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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. I wish to congratulate you, Madame President, on assuming the presidency of the Council, and to pledge our full support to you. I would also like to express our appreciation to Ambassador Nawaf Salam of Lebanon and his team for their excellent conduct of our work in September. Brazil stands in solidarity with the aspirations expressed by the populations of many Arab countries for greater political participation, economic opportunities, freedom and dignity. We have consistently called on the countries concerned to address such aspirations through dialogue and meaningful reforms, and to refrain from the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Brazil has unequivocally condemned human rights violations wherever they occur. The situation in Syria is of great concern to us.

    2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source

  2. We welcome the focus of the Bonn Conference on the civilian aspects of the transition, including mediation, coordination of assistance and long-term international support to Afghanistan and the reconciliation process. Brazil will actively participate in the Conference. At the same time, the regional dimension of the Istanbul Conference is particularly important to the future of Afghanistan. Global solutions to the conflict will have greater legitimacy and efficacy if underpinned by the concerns, perspectives and support of the countries of the region. Brazil renews its commitment to working together with the Afghan people and Government towards a future of peace and prosperity.

    2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source

  3. Socio-economic development must be central to our strategy for peace in Afghanistan. The peace process will stand a better chance of being embraced by all Afghans when they are able to realize that stability brings concrete improvements to their lives. In that sense, international support must fully abide by the principles of Afghan leadership and ownership. As we approach the end of 2011, it is becoming clearer that dialogue is the path to a solution for the conflict in Afghanistan. This path must be strengthened by all of the means at our disposal. We hope that the international community will show strong support for Afghanistan during the Istanbul and the Bonn conferences.

    2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source

  4. But let us not forget that the military and political timetables must coincide. Until now, military developments have outpaced progress in national reconciliation. We expect all sectors of Afghan society to continue to seek constructive dialogue. Recent security incidents demonstrate that, unfortunately, the tide of violence is not receding in Afghanistan. On the contrary, rates of civilian deaths and injuries have risen. Brazil reiterates the need for all concerned to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to abandon the use of tactics that indiscriminately target civilians. In our high-level meeting on preventive diplomacy this past week (see S/PV.6621), many of us reaffirmed the need to address the link between poverty and violence.

    2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source

  5. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Zalmai Rassoul and I would like to thank him for his statement. I thank Special Representative Staffan de Mistura for his briefing and for his extraordinary leadership at the helm of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I wish to express Brazil's condolences to the Afghan Government and people for the brutal assassination of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, Chairman of the High Peace Council. His loss is a loss to the peace process as a whole. Afghans should not feel discouraged, however. They must find the strength in themselves and in the support of the international community to redouble efforts to promote reconciliation. Despite the difficulties, the transition process towards Afghan security responsibility must continue to advance.

