YouSaid · the spoken record

Vrailas

lines on the record: 423
first: 2011-08-26
most recent: 2016-08-23
sittings or episodes: 43
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The review should also be used to strengthen support for the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts. The EU and its Member States believe that the future development of resolution 1540 (2004) should take account of new and emerging trends in nuclear, chemical and biological security. The 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts should be in a position to effectively support States in implementing the resolution in light of these trends. As a result of the comprehensive review, the EU and its Member States favour a strong restatement of the Council's support for the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including, potentially, through a further Security Council resolution.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Outreach to industry and the financial sector should in particular aim at encouraging companies to set up internal compliance programmes; encouraging cooperation between Governments and industry/the financial sector, for instance when drafting legislation or implementing strategic trade controls; and addressing the challenges posed by cross-border supply chains. Increased outreach should also target civil society at large, as well as academia, national parliaments and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, to raise awareness of the resolution and its legal requirements. This year marks the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) , and we expect it to reaffirm the centrality, importance and authority of the resolution in the multilateral non-proliferation architecture.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“A third and last point is a very important one for the EU - outreach to the private sector and to civil society. The 1540 Committee should promote an active role for industry, including through close coordination with relevant EU programmes, the Wiesbaden process, the Botticelli project and other industry initiatives. Such efforts should include a broad range of countries, regions, sectors, sizes - especially small and medium- sized enterprises - and types of players, including suppliers, exporters and transporters.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The 1540 Committee should have the technical, human and financial resources it needs to effectively fulfil its responsibilities. It should support States in developing strong, detailed assistance requests. Consideration should be given to providing the 1540 Committee with a permanent or longer-term mandate, reflecting the long-term nature of proliferation challenges. The 1540 Committee should strengthen its engagement with assistance providers, including with the EU and its member States and other donors participating in the global partnership. The comprehensive review will likely result in new needs and assistance requests. It is important that donors respond accordingly by making the best use of available resources and considering mobilizing additional resources, including contributions in kind.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“On the international scene, the EU and its member States continue to strongly support such various regimes as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, as well as the global partnership against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction. In light of new technological advances, current challenges and future threats, the upcoming Review Conference of the BTWC will offer an important opportunity to explore ideas and agree on specific decisions and actions to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of the Convention in a fast changing world. My second point is on assistance. The process used by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for matching requests with offers of assistance should be improved.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“EU legislation is updated regularly to take into consideration technological developments and the latest decisions of the relevant international non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements. The EU has also developed a dedicated EU P2P export control programme for dual-use items, worth â‚¬30 million, since 2004 and aimed at helping authorities in 34 States in six regions to strengthen their export control regime and to better comply with their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004) . In close collaboration with EU member States, the EU continues to implement CBRN action plans and to strengthen CBRN security throughout the EU. Likewise, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, known as Horizon 2020, encourages novel solutions to protect critical infrastructure and fight crime and terrorism.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“I will not set out in detail all the elements contained in this report, but let me draw the attention of the Council to a couple of points relevant to today's meeting: First, Council members will notice throughout the report the strong EU commitment to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), both internally within the EU and on the international scene. I would point, for example, to the EU-funded chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risk mitigation Centres of Excellence initiative, launched in 2010. With 8 regional secretariats and 54 partner countries, it has been very successful in strengthening national and regional CBRN governance. Another example is the robust EU export control regime, which is directly applicable and binding for all EU Member States.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The EU has carried out a number ofprojects with a view to continue promoting the full implementation of the resolution and to provide assistance to third countries in complying with their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004). In June, the EU submitted a report entitled "EU support to the full and universal implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540". The report demonstrates the strong and consistent commitment of the EU and its member States to the resolution during the past decade and sets out our proposals on how that instrument should develop in the future in order to adapt to the new security challenges.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Moreover, the European Union calls on all States that have not yet done so to become party to the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, and all other international instruments against terrorism listed by the Secretary-General. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a central pillar of the international non-proliferation architecture and its importance has become even greater in today's challenging context. Since the beginning, we have been a staunch supporter of the robust and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), with the objective of strengthening global efforts in that regard.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The European Union is gravely concerned by the possibility of non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Ongoing reports and allegations of chemical weapons being used in Syria and Iraq are gravely concerning in that regard. Such risks add a further critical dimension to the current international security context - one characterized by more acute and diffuse threats, in which the distinction between international and internal security is blurred. It is vitally important to enhance international cooperation, both in the framework of the United Nations and among all Member States, in order to address those challenges.