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Viotti

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2003-06-12
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2019-09-26
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un-security-council

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  1. In conclusion, I would like to thank the Government of Guinea-Bissau, as well as other stakeholders in the country that have actively contributed to the finalization of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding. I am particularly grateful to the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau and the United Nations country team in Guinea-Bissau for their invaluable support during all stages of this process. My appreciation goes also to the colleagues in the Peacebuilding Support Office for their continuous and unrelenting assistance. Finally, a work of thanks goes to the delegations of the country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau for their active and constructive engagement.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  2. In order to achieve concrete results, however, we will seek to continue playing our role of marshalling additional resources and promoting enhanced coordination among various partners in Guinea-Bissau. A new allocation of the Peacebuilding Fund could be announced to finance projects having catalytic impact and short-term benefits for the population. In that regard, it will be necessary to strengthen the presence of the implementing agencies on the ground so that the Government of Guinea-Bissau can be assisted in an effective and meaningful manner in formulating and executing such projects. In particular, a more coherent and integrated United Nations presence will be crucial in order to provide the Government with the support it needs to overcome its many obstacles and effectively address peacebuilding challenges.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  3. It is to be complemented by a monitoring and tracking mechanism, which will comprise a matrix of indicators and benchmarks enabling us to monitor progress in its implementation. The first semi-annual review of the Framework will take place in early 2009. The new Government, which will take office after the legislative elections, will have an opportunity to consider the document and to propose adjustments if necessary. Therefore, the adoption of the Strategic Framework does not signal the end of our engagement with Guinea-Bissau; on the contrary, it marks the beginning of another important stage of our work. Now we must ensure that concrete measures will be implemented in order to provide the citizens of Guinea-Bissau with the much-awaited peace dividend.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  4. The recent cholera epidemic, which has affected more than 7,000 people and has taken a heavy toll in terms of mortality, is a sad reminder of the plight of a population that remains trapped in a vicious circle of poverty and instability. Poor health and education conditions are associated with the lack of potable water and of reliable energy sources in Guinea-Bissau. I hope that the Strategic Framework will contribute to addressing that situation by calling attention to the predicament of the citizens of Guinea-Bissau and by galvanizing international partners to take action to reverse the situation. Where such adverse living conditions prevail, peace cannot take hold. The Strategic Framework is a flexible document that will be adapted to circumstances on the ground as they change.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  5. Public sector reform is another priority considered in the Strategic Framework - one that has an impact on virtually all other areas. Important initiatives are under way, such as the launching of an integrated and transparent system of public finance management that will allow for greater centralization and transparency of data related to the Treasury, customs and revenue collection. The country's performance under the emergency post-conflict assistance programme of the International Monetary Fund has paved the way for the commencement of discussions on a regular programme. That in turn will, we hope, lead the country to reach the completion point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative earlier than expected. Last but not least, social issues critical to peacebuilding also deserve our unwavering attention.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  6. Strategies and plans aimed at strengthening State capacity are already in place in Guinea-Bissau; they need funding. The international community needs to demonstrate its seriousness in addressing the issue by providing the necessary support. Guinea-Bissau may still be a fragile State, but it is no longer in a war or a conflict situation, nor is there any evidence that a conflict is about to take place. On the contrary, there is a legitimate Government, which is currently in the process of consolidating its democracy and its institutions and is trying to pave the way towards stability and development. Guinea-Bissau deserves our full respect as a sovereign country whose willingness and resolve to address its own problems with the support of international partners should not be called into question.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  7. We are convinced, as stated in the Strategic Framework, that the fight against drug trafficking is an issue involving capacity-building and strengthening the country's ability to monitor its borders and to identify, arrest and bring to justice those responsible for criminal acts. It is imperative that national, regional and international actors step up their efforts in that regard. In particular, the immediate disbursement of pledges announced at the Lisbon Conference last year is essential if we are to make further progress. We look forward to the Ministerial Conference to be held in Praia at the end of October with the objective of enhancing the regional dimension of the fight against drug trafficking. In the fight against drug trafficking, there are no easy short cuts; reinforcing the capacity of the State is key.