    2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source

  6. Brazil's commitment to Haiti, bilaterally, regionally and through the United Nations, remains unwavering. It stems from the deep-rooted and long- standing solidarity of the Brazilian people towards our Haitian brothers and sisters. We will continue to assist Haiti, including through MINUSTAH, in its quest for independence, justice and prosperity.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  7. We concur with the proposed drawdown of military and police contingents to pre-earthquake levels, with the understanding that such a measure will be implemented in a way that does not impact the Mission's assets and capacity to preserve stability in the country. Brazil also sees a need to initiate a serious debate on the future of the Mission. Our collective reflection should in particular take into account the security situation on the ground as it evolves, as well as the interlinkages between security and development as key components of sustainable peace. It is essential that efforts on the security front be accompanied by even stronger support by the international community to socio-economic development and the strengthening of the institutional capabilities of the Haitian State.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  8. Recent events have confirmed that perception. In July, as mentioned by Ambassador Fernandez Amunategui, MINUSTAH conducted Operation Phoenix in poor areas of Port-au-Prince, with the aim of dismantling resurgent gang and criminal activity. The Operation resulted in lower crime rates and an increase in the level of social assistance, better public services and enhanced economic opportunities for the local population. Last month, MINUSTAH completed the installation of 208 lampposts in Cite' Soleil, in a partnership with the Brazilian military contingent and local contractors. Apart from its economic benefits, that initiative is expected to have a major impact on crime rates in the area and provide enhanced security, especially for women. Brazil supports the renewal of MINUSTAH's mandate as recommended in the Secretary-General's report.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  9. Infrastructure and energy remain key aspects in that respect. Brazil continues to believe that the construction of the hydroelectric plant of Artibonite 4C is a critical project that will boost economic growth and job generation, while providing a clean source of energy for millions of people. We urge all interested partners to rally behind this project so that it can be implemented as a matter of urgency. Brazil will continue to support the development of Haiti, through technical cooperation and economic assistance. Such initiatives pave the way for the sustainable peace and stability in Haiti. Throughout the years, the experience of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has provided us with many examples of the benefits of addressing security and development as interlinked challenges.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  10. Reconstruction must help to tackle the economic challenges that have long thwarted Haiti's path towards prosperity. That is one of the many ways by which we can assist Haitians not only to rebuild but to rebuild better. Job creation remains the most urgent challenge. We therefore favour a more strategic vision of the reconstruction efforts, with the expeditious implementation of approved projects and special attention to those that are labour-intensive. Brazil also welcomes the appointment by President Martelly of his presidential consultative council for economic development and investment. We hope that this initiative will contribute to enhancing the coordination of international cooperation, fully developing Haiti's economic potential and attracting investment, in an environment of stronger democratic governance and the rule of law.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  11. The humanitarian situation in Haiti has shown considerable improvement, as the number of people living under tents has declined significantly. But the thousands of Haitians still in camps are precisely the most vulnerable. We must redouble our efforts so that housing projects increase in pace and scale. Strong international engagement is still essential to ensure that all pressing humanitarian needs are met. Mitigating natural disasters and preventing cholera outbreaks are still crucial tasks we must all help to complete. Brazil reiterates its full support to the Haiti Interim Recovery Commission and would welcome the extension of its mandate. In that regard, we hope that its renewal will entail enhanced national ownership of the reconstruction process. In turn, that would improve the dialogue between the Commission and Haitian society.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  12. I would like to thank Ambassador Mariano Fernandez Amunategui for his very comprehensive briefing. Brazil commends his much appreciated work to assist Haiti in its efforts towards enhanced stability and concrete progress in key political, economic, social and institutional objectives. As the Secretary-General notes his report (S/2011/540), "Haiti has experienced, for the first time in its history, a peaceful transfer of power from one democratically elected president to another from the opposition." (S/2011/540, para. 2) This is in itself a major achievement. It also brings new challenges. We call on all political actors in Haiti to contribute to the forging of a broad political compact based on a common set of national priorities. That will greatly facilitate continued international cooperation and support to the country.

    2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source

  13. Sustainable solutions must be found, taking into account in particular the vulnerable segments of the population. Brazil will continue to work with the Council and the broader United Nations in helping Somalia to overcome its current challenges.

    2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source

  14. Internally displaced persons and refugees have put an increasing strain on Somalia's neighbouring countries. Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Somalia must continue to be a priority for the international community. Ending the current famine should be at the top of our agenda. We welcome the fact that humanitarian agencies have stepped up assistance to Somalia. Ways of improving assistance to the populations in areas under the control ofAl-Shabaab must be devised. Brazil's humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa has included food donations and financial support estimated at $27 million. To Somalia alone, we have donated 38,000 tons of food. We agree with the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos that there is a need to address not only the immediate crisis but also its underlying causes.

    2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source

  15. We are also pleased that the United Nations presence in Mogadishu has also increased. In order to build on that positive momentum, it is important that the TFG and AMISOM. advance further into areas in central and southern Somalia. As we discuss the renewal of the AMISOM mandate, we must be mindful of the need to grant the Mission the necessary conditions to fulfil its tasks. Expanding AMISOM. and enhancing its capability is critical to enabling the Mission to maintain and build upon the recent security gains. Once again, we thank Burundi and Uganda for their continued commitment to the improvement of the situation in Somalia. We are all touched by the tragic humanitarian crisis in Somalia, in particular the widespread famine. The number of children dying of causes related to malnourishment has reached alarming levels.

    2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source

  16. We are pleased at the high turnout at the meeting, and we welcome the adoption of a road map for the implementation of the transitional tasks. We are encouraged by the fact that the key tasks of improving security, working towards the new constitution, achieving reconciliation and improving governance have been given high priority. Adherence by the Somali authorities to the timeline set out in Mogadishu will be of the utmost importance. The support of the international community will remain crucial. The fact that the meeting was held in the capital is very meaningful. We congratulate the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on the improvement of the security situation in the capital. That important development signals tangible progress in the security sector.

