and technological solutions.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“I would like to draw special attention to the role ofour female troops in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, where they perform combat roles in a very volatile and demanding security environment. We stand ready to share our experience and best practices as we find ways to increase the number and role of women in peacekeeping in the light of the women and peace and security agenda and the uniformed gender- parity strategy. In that context, Portugal is committed to working with the Department of Peace Operations on the possibility of organizing mixed training courses on capacity and leadership, with 50/50 gender parity attendance.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“As a troop- and police-contributing country, Portugal sees training as a top priority due to its direct impact, not only on the safety of our peacekeepers and of the missions in which we participate, but also in the conduct and fulfilment of mandated tasks. That is why our military and police personnel meet the highest standards of training, which includes models in international humanitarian law and international human rights law and focuses on areas such as rules of engagement, the protection of civilians and sexual exploitation and abuse. We also invest in predeployment and in-mission training to ensure that our uniformed contingents have the tools to operate in their specific areas of deployment.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“Unfortunately, the past 10 years of United Nations peacekeeping have been particularly tragic, as the number of fatalities have been exceedingly high. In that regard, efforts taken by the United Nations and its Member States throughout 2018 to improve the safety of peacekeepers led to a considerable reduction in the number of fatalities last year. We hope those efforts continue with the goal of achieving a zero-fatality rate. The Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative and the joint Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations are further evidence of our commitment to enhancing the impact of peacekeeping, which depends greatly on the training of peacekeepers.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“Portugal aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, for convening today's open debate, which provides a valuable opportunity for the Security Council to take stock of resolution 2436 (2018) and address some of the commitments and pledges made during the recent United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial. Recent years have demonstrated that peacekeeping missions operate in an ever-more challenging security environment. However, that cannot weaken our collective responsibility to ensure that United Nations peacekeepers are deployed with the highest assurance of their safety in the fulfilment of their mandate.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“In this regard, it is essential to work closely with civil society, as was underlined by our distinguished briefers this morning. In fact, civil society organizations often play an instrumental role in ensuring the full implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, including by complementing the work done by military, security and civilian personnel in conflict and post-conflict settings and in situations of emergency. They are often essential elements in preventing and reporting crimes, alerting the international community to such crimes, restoring the internal stability of the States, supporting the reconstruction of countries and helping the population to recover.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Accordingly, we recognize that the promotion of gender-equality and non-discrimination perspectives within the various fields of public policy and development cooperation is imperative if we are to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone. Furthermore, we consider it to be of the utmost importance enhancing training to military- and security-forces personnel on issues related to human rights, international humanitarian law, gender equality and violence against women and girls, including on sexual violence and gender-based violence, not the least of which is the institutionalization of gender advisers in all branches of the armed forces. In conclusion, let me underline that preventing sexual violence in conflict is possible only if all stakeholders are involved in finding durable solutions.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“In this regard, allow me to highlight that our third national action plan - for the term 2019-2022 - includes a strategic goal to protect the human rights of women and girls and punishes all forms of violence against them, including sexual violence. Within this goal, our target is to integrate the women and peace and security agenda and gender equality, including violence against women and girls, sexual violence and human trafficking, into our legal and judicial cooperation in the context of implementing resolution 2106 (2013). We also seek to promote and support all activities related to investigation and punishment of all cases of violations against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations and humanitarian crises.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“In that sense, we commend today's adoption of resolution 2467 (2019), with its survivor-centred approach that helps shift the stigma of sexual violence from the victims to the perpetrators, as well as the fact that the resolution addresses the importance of prevention to the great challenges faced by women and girls, in particular, sexual violence in conflict. Moreover, we need to ensure that victims of violence, including sexual violence, have the right to protection and reparation, and that the perpetrators are held accountable. Portugal has been implementing resolution 1325 (2000) since the development of our first national action plan, in 2009.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank the German presidency of the Security Council for convening today's open debate on this very important issue. Portugal aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union and with that delivered earlier by the representative of Canada on behalf of 55 countries. Portugal greatly values that the Council continues to pay attention to and acts upon the women and peace and security agenda, an essential tool for preventing conflict and ensuring more effective responses to today's complex crises. We fully agree that we need to do more to prevent sexual violence in conflict.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Portugal undertakes to support measures to strengthen international cooperation in that regard, including the effective prevention of its financing.