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 report also refers to two distinct trends regarding sexual violence identified by the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic in its reports: the occurrence of sexual violence during house searches and at checkpoints and the perpetration of rape and torture in the context of detention. We also note the two major patterns of sexual violence detected by the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo - systematic targeting by armed groups of civilians so as to control areas rich in natural resources, and retaliation against communities, often on the basis of the real or perceived ethnicity of the survivors, for supposed political and economic gain. The European Union continues to implement its dedicated policy on women, peace and security adopted in 2008.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The European Union 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 independent human rights observers. The European Union training mission in Mali will include training on gender and human rights. We strongly condemn the systematic and widespread use of sexual violence, referred to in the report, which is used to punish, intimidate and subjugate women and girls in Mali, as well as the use of rape as a tactic of war in rebel-controlled zones.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (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 the Council's disposal, including referrals to the ICC, mandating commissions of inquiry and further steps towards ensuring systematic monitoring of commitments by parties to conflict under its resolution 1960 (2010). We welcome the report (S/2012/732) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Council's resolutions on women and peace and security and the recommendations contained therein. We note positively the further establishment of the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence. We also welcome the continued and systematic deployment of women's protection advisers.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“We underline the need for national ownership, leadership and responsibility in addressing sexual violence. The prosecution of crimes of sexual violence is an important deterrent to future crimes. Ensuring accountability and punishing the perpetrators of the most serious crimes against women and girls under national and international law, as well as holding alleged perpetrators of those crimes accountable under national or international justice, remain essential. We note 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 within its mandate, in particular as a crime against humanity. The ICC continues to be an important mechanism in combating sexual violence in conflict.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“We welcome the call of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, in its most recent conclusions from its March session, to ensure that, in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, the prevention of and response to all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender- based violence, are effectively addressed, including through the investigation, prosecution and punishment of perpetrators, so as to end impunity, lift barriers to women's access to justice, establish complaint and reporting mechanisms and provide support to victims and survivors and affordable and accessible health- care services, including sexual and reproductive health as well as reintegration measures. We support the availability of reparations as a form of transitional gender justice.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“We underline the need to take all measures necessary to protect survivors, witnesses, humanitarian workers, medical personnel, human rights defenders and journalists who contribute to aiding survivors and collect information on sexual violence. The European Union's guidelines on human rights defenders devote particular attention to vulnerable human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders and those working on conflict issues.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“That reaffirms that sexual violence needs, from the start, to be considered as part of all actions to ensure international peace and security in order for them to be effective. Sexual violence has, in addition to its devastating impact on survivors, a broad and long-lasting effect on communities and on States as a whole for generations, not least through the plight ofthe children born as a result of rape. Sexual violence continues to be perpetrated as a tactic of war, including against men and boys and in the context of detention and interrogation, on which further information is needed. Sexual violence in conflict remains prevalent, yet universally under-reported. That is, inter alia, the result of threats faced by those who come forward to report such crimes.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The latest report of the Secretary-General to the Council (S/2013/l49) reaffirms the pervasiveness of sexual violence and its interconnection with various aspects of the maintenance of peace and security. We note, in that regard, the attention drawn to the nexus between sexual violence and the illicit extraction of natural resources, the forcible displacement of civilian populations and the inadequacy of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform efforts. The recently adopted United Nations Arms Trade Treaty states that the risk of conventional arms being used to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender- based violence needs to be taken into account by its State parties.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: On behalf of the European Union and its member States, the acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, align themselves with this statement. I thank the delegation of Rwanda for organizing and hosting this important debate today, as well as the Secretary-General, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura, and the representative of the NGO Working Group for their statements.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Let me end by saying that we need to focus our efforts on making sure that we translate normative progress into concrete improvements in the protection of civilians on the ground.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We note with satisfaction a recent comparative study by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support on the coordination mechanisms in United Nations peacekeeping missions related to the protection of civilians. The relevance of the whole-of-mission approach is clearly demonstrated by such findings. At the same time, the neutrality and independence of humanitarian activities must be maintained to ensure adequate access. The Security Council should continue to request the Secretary-General to explicitly report on the implementation of protection-of-civilian mandates by peacekeeping operations. The protection of civilians should also be a standard benchmark against which we measure the success of a peacekeeping operation.