    2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source

  17. I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate. I welcome His Excellency Mr. Ali, Prime Minister of Somalia, and thank him for his presentation. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Augustine Mahiga for briefing us on the latest developments in Somalia, and I wish to express our appreciation to him for his work, in particular for his pivotal role in facilitating dialogue among Somali stakeholders with such positive results. I also thank Mr. Boubacar Diarra, Special Representative of the African Union Commission for Somalia, for his contribution to our debate. The consultative meeting on ending the transition held in Mogadishu this month represents a very encouraging step forward.

    2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source

  18. Unfortunately, there is no progress reported on the negotiations dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue. We regret this situation and reaffirm our understanding that without mutual trust, progress on this issue will remain elusive. Brazil has encouraged the Iranian Government to cooperate fully and promptly with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to clarify all outstanding issues. While we share the goal of ensuring that Iran's nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, we expect Tehran to respond to the international community's legitimate concerns. At the same time, we reiterate the sovereign right of Iran, like any other State, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.

    2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source

  19. The purpose of the visit was to hold consultations with the Brazilian authorities on issues pertaining to the Panel's mandate, including implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and the side effects of sanctions on legitimate trade. A number of meetings were held in Brasilia between the experts and relevant Government officials on areas such as maritime transportation, inspections of ships, customs, export controls, trade, finance, bank transactions and immigration policy controls. The successful visit gave the Panel the opportunity to be informed about regulations and procedures in place in Brazil, and will certainly contribute to further enhancing the constructive dialogue we have had with the experts on a regular basis.

    2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source

  20. Let me congratulate you, Mr. President, on Lebanon's assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of September, and offer you our best wishes. At the same time, I would like to thank Ambassador Puri and his team for their very competent conduct of our work in the month of August. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Colombia, Ambassador Nestor Osorio, for his briefing on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). Brazil has closely followed the work of the Committee under his competent leadership. We have taken note of the Committee's revised guidelines for the conduct of its work, which should help it to fulfil its mandate more efficiently. As Ambassador Osorio mentioned in his briefing, the Panel of Experts visited Brazil last week.

    2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source

  21. Peacekeepers will be more effective if they are capable of relating to the local population. In the civilian area of peacekeeping, the harmonization of service conditions will have a significant long-term impact on a mission's ability to attract and retain civilian staff of the highest calibre. The civilian capacity review was a major contribution to our thinking on the issue. Discussions on implementing the recommendations should begin as soon as possible. To achieve sustainable peace, the Council, the Secretariat, troop- and police-contributing countries and other stakeholders must all work together to give commanders on the ground the support they need. I wish to assure all the Force Commanders present here today that Brazil remains committed to that goal.

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

  22. However, we must also take care not to micromanage them or curb the space for the creative thinking of the mission leadership, which are just as crucial to success. I wish to focus my remarks on the capability- driven approach to peacekeeping, proposed by the New Horizon initiative. We are right to demand results from mission leaders, but we must also give them the tools they need to do their job. On the whole, although important progress has been made, we should continue to strive to get the necessary skills and capacity onto the ground. The military are usually the largest component of missions. For the local population, they are often the face of the mission. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they receive the necessary training in areas such as civil-military cooperation, cultural sensitivity, conduct and discipline.

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

  23. I thank the Force Commanders of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Mission in Liberia for the reflections that they have shared with us today. Having troops and observers in most of those missions, Brazil knows first- hand the high quality of their leadership and commitment. The briefings that we have heard today help us to gain a better understanding of how the decisions we take affect the situation on the ground. Here in New York, we must strive to ensure that we give peacekeepers the political guidance and support they need to carry out their mandates.

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

  24. I would like to start by paying special tribute to Mr. Alain le Roy. Faced with demanding and difficult tasks, he has done an extraordinary job. Brazil greatly appreciates his work in general, but I would like to make particular reference to his constant and very constructive interaction with troop-contributing countries, as well as the launch, along with Ms. Malcorra, of the New Horizon initiative. My Government thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours. I would like to join in welcoming the heads of military components to the Council, and to express my country's heartfelt appreciation for the excellent work that they are doing in very challenging circumstances.