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. First of all, allow me to thank the President for organizing this open debate on an important topic and for the concept note (S/2016/712, annex) prepared by the presidency. Indeed, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related materials and technologies to violent, extremist armed groups and non-State actors is a key concern for the entire international community.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The EU encourages the multilateral efforts under way to support the Afghan Government in promoting a meaningful, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process as the only viable path towards the sustainable resolution of the conflict. It welcomes and supports the efforts undertaken by the Quadrilateral Coordination Group to create a conducive environment for such a process. Ending the armed conflict in Afghanistan is urgent and in the interest of all who seek development and stability, prosperity and peace. Let me conclude byjoining others in paying tribute to Special Representative Nicholas Haysom for his outstanding work, his personal commitment and his integrity, as well as his untiring energy in contributing to a better future for all Afghans, the sort of future that they both want and deserve.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Security and sustainable development represent interconnected challenges in such a State-building process, which needs to be underpinned by genuine political support within the region. A secure, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan is vital to the peace and stability of the region as a whole. It is probably the best reason to join forces in the region, to set aside differences and to use one's respective influence with the parties to the conflict. We need to promote a genuine and results- oriented negotiation process aimed at creating a lasting settlement that will provide the foundation for peace, security and prosperity both in Afghanistan and the wider region, and we know how important UNAMA's work is in this context. At the same time, it is imperative that any agreement not set back the rights of Afghan women and girls.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The EU stands ready to support its implementation through substantial reintegration assistance so as to help create a conducive environment that can offer Afghan citizens opportunities within the country. I would also like to briefly highlight the formidable challenge that minefields still pose for security and the socioeconomic development of the population. We call for a sustained demining rhythm and commend the work of mine-action partners and the Afghan authorities. In this crucial phase, when we are heading towards the upcoming NATO summit in Warsaw and the Brussels conference on Afghanistan in October, let me stress that we have a collective responsibility for stability and State-building in Afghanistan and the wider region.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“They represent a severe constraint for the development of Afghanistan's society and economy, as well as a pressing challenge to the region, transit States and the EU, where Afghans remain the second-largest group of arrivals in 2015. Irregular migration is a real political challenge, and that is why the EU has made the offer of a new political framework to address this pressing problem: the Joint Way Forward. Effective cooperation on the return and readmission by the Afghan Government of its nationals, in full respect of their fundamental rights and in accordance with international commitments and obligations, is its central element. We hope to agree on and effectively implement the Joint Way Forward as soon as possible.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Only a stable political and economic environment will help consolidate Afghanistan's nascent democratic institutions and promote the establishment of a reliable rule-of-law framework with safeguards to respect, protect and promote human rights, in particular women's and children's rights. Significant progress in this respect has been made in recent years in Afghanistan, but much remains to be done, in particular to ensure the full enjoyment of women's and girls' rights and women's empowerment at all levels of society, which is a priority. In this context, I would like to highlight that substantial cooperative efforts will be necessary to address large population movements and the issue of irregular migration.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Progress must be made with the new national priority programmes and the update of the Self-reliance through Mutual Accountability framework. All three are linked and will be important deliverables in the run-up to the Brussels conference, to be co-hosted by the Government of Afghanistan and the European Union in October this year. However, even more important is to cross the threshold from policy concepts to actual implementation, despite the difficult legacy that the National Unity Government is facing. Corruption in particular is a critical challenge in this regard, and the implementation of effective anti-corruption measures is of paramount importance.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Let me underline the need for the Afghan people, especially the youth, to be able to see a viable future in Afghanistan. In this regard, the capacity ofAfghanistan's institutions to address the population's basic needs and to reduce poverty will be a determining factor. This will require the Afghan Government to promote sustainable economic, social and environmental development, including sustained job creation for women and men alike, while further improving governance, tackling drug production and trafficking, as well as further strengthening fiscal sustainability. The first draft ofthe new Afghan national peace and development framework is encouraging. It is important that the framework focus also on the important issues of good governance, the rule of law, anti-corruption and human rights.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Success will require concerted efforts, which depend on tangible progress in Afghan State-building through the continued implementation of the reform agenda of the National Unity Government; international support and sustained funding at or near current levels until 2020; increasing aid effectiveness in response to the new Afghan national peace and development framework and our lasting security partnership; and regional support for a political process towards stabilization, peace and reinforced cross-border economic cooperation. A wait-and-see attitude is hardly an option and risks costing much more tomorrow than it might save today. The signal of our lasting, mutual engagement has real impact not only on Afghanistan but also on the wider region: on stability, on possible peace talks, on economic development and on migration.