YouSaid · the spoken record

Wetland

lines on the record: 125
first: 2008-10-14
most recent: 2012-07-25
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“In other words, we wish to see this money create improved services in the city of Mogadishu. If we do, we will give more. Although the main aim is to bring an end to the perennial humanitarian crisis in Somalia, Norway shall continue to be a major partner with regard to humanitarian assistance to Somalia. We want to commend the United Nations for taking steps to address the allegations in the latest report of the sanctions Committee's Monitoring Group on Somalia (S/2010/91). We shall also continue our active support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the implementation of the Djibouti process, and the peace and reconciliation efforts in general, in close cooperation with the United Nations, as well as with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.”
2010-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6313 (2010) · source
“Taking into account the approaching end of the transition period in August 2011, efforts have to be redoubled with regard to improving the security situation, giving impetus to the political process, and improving the lives of children, women and men in Somalia. We recognize that the TFG is facing very serious constraints and challenges, and we also realize that the international community may not have been as forthcoming with support and assistance as expected by the TFG. Norway has recently and for the first time transferred a small amount of our support to the TFG directly through the Central Bank of Somalia. This is basically a test case to see if it works in a way that satisfies the rules and regulations that we must observe when disbursing public funds.”
2010-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6313 (2010) · source
“Norway is a founding member of the International Contact Group on Somalia and we chair the Group of Friends here in New York. The Djibouti process is a Somali process. It is owned and driven by Somalis. The Transitional Federal Institutions should be driving the process and should do so with a unified approach. Norway applauded the agreement between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a in March. We also commended the new agreement between the TFG and Puntland. We are watching a political transition in Somalia. It is important that the door remain open to others. However, implementing agreements is even more important than signing them, and the TFG should be urged to address this with seriousness.”
2010-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6313 (2010) · source
“We welcome increased knowledge sharing on what works and what does not. That will enable us to develop more effective policies in the future. The United Nations might be able to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between interested countries and to support those that need assistance in starting up such programmes. The Nordic countries believe that this should be discussed at the second review conference for the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Once the implementation of those measures is completed, they will further enhance the transparency of the procedures of the Committee and strengthen the due process rights of listed individuals and entities. The Nordic countries believe that the procedures for listing and de-listing need to be kept under constant review and that the Council needs to remain open to further procedural improvements in the regime, such as the establishment of an independent review panel. How to limit the appeal of violent extremism is today a question that many countries are trying to address. One area that needs increased attention in that regard is deradicalization and rehabilitation programmes aimed at bringing groups and individuals back into society. Several countries in various parts of the world now have considerable experience with such programmes.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Unfortunately, we now hear that this deadline is in danger and might not be kept. By mid-April, only 136 out of 488 entries had been reviewed. The Nordic countries encourage all States to cooperate with the Committee and to respond to information requests in order to allow the Committee to complete its review in a timely manner. The establishment of the office of the ombudsperson, under resolution 1904 (2009), is another important innovation. We are pleased to see that the institution of the ombudsperson, which was originally suggested by one of the Nordic countries, is now becoming a reality. Once an ombudsperson is in office, it will mark an important milestone. Given the importance of the mandate, the Nordic countries now encourage the swift appointment of the ombudsperson.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“We support that effort and look forward to continued cooperation with the Task Force. It is important to maintain targeted sanctions as effective, legitimate and credible tools available to the Security Council. To that end, the Nordic countries welcome the progress achieved in enhancing the transparency and fairness of the listing and de-listing procedures of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). Resolution 1904 (2009) and previous resolutions on the issue, such as resolution 1822 (2008), have added transparency and clarity to the procedures of the Committee by introducing a number of important innovations. One of those is the comprehensive review of the names on the 1267 Committee list and the obligation to add narrative summaries of reasons for their listing by June 2010.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“If we are to succeed, we need well-coordinated, strategic and sustained engagement by different parts of the United Nations system - not only with United Nations bodies dealing with security, but also with those dealing with development, such as the United Nations Development Programme. Security and development go hand in hand. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force is essential, both in coordinating within the United Nations system and in mobilizing support among Member States for the universal implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We are pleased that the Task Force now has its own budget line and staff. The Task Force is currently assisting two countries with the integrated implementation of the Global Strategy. That project might be expanded to include more countries.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Our efforts to combat terrorism will succeed only if they are in full accordance with the principles of the rule of law and universal human rights. Capacity-building is of vital importance in all those areas. Capacity-building is the responsibility of every individual State, but the task is not easy. We must all be prepared to assist, country to country and through the relevant United Nations institutions. Let me point in particular to the obligations of Member States under resolution 1373 (2001) to assist and promote cooperation among countries in countering terrorism and those under resolution 1535 (2004), which set up the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to facilitate technical assistance to Member States.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Today, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Terrorism continues to threaten innocent people around the world. Terrorism must never be tolerated and can never be justified. Terrorism can be effectively countered only by applying a broad range of measures. It is essential to deny terrorists safe havens, mobility and financing. It is also essential that we ensure that terrorists are brought to justice. This is necessary, but not sufficient. We need to supplement it by improving education, fostering cultural understanding, promoting economic and social development, and encouraging peaceful coexistence, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and respect for human rights regardless of background, ethnicity, gender or religion.”