    2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source

  25. Repression is likely only to strengthen the will of those struggling to exercise basic, universal rights. As we stand in solidarity with those peacefully demonstrating for democracy and social justice, we must pursue avenues to peaceful political solutions leading to meaningful reforms. Sustained international engagement will be needed, in order to ensure that those transformations are followed by a more equitable development and a better life for all citizens in the region.

    2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source

  26. We expect them to fully commit to the security of the State of Israel and to the right of Israel to exist in peace and harmony with its neighbours. A new Middle East is in the making before our eyes. The legitimacy of the movements that seek transformation lies in the democratic character of their demands and in the peaceful nature of their actions. In each national context, these forces will find their particular political expression in the face of different strategic, security, social, ethnic and economic conditions. Challenges will be manifold. Genuine change, in line with the aspirations of the people, can only come from within. We condemn once more, in the strongest possible terms, the use of lethal force against unarmed demonstrators.

    2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source

  27. In the letter in which Brazil recognized the State of Palestine, we reiterated our understanding that only dialogue and peaceful coexistence with its neighbours can truly advance the Palestinian cause. Resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009) encourage intra-Palestinian reconciliation and the formation of a Palestinian Government committed to the Quartet principles and the Arab Peace Initiative, and that respects the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo in May is a first step towards this important goal, which will provide the Palestinian people with a united and coherent representation. We urge the Palestinian leaders to fully embrace non-violence, human rights and democracy as core principles of their struggle to end occupation.

    2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source

  28. Having had an important role in the General Assembly session that legitimized the State of Israel, Brazil feels it is time for the United Nations to grant the same vote of confidence to the Palestinian people's capacity to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous State of its own. The Palestinian State, although under foreign occupation, is already a reality on the ground, as we have heard from the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Palestinian institutions are now sufficient for a functioning State. International recognition can help reduce the asymmetry that characterizes relations between the parties. It can help realign the debate on the application of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories. It can also help to advance negotiations on core issues in a more fair and just manner.

    2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source

  29. In this context, it is not surprising that the Palestinian leadership has announced its intention to request the United Nations to recognize the Palestinian State, based on the pre-June 1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as its capital, and to apply for full membership of the Organization. The absence of a peace process adds to the legitimacy of the Palestinian request. Resorting to the United Nations cannot be seen as a unilateral move. It is the exact opposite. The very concept of a two-State solution arises ultimately from the multilateral system, as the Permanent Representative of Lebanon has just reminded us. General Assembly resolution 181 (II) of 1947 endorsed the plan of partition. The recognition of a Palestinian State is the completion of this 64-year-old promise.

    2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source

  30. It is a pleasure to welcome you, Mr. President, and to see you presiding over today's meeting. I thank Special Coordinator Robert Serry for his briefing, and the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. We meet again to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the midst of unprecedented transformations in the region. Unfortunately, those transformations have so far failed to bring change to the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The Palestinian aspiration to statehood is not an abstraction. It is the cornerstone of democracy, dignity, freedom and human rights for the Palestinian people. We regret that, apart from the disagreements between the two sides, the main partners in the peace process remain unable to help the parties overcome the current impasse.