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The progress achieved in Afghanistan is encouraging in many areas, but much remains to be done as progress has been uneven and remains reversible. The ongoing fragility warrants a realistic approach for the longer term and calls for the sustained and predictable support of the international community, based on the principles of mutual accountability. As the Secretary-General highlights in his report, we have to meet important challenges, in particular in terms of the economic slowdown, with persistent high poverty rates; the struggle for political reforms, notably as regards the electoral system and a credible electoral calendar; and a security situation that remains a source of real concern.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2016/532). I would also like to thank Special Representative Haysom for his briefing. (spoke in English) Let me start by reiterating our full support for the important continuing role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and all of the United Nations agencies in supporting the Afghan people and in coordinating the international community's assistance.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The Council can count on our support for reinforcing the protection of civilians in armed conflict, including through support to United Nations peace operations and through our own missions. We will continue our support for the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law and strengthened accountability for serious violations thereof.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“The EU is committed to assisting States in strengthening their national judicial and correctional systems in order to enable them to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of atrocity crimes. Furthermore, closer cooperation between the International Criminal Court (ICC) and missions in the field is of vital importance. When a peace operation is to be deployed in an ICC-situation country, its mandate should authorize it to facilitate or assist the ICC, including by assisting authorities in the protection of witnesses and the arrest and surrender of individuals subject to arrest warrants issued by the Court. The EU finds it deeply disturbing that civilians continue to account for the vast majority of casualties in today's armed conflicts.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“In that context, United Nations peace operations need to be staffed and equipped in a way that allows United Nations personnel to better interact with the local population and civil society organizations, including women's rights-based groups, with the overarching aim of responding to warning signals and reducing the risk of atrocity crimes. The implementation of the Human Rights Up Front Initiative should make a positive contribution in that regard. In cases where international efforts fail and atrocity crimes are committed, accountability is crucial. Where mandated or when the host State has consented thereto, United Nations peace operations should be equipped and staffed with the capability and expertise to assist in transparent investigations and support the collection of evidence in a professional manner.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“The EU has, for its part, provided training on the protection of civilians, atrocity prevention, gender, child protection, human rights law and international humanitarian law as an integral part of the training curricula to its missions in Somalia, Mali and the Niger. United Nations peace operations should also play a critical role in assisting the host States in the implementation of the responsibility to protect, as they are often in the front line when a State is unable or unwilling to protect civilians from the risk of atrocity crimes.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“We agree that, in many ways, training is the cornerstone of improving the carrying out the protection ofcivilians by missions. We need to improve cooperation in the area of training in order to better implement relevant United Nations standards, ideally by offering United Nations-certified training on the protection of civilians, as some EU member States have been doing. Such training should also include predeployment and in-mission training on child protection, as well as issues on sexual exploitation and abuse. The EU supports the United Nations zero-tolerance policy in that regard. There is nothing more damning for the legitimacy of international peacekeeping and for efforts to regain the trust of local populations than peacekeepers abusing those they are mandated to protect.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Peacekeeping operations need to be equipped with clear, coherent, concise and achievable mandates that include a strong human rights component when relevant, and protection mandates must be translated into solid concepts of operations and operational guidelines. We call on all peacekeeping operations with a protection-of-civilians mandate to put in place protection-of-civilians strategies by the end of this year. Transition arrangements between different operations or distinct organizations and exit strategies should be explored early on. From an early stage onwards, transition arrangements should take into account elements that will contribute to the assessment of the overall efficiency of the missions once they are terminated.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Key areas to advance in the protection of civilians, such as a political process, conflict prevention, early warning and partnerships, which were all emphasized in the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (see S/2015/446) and the Secretary- General's reports, would require the active involvement of all those actors. The EU and its members States are providing support and capacity-building to partners in all those areas. Local ownership is an important factor in protecting civilians. Regional and subregional organizations play an increasingly important role in international peace and security. Better coordination of efforts between the United Nations and such organizations should be pursued to ensure that the distribution ofobjectives and tasks among organizations maximizes the impact on the ground.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“For example, effective implementation requires better planning support to missions, capturing lessons learned effectively and improving the understanding of how to support host States in protecting civilians. Missions need to be equipped with the tools to address both the root causes ofcrises and their most Visible consequences. Peacekeepers must protect civilians under threat of physical violence consistent with the requirements of their mandates. Different levels of threat must be met with the appropriate and commensurate use of force, as necessary. Clearly, local actors and non-governmental organizations, as well as regional and international organizations, have a key role to play in supporting national authorities in their protection-of-civilians responsibilities.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Children are disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and grave violations against children continue to increase. The situation of children in many places, such as Syria, the Central African Republic and Mali, among others, is of most urgent concern. National authorities have the primary responsibility to provide protection for their citizens. However, the protection of civilians is also a main task of peacekeeping and is often decisive for the success and legitimacy of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Today, 10 out of 16 peacekeeping missions have mandates encompassing the protection of civilians. However, many challenges remain in terms of the effective implementation of protection mandates, and we need to continue to address them.