2010-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6310 (2010) · source
“Norway would like to welcome the appointment of the seasoned diplomat Staffan De Mistura as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and look forward to cooperate with him and his new team in Kabul. We pay tribute to the men and women of UNAMA and will continue to support their vital mission, especially with regard to their budget, recruitment and security. Without certain resources, UNAMA will not be able to implement its mandate or meet our expectations.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“UNAMA should also encourage closer regional cooperation economically, socially and politically. We welcome the extension of UNAMA's mandate and the amendments proposed in the Secretary- General's latest report (S/2010/l27). It is important to protect what has been UNAMA's strengths: its legitimacy, political outreach, field presence and status as guarantor for the integrity of the overall political process. We need UNAMA to ensure unity among the international partners, but we also need it to position itself both close enough to the Government and far enough to be able to speak out and to voice the concerns of the Afghan society.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“The upcoming advisory Peace J irga announced by Karzai is an important step in the building consensus to back such a reconciliation process. The process must be shaped and led by Afghan authorities, but only if there is buy-in to the process from representatives of Afghan society can we avoid national polarization and reach sustainable national reconciliation. One cannot build a country on just 50 per cent of the population. Women - and what women represent - must be taken into account, as agreed upon by this Council in the resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1888 (2009). Furthermore, the involvement of neighbouring countries cannot be neglected. UNAMA should play a facilitating role, using its good offices and confidence-building measures in assisting with the advisory Peace Jirga and the larger peace and reconciliation process.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“It is also important that the recent amendments of the election law do not hamper constructive efforts to reform the Afghan electoral institutions by ensuring enhanced consultations across the political spectrum and a credible and transparent process. The election process towards September must be conducted in a way that is seen as a step forward in comparison with the 2009 election. UNAMA should be allowed to play an active role in this regard. Thirdly, a process of reintegration and reconciliation is necessary to achieving political stability and peace in Afghanistan. In London, we agreed to the broad principles of this process. Yet, we see the complexities when it comes to both the design and the implementation of a robust reconciliation process.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“The Afghan authorities must also move forward with reform in a way that addresses the rights and interests of women; they must bring civil society on board and they need to address adequately the national call for justice, including transitional justice. Norway is particularly concerned about laws and decrees with far-reaching implications that recently been adopted without a wide and inclusive consultation process. Both the process and the content of the adopted amnesty law give reasons for grave concerns. Amnesty is one way of healing the wounds of the country, but those wounds cannot be healed if there is no accountability and if impunity prevails.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“At the Kabul conference, we must be clear about our is readiness to transfer authorities to Afghan ownership. And the Afghan Government should present concrete national programmes with tangible planning. Today, Norway provides almost 60 per cent of our $140-million annual aid through Afghan budgets and programmes. We support UNAMA plans for enhancing civilian coordination while ensuring strong Afghan leadership. Secondly, we should expect real progress from President Karzai and his Government when it comes to reform and delivery on the pledges made in London regarding good governance, measures against corruption, improvement of the electoral laws, and other commitments relating to reform of the political system.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“Afghanization is increasingly the mantra of our support for Afghanistan. Rather than being a euphemism for exit, it underlines the importance of an Afghan-led process that is responsible, inclusive and transparent and promotes the fundamental rights of the Afghan people. This is of great importance for three of the key issues being raised in today's debate: the follow-up after the London Conference, President Karzai's political agenda, and the issue of reconciliation. Furthermore, it has implications for what we should expect from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Afghanistan. First, we join other speakers in welcoming the conclusions of the London Conference and the stated need for greater Afghan leadership, supported by the international community under the leadership of the United Nations.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“To keep the two-State solution clearly in sight, it cannot simply be relegated to some distant and uncertain future, and the momentum must be upheld.