    2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source

  31. Effectively fighting climate change and dealing with its myriad implications must be a priority for the international community. To do so, we must take full advantage of all of the tools that the United Nations system has to offer, especially in the area of sustainable development, and redouble our efforts to achieve ambitious results in the international negotiations on climate change.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  32. Efforts must also be made to boost productivity in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Where food insecurity contributes to aggravating instability in conflict or post-conflict situations, the Council should coordinate its efforts with the work of other relevant actors within the United Nations system and the World Bank. The United Nations system has the necessary tools to deal with the challenges associated with fighting climate change. The wealth of knowledge, experience, political leverage and legal instruments that the system possesses must be used to its full capacity. Security tools are appropriate to deal with concrete threats to international peace and security, but they are inadequate to address complex and multidimensional issues such as climate change.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  33. We agree with them that expressions of concern or political declarations are no substitute for concrete action. We need to do more, and to do it faster. Climate change negotiations must yield significant results to curb emissions in a balanced and fair manner. Adaptation programmes must be prioritized and sufficiently funded. The issue of food security is high on Brazil's agenda. At the international level, we must all support the leading role of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme. We must redouble our efforts to eliminate the scourge of hunger. Effective political will is needed to improve market access to food products from developing countries by reducing agricultural subsidies and bringing the Doha Round to a successful conclusion.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  34. Such challenges require political, economic and humanitarian approaches, and not necessarily a security response. The grave consequences of sea-level rise may lead to humanitarian catastrophes if unchecked. The United Nations, under the UNFCCC, must work to strengthen prevention and to build resilience through adaptation. Humanitarian instruments need to be further developed in order to address the specific nature of the impacts of sea-level rise on populations. In that context, I recognize and welcome the presence of His Excellency the President of Nauru, Mr. Marcus Stephen. We acknowledge his concerns and the untiring efforts of his country and of the other small island developing States in bringing the issue of sea-level rise to the forefront of the international agenda. Brazil expresses its full solidarity with them.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  35. The links between climate change and development and between security and development are clear and have been explicitly recognized by the United Nations. The possible security implications of climate change, however, are far less obvious. Environmental impacts do not threaten international peace and security on their own. In certain circumstances, the adverse effects of climate change may contribute to aggravating existing threats to international peace and security. The rather indirect relationship between security and climate change in no way diminishes the urgency of supporting countries and populations that are most vulnerable to climate change, in particular small island developing States, many of which face truly existential challenges.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  36. Our efforts for mitigation and adaptation must be based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. That is crucial to ensuring an equitable, balanced and effective solution. The Security Council must take a holistic View of conflict. Violence is born not only of ethnic or religious disputes, but also of hunger, poverty and the competition for scarce resources. In some cases, the adverse effects of climate change may aggravate those disputes. However, when they do, it is not a function of climate change alone. It is usually a result of underdevelopment and lack of access to resources and technology for adaptation. We firmly acknowledge the interdependence of development, security and human rights.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  37. I thank the Secretary-General for being with us today and for his remarks. I would like to welcome Mr. Achim Steiner and to thank him for his very interesting briefing. Brazil associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Argentina on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Brazil has a deep and long-standing commitment to combating climate change. We have translated that firm commitment into concrete actions and constructive proposals. Climate change is a complex and difficult issue. There are no shortcuts or easy solutions. The only effective way forward is to achieve an ambitious result under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol.

    2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source

  38. Where, in turn, there is an armed conflict, the Council's efforts to protect children must be closely linked to its broader goal to maintain international peace and security. The signing of action plans and the release of child soldiers are very important achievements, but our ultimate goal must be to end the conflicts that have given rise to such violations. Sustainable peace is the best guarantee of lasting protection. Brazil will continue to firmly support the Council's efforts both to ensure the protection of children in armed conflict and to help lay the foundations of long-term peace.

    2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source

  39. In cases where international humanitarian law is being violated, the Council may decide that a more direct involvement is necessary to protect the most vulnerable. International humanitarian law is clear in regard to attacks on schools and hospitals. Teachers, students, patients and medical personnel are civilians and therefore protected persons under international humanitarian law. The Council has time and again reiterated the responsibility of all parties to conflict to protect civilians. We must avoid selectivity and be consistent in our demands for strict observance of international humanitarian law. In cases outside the purview of the Council, where there is no armed conflict, Member States should support national and international mechanisms to promote children's rights.

    2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source

  40. The Council has developed an important body of norms on children and armed conflict that constitute useful tools to protect civilians. They have led to progress in curbing grave violations against children. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to make our work both more efficient and more effective. We commend the German chairmanship of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and support a continued reflection on how to better use the tools at the Group's disposal to protect children. When dealing with situations of armed conflict, respect for international humanitarian law must be our core concern. It is neither necessary nor desirable for the Council to create a new set of norms to discipline the actions of parties in conflict.

    2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source

  41. I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on convening this important debate. I thank the Secretary-General for his remarks, and I am also grateful to Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy and to Mr. Anthony Lake for their presentations today and for their invaluable work on this important issue. Shielding children from the horrors of conflict is an important dimension of the Council's efforts to protect civilians, to break the cycle of conflict and to establish sustainable peace. We welcome resolution 1998 (2011), adopted today, and its focus on addressing attacks against schools and hospitals. Education and health are basic human rights and building blocks of peaceful societies. To attack them is to attack the very notion of human dignity.

    2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source

  42. Brazil supports the implementation of the measures agreed to at the Review Conference of the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme. Through an enhanced presence in Kabul, Brazil stands ready to work together with the Afghan people and their Government towards a future of peace and development.