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“For its part, the EU has also integrated that dimension in its training programmes. In addition, the EU training mission in Mali will, for instance, include training on human rights, the law of armed conflict, gender, child soldiers and the protection of civilians. Implementing protection-of-civilian mandates also requires better planning support to missions, harnessing lessons learned effectively and improving the understanding of how to support host States in protecting civilians. Also decisive are effective dialogue and better coordination between protection-mandated missions and the humanitarian organizations undertaking protection activities.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In that regard, the EU looks forward to the completion of the guidance on reporting on the protection of civilians, as requested in resolution 1894 (2009). In many ways, training is the cornerstone of improving the protection of civilians by missions. In that regard, the EU welcomes the establishment of protection-of-civilian training modules to better prepare peacekeepers for that task. It is important that those training modules also cover humanitarian principles and the basic norms of international humanitarian law. In order to make progress, it is up to Member States to ensure that their peacekeepers receive proper training before deployment. We also welcome the fact that mission-specific and tactical-level predeployment and in-mission training modules are under development.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“At the final United Nations Conference, in March, we hope to achieve a treaty that sets the highest common standards for the regulation of the international trade in arms, while also combating illicit trafficking, thus reducing human suffering and improving international peace, security and stability. The mandates of many peacekeeping and other missions have included protection-of-civilian activities for a number of years. Many challenges remain in terms of the effective implementation of such protection mandates that we need to continue to address. Mission-specific comprehensive strategies are a very useful tool to facilitate such tasks. Reporting on the protection of civilians by missions is key not least to keeping the Council and troop-contributing countries informed about the situation on the ground.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We take note of the view expressed by the International Committee of the Red Cross that the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area must be avoided in densely populated areas. That issue should be addressed in a more systematic and proactive way. An important factor in regard to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts is the ongoing negotiation on the arms trade treaty. We are deeply convinced that the arms trade treaty has the potential of contributing to the improvement of living and security conditions of hundreds of thousands of people around the world - mainly civilians, women and children in particular - by ensuring that arms are traded in the most responsible way.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The fact that the United Nations, to its credit, has commissioned and made public a report of that kind opens the way to reviewing and improving the response of the United Nations system to such situations in the future. The EU wishes to express its grave concern for the continuous attacks against, and other interference with, medical personnel and facilities and the increased threats to journalists in situations of armed conflict. Experiences from recent conflicts raises the question of how the principle of distinction is implemented in practice, in particular when conducting warfare within densely populated areas. We furthermore continue to be very preoccupied by the humanitarian impact of the use of weapons in densely populated areas.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“But the need for accountability and justice, sadly, applies to situations in which there has been a failure to protect civilians and crimes have been committed. In addition to bringing perpetrators to justice, we strongly believe in early and decisive action to try to prevent such crimes from being committed and in the need to forcefully remind the authorities responsible of their primary responsibility to protect civilians or be held to account. There is also much room for improvement in the way that the United Nations system responds to early warnings and evolving situations, as underlined in the recent report of the Secretary-General's internal review panel on United Nations action in Sri Lanka, which described a systemic failure in adequately responding to human rights violations and ensuring the protection of civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“With regard to the situation in Mali, the EU is alarmed by allegations of human rights violations and calls on the Malian authorities to make investigations into the matter. The EU stands ready to provide appropriate support to combat such abuse. It stresses the importance of complying with international law and, in particular, reminds the Malian authorities of their primary responsibility to protect civilian populations. All perpetrators of human rights violations must be held responsible for their actions. The EU welcomes the decision by the International Criminal Court to open an inquiry into violations and encourages the Malian authorities to cooperate. Stressing accountability is key.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In more general terms, the frequent failure of parties to armed conflicts to comply with their obligations under applicable international humanitarian law, international human rights law and refugee law to respect and protect civilians is a concerning trend. We call on all parties to armed conflict to respect fully their obligations, including by securing humanitarian space and ensuring access to humanitarian assistance for those in need. The situation is serious in many countries, including in Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and elsewhere, where civilian populations, in particular women and children, continue to be subject to various forms of extreme violence, causing a grave humanitarian crisis with huge displacements of populations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Security Council can refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court, as requested in the letter from the Permanent Mission of Switzerland of 14 January 2013 (S/2013/19, annex), at any time. The EU calls on the Security Council to urgently address the situation in Syria in all aspects, including that issue. Strengthening accountability is an important element in enhancing compliance by the parties to armed conflict with their international obligations. National authorities have the primary responsibility to provide accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Where national authorities fail to take the necessary steps to ensure accountability, the Security Council can, as appropriate, play a more proactive role.