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As Chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians, Norway has repeatedly stressed the need for a clear political horizon in order to justify the high levels of international donor support to the Palestinian State-building project. On the economic track, the donor community remains committed to the effort to build a Palestinian State from the bottom-up. The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee has given its strong and unanimous support to Prime Minister Fayyad's plan for preparing for Palestinian statehood within two years. The implementation of this work is ongoing, in close contact with and coordination between the Palestinian Authority and the donor community. The plan thus forms an important platform for continued international support, notably within a set time frame.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“This is not to say that we can simply give in to the seemingly insurmountable obstacles to getting the negotiations restarted. Inaction is clearly not an option. Other efforts must still be made to drive the process forward towards a two-State solution. We hope that the parties will respond positively and proactively to parallel endeavours by the international community to overcome the current political impasse in the peace process. All along, steps in the right direction in some areas of the occupied Palestinian territories should not be reversed by detrimental action in others, including East Jerusalem. As for Gaza, the unacceptable and counterproductive grip holding the civilian population down must urgently come to an end.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to speak. In his briefing to the Security Council on 24 November 2009 (see S/PV.6223), Assistant Secretary-General Haile Menkerios stated that Israeli-Palestinian negotiations had reached "a deep and worrying impasse" and that without a political horizon, destructive forces would gain ground, putting both the Palestinian Authority and the two- State solution in peril. This morning, Assistant Secretary-General Fernandez-Taranco delivered what was, in fact, the same message. Consequently, two months have passed and little has changed in reality, notwithstanding partial measures on the ground, of which we have taken positive note. Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the current conditions do not yet allow for the resumption of final status negotiations.”
2010-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6265Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We recognize that there is a need for increased capacity in those, the most affected countries. That is why Norway has decided to contribute â‚¬500,000 to the trust fund established under the auspices of the Contact Group on piracy. Public perceptions are also important. We know that many Somalis consider piracy to be a criminal activity. We know less about how the entire international engagement is perceived in Somalia. We therefore believe that the Contact Group should implement a communication and information strategy for Somalia. We must be able to convince the Somalis that this operation is also serving their interests and to counter any notion that piracy is seen as ajust cause by parts of Somali society. In conclusion, Norway will continue to support the Security Council in its efforts to address piracy of the coast of Somalia.”
2009-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6221 (2009) · source
“The best management practices adopted by the Contact Group on piracy are thus serving their purpose, and implementation by all needs to be further encouraged. Moreover, the naval operations in the waters outside Somalia have prevented new captures even if we have not prevented them all. Those operations are well coordinated and may set a good example on how nations and international organizations can cooperate in order to solve an international security problem. Norway has experienced this first-hand through our participation with a frigate in the European Union's Operation Atalanta. We appreciate the contributions of a great number of countries and organizations. Now, we must make sure that pirates captured are brought to justice. We greatly appreciate the contributions of countries in the region, in particular Kenya and Seychelles.”
2009-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6221 (2009) · source
“The root of piracy and armed robbery is instability and the weakening of Government institutions in Somalia. Consequently, in order to restore order on the seas we must work to restore order on land in Somalia. Bringing peace and stability to Somalia and re-establishing effective Government institutions in the country is essential to a long-term solution to piracy as well. Humanitarian, development and security assistance is therefore needed. Norway is conscious of this and we are shouldering our part. Norway will also be chairing the next meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, which will take place here in New York in January. We are beginning to see the effects of preventive measures taken by the shipping industry itself.”
2009-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6221 (2009) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ould Abdallah, for his important presentation here today and for the work he is doing under difficult circumstances. I am also pleased to see my colleague, the Permanent Representative of Somalia, participating in our meeting, and I listened carefully to his important statement as well. Piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden continue to threaten the people of Somalia, the whole region and a series of protected interests. Those interests include innocent lives, humanitarian supplies and international commerce and navigation. Some 1,000 Norwegian- owned ships pass through the Gulf of Aden every year. We, too, are directly affected, and we are acting accordingly.”
