YouSaid · the spoken record

Von Der Schulenburg

lines on the record: 182
first: 2009-02-09
most recent: 2012-03-22
sittings or episodes: 9
sources: un-security-council

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“Considerable progress has also been made in preparing for the 2012 elections. In January, the Government and its development partners - mainly DFID, the European Union, Germany and Irish Aid - agreed to fund a large election support programme that will be jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL). Recently, the United States agreed to a parallel but well-coordinated contribution for the 2012 elections.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“The Government has agreed with the World Bank and United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) on a major technical assistance programme to improve its capacity to manage the exploitation of its mineral resources. Similarly, the Government has agreed with Norway and the United States on a comprehensive technical assistance programme to reform and strengthen its institutions dealing with oil and gas exploration and exploitation matters. However, the possible transition of Sierra Leone into a major exporter of mineral and hydrocarbon resources could test the country's social cohesion and provoke greater social changes than previously envisaged. For Sierra Leone to succeed in that vital endeavour, much wider national consultations may be required in the future.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Recently, the President separated the previously combined Ministries for Political Affairs and Natural Resources and Mining, an important step that will allow the Government to deal with the all important issue of mineral exploration in a professional and politically more neutral manner. The President has kept his pledge and initiated a review of all old and new mining contracts to ensure their conformity with Sierra Leone's mining laws. 3 After initial difficulties, the Government has now renewed its commitment to fully implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative process in consultation with civil society and other stakeholders.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“At the end of my statement, I would also like to talk about progress that is being made in implementing resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. Although challenges remain, I am encouraged by the progress the Government has made on mining and the elections over the past six months. Since our last meeting, the President has repeatedly stressed in public and in private that he is determined to ensure that the exploitation of Sierra Leone's rich mineral and possibly hydrocarbon resources will be transparent and for the benefit all Sierra Leoneans.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Any past, present and future Government in Sierra Leone is therefore compelled to walk a very fine line between mounting needs and financial constraints; between the lure of a globalized economy and the aspirations of it local population; and between the demands on the Government to accelerate development, coupled with a lack of budgetary and human resources at its disposal. That is indeed the reason why I believe that Sierra Leone will continue to need strong international assistance, in particular development assistance. Let me also reflect on the two critical issues that I had brought to the Council's attention during its review of Sierra Leone in September (see S/PV.6391). These are the exploitation of natural resources and the 2012 elections.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“In a country in which the large majority of its people live on less than $2 per day and with a relatively small revenue base, even problems that should be manageable - such as hikes in international oil prices, increases in rice prices, the failure to pay salaries on time, unfinished public work programmes, and insufficient rains, combined with a large population of unemployed and disillusioned young people - could explode beyond control and threaten Sierra Leone's hard-won achievements.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Despite all achievements in overcoming its civil war, Sierra Leone will remain fragile and vulnerable to sudden economic, social and political shocks, both from outside and from within the country. As Sierra Leone is one of the world's poorest countries, the capacity of the Government to absorb any adverse shock will continue to remain weak. For example, recent concerns over excessive budgetary expenditures, 11-27602 although small by any standards, could suddenly turn into a sequence of incalculable political fallouts.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Above all, Sierra Leone remains a rare example of exceptional religious freedoms and tolerance. It is the diversity of Sierra Leone's society, in which modern State authorities cooperate with traditional leaderships, in which political parties interact with independent media, and in which Muslim and Christian communities work together closely with civil society organizations that drives the country's evolving democratic culture. As we witness developments in Northern Africa and adjacent regions, we must realize that Sierra Leone's achievements are by no means automatic or self-evident. These achievements are even more remarkable when we consider that Sierra Leone had a less fortunate start as a new nation, that it is a much poorer country, and that its population is largely illiterate.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Today, Sierra Leoneans live largely at peace with each other, there is discernible security throughout the country, and citizens as well as foreigners are all free to travel to any part of Sierra Leone without any fear or security threats. There are no longer any armed groups terrorizing the population, nor are there any former warlords with a political following in the country. Sierra Leone no longer has any political prisoners, and after years of brutalities there are no longer any manifestations of systematic human rights abuses in the country. Freedom of speech has given rise to an independent, diverse and at times highly critical media. Sierra Leone's freedom of association has resulted in the creation of vibrant and active political parties, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and professional associations.