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“We concur with the Secretary- General, as expressed in his report of June 2015 (see S/2015/453), that prevailing disrespect for international humanitarian law by some States and non-State armed groups and pervasive impunity for violations have become one of the most critical challenges for the protection of civilians. Upholding the norms that safeguard humankind was at the heart of the recent World Humanitarian Summit and we must take forward the commitments that were made there to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The specific protection needs of women and children require special attention. Similar attention should also be paid to the phenomenon of sexual violence and the use of rape as tactics of warfare, affecting women, children, but also men.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer; the Executive Director of UNICEF, Mr. Anthony Lake; and the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera, for their briefings. (spoke in English) The protection of civilians in armed conflicts remains an acute and urgent concern for the EU and its member States.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“These include projects addressing gender exploitation and promoting the human rights of all women and girls. The EU will continue to develop partnerships to address trafficking in human beings worldwide. Accountability and a collective effort are needed to put an end to this heinous crime.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“The European Commission has recently published a study on the gender dimension of trafficking in human beings that identifies the harms of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and the most effective ways to reduce such harm after the fact. The study concludes that trafficking for sexual exploitation is a particularly gendered, severe and sustained form of violence against women with physical, reproductive and mental-health impacts and secondary victimization harms. There is a need to provide specialist services that are gender-specific and access to mainstream services, such as health services, in order to address the particular needs stemming from these gendered forms of trafficking. Reflecting the EU's comprehensive approach, anti-trafficking projects are funded under a number of EU financial instruments.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“In addition, as transnational illicit networks trafficking in people, drugs and money have embedded themselves in many conflicts, feeding on them and fuelling them with funds and weapons, we find it important that peacekeeping operations be enabled to address these issues effectively. In this regard, the United Nations police component is a critical tool in assisting host-State police and other law-enforcement agencies in addressing serious and organized crime and protecting civilians. The EU has built a gender-specific, comprehensive legal and policy framework to combat trafficking in human beings through the EU anti-trafficking Directive and the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings. Anti-trafficking actions also form a key part of our external policies.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We underline the need for the rapid and effective investigation and documentation of such crimes. In this respect, we commend the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC for issuing a policy paper on sexual and gender-based crimes in June 2014 and for establishing a priority in investigating such crimes in conflict areas. We also note the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia's work to capture lessons learned on prosecuting sexual and gender-based violence crimes. Nevertheless, we bear in mind that the ICC jurisdiction is complementary to that of States and that the primary responsibility for bringing perpetrators to justice resides with States. At the national level, accountability and transitional justice mechanisms are also a key to this end.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We therefore welcome the fact that the Council, in particular in its resolution 2253 (2015), introduces terrorist listing criteria related to sexual and gender-based Violence. Deterring the financing of terrorism by all means possible, in particular through revenue from trafficking in persons, specifically in conflict, should remain a key priority in our justice response. More than ever, there is a need to end impunity for sexual and gender-based crimes. The lack of accountability in conflict areas contributes to an increase in such appalling crimes and causes further distress to survivors. We emphasize the significant advancement in international justice made by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as by the non-permanent International Criminal Tribunals in combating sexual violence in conflict.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“First and foremost, we need to renew and invigorate our collective effort to implement domestically the existing legal architecture for combating trafficking in persons, in particular the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, and make use of the expertise and practical tools of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this regard. We also need to make full use of the mechanisms and tools created by the Security Council to combat and prevent conflict-related sexual violence, including by strengthening the implementation of the sanctions regimes, in particular by ensuring that involvement in human trafficking is more widely used as a basis for listing where appropriate.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Assistance should be comprehensive, including medical care, psychological support and referral to legal services and socioeconomic assistance. Moreover, awareness-raising strategies must be pursued to fight stigmatization of the survivors and of children born as a result of sexual violence, so as to challenge negative perceptions and misunderstandings that cause further suffering and inhibit the ability of survivors to rebuild their lives. Thirdly, we must strengthen the justice response.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“The protection of civilians, in particular vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities and persons belonging to minorities, is central to all of our policies. Women and girls often suffer disproportionally in situations of conflict and become deliberate targets for terrorist groups. Women and girls belonging to minorities are particularly at risk, and sexual violence is often used strategically to instil fear into, destabilize and displace entire communities. Greater attention must be given to their specific situation, including through humanitarian assistance. There is an urgent need to adopt a survivor- centred approach to sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian aid policies and practices.