2009-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6221 (2009) · source
“We appreciate the Secretary- General's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment and would encourage him to confirm his leadership on this issue, both in ensuring the establishment of the new composite gender entity agreed by the General Assembly last month and in his appointment of special representatives and special envoys. The appointment of a gender adviser in the Department of Political Affairs would also be most welcome.”
2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Key among these is the recognition of the need to address traditional impediments, including male chauvinism, and to take proactive political and financial measures to involve women directly, both in formal governance structures and in cooperation with civil society. We have established a dedicated gender task force in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to mainstream these concerns in all aspects of our foreign policy, including the follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000). Such an approach is equally relevant to the United Nations system.”
2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Women are underrepresented, women's needs are underfunded and gender-sensitive expertise is lacking, both in the field and in capitals. As the United Nations Development Fund for Women points out in its excellent study of post-conflict needs assessments, a mere 2 per cent of signatories to peace agreements are women, while less than 8 per cent of post-conflict budgets specifically mention women's needs. This must change, and Norway stands ready to continue our contribution. This year alone, we have allocated more than $50 million specifically for women's empowerment, of which the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is a key component. Implementing our own national action plan since early 2006, we have identified a number of lessons learned.”
2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We therefore welcome this open debate to set the course for the next 12 months, a course not littered with re-commitments and repeated regrets, but one that spells out specific results to be achieved and to be measured by October 2010. We support the Secretary-General's call for the Council to urgently establish a monitoring mechanism for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Such a mechanism must have clear indicators and benchmarks, including with regard to women's participation at all levels of peacekeeping, peacebuilding, post-conflict negotiations and mediation. Measuring financial investments and gender-sensitive funding provisions is also crucial in this regard. However, while such monitoring is needed and welcome, the fundamental facts are already well known.”
2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In the past few months, we have seen how men - and, even more, women - in high and powerful positions have taken a decision to make the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict their top priority. Two lessons are clear from this. First, where there is political will, there is a way, and, secondly, women in power positions can make a difference for the better. One year before the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the time has now come for the Council and the international community to show the same resolve on other remaining challenges in the promotion of women and peace and security. Women must be recognized not only as victims of war and peace beneficiaries, but most importantly as peace and security providers.”
2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to speak. What a difference a year can make! Eight years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the Security Council was still debating whether sexual violence was an issue of relevance to peace and security. Then came resolution 1820 (2008), which made it abundantly clear that where women are not secure, there is no security. Still, the international community was for too long somewhat ambivalent and indecisive with regard to implementation and action on the ground - until last week. Today, the Council has adopted an important resolution, but let me also congratulate it on the unanimous adoption of resolution 1888 (2009), with its comprehensive yet concrete recommendations for action. This is truly a piece of work the Council can be proud of. What happened was leadership.”
2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Before closing, let me underscore that the challenges presented by the issues of women, peace and security and of the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict are among my Government's highest priorities. Our policy benefits greatly from the valuable input of humanitarian and civil society organizations, which often provide the most relevant experience and policy recommendations. Sexual violence in situations of armed conflict is also a political and security question. It requires a political and security response. Members of the Security Council should therefore make sure that the issue remains prominent on the Council's agenda, and Norway would welcome a resolution to this effect. We look forward to the Secretary-General's annual reporting on the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008).”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Seventh, we support the establishment of a mechanism of the Security Council to monitor how parties to armed conflict comply with obligations under international law, including addressing rape and other forms of sexual violence. Lastly, resolution 1882 (2009) on children and armed conflict highlights and condemns rape and other forms of sexual violence against children. The possibility of listing the parties in conflict that commit rape and other forms of sexual violence against children is the right step to take, but if it is to fulfil its mandate, the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict will need increased support and resources.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“We therefore support the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General on women, peace and security to provide a strong and visible hand in the United Nations to drive and coordinate system- wide prevention of and response to sexual violence in conflict and to front the broader agenda of women's equal participation at all levels of peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Sixth, we would welcome the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate and report on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, with a particular focus on Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan. The commission would present recommendations to the Security Council on the need for improved or new mechanisms to ensure maximum accountability.