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“During this short time, Sierra Leone has made a truly remarkable post-conflict recovery. When my Sierra Leonean friends see the images from a number of other African and Middle Eastern countries, it ignites in them the tragic memories of the recent past, but at the same time there is also a sense of pride among them in what they achieved over time. I fully share that pride. Sierra Leoneans now elect their Governments, not only at the central level but also at the district and 11-27602 local levels. These elections take place regularly, and as in all other democratic processes they have led to the transfer of power from one elected Government to another, both at the central and the local levels. The conduct of these elections is not always without problems, but what is encouraging is that elections in Sierra Leone have become the norm.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“It will therefore continue to require international attention and support. In Sierra Leone, it was also disillusioned young people who initially rose up against years of successive authoritarian and unaccountable Governments, against the plunder of its natural resources, and against widespread corruption that benefited a small elite while much of the country slid into widespread poverty. It was mainly the young people who felt marginalized and protested against the continuous deterioration of social services, the lowering of educational standards and the lack of job opportunities. At the time, Sierra Leone was unable to solve its growing unrest, and the country submerged into 11 years of a brutal and devastating civil war. It is now nine years since Sierra Leone's civil war ended.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“However, I would like to argue that the events in Northern Africa and adjacent regions may make it even more important for the Security Council not to lose sight of Sierra Leone and to continue to give it the attention it deserves and still needs. Sierra Leone, which was once a symbol of a failed State, is now gradually evolving into a model country for overcoming old divisions and developing into a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country. Success in Sierra Leone would create hope, and hope is possibly the best ingredient for finding political solutions for peace in other countries. That is why I believe that any success in Sierra Leone is also bound to have its own ripple effect on the search for peace in other countries. Sierra Leone is on track towards achieving these goals, but it is not yet out of the woods.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Mr. Von der Schulenburg: I thank you, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to introduce the sixth report of the Secretary-General on Sierra Leone (S/2011/119). This biannual review of Sierra Leone's progress towards peace and stability takes place at a time of dramatic political events that are unfolding in many countries of Northern Africa, adjacent regions and places closer to home, such as Cote d'Ivoire. Much of the attention of the international community, and 2 indeed of this Council, is now directed at finding urgent solutions to these political and security developments, which are bound to shape the future of the entire region. Against this background, political developments in Sierra Leone may appear pale in comparison.”
2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source
“Finally, let me express here my thanks through the Minister for Foreign Affairs to President Koroma and his Government, members of the political parties and civil society in Sierra Leone for their cooperation and hospitality. 5”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“In fact, funding to United Nations operations is steadily declining. This is a worrying trend as it will no doubt jeopardize the United Nations work and credibility. It could also jeopardize the integrated approach to peacebuilding. I intend to discuss this issue in more detail at the Peacebuilding Commission meeting this afternoon but would appreciate also the Council's continued support. Sierra Leone may today no longer be one of the Council's most critical concerns today. And this is a good sign. But I would urge the Council not to abandon Sierra Leone completely: it is a potential success story, not only for Sierra Leone but also for the Security Council. Sierra Leone will continue to need the Council as the United Nations will continue to need Sierra Leone.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“When the Secretary-General visited Sierra Leone, he wanted also to draw attention to a successful United Nations intervention and in particular to the new model of an integrated peacebuilding mission that could serve as an example to other United Nations interventions. We have been able to prove that it is possible to draw down from one of the largest peacekeeping missions into a much smaller and purely civilian mission while maintaining a credible political and development engagement in the country. As I mentioned before, the new peacebuilding mission costs Member States only 2.2 per cent of the previous peacekeeping operations. Unfortunately, all of these successes and savings have not translated into any increase in United Nations financial resources for development purposes, in Sierra Leone a key factor for our peacebuilding strategy.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“The ethnic, cultural and geographical links between the two countries, the long border with a number of yet unsolved issues, as 10-55258 well as the large quantities of small weapons in Guinea, could make any potential conflict in Guinea trickle down into Sierra Leone. Against this background, I feel that we should all commend President Koroma and his Liberian counterpart, President Johnson-Sirleaf for their careful approach in support of the democratic transition in their fellow neighbouring country. Finally, let me use this opportunity to share with this Council some concerns about our own integrated peacebuilding mission in Sierra Leone.