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

“Swift, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access is a precondition for undertaking proper assessments of humanitarian needs, for the implementation and monitoring of relief operations and for ensuring appropriate follow-up. However, humanitarian access remains the most significant challenge for humanitarian organizations, often owing to political considerations, administrative and physical impediments and restrictions or security- related concerns. In that context, the EU urges all parties to conflicts to grant humanitarian organizations rapid, safe and unimpeded access to the affected population and notes that any arbitrary denial of access constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We must remember that, when mass atrocities occur, both the State in question and the international community are responsible for ensuring that all peoples are protected against such actions. The principle of the responsibility to protect makes clear that Governments have an obligation to protect their own populations, while the international community has an obligation to assist Governments in doing so and to react when Governments fail in their obligation to protect their civilians. Humanitarian activities face a number of challenges today that are contributing to the shrinking of the humanitarian space andjeopardizing the core principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality that underpin humanitarian work.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Strengthening accountability when violations occur is a crucial element in encouraging the parties to armed conflict to comply with their international obligations. National Governments have the primary responsibility to provide accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Where they fail to take the necessary steps in that regard, the ICC is a court of last resort. The Security Council has an important role to play, given that it has a global mandate to make referrals to the Court. The EU is a firm supporter of the ICC and believes it plays an essential role in promoting respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“In particular, the use of rape and sexual violence as a method of warfare is one of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. While some positive steps have been taken at both the national and international levels in holding perpetrators to account, more efforts to address this issue must be pursued. Despite all these initiatives, it is clear that international humanitarian law is violated all too frequently. For this reason, the EU is closely following the initiative by Switzerland and the ICRC on the possibility of establishing a mechanism to improve compliance with international humanitarian law and welcomes the initiative to study the feasibility of such amechanism.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The European Union is also satisfied with the significant progress made in the fight against the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. Considering the tremendous humanitarian and development challenges still posed by such weapons, it is clear that much more remains to be done. We continue to be very preoccupied by the humanitarian impact of the use of such weapons in densely populated areas. We take note of the view expressed by the International Committee of the Red Cross recalling that the use of explosive weapons with a wide-impact area must be avoided in densely populated areas. Unfortunately, it is often women and children who suffer the most in armed conflict.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Arms control and the fight against the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of weapons constitute an important pillar of international humanitarian law. The Arms Trade Treaty (resolution 67/234 B), which was adopted by the General Assembly, will be a significant contribution to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. All EU member States have already signed the Treaty, and ratifications are under way. We believe that, by ensuring that conventional arms are traded in a responsible way, the Arms Trade Treaty can reduce gender-based violence and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children around the world. The EU encourages all States Members of the United Nations to sign the Treaty and will actively support its early entry into force and proper implementation.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We would note that one such commitment was a promise by all member States to consider ratifying all the core international humanitarian law instruments to which they were not yet party by the next conference, in 2015. Work to implement those commitments is under way. Significant steps have been taken to implement the new guidelines, in terms of all member States ratifying core international humanitarian law instruments and their accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The EU encourages those member States that have not yet ratified Additional Protocols 1, II and III to the Geneva Conventions to do so. We also call on all States to accept and recognize the competence of the International Humanitarian Fact- Finding Commission.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The frequent failure of parties to armed conflicts to comply with their obligations is of profound concern to the EU. The EU has adopted guidelines on promoting respect for international humanitarian law, setting out the EU view on the scope of international humanitarian law and listing the tasks the EU must undertake to improve its implementation. The EU monitors situations where international humanitarian law is applicable and recommends actions to promote compliance. The EU makes full use of all the tools at its disposal, including political dialogue and processes and public statements to that effect. At the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, held in 2011, member States undertook substantial commitments concerning international humanitarian law.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General and his team for the very moving ceremony that they held this morning. I wish also to thank the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Amos, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay, and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Spoerri, for their statements. We note that Argentina has chosen this important topic for an open debate in view of the upcoming report by the Secretary-General. The European Union (EU) is firmly committed to promoting the implementation of international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law worldwide. Respect for those laws is crucial to ensuring the protection of civilians in armed conflicts and to providing help to victims in the most efficient manner.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union 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 Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this declaration. Before beginning, I would like to add my voice to all those who have today paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad in 2003, which killed 22 United Nations staff members, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. My thoughts are also with all our other United Nations colleagues who have perished while carrying out their mission.