    2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source

  43. There can be no military solution to this conflict, and I think that we all agree on that. The Kabul process must be closely followed until the transition to full Afghan leadership and responsibility has been achieved. Despite the current difficulties, the transition towards Afghan security responsibility must continue to advance. In the same vein, the implementation of the national priority programmes outlined by the Afghan Government is essential to building the capacity and infrastructure that Afghanistan requires in order to promote its social and economic development as the international military presence draws down. In any scenario, reconciliation efforts remain central to a political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. Dialogue is the path to a solid foundation for the country's future.

    2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source

  44. I take this opportunity to reiterate Brazil's confidence in the work of the United Nations in helping to lay the foundations for sustainable peace and development in Afghanistan and our support for the Afghan Government in the spirit of transition. We welcome the security enhancement project being implemented by UNAMA throughout the country. Brazil is also concerned at the rising civil unrest in Afghanistan. After several years of war and violence, Afghan society should no longer have to endure the burden of war. The increase in conflict- related casualties should not be treated as a mere unintended consequence of the conflict. All concerned must continue to do their utmost to protect civilians and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

    2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source

  45. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, for his briefing and his outstanding work in very difficult conditions. I also thank Ambassador Zahir Tanin for his statement. Although the situation in Afghanistan has shown progress, the recent rise in security incidents is a painful reminder of the many challenges still ahead. Brazil is both saddened and alarmed by the recent signs of hostility against the presence of the United Nations in Afghanistan. We condemn in the strongest terms the brutal attack on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

    2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source

  46. National authorities must steadily pursue efforts to fully restore international confidence. In turn, international partners should look beyond the setbacks of the past and should support long-term political and economic stability in the country. We call on all stakeholders to take advantage of the progress made so far and to lend enhanced support for sustainable peace and development in Guinea-Bissau.

    2011-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6569 (2011) · source

  47. The international community needs to encourage and to support such positive developments, which reflect a clear political commitment on the part of Guinea-Bissau to the implementation of the necessary measures to consolidate peace in the country. In that context, we welcome the approval by the Peacebuilding Fund Joint Steering Committee of the revised version of the 2011-2013 Peacebuilding Priority Plan for Guinea-Bissau. We expect the timely disbursement of up to $16.8 million in support of security sector reform, political dialogue and reconciliation, as well as job creation as a peace dividend, with particular attention to women and youth. We must take advantage of the positive momentum and persevere in our collective efforts to support Guinea-Bissau as it addresses key peacebuilding challenges.

    2011-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6569 (2011) · source

  48. On the economic side, the implementation of public administration and public finance reforms, including efforts to improve fiscal discipline, have yielded positive results. A growth rate of approximately 4 per cent is forecast for 2011, which is also due to the positive prospects for cashew nut exports and public infrastructure works. After a visit to Bissau last March, the International Monetary Fund noted that the country's performance had been satisfactory and that the prospects for compliance with benchmarks in the Extended Credit Facility programme for January to December 2011 were promising. In addition, under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Debt Initiative, the Paris Club creditors announced $283 million in debt relief for Guinea-Bissau last May.

    2011-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6569 (2011) · source

  49. The TCU in Bissau is expected to move into its new premises by the end of the month. Another positive step was the adoption by the Council of Ministers of the 2011-2014 operational plan to fight drug trafficking and organized crime, conceived by the Ministry of Justice with the support of UNIOGBIS and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It is now essential that the international community provide timely and steady support in terms of technical expertise and financial resources to make the TCU operational so as to ensure tangible progress on the basis of common and shared responsibility, whereby the countries of origin, transit and final destination join efforts in the fight against the scourge of drugs.

    2011-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6569 (2011) · source

  50. In that regard, at yesterday's meeting of the configuration, we welcomed the announcement by Minister Aristides Ocante da Silva that the Government of Guinea-Bissau will allocate financial resources to the fund in the amount of $4.5 million. That is a clear indication of the political will to move forward on the reform. We also welcomed the pledge of $63 million to security sector reform in Guinea- Bissau during the ECOWAS summit. It is important that international partners come together to build upon those pledges and to make the fund operational as soon as possible. There have also been positive developments in the fight against drug trafficking. The Government of Guinea-Bissau has implemented its commitments under the West African Coast Initiative by appointing the Management Board and the Chair of the Transnational Crime Unit (TCU).

    2011-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6569 (2011) · source