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“If the Government proceeds with the inquest, it should make its intentions much clearer in order to obviate misinterpretations later. Let me now turn to the third issue: Guinea. It may be no surprise to Council members that Sierra Leoneans look with apprehension at developments in its larger neighbour, Guinea. There is much at stake for Sierra Leone. Should Guinea manage its democratic transition well, it would make the subregion more stable and give Sierra Leone wider options in solving subregional problems, including cross-border trading and subregional security concerns such as illicit drug trafficking and illegal fishing. However, should the democratic transition in Guinea be stalled or even reversed, that could have serious negative consequences for Sierra Leone.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“I therefore hope that more efforts will be made by all political stakeholders to defuse this potential for conflict well in advance of the election. This could also include greater efforts by the Government to create a better regional balance in appointments of its senior political and civil service positions. Finally, we are concerned about the Government's intention to hold an inquest into the 1992 extrajudicial executions by the former military Government, the National Provisional Ruling Council, which ruled the country between 1992 and 1996. This action by the Government could be misunderstood by many in the opposition as an effort to influence the 2012 elections and could open the way for demands for all sorts of new inquests into past atrocities.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“The police should increase its capacity in non-lethal crowd-control techniques and refrain from any temptation to use assault weapons in social 10-55258 disturbances. An early establishment of an independent police complaints committee, as envisaged in the joint communique, will also greatly enhance confidence in the police. The role of the media in the electoral process will be critical and the Independent Media Commission is expected to protect the media from undue political and commercial influences. In this context, the creation of the Guild of Editors of the major newspapers is a very welcome initiative. If the 2007 and 2008 elections or recent by- elections are any indication, ethnicity and regional divisions may play a much greater role in the upcoming elections. This could add a dangerous dimension to the elections.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“At the same time, I call on the main opposition party to show greater flexibility in discussing their electoral concerns without getting entangled in personality conflicts. Although much work has been done in strengthening the Political Party Registration Commission to carry out its important regulatory and mediation functions, its effectiveness is hampered by the fact that its chair has been vacant for over two years. We are pleased to note that the Sierra Leone police and its leadership have committed themselves to regular dialogue with all political parties and to protect the operational impartiality and professionalism of the force in providing security during the electoral process.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“This applies in particular to the two main electoral bodies: the National Electoral Commission and the Political Party Registration Commission. Other national institutions, such as the Sierra Leone police, the Independent Media Commission and the newly established Independent Broadcasting Corporation also have very important roles to play in this context. In view of that, serious efforts should be made to address all outstanding issues involving electoral management bodies and other relevant institutions well in advance of the elections. In this context, I would like to urge the National Electoral Commission to do more to alleviate fears within the main opposition following the reappointment of the chief electoral officer.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“All indications are that the 2012 elections could be challenging and complex. This is partly due to the fact that the country will run three nation-wide elections at the same time: presidential, parliamentary and local council elections. But also other factors - such as a winner-take-all electoral system, a likely two- party contest, both with their regional strongholds, temptations to exploit regional and ethnic differences as well as the newly found wealth from recent mining contracts - could all contribute to highly contested and potentially difficult elections. To mitigate conflicts in the run-up to and during the 2012 elections, it is critical that the institutional framework responsible for conducting the elections be accepted by all sides as being professional, credible and, even more important, impartial.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“The next nationwide elections in Sierra Leone will be held in the latter part of 2012 - that is, only two years from now. Despite the remaining time, it feels as if the electoral campaign has already started. Press statements, interviews, relatively unimportant by-elections and even certain other social events are taking on the form of early electoral campaigns. Regrettably, the main political parties accuse each other of shady intentions, and the opposition has expressed increasing mistrust of the impartiality of key State institutions. There are fears that both sides could try to prevent the other from campaigning legitimately in their respective political strongholds. Recent by-elections for parliamentary and local council seats also witnessed similar incidents, as well as violence or the threat of violence.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“Against that background, I welcome the assurances given by President Koroma of his determination to ensure that all mining agreements will be compliant with Sierra Leone's laws and with international practices, to increase transparency in the mining sector, and to seek external assistance in beefing up national capacities to deal with the challenges of large-scale mining concessions. I also wish to express gratitude to the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and, closer to home, UNDP for their offers of assistance to enable the Government to manage this critical aspect of Sierra Leone's development. I shall now turn to the elections.