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“But we can and should learn from one another's experiences. That is why today's discussions are so valuable, so we can jointly grow the important partnership between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We also hope that we can bring our experience in conflict prevention to other regional organizations, including on preventing conflict over resources such as water and energy- related challenges through subregional strategies and institutions. To conclude, every regional organization has an inherent historical background, distinct objectives and a diverse membership. The concept paper (S/2013/446, annex) shared by the Argentine presidency rightly points out that differences in capacity, vision, mandates and objectives pose a clear challenge to elaborating an overarching framework. In formulating strategies for cooperation, we should therefore approach our efforts to strengthen global and regional cooperation in a results-oriented and pragmatic manner. There is no one size fits all.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Moreover, the EU continues to support specific activities in those areas where the United Nations may be best placed to take matters forward in the field. That support also translates into substantial funding. Finally, we want to emphasize the overall importance of the exchange of best practices and lessons learned, both between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations as well as among regional organizations themselves. Regional organizations can learn a lot from the experience of the United Nations. For the EU, for example, our cooperation with the United Nations in the area of conflict prevention has a strong element of experience-sharing. To further promote such exchanges, we are exploring several possibilities for the better linking up of our work in the field.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“As an example, we were able to provide timely support for the rapid setting up of the United Nations Supervision Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. Similarly, our ongoing dialogue and cooperation regarding Mali illustrates how we can establish mutually supportive solutions in crisis management and early peacebuilding. Also in terms of conflict prevention, longer-term peacebuilding and mediation-strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the relevant regional and subregional organizations can bear fruit. For the EU, the United Nations remains a key partner in all of those areas. To that end, a mechanism has been established to allow regular policy-level contacts between EU and United Nations services.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Those actions range from hybrid, parallel and sequential deployment to logistics support relationships and joint training activities. Such cooperation cannot start early enough. A joint EU-United Nations assessment team recently visited Mali to assess the support requirements of the Mali police and in the area of counter-terrorism. Similarly, in crisis management, as well as early peacebuilding, regional organizations can develop a mutually supportive relationship with the United Nations. In those areas, the EU has over the years developed a close relationship with the United Nations, including through cooperation between our respective missions. In 2003, we agreed to a joint declaration on United Nations-EU cooperation in crisis management, which was complemented and reinforced by a further joint statement in June 2007.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union and its member States welcome the increased attention given to the role of regional organizations in peacekeeping. The challenges oftoday's United Nations peacekeeping operations - including the ever-increasing demands for their deployment * highlight the need for increased cooperation with and capacity-building of regional organizations. Over the years, the EU has, in many locations, provided operational, financial and political support to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. The 12 completed and 16 ongoing Common Security and Defence Policy operations of the European Union - both military and civilian, on several continents - bear testimony to that support. The EU will continue to look for ways to enhance its direct support to United Nations peacekeeping based on an action plan that we adopted last year.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“As Council members know, the European Union and its member States provide substantial support for the capacity-building of regional organizations, both political and financial. For example, the EU is an important donor to the African Union African peace and security architecture and supports early warning and crisis response activities of the League of Arab States. As the Secretary-General stressed in his statement today, cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union is both geographically and substantially wide-ranging. Allow me to briefly address some of the areas of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations that we deem of particular importance in that context, and to share our own experiences in that regard. First is peacekeeping.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I also thank the Secretary-General for his statement and the representatives of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the African Union, the Union of South American Nations and the League of Arab States, for their briefings. In the light of the many challenges to peace and security, it is clear that the United Nations cannot address these alone, but that regional organizations often have an essential role to play. They can contribute their understanding of local and regional conflicts and their root causes, as well as their capacity to respond. Their capacity to contribute is, in itself, important. Enhanced regional capabilities for peacekeeping and conflict prevention are a prerequisite for strengthening regional ownership and responsibility for crisis management. Those capabilities require support, also among regions.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · 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 and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this declaration. Let me first congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming this month's presidency ofthe Security Council and welcome Argentina's choice of the important topic of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations for its opening debate.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We also welcome the Council's adoption of resolution 2106 (2013) today as an expression of the Council's continued determination to keep this issue under close scrutiny.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The EU now has gender advisers and/or human rights focal points in each of its crisis management missions and operations. The EU supports the swift deployment of human rights observers in Mali by the African Union and the United Nations and provides financial support for the deployment of observers. The EU training mission in Mali includes training on gender and human rights for the Malian armed forces. We continue to support the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/335) and the recommendations contained therein.