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“My country is also active within the European Union in its efforts to improve the collective response to this constant threat. The operational authorities responsible for terrorist-financing investigations have access to a wide range of financial intelligence, including comprehensive national databases, and cooperate proactively with each other and with their foreign counterparts for investigative purposes. Portugal has adopted all the relevant international legal instruments on terrorism, with the exception of the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation, whose ratification process is ongoing. In conclusion, terrorism is a serious and complex threat. To end it, we must work together in a flexible and coordinated manner.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we commend the work of the Security Council in recent years, which has laid the foundation for a normative framework and created an environment conducive to stronger international cooperation. I would also like to highlight the deepening of that normative framework through resolution 2462 (2019), adopted today, which we co-sponsored. Let me also commend the Secretary-General for his efforts to strengthen the counter-terrorism capacity of the United Nations. The Office of Counter-Terrorism plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the overall strategy, in particular by strengthening the capacities of Member States in that context. Portugal has a strong and effective regime in place for combating terrorist financing, in line with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Mr. Vaultier Mathias (Portugal) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank you, Sir, for convening today's debate and to commend the excellent work done by France during its presidency of the Security Council. Portugal fully supports the statement made on behalf of the European Union and wishes to make some additional comments in its national capacity. Collective reflection on how to better combat and prevent the financing of terrorism is essential. Terrorists and their supporters constantly seek new ways to finance their activities and bypass existing mechanisms. Our response must therefore be as agile as the evolution of the threat. We must adapt instruments and measures to prevent terrorist groups from engaging in criminal activities.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Nonetheless, we believe that it is also necessary to promote a greater gender balance in the military, police and civilian components of peacekeeping operations, not only with a view to more accurate representation but also with the aim of improving the capacity of missions by involving all segments of the population. In that context, it is also increasingly important to integrate into our collective action the contributions of young people in conflict prevention and resolution.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In order to better reform the mandates of the Security Council, particularly those in the most vulnerable environments, it is increasingly essential to consider a new operations framework for situations that demand significant mobility and rapid responses, in particular with regard to assisting unprotected civilians and deterring possible attacks. The rapid reaction force within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, where Portugal currently has its largest contingent, of roughly 160 soldiers, is a concrete example of the increased effectiveness being sought out for the Council's mandates. In conclusion, and with regard to the performance of peace operations, it is clearly essential to ensure that human rights and humanitarian law are respected.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“It also bears mentioning that regional organizations are useful platforms for dialogue and cooperation towards the promotion of global governance. For its part, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries brings together very diverse countries from four different continents. They share two things in common: language and common values. That is the strength of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries - as an integral intermediary, it provides added value within the context of wider international cooperation.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we also support complementary action by the European Union, including through trilateral cooperation and regional strategies. Since the Mediation Support Unit was established in 2006 within the Department of Political Affairs, several other organizations, such as the European Union, the African Union (AU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of American States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have launched similar initiatives, thereby demonstrating the multifaceted cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations and strengthening the leadership role of the United Nations in that area. The action undertaken by the Group of Friends of Mediation within the United Nations, the EU, the African Union and the OSCE is another example.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“WithregardtocooperationamongtheUnitedNations, States and regional and subregional organizations in conflict prevention, management and resolution, we advocate for a comprehensive approach and, at the same time, close cooperation with local, regional and international partners so as to strengthen regional and local ownership. We see regional organizations as first responders in international crises that use their resources and mobilize good offices to reduce tensions and sometimes even address the deep roots of conflict, of which include severe underdevelopment. As such, we support the strengthening of the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the context of peacekeeping operations.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The implementation of those reforms as of 1 January 2019 will constitute a new step in reaffirming our collective commitment to the central role of the United Nations in conflict prevention. Those three components of reform address the importance of increased cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations based on a broad and integrated partnership towards peace support. We must expand on the dual concept ofpeacekeeping and peace enforcement to include early warning, mediation, coordination, political messages and strategic communication in order to prevent the outbreak and escalation of conflict.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Mr. Vaultier Mathias (Portugal) (spoke in French): First of all, let me congratulate you, Mr. President, on convening this open debate. Portugal fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union and would like to make some comments in its national capacity. Conflict prevention, which is a founding principle of the United Nations and is enshrined in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations, is something that my country highly values when it comes to promoting sustainable peace. We support the United Nations system reform process launched by the Secretary- General, and in particular the emphasis it places on conflict prevention, the primacy of policy and the use of diplomacy as the preferred means towards achieving sustainable peace.