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  8. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process has already been launched with the selection of 30 high-ranking military officials, who have been demobilized and who will be trained in the field of agriculture in Brazil, with the support of ECOWAS, with a View to their reintegration into civilian life. That initiative could serve as an example and prompt similar projects aimed at reintegrating members of the military into society, as that aspect is considered essential to the success of security sector reform. Strengthening of the justice sector, consolidation of the rule of law and the fight against drug trafficking are matters of growing concern on the part of national authorities and the international community.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  9. Overcoming the infrastructure bottleneck 4 in particular, the current energy crisis - is of pivotal importance for the revitalization of the economy. In that regard, we welcome the ongoing dialogue with the World Bank and look forward to the completion of procedures aimed at providing Guinea-Bissau with additional electricity-generating capacity. All stakeholders in the country recognize security sector reform as a matter of central importance for peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau. We were pleased to note the progress made in that area following the active engagement of international partners, in particular the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  10. All parties in Guinea-Bissau are aware of the significance of the elections for the preservation of stability and democracy. The Peacebuilding Commission stands ready to support and monitor the electoral process. Reactivation of the economy and rehabilitation of the infrastructure are also considered key priorities in the Framework. Guinea-Bissau is a rich country endowed with fertile lands and abundant rain. What is needed is our support in order to create an enabling environment for investment, to diversify and add value to the country's products, to create employment opportunities and to generate wealth. In the end, it is the creation of fiscal revenues that will enable the Government to operate autonomously in ensuring stability and delivering basic services to the population.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  11. Many key ministers were kept in office, which was a sign of the country's willingness to move ahead with the necessary reforms. The fact that an attempted coup d'etat in August did not succeed was seen as proof that resorting to force is no longer supported as a means to settle disputes and that the military remains willing to adhere to civilian rule. The immediate priority included in the Framework refers to the successful holding of legislative elections on 16 November. Following the completion of voter registration and the publication of the list of candidates, preparations for the elections are well under way. It is expected that, following new pledges by donors, the funding gap will be filled if the additional resources are used with flexibility to help the Government cover its sovereignty costs.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  12. During that visit, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the new Government established on 5 August, as well as with local civil society, party leaders, international agencies on the ground and the diplomatic community. The main findings of the mission were outlined in a document entitled "Peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau: Conclusions and recommendations of the Peacebuilding Committee on the situation in Guinea-Bissau" (PBC/3/GNB/l), which was forwarded to the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council and circulated during the most recent meeting of the International Contact Group on Guinea-Bissau, held on 23 September. The political situation in Guinea-Bissau remains calm. The change in Government was carried out in a peaceful atmosphere and within the framework of the Constitution.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  13. It binds together the Government, all relevant stakeholders in the country and the international community in a set of commitments aimed at contributing to peacebuilding efforts. The active and meaningful engagement of civil society in Guinea-Bissau in that process indicates that the framework is more than a governmental document. It is owned by Guinea-Bissau as a whole. It points to the root causes of conflict and the fundamental issues that will remain a priority and will need to be addressed in the coming years. The adoption of the strategy followed my last visit to Bissau as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission country-specific configuration on 10 September.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  14. Mrs. Viotti: I would like to thank you, Sir, for your invitation to address the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of October. I am pleased to inform the Council that an integrated strategic framework for peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau was formally adopted by the Guinea- Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission on 1 October. The framework is the result of an extensive consultative process and a series of thematic discussions held both in Bissau and in New York.