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The EU remains deeply concerned about the widespread and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that, according to the independent international commission of inquiry, may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The EU recalls that all those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable and that there should be no impunity for such violations and abuses. The EU has repeatedly stated that if concerns about war crimes and crimes against humanity are not adequately addressed on a national level, the International Criminal Court should deal with the situation.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is very timely to address the issue of the protection of civilians because, while there have been some positive developments, many concerns remain. Despite the progress, we need to continue our efforts to translate normative progress into concrete improvements in the protection of civilians on the ground. Let me start by expressing that the EU is appalled by the increasingly deteriorating situation in Syria, which is primarily due to the unprecedented use of force by the regime. The EU also condemns all attacks, including terrorist acts that indiscriminately target civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf ofthe European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland; 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. I would like to thank the Republic of Korea for having taken the initiative to discuss this very important topic in the Security Council. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their briefings.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union has repeatedly stated that, if concerns about war crimes and crimes against humanity are not adequately addressed at the national level, the International Criminal Court should deal with the situation. The Security Council can refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court, as requested in the Swiss letter to the Security Council of 14 January, at any time (S/2013/19, annex). The European Union calls on the Security Council to urgently address the situation in Syria in all its aspects, including that issue.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union will also call on all donors to step up their response, in coordination with the United Nations and in full respect of humanitarian principles. The overall humanitarian contribution so far from the EU and its member States amounts to over â‚¬333 million. The European Union remains deeply concerned about widespread and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that, according to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The European Union recalls that all those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable and that there should be no impunity for such violations and abuses.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union reiterates its support for strengthening the capacity ofcivil society organizations and stresses their importance for the building of the future democratic Syria. It also acknowledges the importance of supporting local civilian structures throughout Syria. The European Union reiterates its call on all parties to the conflict to facilitate humanitarian access and aid delivery to the people in need, to ensure the neutrality of humanitarian aid, and to strictly abide by international humanitarian law. The pledging conference in Kuwait on 30 January will be an important opportunity. The EU will reaffirm its engagement to the Syrian population in Syria and in neighbouring countries affected by the crisis and that are generously hosting Syrian refugees.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union continues to call on all members of the Security Council to uphold their responsibilities. The European Union encourages the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces to continue working on its structures, to become more operational and inclusive, and to remain committed to respecting the principles of human rights, inclusiveness and democracy and to engaging with all sections of Syrian civil society. The European Union encourages the Coalition to engage further with the Joint Special Representative, and stands ready to engage with and support the Coalition in those endeavours and its relations with the international community at large.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union underlines the necessity of the complete destruction of those chemical weapons at the earliest date practicable, and urges Syria to accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention as soon as possible. The European Union remains deeply concerned by the spillover effects of the Syrian crisis in neighbouring countries. It remains committed to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. The European Union reiterates its full support for the efforts undertaken by the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, to achieve a Syrian-led peaceful political transition based on the principles included in the Geneva communique of 30 June 2012, and calls on all parties to actively engage with Mr. Brahimi.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is in the fundamental interest of the European Union to support peace and democracy in the entire region, and a strategic priority to see an end to a conflict that will continue to undermine peace and security along the EU's southern borders as long as it remains unresolved. The European Union is appalled by the increasingly deteriorating situation in Syria, primarily due to the unprecedented use of force by the regime. It also condemns all attacks, including terrorist acts, that indiscriminately target civilians. The European Union is seriously concerned about the potential use and transfer of chemical weapons in Syria, and reminds the Syrian regime and other parties that, in case of their use, those responsible will be held accountable.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union is committed to facilitating the social and economic development of the Gaza Strip. The European Union expresses its readiness to make use of its instruments in support of the parties' efforts, including the possible reactivation, in the appropriate way, of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah. The European Union underlines its readiness to explore further ways to address the situation in the Gaza Strip, including with concerned parties in the region, in line with resolution 1860 (2009). The European Union reiterates its call for intra-Palestinian reconciliation behind the strong leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, in line with the principles set out in his speech of4 May 2011, as an important element for the unity of a future Palestinian State and for reaching a two-State solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Despite the ceasefire, the status quo in the Gaza Strip remains unsustainable. Fully recognizing Israel's legitimate security needs, the European Union reiterates its call for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip, the situation of which will be unsustainable as long as it remains politically and economically separated from the West Bank. Equally, the issue of illegal weapons transfers into the Gaza Strip has to be effectively addressed as a matter of urgency. It is vital that all parts of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities be implemented and that talks on a durable ceasefire agreement continue. The European Union commends the efforts of Egypt and all those who engaged in mediation.