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“There is a need to ensure the availability of reparations as a form of transitional gender justice, as well as accessible services, including health, education, psychosocial, legal and economic support. We must raise awareness and combat the normalization of sexual violence, including beyond the end of the conflict, to counter stigmatization, shame and fear of social exclusion, which perpetuate the underreporting of sexual violence. We continue to underline the importance of the continued deployment of women's and child protection advisers. The European Union continues to implement its dedicated policy on women and peace and security, as well as to support initiatives to strengthen international criminal justice and the rule of law.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We support the continued application of targeted and graduated measures by the relevant Security Council Sanctions Committees aimed at perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, as well as other measures at its disposal including referrals to the ICC and steps towards the systematic monitoring of commitments by parties to conflict under resolution 1960 (2010). With regard to ensuring women's leadership and the participation of women in peace processes and conflict resolution, those processes should also recognize explicitly the need to address crimes of sexual violence, as they lay the foundation for future institution-building and political and legal reforms.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“With regard to ensuring the prosecution of crimes of sexual Violence and punishing perpetrators of crimes against women and girls under national and international law, we emphasize the significant advancement in international law made by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which includes sexual violence in the definition of crimes, in particular as a crime against humanity, and note that the ICC, as well as the non-permanent International Criminal Tribunals, continue to be important mechanisms in combating sexual violence in conflict. We furthermore acknowledge the national efforts to implement the Rome Statute. The crimes of sexual violence must be excluded from amnesty provisions in conflict-resolution processes.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Today's debate addresses the root cause ofrecurring and pervasive sexual violence in conflict - the often predominant culture of impunity that allows these crimes to go unrecorded, unpunished and, at worst, tolerated by the community. We cannot combat sexual violence and ensure effective conflict resolution and peacebuilding without tackling this gap at all levels. Such actions must include the following. With regard to ensuring adequate information, fact- finding and documentation, sexual violence in conflict remains universally underreported. Inter alia, that is the result of the threats faced by those who come forward to report this crime. We reiterate the need to take all measures for the protection of survivors, human rights defenders and journalists, who contribute to collecting information on sexual violence.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. Croatia, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Georgia align themselves with this statement, the full version of which is being circulated in the Chamber. I thank the Secretary-General, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the representative on Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice and the Special Envoy of the Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for their statements delivered earlier today.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We are currently in the final phase of negotiating the cooperation agreement for partnership and development, which will form the basis of EU-Afghan relations for the next 10 years. We are also in the early stages of putting in place the foundations for our development cooperation through 2020. Those are clear indications of the long-term commitment of the EU and its member States to support Afghanistan through a comprehensive approach that ensures synergies between political, security and development engagement.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“An effective justice system and police force are critical to the rule oflaw in Afghanistan and something the EU is supporting, inter alia, through its support for police reform and the justice sector. We are glad to announce that, on 27 May, the Council of the European Union extended the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan until 31 December 2014. The EU welcomes the outcomes of the third Heart of Asia ministerial conference, held in Almaty. The Istanbul Process has brought about important measures aimed at building confidence and increasing cooperation and inclusive sustainable development across the region. The EU supports endeavours on the part of the Heart of Asia countries to continue strengthening intra-regional trust.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Secondly, the Chief Justice should be appointed in accordance with the Constitution. Thirdly, the mining law, which is so important for attracting investment, should be enacted. Credible and sustained action is also required to implement the statutory safeguards, most notably the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women, that strengthen human rights in Afghanistan, in particular the rights of women. The EU attaches great importance to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Afghanistan also needs to take systemic action to advance judicial reform. The failure of the Government of Afghanistan to develop a working justice system plays into the hands of insurgents and those who would resort to summary justice.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The full implementation of reforms, in particular on elections, financial transparency, the rule of law and human rights, especially the rights of women, as well as continued efforts to combat corruption, remains paramount in achieving a successful transition and long-term transformation in Afghanistan. We look forward to reviewing the progress made by Afghanistan and the international community in that regard at the meeting of senior officials to be held on 3 July in Kabul. The EU believes that the Government needs to implement the following measures as a matter of absolute urgency ahead of the meeting. First, the electoral legislative framework should be adopted so the elections are governed by law, the status of the Independent Election Commission is regularized and a credible electoral complaints mechanism is established.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“In particular, it is important to put in place an electoral legal framework consistent with the Constitution, with credible measures to prevent fraud and overseen by independent bodies. Accordingly, the Government of Afghanistan is urged to speed up the legislative process and engage in earnest in bringing that work to a successful conclusion. The EU is assisting in the preparations of the elections through technical advice to the Independent Election Commission and as one of the major funders of the electoral assistance programme led by the United Nations Development Programme. The international conference held in Tokyo last year reaffirmed the partnership between the Government of Afghanistan and the international community.