    2008-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5988 (2008) · source

  15. We very much hope that those considerations, as well as the wealth of ideas to be communicated by other delegations in today's debate, will be duly reflected upon by the Council and thus that they will prove to be useful to this organ in its efforts to increase the involvement of non-members in its work.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  16. A larger number of non-permanent members would increase the possibilities for small countries to participate in the work of the organ. By the same token, the addition of new permanent members that are able and willing to contribute to peace and security and to promote greater Council openness to non-members would strengthen initiatives promoting enhanced accountability to the membership. It is therefore essential to adopt an integrated approach to Security Council reform, one that reinforces the mutual support that the two aspects - working methods and composition - can provide to each other.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  17. Just as transparency and accountability cannot take deep root in a Council that is insufficiently representative of a diverse membership and that does not reflect contemporary political realities, an enlarged Council will need new working methods in order to become fully accountable. It is not politically realistic to expect to meaningfully and permanently alter the Council's working methods without expanding its composition. It is no coincidence that no progress has been made on either aspect of Council reform since the mid-19905. That is one of the reasons why Brazil believes that intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform must commence without delay or preconditions and on an inclusive basis, in accordance with the Charter. It is also one of the reasons why Council expansion must take place in both membership categories.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  18. Some examples are: substantive and detailed briefings to non-members shortly after informal consultations of the whole; the sharing of draft resolutions and draft presidential statements, as appropriate, as soon as they have been introduced within informal consultations of the whole; meaningful communication with Member States that are parties to a conflict and/or with other interested and affected parties; and a preference for the holding of open meetings, particularly at an early stage in the consideration of a matter. Brazil Views the discussion on the working methods of the Security Council as intrinsically linked to a meaningful change in the Council's composition and therefore in its structure: the two aspects of reform must go hand in hand.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  19. In giving concrete meaning to those imperatives, every possible measure should be taken to ensure that relevant information is adequately provided to non-members and that their inputs are obtained in a timely manner and seriously considered by the Council in its decision-making process. Progress has been made in pursuing those goals, and credit must be given to several delegations that have been particularly keen to hold the Council accountable to all Member States, in accordance with the Charter. However, as indicated in the concept paper prepared for this debate (S/2008/528, annex), further progress is needed in implementing or consolidating the implementation of measures to which Council members have already committed.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  20. Article 2 incorporates the principle of the sovereign equality of all Member States, and Article 24 establishes that the Council acts on behalf of all Members on matters regarding international peace and security. The latter provision, as interpreted and implemented in the light of the principle of sovereign equality, implies that the quite exceptional authority given to this organ entails the obligation of accountability to those on whose behalf the Council acts. Therefore, transparency to and interaction with all Member States, as appropriate, are imperatives arising from the Charter itself.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  21. The decision to hold this open debate on the working methods of the Security Council indicates a growing understanding of the need to make the body more transparent and accessible to non-members and, therefore, more effective. The positive response to widespread expressions of interest in the work of the Council is certainly to be encouraged. My delegation also wishes to express appreciation for the efforts of Costa Rica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Singapore and Switzerland to promote today's debate. Brazil supports their continued efforts related to this issue, as well as many of the concrete proposals and ideas that they have presented in the past. Both the justifications for that interest and the political guidance for consideration of the issue before us are found in the Charter.