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“The Internet and new technologies enable organized-crime groups to access a large pool of potential victims, hide their activities and carry out a wide range of criminal acts in a shorter period of time and on a much larger scale than ever before. Measures need to be taken in order to prevent and address the use of new technologies as a tool for recruiting victims of trafficking in human beings, including in conflict areas and by terrorist groups. In this context, studies should also be done on how social media are being used to traffic women and girls into non-State armed groups and to recruit male fighters by promising access to trafficked women. Secondly, we should strengthen the humanitarian dimension.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“In the last few years, the importance of mainstreaming the gender dimension and of understanding the essential role of women in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism has become evident. We need to strengthen our comprehensive policies and strategies empowering the role of women in society as a whole and better understand their specific needs and role in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Government policies need to be complemented by actions at the community level, including through partnerships with civil-society groups focused on women's empowerment and raising awareness of their role in fighting terrorism and violent extremism.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“But unfortunately, in addition to ISIL there are other terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram, that practise human trafficking. As the Secretary- General's report makes clear, it is a global threat that can be found in many conflict areas, including Syria, Somalia, Yemen, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and as such needs to be responded to at the international and national levels. The interlinkages between trafficking in persons and conflict-related sexual violence, including by Violent extremist groups, need to be understood better and combatted with improved understanding of the root causes, motivations of perpetrators, and consequences of their actions on civilian populations. In this regard, we emphasize the following points: First, we must strengthen the preventive dimension at the global, regional and national levels.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“The grim truth is that some individuals and groups choose to treat women and girls as commodities to be owned, traded, gifted and trafficked. Due to demand, human beings become resources to be exploited and their human rights denied. The cynical political economy of war dictates that when human life is monetized, significant resources can be raised to promote violent and destructive causes. It is well known that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) uses sexual violence systematically to mobilize resources and fund its operations, including the ransoming and sale of women and girls through human trafficking and slave markets. In that context it is particularly worrisome that ISIL is expanding its presence in Libyan areas that in previous years functioned as major human trafficking routes.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“The most recent EU data show that trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is still the most widespread form of trafficking and targets predominantly women and girls. This type of trafficking constitutes a structural form of violence against women and girls and is both a demand- and profit-driven crime. From the sexual exploitation of women and girls to other forms of trafficking, such as forced marriages and many other despicable forms of exploitation, violence against women and gender inequality remain at the core of the problem. There has been a worryingly sharp increase in the number of victims of trafficking. We as the international community must spare no effort to combat the heinous crimes that armed and terrorist groups impose on populations, including women and girls.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We welcome the report submitted by the Secretary-General in April on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2016/361) and presidential statement S/PRST/2015/25, adopted in December 2015. We look forward to the Secretary-General's report on progress to implement better existing mechanisms countering trafficking in persons. We commend the work of Special Representative Bangura and of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as of United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict. As the Secretary-General's most recent report on conflict-related sexual violence states, the scope of sexual violence remains at alarming level, including recent trends such as trafficking and its close linkages to broader peace and security. Trafficking is gender-specific.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I am speaking on behalfofthe European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this statement. I thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; Zainab Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict; Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; and Lisa Davis, of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security for their briefings.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“In that regard, the European Union calls on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet the outstanding objectives and the conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made notable progress since the last discussion in the Council (see S/P.7555). Its European perspective drives the reforms in the country and contributes to overall stability and development. Political divisions remain, including across ethnic lines, and require continued focus and efforts by the international community, using appropriate tools. The European Union looks forward to the continued support of the Council in its role in guiding and assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina towards peace, stability and prosperity for all its citizens.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“The European Union will continue to use all available instruments to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's stability and progress. The overall security situation has remained relatively calm and stable, yet stability has not been fully entrenched. In that regard, the European Union confirms its decision to maintain its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including through the executive mandate of the European Union-led peacekeeping force Operation Althea, while focusing on capacity-building and training. As the country's stability continues to strengthen and further progress is achieved in reforms and on the EU path, the European Union will be looking forward to continuing the discussion with the international community on the reconfiguration of the international presence. We will do so in the appropriate forum.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Citizens will see through those actions, and their elected representatives, whom they entrusted to address those issues, will be held accountable. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all parties involved to reach an agreement as soon as possible on how to implement the electoral requirements to allow for elections in Mostar in October. Reconciliation needs to advance broadly among the citizens and the political leadership representing their interests. To succeed, the country needs to move forward united. The European Union reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country, as well as to Bosnia and Herzegovina's European Union prospect.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source