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union recently decided on a front-loading of its budget support to the Palestinian Authority and calls on other donors, in particular Arab countries, to fully honour their commitments. The European Union calls on the new Israeli Government that will be formed after yesterday's election, as well as on the Palestinian leadership, to reaffirm their commitment to the two-State solution and to engage in direct and substantial negotiations without preconditions. On 29 November 2012, the General Assembly voted in favour of resolution 67/19 on the granting of non-member observer State status in the United Nations to Palestine. The European Union calls on the Palestinian leadership to use that new status constructively and not to undertake steps that would deepen the lack of trust and lead further away from a negotiated solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union calls on Israel to resume without delay the transfers of Palestinian tax and clearance revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, and without further interruption, in line with the Paris Protocol. Cuts in those transfers jeopardize the viability of the Palestinian Authority, have a critical impact on the provision of basic services for the Palestinian population, and present a considerable threat to the security situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and beyond. It is of the utmost importance that the Palestinian Authority continue to receive strong political and financial support from the international community as a whole.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States. The setting up of an internationally supported framework for direct negotiations between the parties would be instrumental in the resumption of such negotiations. The European Union remains in close contact with the parties and with the Union's partners within the Quartet, as well as with other key actors, with the clear aim of achieving significant progress as soon as possible. The European Union recalls that the Arab Peace Initiative provides regional support for a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. The European Union will work with those who are willing to join in such a quest for peace, stability and prosperity.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In the light of its core objective of achieving a two-State solution, the European Union will closely monitor the situation and its broader implications, and act accordingly. As we have stated before, the European Union will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by the parties. The European Union also believes that the following further parameters could serve as a basis for a resumption of negotiations: first, security arrangements that, for Palestinians, respect their sovereignty and show that the occupation is over, and, for Israelis, protect their security, prevent the resurgence of terrorism and deal effectively with new and emerging threats; secondly, a just, fair and agreed solution to the refugee question; and, thirdly, the fulfilment of the aspirations of both parties concerning Jerusalem.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union is deeply dismayed by and strongly opposes Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem and in particular Givat Hamatos, and plans to develop the E-l area. Construction in Givat Hamatos cuts geographic continuity between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The E-l plan, if implemented, would seriously undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution of the conflict by jeopardizing the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian State and of Jerusalem as the future capital of two States. It could also entail the forced transfer of the civilian population. The European Union reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union underlines the urgency of renewed, structured and substantial peace efforts in 2013, and towards that end it is ready to work with the new United States Administration and other international partners, including within the Quartet. There will be no sustainable peace until the Palestinians' aspirations to statehood and sovereignty and those of Israelis to security are fulfilled through a comprehensive negotiated peace, based on the two- State solution. The viability of a two-State solution must be maintained. The European Union expresses deep concern about developments on the ground that threaten to make a two-State solution impossible.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, align themselves with this statement. With regard to the Middle East peace process, the European Union firmly believes that now is the time to take bold and concrete steps towards peace. The parties must engage in direct and substantial negotiations without preconditions in order to achieve a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ending all claims.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The European Union and its member States are firmly behind resolution 1325 (2000) and fully support setting concrete targets in the areas of women's equal participation in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and for the mainstreaming of gender perspectives into conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping operations, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. To conclude, the international community cannot fail to meet the challenge of supporting post-conflict countries in building lasting peace. The United Nations, with its global legitimacy, and in close partnership and coordination with the main actors, has a central role to play. The European Union and its member States remain resolutely determined actively to support these collective efforts to better assist countries in building sustainable peace.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“On women in peacebuilding, we will continue to advance women's role in promoting peace and security. Last year, the Security Council reported that women's participation in conflict resolution remained too low. Of the nine peace agreements signed since 2011, only two have provisions ensuring women's rights. We need to ensure women's participation in all stages of peace processes, and from early on. This will help guarantee the inclusion of women's rights and perspectives in the later stages of the peace process. Women's absence from formal peace negotiations results in their absence from bodies that are instrumental in laying the foundations for a new, post-conflict society, such as political decision-making bodies, constitutional and legislative reform commissions, and truth and reconciliation bodies.