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“Therefore, it is incumbent on all concerned, in particular the Government of Sierra Leone, to make all the necessary efforts to ensure that its emphasis on extractive industries is put on the right track from the very beginning. Concerns about the mining agreements - especially their compliance with Sierra Leone's mining law, the transparency of contract negotiations or concerns about how much economic power has been given to a single external investor - should be taken seriously. Further, concerns about the influence that such huge commercial interests could have on the integrity of an underpaid public service, the media and civil society will require attention. I am convinced that even large-scale mining contracts can be managed in a way that both the international investor and the country will emerge as winners.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“The many burned-out houses still bear witness to the destructive force of a civil war that was largely funded by so- called blood diamonds from that very district. It is the sheer size of the two iron ore mining contracts that elicit unease, as they could become a game-changer for Sierra Leone, with the potential to dramatically change the country's economic, social and political landscape. This applies in particular to the mining agreement for the large Tonkolili iron ore deposits. If official pronouncements are correct, the financial turnover of that mining operation alone would dwarf the financial and organizational capacities of the Government itself.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“However, experiences in different parts of the world suggest that countries depending on the export of raw materials are often plagued with great difficulties. Dependence on mining and oil exports has often resulted in social dislocations, huge income disparities and rampant corruption that have at times erupted into violent internal conflicts. In fact, Sierra Leone itself has had such bitter experience in the past. Today, its formerly diamond-rich district of Kono is one of the poorest areas of Sierra Leone, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, especially among its youth. Much of its once fertile agricultural lands are now dotted with water-logged holes and Kono's destroyed infrastructure.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“More recently, the Government concluded two significant mining contracts for the exploitation of the country's large iron ore resources that could give extractive industries in Sierra Leone's economy an unprecedented dominant role. In fact, with its largely unexploited gold resources and the potential of economically viable off-shore oil and gas reserves, Sierra Leone may be on the verge of turning from a major recipient of foreign aid to becoming a major exporter of primary mineral and hydrocarbon products. This is surely a welcome development for Sierra Leone, as well as for an international community that has invested so much in Sierra Leone's stability and development over the past 10 years or more.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“While these three developments are indeed a source of hope for Sierra Leone, they also bear considerable risks for its future that, if not managed carefully, could have adverse impacts on the progress made in Sierra Leone in recent years. I shall first talk about the recent mining contracts. Sierra Leone is a country endowed with rich natural and mineral resources. To manage its mineral resources better, the Government enacted a new mining law last year and began, with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to renegotiate existing mining contracts for the exploitation of diamonds and rutile, a precursor for the production of titanium.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“All three of these developments have the potential to bring great benefits to Sierra Leone. The increase in the exploitation of Sierra Leone's rich mineral resources could help break the country's high donor dependency and give it the resources needed to pursue its development goals more aggressively. The 2012 elections could strengthen the country's still young democracy, increase the credibility of State institutions and ultimately help Sierra Leone to cross the magic line of its tenth year since the end of the civil war. Finally, elections and a successful democratic transition in Guinea could, for the first time, create a subregion of like-minded States and open the potential for greater cooperation among the three countries of the Mano River Union in solving many of the shared problems.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“But I am convinced that the enthusiasm and integrity of its independent board members will make it a reliable and impartial voice for Sierra Leone's newly found democracy and an example for other countries in the region to follow. I will not expand further here on these development issues, as we will discuss them at the Peacebuilding Commission meeting this afternoon. Instead, I would like to use this opportunity to concentrate on three more recent developments that could have a major impact on shaping Sierra Leone's political, social and economic future: first, the Government's efforts to make greater use of the country's mineral and natural resources; secondly, the preparations for the 2012 elections; and thirdly, developments in neighbouring Guinea.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“In this context, we have also to recognize the considerable long-term support that Sierra Leone has received and still receives from the international community. In particular, we commend President Koroma's commitment to creating Africa's only second independent public broadcaster, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, which was inaugurated during the Secretary-General's visit. The Corporation is still in its infancy and will have to overcome many challenges to live up to its aspirations and our expectations for it as a professional and impartial voice for Sierra Leone and, it is to be hoped, one day for the subregion.