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

  22. The engagement of the Commission is a time-consuming and work-intensive enterprise and involves a stronger support from the Organization to the country. Let me take this opportunity to express appreciation to the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea- Bissau, under the able leadership of Mr. Shola Omoregie, and the United Nations country team, coordinated by Ms. Giuseppina Mazza, for their commendable work in assisting the country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for Guinea-Bissau. The Commission is also fortunate to count on the Peacebuilding Support Office, whose dedication and commitment is praiseworthy. I am particularly grateful to Carolyn McAskie, Ejeviome Eloho Otobo, and Philip Helminger for their continuous and invaluable support.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  23. The resources made available will be used to reform prisons and military barracks, invest in youth employment and support the organization of the elections. By doing so, the Fund starts to fulfil its mandate of providing catalytic money to the most urgent and needy sectors. Most important, it puts into practice the concept of a two-track approach, in an attempt to combine strategic long-term analysis with short-term projects that could have a direct and immediate impact in the country. We hope a new and more substantial allocation of resources could be announced soon, as the country-specific configuration finalizes the strategic framework for peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau. Finally, allow me to join the Secretary-General in his recommendation concerning the United Nations presence on the ground.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  24. Such measures include updating legal frameworks, creating an enabling environment for the private sector, establishing a sound banking and financial system, including through incentives to microcredit schemes and, last but not least, rehabilitating the infrastructure, especially in the energy sector. As we witnessed with our own eyes, the country today is literally in the dark. It needs the support of the international community to lighten up the prospects for a more promising future, when its people will finally enjoy the dividends of peace. We were pleased at the approval by the steering committee, recently established in Guinea-Bissau, of four projects to be financed by the Peacebuilding Fund.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  25. Much can be done to add value to the main export product, cashew nuts. Fertile lands and abundant rain can be used for food crops, in particular rice, which the country used to export. The current food crisis, in spite of its worrisome consequences in the short term - Mr. Omoregie has already referred to the social tensions that are occurring as we speak - could be turned into an opportunity if agricultural production were reactivated and diversified through adequate support. In doing so, it is also necessary to help the Government overcome the structural bottlenecks that currently impede economic recovery.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  26. However, a weak fiscal basis, compounded by the recent difficulties resulting from the rise in fuel and food prices, continues to hamper the Government's ability to pay salaries and provide basic services to the population. In particular, the external debt and its associated interest payments constitute a huge burden to the Government. Creative solutions should be considered, taking into consideration the specific needs of Guinea-Bissau as a fragile country emerging from conflict, so that its population could benefit from the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative with the urgency that the situation requires. During our field trip to Guinea-Bissau and in our interactions with different stakeholders, we noticed the considerable economic potential of the country.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  27. In our discussions, the reintegration aspect of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) was emphasized. It is interesting to note that this point was made, not only by Governmental authorities, but also by civil society representatives. It was stressed that previous attempts at DDR failed due to lack of attention to reintegration. It was also felt that adequate and careful planning for reinsertion into society of the demobilized contingent will be a key factor in ensuring a successful reform. In the economic field, the Government is committed to controlling fiscal expenditures and promoting further reforms in public administration, following the emergency post-conflict assistance programme signed with the International Monetary Fund earlier this year.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  28. Efforts in the fight against drug trafficking must be combined with measures to reactivate the economy. On the one hand, it is imperative to combat illicit activities; on the other, it is necessary to set the country on a path to a functioning economy, in which the creation of job opportunities and income forestall the possibility that drug trafficking infiltrates more deeply into society. Security sector reform continues to be a matter of priority for the Government of Guinea-Bissau. Recent developments in this area, such as the conclusion of the military census, are encouraging. The support that will be provided by the European Security and Defence Policy Mission, and the provision of financial and technical assistance by various partners are crucial. However, the reform plan remains seriously under- funded.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  29. Antonio Maria Costa - and bilateral partners, the Government has taken important initial steps to implement the anti-narcotics operational plan. However, further assistance is badly needed. During the field trip and in our thematic discussion on this issue, we noticed with concern the precarious conditions of police and security forces, which lack the most basic means and adequate human resources. The country needs to build capacity in order to ensure control of its more than 80 islands, its maritime borders and its airspace, and to strengthen its judicial and penal systems. The efforts to address drug trafficking and related crimes would benefit from a regional approach, given the transnational nature of the challenges in this area, as has been stressed by both Mr. Omoregie and Mr. Antonio Maria Costa.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  30. In spite of recent contributions by bilateral partners and the United Nations Development Programme, there is still a considerable financial gap to be filled. Needless to say, a successful election process is a precondition for the maintenance of political stability and for the consolidation of democracy in the country. The international community should also assist Guinea-Bissau in turning the electoral process into an opportunity for a broad-based dialogue on the country's challenges and possible solutions. By the same token, despite the contributions already raised after the Lisbon conference last year, Guinea-Bissau still lacks the resources necessary to fight drug trafficking in an effective manner. With the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - and here I want to acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of Mr.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  31. We will shortly launch consultations with members of the country-specific configuration on the basis of such a document so as to finalize the strategy as soon as possible. It is worth noting that the strategic framework for peacebuilding is not an end in itself, but a means to bring about a significant improvement in the stability of the country and to create the conditions for it to embark on a path of growth and development. Without prejudging the conclusions and recommendations to be decided upon by the Guinea- Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, I would like to touch upon some of the main challenges that need to be addressed and that require substantial support from the international community. One of the immediate concerns is the organization of the parliamentary elections to be held in November.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  32. Those meetings have proved useful in identifying gaps in ongoing programmes and assessing the possible contribution of the Commission through a continuous and fruitful interaction with the Government and representatives of civil society. The discussions have involved issues related to the preparations for the upcoming legislative elections, public administration reform, the reactivation of the economy, the strengthening of the justice sector and the consolidation of the rule of law, youth employment, security sector reform and the fight against drug trafficking. The series of thematic meetings will be completed next week when a discussion on infrastructure, in particular energy, will be held. Meanwhile, the Government and other stakeholders are preparing an integrated strategic framework for peacebuilding.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  33. Mrs. Viotti: I would like to thank you, Sir, for the invitation to participate in today's meeting. Since the end of March, when I addressed this Council on the work of the country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for Guinea-Bissau, we have been able to gain a better understanding of the situation in the country and the main challenges for the consolidation ofpeace. Last April, a Peacebuilding Commission delegation visited Guinea-Bissau and established direct contact with Government officials, international partners, members of Parliament, civil society and the private sector. It also had the opportunity to visit sites in Bissau and in the interior of the country. The configuration for Guinea-Bissau has been holding thematic discussions on key areas for the consolidation of peace.