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“We support the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan and the international community to create a secure environment in which the people of Afghanistan can live without the fear of terrorism and violence. We welcome the announcements of this week that signal the potential for a better future for Afghanistan. The announcement of the final stage of the transition process highlights the progress made in the competence and effectiveness of the Afghan National Security Forces. The EU welcomes the convening of the presidential and provincial council elections due to take place on 5 April 2014. We strongly urge the Afghan authorities to continue to prioritize preparations for the elections, based on the principles of inclusiveness, transparency and credibility.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Norway, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this statement, the full version of which is being circulated in the Chamber and will be posted on our website. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2013/350) and Special Representative Jan Kubis for his briefing. We were greatly saddened by the recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. The EU condemns such cowardly attacks on humanitarian organizations and children.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Finally, natural resources play a critical role in fuelling and financing conflict, but also in creating strategic incentives for peacebuilding and peace-supporting action. Peace agreements have to create conditions in which belligerents have more of an incentive to become part of a peace economy than to remain in the shadow economy. The implementation of legitimate methods of exploitation and trade for concerned minerals should be encouraged by specific incentives. It is therefore important that all initiatives be undertaken pursuant to relevant international law, include appropriate safeguards and are carefully evaluated for their impact on domestic reform, conflict, poverty and insecurity.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“In addition, the European Commission is considering a comprehensive EU supply chain initiative for the responsible sourcing of minerals originating from conflict areas. In that respect, the European Commission launched a public consultation in March to gather views from stakeholders. On that basis, the Commission expects to publish a communication and a legislative proposal later this year. In our experience, it is important that the international community, including the Security Council and the relevant United Nations bodies, build on existing initiatives and seek convergence and complementarities. Inclusiveness and the partnership of all stakeholders at all stages of the value chain are also essential.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The European Union also supports the implementation of the United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights. The European Union is funding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. With regard to internal legislation, in 2011 the European Commission proposed a reform of the accounting and transparency directive that requires EU oil, gas, mining and timber companies to publish specific payments to partner Governments. The reform was politically agreed in May 2013, and we envisage its entry into force in August. The EU has also adopted the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-affected and High-risk Areas.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The EU will provide technical assistance that will contribute to building the capacity of the ICGLR and its member States' national administrations in relation to natural resources and conflicts, notably through the establishment of a regional certification scheme. With regard to the United Nations, the Eureopean Union is fostering an inter-agency approach through the EU-United Nations Partnership on Natural Resources and Conflict Prevention, as well as with the World Bank and other international stakeholders. Participating agencies are leveraging their respective skills and knowledge to better assist third countries in preventing and addressing natural-resources-related conflicts. Furthermore, the EU takes note of the role of the Peacebuilding Commission and encourages it to enhance its interaction with the Security Council in this area.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The Kimberly Process needs to be strengthened to meet future challenges in the global diamond-supply chain and provide assurances for consumers that diamonds are not tainted by violence. One of the unique features of the Kimberly Process is its tripartite structure, which involves Governments, industry and civil society. We take this opportunity to call on all parties involved to recognize the full diversity of opinions within and about the Kimberly Process and to continue to work together to enhance the scheme's credibility. The EU also supports the Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources, launched by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Experience shows that a more comprehensive approach is needed to break the linkages between instability and violent conflict in mineral-rich countries, one that deploys the full range of development, trade, security and diplomatic instruments at the disposal of the international community and that ensures a human rights perspective. For its part, the European Union has focused on promoting conflict-sensitive management of the international diamond trade and the forestry sector, as well as on the transparency of the revenues generated by the extractive industry. We have adopted policy frameworks and business standards relevant to the promotion of transparency in the supply chains. The following are some examples. The European Union played a crucial role in setting up and implementing the Kimberley Process certification scheme.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The illegal exploitation of, and trade in, natural resources has led to the development of a number of initiatives. Some are aimed at delinking the trade in minerals sourced from the control of armed groups, while others aim to promote good governance and transparency of financial revenues and the adoption of responsible business principles. The impact of those and other existing initiatives has to be assessed against their objectives; they cannot address the root causes of violence and instability by themselves.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“However, we regret that the Council was unable to speak in one voice on this important issue. I would also like to thank the Deputy-Secretary General, World Bank Managing Director Caroline Anstey, Mr. Kofi Annan, as Africa Progress Panel Chair, and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme Rebeca Grynspan for their statements. Managing, extracting and exploiting natural mineral resources are often cited as key factors in triggering, escalating or sustaining violent conflicts. There is also a worrying correlation between military activity linked to the illegal extraction of natural resources and episodes of sexual Violence. For instance, the African Great Lakes region is characterized both by instability and mineral-rich soils.