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“These changes would allow the PBC to add greater value to Security Council decision-making and thereby strengthen the relationship between the two bodies. The Peacebuilding Fund is an integral part of the United Nations peacebuilding structure. It is a nimble funding mechanism strongly supported by many European Union member States. On the New Deal, we will further enhance our support, particularly through development aid, and sustain the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding and the Group of Seven Plus fragile countries in piloting the New Deal, bearing in mind the need to prepare post-2015 contexts. We call for synergies between the PBC and the New Deal to be utilized so that work efforts are not duplicated and synergies are maximized.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“We encourage the United Nations system to continue to work in finding the optimal ways to be more nimble, responsive and innovative in post-conflict situations. The European Union and its member States are eager to continue to pursue their peacebuilding efforts in the following three areas: the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Peacebuilding Fund, the New Deal for International Engagement in Fragile States, and women in peacebuilding. On the PBC, we have been a firm supporter from the outset, and we remain determined to help that body realize its maximum potential. We share the view of the Secretary-General that the PBC should continue to explore lighter and more flexible forms of engagement. The PBC should better coordinate and support various United Nations and national actors in the field.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The Secretary- General's report acknowledges some of these examples, such as the United Nations-EU Partnership on Natural Resources and Conflict Prevention, a project that seeks to improve reporting on peacebuilding assistance in Liberia; the EU-UN-Women partnership on promoting women and peace and security; EU assistance to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on insider mediation; and regular contact with United Nations counterparts working on conflict prevention and peacebuilding issues, principally the UNDP and the United Nations Department for Political Affairs. In the same vein, the European Union supports strongly the civilian capacity initiative. As the report of the Secretary-General states, the initiative will apply across the various responses of the United Nations system.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Our effectiveness in pursuing the complex task of building peace depends not only on our ability to define the right mix of such policies, instruments and tools, but also to adopt comprehensive approaches to the assignment and ensure overall consistency. The European Union is already cooperating with the United Nations on peacebuilding efforts.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“All this must be done under the overarching principle of national ownership. The European Union and its member States stand ready to play their role. The Lisbon Treaty has, for the first time, explicitly enshrined as one of the key objectives of the EU's external action to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The EU is heavily involved in peacebuilding and has a wide array of external policies, instruments and tools - diplomacy, development cooperation, actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy, among others - aimed at assisting in addressing the challenges presented by it.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“However, the report also provides a frank assessment of the shortcomings and points out the critical areas where further work is required. These include gender-responsive planning, women's engagement in peacebuilding and governance, and economic recovery. Tackling the challenges presented by post-conflict peacebuilding is an ongoing effort that requires the continuing commitment and coordinated and integrated efforts of all parties involved. While the United Nations is the most relevant entity capable of supporting the recovery of post-conflict countries, it cannot do so exclusively on its own. The United Nations must continue to align with its partners - including Member States, national counterparts, regional organizations and civil society actors - to collaboratively leverage their skills and expertise to ensure progress.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“In this context, let me start by putting one question forward: Are the United Nations and the international community better equipped today, compared to three years ago, to face the multifaceted challenges of peacebuilding? The answer, coming directly from the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/746) of October 8, is yes. However, it is clear that there is still a long way to go. The report indicates areas where achievements have been accomplished in enhancing efforts to build lasting peace in post-conflict countries. Examples include accountability of United Nations leaders; deployment of senior leadership, field staff and experts; working within integrated strategic frameworks; partnerships with the international community; and institution-building expertise.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I speak on behalf of the Europan Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. At the outset, allow me to congratulate the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Ambassador Momen, on his leadership as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) over the past 12 months. Today's debate represents a very good opportunity to take stock of the efforts and results achieved over the past years in the peacebuilding realm.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The European Union is currently giving more than â‚¬1 billion a year in development assistance to Afghanistan, and we will continue to prioritize and enhance support to Afghanistan in the decade of transformation agreed at Bonn. The aim of our overall strategy in Afghanistan remains clear - supporting a successful transition process in Afghanistan and partnering Afghanistan beyond transition to become a self-reliant, peaceful, democratic and prosperous society for the benefit of all Afghans.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“UNAMA also plays a key role in supporting increased Afghan ownership and in coordinating international development efforts in the coming years. The work of UNAMA will be vital in enabling Afghanistan and the international community to work effectively together to fulfil the commitments made in Tokyo earlier this year and in monitoring the human rights and humanitarian situation. In conclusion, it is important that the international community remain strongly committed to progress in Afghanistan. That will require sustained support beyond 2014. The EU commitment to Afghanistan is long-term. We look forward to the swift completion of the negotiations on the cooperation agreement on partnership and development between Afghanistan and the European Union and its member States early next year.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source