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“The Government has mastered successfully the impact of the recent global food and financial crises in the country, engaged in an ambitious infrastructure development programme, improved agricultural production and increased energy production. Against the background of the ongoing review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Government's efforts to provide free medical care to mothers and children under five, its successful programmes to fight HIV/AIDS and malaria, its commercialization programme for small and often desperately poor farmers, and the construction of feeder roads connecting isolated villages to the national road grid are of particular importance. It is 10-55258 therefore not surprising that Sierra Leone has made steady progress towards achieving the MDG.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“Mr. Von der Schulenburg: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to introduce the fifth Report of the Secretary-General on Sierra Leone (S/2010/47l). When the Secretary-General visited Freetown on 14 and 15 June, he wanted to draw attention to Sierra Leone's extraordinary achievements in regaining its peace and stability since the end of its civil war. Indeed, Sierra Leone is a country that was able to leave years of dictatorships, repeated military coups and 11 years of a devastating civil war behind it and to embark on building a new peaceful, democratic and more prosperous society. In the more recent period, Sierra Leone has made considerable economic and social progress.”
2010-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6391 (2010) · source
“We now feel truly supported. Finally, but most importantly, I would like to thank the President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, and his colleagues in the Government, members of the opposition and indeed all Sierra Leoneans for their support of the work of UNIPSIL and the United Nations country team. Any success that we have is ultimately only their success.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“Thirdly, I feel that Sierra Leone is a good example of why the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office are so important to what we as an integrated peacebuilding mission want to achieve on the ground. I would like to thank in particular the chair of the PBC's Sierra Leone configuration, Ambassador John McNee, and his colleagues from the Canadian mission, for their unwavering support. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representatives of Liberia, Poland, Peru and the Republic of Korea - and, of course, Ambassador Mayr-Harting of Austria, who is present for having taken the trouble of travelling all the way to Sierra Leone despite their busy schedules. Let me also recognize the excellent work that is being done by Judy Cheng-Hopkins and her team of the Peacebuilding Support Office.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“This poses fundamental credibility issues for us; ultimately, the lack of funding could even jeopardize our new approach to peacebuilding. The additional funding that we are seeking to mobilize through our multi-donor trust fund is only $200 million. In other words, the additional funding required for four years of peacebuilding would be equivalent to the costs of only four months of the previous peacekeeping operation back in 2004. In this context, I would like to thank the French Ambassador for having taken up this key issue in the Security Council debate last month. I hope that the Council will continue to debate this important issue and consider not only the institutional aspects of such a transition from peacekeeping, but also its financial implications.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“In the dialogue, we have also taken up more sensitive issues such as ethnic loyalties in party politics, the winner-takes-all syndrome and political party financing. Allow me to make here three additional points. First, today we are less worried that the situation in neighbouring Guinea will spill over into Sierra Leone. However, with the situation in Guinea improving, we now have to think more about taking a regional approach to peacebuilding and peace consolidation. In this context, the Mano River Union is of great interest to us, as it brings together four West African countries that have either come out of civil wars or that are in the process of ending internal conflicts. Secondly, so far we have not been successful in raising the necessary financial resources to implement our peacebuilding strategy, the Joint United Nations Vision.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“Recent 3 by-elections would indicate that this trend is further deepening. For these reasons, we have agreed with the Government to start the process of preparing for the 2012 elections early. An election needs assessment team has recently visited Sierra Leone and will be followed by an election programming mission to develop the required technical and financial assistance package. In parallel, we are engaging in a series of multi-party talks with the aim of identifying and mitigating major political, economic and social problem areas that could negatively impact the conduct of the 2012 elections. The joint communique that was signed by political parties a year ago forms the basis of this dialogue.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The United Nations stands ready to provide all necessary legal advice and technical support to help protect Sierra Leone from being unfairly taken advantage of while seeking foreign investments for its development. With regard to preparing for the elections, in 2012 Sierra Leone will hold three important elections: presidential, parliamentary and local. All internal and international observers agree that these elections will pose some very difficult and complex challenges for the country and that special efforts will be required by all stakeholders to ensure that these elections are fair, transparent and free from violence. Unfortunately, politics in Sierra Leone have become increasingly ethnic-based and the country is today largely divided North-South along tribal and political loyalties.