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“We would support a proposal to establish a fund to address these issues. Fourth, expertise and capacity to address sexual violence in the field must be strengthened through systematic training of personnel. Fifth, while United Nations organizations make important contributions to all these ends - and we commend the work done by United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Gender Standby Capacity project in this regard - we clearly see the need for stronger and more proactive ownership of this issue in the leadership of United Nations organizations and departments to ensure coordinated action, not least at field level.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Second, while collecting evidence is difficult, it must be given the highest priority, and reporting methods must be improved. Unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for victims of violence would help, as would security sector reform whereby the number of trained women police officers should be increased. We thus share the Secretary-General's call for increased funding to enable humanitarian programmes to prevent and respond to sexual violence. We appreciate the assurance that United Nations- managed funds will pilot a system to allow decision- makers to track gender-related actions. Third, victims should be given better medical and psycho-social assistance. They should be ensured socio-economic rehabilitation and empowerment, as well as economic compensation and support when taking their cases to court.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“We welcome the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/362), with its comprehensive and direct policy recommendations. In today's meeting, I would like to make the following points on what we believe, in particular, needs to be done. First, impunity must end. Rapists and perpetrators of sexual violence must be held accountable, tried and convicted, irrespective of rank or status, by they soldier or civilian. The responsibility lies with Governments and military leaders who too often have turned a blind eye to this. The report rightly calls for comprehensive legal and judicial reform, in conformity with international standards, without delay and with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice and to ensuring that victims are treated with dignity throughout the judicial process and that they are protected and receive remedy.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Last week, CNN ran a story of an 8-year old Liberian girl who had been gang- raped by four boys. This happened here in the United States, in Arizona, and thus aroused reaction and became global news. However, when such atrocities happen in conflict-ridden parts of Africa and elsewhere, apathy and indifference are all too prevalent. Daily, there is violence, molesting and suffering. Lives are ruined. We hear about villages where every single female is raped and where a girl's capacity to have children is taken away from her while she is still a child herself. We see the destruction of families and entire communities. With the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008), building on resolution 1325 (2000) and this week supplemented by resolution 1882 (2009), we now have a comprehensive set of norms addressing these gruesome realities.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Missions should also report on related actions of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes and other partners, and all partners must be called upon to draw attention to critical gaps. In conclusion, let me underline the fact that the most important partner in the United Nations peacekeeping partnership is the host country. That needs to be foremost in our minds when we continue this discussion in the coming months. The international community can and should assist, but it is the host country that bears the responsibility for finding solutions that will last. We need an open and honest discussion on how we in the international community can work together to better keep the promises we make to those in need, and how we can make peacekeeping deliver more at a time when so much is called for.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“In addition, let me emphasize the need to develop common standards with key partners, such as NATO, the African Union and the European Union. That will facilitate cooperation, whether it is a joint effort, as in Kosovo, or a sequential arrangement, as in Chad. My fourth and final point relates to the relationship among peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development. Peacekeeping is part of a wider United Nations and global peace, security and development effort. Mandates must be aligned with other, complementing initiatives and supported politically and financially. Norway supports the Secretariat's recommendation that missions be requested to include information on progress in peacebuilding in their assessment of mandated tasks.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“Committing men and women in uniform to potentially life- threatening assignments in foreign countries is one of the most difficult decisions a country can take. But when such decisions are made, Governments and their people must be certain that missions have the resources to fulfil their mandates, with the lowest possible level of risk for personnel in the field. That means proper training, proper equipment and full capacity in line with the demands made. We need to move from a somewhat obsessive focus on troop numbers to a focus on quality and total capability. That means that we have to develop standards and link them to training, equipping and delivery on the ground. We are pleased to see that this is another key point made in the New Horizon non-paper.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes, and we know only too well the suffering that follows in the wake of such incidents. Girls and women face the additional horrors of sexual violence, and we must put forces in place that can effectively deter such crimes. We look forward to discussing this further on Friday. My second point concerns the need to meet the ever-increasing demand for peacekeepers and to secure the necessary resources. While we need to solicit more contributions from present contributors, we also need greater commitment from countries not yet contributing to their full potential. Peacekeeping is a global responsibility and calls for the widest possible engagement of the international community. My third point concerns the need for mandates to be accompanied by sufficient resources.