    2008-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5925 (2008) · source

  34. In concluding, I reiterate Brazil's political and practical commitment to international efforts designed to end all forms of violence against women. My delegation hopes that the Council's adoption of the draft resolution, "Women and peace and security: sexual violence in situations of armed conflict", will help us to attain that goal.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  35. We should also make full use of the possibilities of cooperation within the Peacebuilding Commission, which can contribute to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). As we see in the country-specific case of Guinea-Bissau, peacebuilding can greatly benefit from women's perspectives and actions. In the Americas, Brazil is involved in an initiative of South-South cooperation carried out within the scope of the Brazilian contribution to the consolidation of peace in Haiti. This initiative, based on our domestic experience, supports the implementation of the Haitian national plan to prevent violence against women and to address the needs of women victims of sexual violence. It is developed through the exchange of experts and good practices, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund and OXFAM.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  36. An effective response to violence against women requires a comprehensive approach in which peace and security concerns are integrated into a human-rights- based perspective. In that regard, empowering women and girls must be at the centre of any effort to address gender-based violence. The overall situation of women and girls will improve only if equal participation in decision-making at all levels is ensured. In the specific case of armed conflicts, the full- fledged participation of women in peacebuilding efforts is critical. In this respect, more interaction is necessary between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, under Article 65 of the Charter.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  37. They are invaluable partners in a strategy to combat violence against women in armed conflicts. Ending impunity must also be part of our collective efforts. No woman or girl Victim of sexual violence can reconstruct her life unless the cycle of recurrence is broken. Beyond a lack of respect for the human being, impunity signals the continuation of a horrendous crime, which has multiplying negative effects on family members and the community as a whole. For that reason, we must strengthen the crucial role played by the International Criminal Court in ensuring accountability and punishing perpetrators of rape and other forms of gender-related crimes and crimes of sexual violence, all considered crimes against humanity, as defined in the Rome Statute.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  38. Implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) must play a central role in such a strategy. It should be carried out in conjunction with that of all General Assembly resolutions on violence against women, the Agreed Conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as the 1974 General Assembly Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict, in accordance with which all forms of repression and cruel and inhuman treatment of women and children committed by belligerents in the course of military operations or in occupied territories shall be considered criminal. Our common efforts on the ground can also benefit from the accumulated knowledge, experience and expertise of the United Nations system, in particular the relevant agencies, programmes and funds of the Organization.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  39. If we are to successfully face this most daunting challenge, we need to design and implement practical, concrete measures to adequately address the issue, with the involvement of the international community as a whole. Current international instruments provide an adequate framework and the necessary basis for such work. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols are all important references in the effort we need to undertake. Also relevant are the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and pertinent instruments of international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  40. I commend the United States presidency on the initiative of convening this open thematic debate on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), and express appreciation to Ms. Rice for her participation and leadership. This debate is rather timely, as we are witnessing an increase in the reporting of cases of violence against women around the globe. In the case of armed conflicts, the shocking images broadcast by the media are deeply disturbing and attest to the gravity of the problem. It is simply despicable. Rape and all other forms of sexual abuse must be vehemently condemned, no matter their purpose, and perpetrators punished. Our collective consternation and indignation must lead to action.

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

  41. As underlined by the Secretary-General, there are high expectations in the Timorese population that solutions will be found to numerous challenges facing the country, including poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic problems. Brazil is determined to be part of a vigorous collective effort, bilaterally and through UNMIT, to assist the Timorese in overcoming such challenges. 30

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  42. During President Ramos-Horta's visit, Brazil also announced a new phase of the training course for the military police in Timor-Leste. A third interesting project that combines security and social development is highlighted in the Secretary-General's report. The two Governments signed a memorandum of understanding by which vocational training will be provided at Becora Prison. It will help inmates to develop trade skills that may prove important to their reintegration into society. The establishment of a training centre for prison staff is also envisaged. The Brazilian Government believes that long-term stability in Timor-Leste requires a sound and comprehensive development programme.