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Apart from the new threats and risks to international security, which were then being increasingly acknowledged, such as terrorism, transnational organized crime and climate change, just to name a few, we were also very much aware of the importance of addressing the well- grounded demands for a more transparent, efficient and operational Security Council as the collective security mechanism. Finally, allow me to quote the words of His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic in his speech at the general debate of the seventy-third session of the General Assembly: "Portugal believes that multilateral action, political dialogue and diplomatic wisdom are the only possible path to harmonious coexistence among nations and peoples" (A/73/PV9, p. 26).”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Portugal is currently engaged in seven United Nations missions, notably the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, where 178 Portuguese peacekeepers are on the ground in the Central African Republic, embodying our strong commitment to contributing to the effort of stabilizing the country and the region. As I conclude, I wish to recall the last time Portugal held the presidency of the Security Council, precisely seven years ago. Our main initiatives then were, coincidentally, a discussion on new challenges to security (see S/PV.6668) and an open debate on the working methods of the Security Council (see S/PV.6672).”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Aware of the interdependence between security and development, we are convinced that lasting peace will be achieved only if we address the root causes of conflicts. Underdevelopment and the imbalance of wealth distribution are the most obvious causes. Finally, it is important to integrate our action by including the perspective of gender balance and the contribution of young people in conflict prevention and resolution. Within the United Nations system, Portugal has defined a consistent approach that encompasses responsibilities in missions around the world.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Against this background, it is crucial to preserve and strengthen the multilateral system, especially the irreplaceable role of the United Nations and its capacity to advance a comprehensive and transversal concept of peace that simultaneously promotes human rights and sustainable development. Several international bodies are faced with declining budgets. The lack of funding and political support impairs the implementation of the reforms needed to improve their effectiveness for the benefit of all. At the outset, we must strengthen conflict prevention by developing early-warning systems that can trigger immediate action by the international community. Similarly, we must support the ongoing reforms to improve the United Nations peace and security pillar under which peacekeeping operations take place.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“I thank the Chinese delegation for convening today's open debate. Portugal is firmly engaged in a multilateral system based on the primacy of international law and the principles and values of the Charter. Multilateral organizations continue to be privileged platforms for constructive and inclusive dialogue among States for the purpose of tackling the increasingly complex challenges facing the world. Whereas no country can address all threats on its own, we have to build bridges and broaden dialogue by strengthening interregional alliances and international cooperation.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Lastly, it will be essential to ensure a greater level of operationality and effectiveness among contingents. We also attach particular importance to training our Blue Helmets to maintain strict respect for codes of conduct under human rights law and international humanitarian law. And we stand ready to provide training for contingents from other troop- contributing countries with which we have joint military assistance programmes and cooperation agreements, as is the case within the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“I would like to highlight our participation in two of them: the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, which is one of the most dangerous peace operations in Africa; and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, where we have deployed our largest contingent, consisting of 160 military personnel and 1 police officer. This translates into an operational, unrestricted and unrestrained rapid reaction force in cases that require a high level of mobility and rapid response, particularly in addressing situations of unprotected civilians or in deterring possible attacks. This significant commitment on the part of my country is also an answer to the call of a very close European ally, France, on the heels of the terrible attacks in Paris.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Similarly, gender balance is essential in the military, police and civilian components of peacekeeping operations, not only for a more equitable representation, but also to improve mission capacities to serve all sectors of the population. Conscious of its responsibility for international security, my country has always maintained a high level of participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. We are currently engaged in seven theatres of operations.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Portugal supports the United Nations system-wide reform process initiated by the Secretary-General, and in particular its emphasis on conflict prevention, the primacy of politics and the use of diplomacy as the optimal tools for achieving lasting peace. In this context, peacekeeping operations must go beyond the peacekeeping/peace enforcement binomial and include early warning actions in order to prevent the emergence and aggravation of conflicts. We therefore advocate a comprehensive approach and, at the same time, close cooperation with local, regional and international partners, such as those developed with the African Union and the European Union.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Mr. Vaultier Mathias (Portugal) (spoke in French): Portugal fully aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union, and would like to make a few additional remarks. To save time, I shall limit myself to delivering an abridged version of my statement, the full text of which will be distributed in the Chamber. Allow me first to congratulate the Dutch presidency on having convened this open debate. Peacekeeping operations are a concrete example of our collective efforts and one of the most important instruments in the implementation of Security Council mandates. Today's challenges call for a quick response from the United Nations. It is therefore imperative to strengthen and modernize peace operations by adapting them to current challenges.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source