YouSaid · the spoken record

Vencel

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20

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2014-02-19

most recent

2015-01-30

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2

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un-security-council

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1. “In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of ending impunity for violations of applicable international humanitarian law and human rights law as part ofa comprehensive approach to seeking sustainable peace, truth and national reconciliation. We believe that ending impunity is also an instrumental part of preventing future violations. In that regard, we would like to stress the need for a comprehensive, independent and impartial investigation of all abuses and massive attacks against civilians and the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, in accordance with internationally recognized standards and procedures.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

2. “Similarly, better trained and equipped military or police services have also sometimes proven to be ineffective, or without any noticeable impact on security, simply because the growth in capacity is not matched by a similar ability to manage and direct that capacity. Thirdly, we need to review the skills and training that are to be expected from security personnel. In that regard, in addition to basic training, we need to ensure that we sensitize all security personnel, both national actors whom we help to train and peacekeepers whom we deploy, on the key concepts of human security. Such training also needs to integrate and mainstream the issues of human rights, child protection and gender.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

3. “That should include full consideration for strengthening the involvement of women in all aspects of the security- sector reform process, especially in management and oversight capacities. Secondly, we cannot simply focus on training and equipping activities, but we must also focus on building effective oversight, management and accountability mechanisms. We are seeing, in places such as Iraq, Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the international community has provided substantial support to building the capacity of State or even non-State institutions, that such capacity has been used to harm the civilian populations because there is no system of accountability or oversight in place to deter such institutions from abusing their power.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

4. “We have to revisit the effectiveness of the security-sector reform processes that we are supporting and gauge whether we are in fact applying good practice in the area of security-sector reform. First, the foundation of any security-sector reform process should be an inclusive approach and local ownership. Too often, we see that the most vulnerable groups, which are also the most susceptible to violence, and the most affected by insecurity are also marginalized in the process of shaping, managing and overseeing security-sector reform. Representative and inclusive security institutions in which there is balanced staffing at the operational level, but also in management and in oversight capacities, should be promoted.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

5. “Although that United Nations function is critical in the early phases of United Nations interventions, we need to ensure, in parallel, that we build more sustainable and durable preventive measures in the longer term. In that regard, we need to develop more effective approaches to building State institutions, which will gradually decrease dependence on international support aimed at ensuring basic protection for civilians. Going forward, in order to ensure that national security institutions become more responsive, effective and proactive in protecting civilians, we must ensure that we build efficient, professional, responsive and accountable State institutions through a national security-sector reform process. Slovakia strongly supports the full implementation of resolution 2151 (2014), on security-sector reform.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

6. “That also includes more consistent application of the United Nations due-diligence policy, so that we can ensure that we develop the proper vetting mechanisms for the partners and actors whom we support and so we do not end up reinforcing actors who are responsible for violations of human rights and violence against civilians. Over the past decade, the United Nations has made significant progress in enhancing its capacities to provide protection to civilians whose lives are in danger, as the Council has shifted peacekeeping well beyond its traditional role of monitoring the implementation of peace agreements. Today's peacekeeping missions are multidimensional and are more often mandated to play an active role in the physical protection of civilians.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

7. “Although it is the primary responsibility of each State to protect its own citizens, we must admit that host States quite often fail to fulfil their obligations, owing either to a lack of resources or, unfortunately, to a lack of political will. In that regard, we urge the Security Council to be mindful of all violations of international humanitarian law and to make sure that all of the relevant resolutions dealing with the protection of civilians are fully implemented. Most important, we need to promote the continued development of both international and national accountability mechanisms that could better deter such violence against civilians, end impunity and ensure that all victims have effective and timely access to justice.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

8. “In that regard, we can see from the recent conflicts involving Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region, as well as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in Iraq and Syria, that the new security challenges are increasingly transnational in nature, yet our strategies for the protection of civilians still remain constrained by traditional national approaches. We need to continue to adapt and strengthen our tools and approaches to deal with such new emerging threats, and to become more proactive in identifying them. We also need to ensure our ability to respond quickly and effectively, as well as to develop more coherent and coordinated approaches to the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

9. “First of all, we share the concern of the Secretary- General that, despite the progress achieved with respect to increased resources, structures and more robust and complex mandates for peacekeeping missions, we are still seeing inconsistent results with regard to the effective protection of civilians in challenging conflict environments. In fact, we are seeing a continued rise in the number of civilians who are victims of armed conflicts. Part of the challenge is that new and emerging conflicts are themselves becoming more complex, and our traditional responses and approaches are therefore becoming less effective.”

   2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

10. “Slovakia thanks the presidency of Chile for initiating this important open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We think that it is important that this issue remain under the periodic consideration and review of the Security Council and all United Nations agencies. Slovakia fully aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. In addition I would like to raise a few points that we consider important when addressing this topic, namely, the significance of adapting to the new emerging threats, accountability and the contribution of security-sector reform.”