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  43. The two countries, Brazil and Timor-Leste, have strong ties that go beyond a common language. With over a dozen bilateral cooperation programmes currently in force, Brazil has been assisting Timor-Leste in such areas as education, justice and security. President Ramos-Horta and members of his cabinet, including Minister Zacarias da Costa, paid an official visit to Brazil on 30 January. On that occasion, both heads of State reiterated the shared goals of intensified cooperation between the two countries. One concrete example is the planned training programme for Timorese prosecutors; another relevant initiative is the establishment of a working group to elaborate a draft military penal process code and military penal code for Timor-Leste.

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  44. We commend the advances made in rebuilding Timorese institutions, especially the police and the judiciary. UNMIT has been able to perform the mandated task of ensuring law enforcement, while also increasing efforts to support the training and institutional development of the national police. As the events of 11 February may suggest, however, further efforts may be necessary in order to ensure general public security. Many pressing issues remain. The plight of the 100,000 internally displaced people that have to be integrated into society constitutes a serious humanitarian challenge. It also represents a political and security concern. That issue requires immediate attention and a coordinated effort involving national actions as well as international support. Brazil is fully committed to Timor-Leste's long- term development and stability.

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  45. We believe that the United Nations should continue its work in Timor-Leste as long as its presence is required by the Timorese Government in order to consolidate a democratic State and a self- sustaining society. In that regard, Brazil fully agrees with the recommendation made by the Secretary- General that the mandate of UNMIT be extended for one year. In spite of the many challenges that Timor-Leste still faces, important progress has been made in many areas, such as strengthening democracy and human rights. As mentioned by Mr. Guehenno and Ambassador Nelson Santos, recent efforts conducted by President Ramos-Horta to promote reconciliation and ensure an inclusive participatory environment are of crucial importance and should be pursued further.

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  46. Brazil rejects all forms of violence as a method to settle political differences and reaffirms that only through democracy and dialogue can true reconciliation be achieved. We are confident that the Timorese Government, with the valuable assistance of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), will succeed in maintaining public order and stability in the country. The exemplary manner in which the institutions and the people of Timor-Leste responded to the events of 11 February are praiseworthy. The United Nations has been playing a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Timor-Leste by providing assistance in several key sensitive sectors, including security.

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  47. Let me start by addressing to Ambassador Nelson Santos our continued pledge of solidarity and support. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno for his comprehensive presentation on the situation in Timor-Leste and Mr. Atul Khare and his staff for their dedication in assisting the Timorese Government. To Ambassador Kumalo, we extend our appreciation for his leadership in conducting the work of the core group. Brazil strongly condemned the attacks against President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao on 11 February. President Lula has conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to President Ramos-Horta, and today I reiterate those wishes. The attacks on the heads of State and Government of Timor-Leste represent an assault on the democratic institutions of the country.

    2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source

  48. Brazil is fully committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of the child in general and is determined to contribute to maximizing the effectiveness of the United Nations system in responding to the issue of children affected by armed conflict. If we are to secure a better world for future generations, we cannot fail to protect the rights of children affected by armed conflict. By doing so, we will be helping to ensure that today's victim does not become tomorrow's aggressor. We believe that the United Nations plays an essential role in preventing childhood from being victimized amid warfare and in guaranteeing a future in which children can be bearers of hope and confidence as they emerge from conflict situations.

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source

  49. Such broad and comprehensive coordination is essential to maximize the effect of the Council's actions in its efforts to make the best possible use of the monitoring and reporting mechanism established under resolution 1612 (2005). In addition to the involvement of UNICEF and other relevant agencies, funds and programmes, I would like to mention the need to fully integrate into this process the newly established post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children. As mandated in General Assembly resolution 62/141, the new Special Representative and the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict will cooperate and coordinate their activities, taking into account the complementarity of their respective mandates.

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source

  50. My delegation considers that the Peacebuilding Commission has an important role to play in this area and that it should include the discussion of concrete measures for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of children as part of its long-term recovery and development programmes. The complexity of the question of children affected by armed conflict demands that all relevant entities of the United Nations, in close cooperation with Member States and non-governmental organizations, adequately address its many components, including the social and economic components, particularly with regard to demobilization and reintegration.

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source