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The last case, in particular, is of great political significance, as the indicted Minister of Fisheries has a strong following within the governing party, the All People's Congress, and played a crucial role in securing the President's party nomination for the 2007 elections. Closely connected to the issue of corruption is the need for the proper management of the country's rich mineral and natural resources. A recently concluded contract on mining iron ore has raised considerable criticism and concerns among knowledgeable experts. Sierra Leone's newly enacted mining law should apply to all mining contracts, and I urge the Government to fully comply with the requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“A string of arrests and convictions on corruption charges have taken place that not only concentrated on lower- ranking officials, but that also targeted senior Government officials and cabinet ministers, including close political associates of the President. In January, the Director of the National Revenue Authority was suspended following an investigation by the Anti-corruption Commission; on ll March, the former Minister of Health was sentenced to five years in prison on corruption charges; and, on 15 March, the Permanent Secretary and the Minister of Fisheries were indicted on corruption charges and relieved of their duties.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“In October of last year, the PBC launched an appeal for two decommissioned 30-metre patrol vessels, one for Sierra Leone and one for Liberia. We still hope that we will be successful with this appeal, as that would allow these two countries to work together in fighting a common threat to their peace and development. Such bilateral cooperation could form the nucleus for wider regional cooperation that would not only benefit the 10-28245 security of West Africa, but would also help improve the security in Europe and other countries bordering the Atlantic. With regard to fighting corruption, over the past few months Sierra Leone has taken some unprecedented bold steps in fighting corruption.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“UNODC and UNIPSIL's Police Unit coordinate international assistance coming from the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and Italy, making this an example of international cooperation for other countries in the subregion. Sierra Leone's model character in building strong institutions to fight illicit drug trafficking and other international crime was underlined during a recent conference that brought together ministers from Guinea-Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia in Freetown under the leadership of Antonio Costa, Director General of UNODC. Closely linked to fighting international crime is the urgent need to beef up coastal security to combat illicit maritime drug trafficking, illegal fishing and the beginnings of human trafficking and piracy.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“This will be only the second time that development partners have agreed with the Government on one joint programme in a crucial area for peacebuilding, and I would like to stress here the important role that the PBC can play, and indeed has played, in rallying international support behind a critical development issue. With regard to fighting illicit drug trafficking, over the past six months tangible progress has been made in the fight illicit drug trafficking. The Government has established the Joint Drug Interdiction Task Force, which has now begun its work. With the help of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and in accordance with the West Africa Coast Initiative, the Task Force will now be upgraded to a transnational crime unit.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“On the Government side, this integrated national employment programme will be led by Sierra 10-28245 Leone's Youth Commissioner and include a number of line ministries and national authorities; on the international side, the programme will include technical and financial support from the World Bank, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit, the United Nations Development Programme, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the European Community. The joint outline for this integrated programme will be presented to the Peacebuilding Commission on Friday this week.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“Largely as a result of the recent visit of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to Sierra Leone, the relevant Government ministries and all relevant development partners have come together over the past few days and agreed to develop one integrated national programme in support of creating employment opportunities for young people in various economic sectors.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“With respect to fighting youth unemployment, despite the magnitude and political significance of this social problem, relatively little progress has been made. Over the past two years, there have been many plans and assessments, but they have resulted in relatively few tangible programmes that would significantly impact the lives of a sizable number of young people. I believe that the responsibility for this must be equally shared by the Government and its international development partners.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“Mr. von der Schulenburg: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to introduce the fourth report (S/2010/ 135) of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL). As members of the Council have the full report before them, let me here only highlight recent developments in relation to the three critical issues for Sierra Leone's peace and stability that are regularly reviewed by this Council: youth unemployment, illicit drug trafficking and corruption. Let me also introduce, for the first time, a fourth issue for future reference and review: the 2012 elections. At the end, I would like to make three brief additional points.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source