    2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source

11. “It is crucial for foreign investors to take important decisions leading to long- term engagement in those processes, thus contributing to building the three fundamental pillars of stability, that is, security, law and development. In conclusion, the rule of law should not be seen as a by-product of the system; rather, it should be seen as a process taht contributes to security, stability and development, a process that builds on international and human rights law, respects national traditions, culture and history and effectively uses best practices based on partnerships. Referring to that philosophy, the concept of the rule of law should be an integral part of all major international and global policies.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

12. “Let me again stress that effective, comprehensive and accountable security sector reform is indispensable for securing lasting peace and sustainable development and preventing a relapse into conflict. In that connection, I welcome with deep appreciation the second report of the Secretary-General on comprehensive support to security sector reform (S/2013/480) and encourage Member States to engage in and fully support the implementation of the report. But the reach of the rule of law goes beyond security and the rights of individuals. The concept of a sound legal environment is of crucial importance to sustainable development. A dedicated, complex approach to building legal systems has been of the utmost importance for rebuilding, transforming and developing the economy.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

13. “Slovakia - as a strong supporter of security sector reform - endorses a complex approach to the issue, while fully aware that both processes need to be executed simultaneously. As soon as the security conditions of the situation allow, the Council might again become engaged in the Central African Republic. That is a good example of learning from the past in order to avoid the repetition of a situation. To achieve sustainable peace and development, people must feel safe and secure. That applies to all parts of the security sector, including defence, law enforcement, corrections and justice. Therefore, building effective and accountable security institutions that the State and its people can trust and rely on and that do not discriminate and are based on full respect for human rights and the rule of law is of the utmost importance.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

14. “Slovakia offers development cooperation to partner countries with the aim of contributing to sustainable development, mainly by reducing poverty and strengthening democracy and good governance. Slovakia is building on its historical experience and the specific story of the country, which has experienced a difficult but successful transformation process. Our main territorial focus is the Western Balkans and other countries of the European neighbourhood, but we are open to cooperation with other countries as well. Security and justice are intrinsically intertwined and interdependent but, above all, they are mutually reinforcing. It is not possible to effectively deal with one without paying proper attention to the other. Both security sector reform and the rule of law are essential concepts in peacebuilding.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

15. “Developing effective strategies to overcome deficits in the willingness and ability of the host nation's legal system to confront systemic threats, including the impunity of war criminals, is among the primary determinants of achieving the rule of law. More broadly, we would like to highlight the important role of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In situations where national jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to address the issue of accountability, the ICC should step in as an independent and impartial judicial body, and thus contribute to reconciliation. Reconciliation is crucial in building future rule-of-law institutions in post-conflict States.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

16. “The Security Council should thoroughly review the actions of national leaders, particularly in implementing the mandates of Council-mandated missions in the areas of the rule of law and security sector reform. The inclusion of all stakeholders, including civil society, is a second key to success. Mandates could then become more effective by respecting national concerns and needs. Implementation requires two components, capacity and willingness. Capacity can be developed by helping the host nation articulate its needs, engage in strategic planning, manage reforms and build rule-of-law knowledge. Willing participation can be strengthened by demonstrating that those who Violate the peace process will be punished and those who take risks in promoting peace will be supported.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

17. “A justice system must be equal and all-inclusive, protecting every individual on an equal footing without regard for whether a person belongs to a minority or a majority, or for his or her social or political status. It must not be repressive or discriminate against any marginalized group. Accountability and the fight against impunity are the core principles of any society that respects the rule oflaw as a principal concept. National ownership is the first key to the successful and sustainable development of the rule of law. Actors that commit to making the peace process work in any given country should be involved from the beginning. The responsibility of national leaders is an essential part of national ownership.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

18. “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, which was the historic international recognition that all human beings had fundamental rights and freedoms, recognizes in its preamble that "it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law". The rule of law determines the security of everyone in every aspect of human life. Today one does not ask whether the rule of law is needed; one asks how to apply the system effectively in all societies, without regard to the world's cultural, historical and political diversity.”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

19. “We commend the personal engagement of Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and the many dedicated experts from the Secretariat and Member States, especially Austria as the coordinator of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law. The concept of the rule of law is embedded in the Charter of the United Nations. Its third preambular paragraph states that one aim of the United Nations is "to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained".”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source

20. “We would like to thank the Lithuanian presidency for dedicating this thematic debate to the issue of the rule of law, which is so instrumental to ensuring effective peacebuilding. Slovakia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. We are pleased that the concept of the rule of law is gaining ground among Member States and is seen as a necessary instrument for sustaining peace, improving stability and providing a legal basis for the protection of civilians. Slovakia welcomed and supported the adoption of the high-level Declaration on the subject last September (General Assembly resolution 67/ 1).”

    2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source