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia, the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. First, I would like to join previous speakers in condemning in the strongest terms the attacks that took place today at the United Nations compound in Mogadishu. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to the families and friends of those affected by this heinous crime. We welcome the initiative taken by the United Kingdom to hold this open debate on conflict prevention and natural resources.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The EU and its member States spent â‚¬200 million between 2009 and 2012 on assistance related to children and armed conflict in the countries listed in the Secretary-General's report. The EU is also systematically addressing child protection in all of the EU's crisis-management missions and operations. For example, the EU has adopted minimum training standards and in 2013 introduced a specialized training programme on children and armed conflict for its diplomatic staff, in cooperation with UNICEF. EU training missions, the most recent one being in Mali, provide training to armed forces on, inter alia, humanitarian and human rights law. Children have the right to be free from fear and want. Let us make sure that they can enjoy their Childhoods, so that they will become strong, self-confident and responsible members of our communities.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“In that regard, it is also essential that Member States allow the United Nations unconditional access to armed non-State actors. The International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to play a crucial role in fighting impunity. Serious crimes of international concern should be dealt with by national judicial systems, but when they are unwilling or unable to do so, States parties to the Rome Statute should consider referring those situations to the ICC. Further institutional dialogue between the ICC and the Security Council and effective follow up of referrals made by the Security Council to the ICC could assist in ensuring accountability. As it is crucial to implement existing commitments, I would like to provide the Council with an update on the EU's strong commitment.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Briefings by the Special Representative ofthe Secretary- General to Security Council, its Working Group and the relevant Sanctions Committees, such as the one she made following her visit to Syria, should be a regular feature. In addition, the Working Group toolbox should in general be fully applied to perpetrators of grave violations. Those recommendations go hand in hand with those in the report of the Secretary-General and would contribute to adequately addressing the issue of persistent perpetrators. Still, 29 parties have been listed for a period of five years or more. The instrument of regular Security Council Working Group field trips would help in the follow-up on the implementation of action plans, as would well-coordinated local networks of Governments and United Nations actors.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The report also highlights the growing practice of States to arrest and detain children, making them particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. Urgent action is required to prevent and address sexual violence against children, including by providing appropriate and accessible services for their rehabilitation and reintegration, which demonstrates the importance of the Security Council's work on the issue. We also support the work of the delegation of Luxembourg as it chairs the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We welcome today's presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/8). In order to achieve further progress, we would refer to the valuable findings of the recent seminar organized by Liechtenstein and the non-governmental organization Watchlist. Let me just mention some of those findings.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The annual report of the Secretary General (S/2013/245) reminds us of the challenges ahead. We have seen progress in some areas - for example, with the increasing number of action plans. Still, children in too many countries are suffering terribly from armed conflict. The situation in Syria is of a special and most urgent concern. Children there have been suffering for more than two years from the most heinous crimes. In addition, the difficult situation of children in Mali and the Central African Republic has been highlighted in the Secretary-General's report. The widespread targeting of schools and their military use is very worrisome. Children are threatened when schools or hospitals are being attacked or occupied by armed groups. We strongly urge conflict parties to end that practice.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. Croatia, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this statement. We thank today's briefers for their presentations and express our appreciation to Special Representative Zerrougui for her highly esteemed work. Her tireless efforts have contributed to the advancement of the children and armed conflict agenda. We would like to assure her of the EU's strong support for her mandate. We welcome the opportunity to speak today. Acknowledging the practical reasons for the format of the debate at this meeting, we look forward to returning in the future to the practice of addressing the subject in open debates.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The European Union and its member States highly appreciate the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, including its coordination with other international entities such as Justice Rapid Response and the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, as well as the recent commitments of the Group of Eight to do more to address impunity for sexual violence in conflict, including the endorsement of the development of an international protocol on the investigation and documentation of sexual violence in conflict. We continue to support its efforts, as well as those of the United Nations system, Member States and all actors involved in preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The European Union support to various initiatives related to women, peace and security amounts to approximately â‚¬200 million a year. The European Union is envisaging increased funding for prevention and response efforts, such as programming to combat gender-based violence, including sexual violence, from the first phase of conflict and in humanitarian emergencies. The European Union now has gender advisors and/or human rights focal points in each of its crisis management missions and operations throughout the world. We continue our work on specific training modules on human rights and gender in crisis management, while ensuring a focus on sexual violence in armed conflicts. We continue to work closely with UN-Women and support initiatives to ensure greater participation by women in peacebuilding and post- conflict planning.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source