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address this important issue. We also thank Under-Secretaries- General Le Roy and Malcorra and General Agwai for their important briefings. The challenges to United Nations peacekeeping must continue to be a top priority on our agenda, and we appreciate the efforts of the Security Council to intensify dialogue with Member States on that issue. Let me begin by reiterating a point made by our French colleague in the Security Council debate on 29 June (see S/PV.6153). He said that our ability to protect civilians is the standard by which United Nations peacekeeping will be judged. The renewed fighting in eastern Congo last week reminded us of how much that ability is needed.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source
“We are equally concerned by the continued destruction of Palestinian houses and evictions of Palestinian families. Settlements have become an all- too-familiar theme in this Council, but it must be said again that Israeli settlements and closures strangle the Palestinian economy and undermine the prospects for a viable Palestinian State. Every day that passes without improvement in the lives of the civilian population of Gaza adds to the failure of the parties and, I regret to say, to our collective failure to end the conflict and bring peace to the region.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The division among Palestinians is a tragedy. The civilian population of Gaza has paid a high price for this division. We support Egypt's efforts to facilitate Palestinian reconciliation and pave the way for an interim Government. The Palestinian people, both in Gaza and the West Bank, deserve a democratic and peaceful Government. At the same time, we warn against placing impossible hurdles to political progress. We must not let the perfect become the enemy of the good. Concerted efforts by the countries in the region and the international community as a whole are necessary to bring the peace process forward. While the situation in Gaza remains grave, we must not lose sight of the situation in the rest of the Palestinian territory. In violation of the commitments it made, Israel has continued to expand settlements in the West Bank.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Norway stands by its pledges and is contributing 760 million Norwegian kroner, which is equivalent to $120 million, towards the Palestinian people this year. Without continued budget support to the Palestinian Authority, 77,000 public servants providing basic social services will not receive their salaries. We, the international community, must set aside our differences. Financial and political support for the Palestinians must be directed through existing mechanisms and towards the Palestinian Authority. The Security Council has given the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians, which Norway chairs, a central role in alleviating the situation in Gaza. Norway will in the near future convene a meeting of the Committee, in close consultation with the parties.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Food, medicine and fuel are still in short supply. We are concerned that Israel's restrictions on cash transfers to Gaza will impede the essential work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), such as its school programme that feeds 200,000 children. We recognize Israel's security concerns, but Israel must honour its obligation under international humanitarian law and open its border crossings to Gaza. We welcome the recent Israeli cabinet decision to allow all food items into Gaza, and we look forward to the full implementation of this decision. The Sharm el-Sheikh conference brought the international community together in a show of support for the Palestinian people.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to speak. Nine weeks ago, the fighting in Gaza came to an end, after the parties each declared unilateral ceasefires. But for the battle-scarred civilian population of Gaza, there has been little improvement. The fragile ceasefires are frequently violated by both sides, and the Israeli embargo remains largely intact. A political solution to the conflict - as opposed to military containment - seems as elusive as ever. Israeli military operations brought massive suffering and large-scale destruction to the civilian infrastructure in Gaza. But thus far very little has been rebuilt, and the humanitarian situation remains grave. Many families are still homeless and exposed to the cold and the rain. Israel severely restricts the import of basic building materials, such as cement, wood and glass.”
2009-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6100Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Thirdly, I recently conducted an Internet search for the website of the Afghan National Development Strategy. What I found was a page telling me that the site was under construction. Nearly a year after the Paris Conference, that still seems true for the Strategy itself. Both we the donors and the Afghan Government need to work still harder to fulfil the pledges we made in Paris. We must explain what we are doing and let ourselves be coordinated. The Afghan Government must fulfil its pledge to fight corruption and narcotics. The coordinating role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is central to our efforts in Afghanistan. UNAMA will play a crucial role in supporting the elections ahead of us. We welcome the extension of UNAMA's mandate.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Secondly, the situation of women overall in Afghanistan has taken a worrying turn for the worse. We remember the story of Latefa, who had acid thrown in her face while on her way to school but who said that the attack would not stop her from learning. The most senior policewoman in Kandahar was killed before she could become a role model to many young girls. Women's rights are enshrined in the Afghan Constitution, but it takes political leadership to protect those rights. Increasingly, the men of Afghanistan must change their mindset, too, and, increasingly, luckily, they understand that their children lose opportunities when they grow up with illiterate mothers. Poor countries remain poor when they repress women, and Afghanistan will not succeed without the active participation of its women.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source