YouSaid · the spoken record

Windsor

lines on the record
26
first
2008-05-27
most recent
2010-03-18
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4
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un-security-council

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  1. We look forward to working with the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and welcome UNAMA and the International Security Assistance Force working together on enhanced civilian coordination structures. I also take this moment to acknowledge again the dedication and sacrifice of UNAMA personnel operating in the challenging environment of Afghanistan. We support all efforts to meet the security needs of UNAMA staff there so that it may continue to fulfil its indispensable role throughout the country.

    2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source

  2. We firmly believe that an Afghan Government-led and -owned process of political reconciliation and reintegration is required to draw back into the fold those people who lay down their arms, eschew violence, sever links with Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups, and accept the Afghan Constitution. For this reason, as the Japanese Ambassador mentioned, we will contribute A$25 million to the peace and reintegration trust fund, subject to Australia having an appropriate role in the administration and governance oversight of the fund. In conclusion, we support the lead role of UNAMA in guiding the Afghan Government through the implementation of international assistance initiatives.

    2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source

  3. UNAMA will have an important role in supporting the preparations for and conduct of these elections, and we expect - in fact, as we have heard today - that the Afghan Government will work closely with the United Nations, not only to learn from the lessons of 2009, but also to lay the ground work for elections in future. We appreciate the words of Ambassador Tanin this morning with regard to transparency and credibility in those future elections. Australia's own approach to Afghanistan recognizes the importance of comprehensive civil- military engagement in capacity-building and development assistance, in concert with sustained efforts to strengthen security by training the Afghan army, and the details of that are set out in our statement.

    2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source

  4. There is a real need for much greater focus on the accountability of the Afghan Government. President Karzai has made commitments to improving governance, pursuing electoral reform, taking effective anti-corruption and anti-narcotics measures and creating social and economic opportunities for all Afghans. Australia will work in cooperation with UNAMA and the rest of our partners to help the President and his Government deliver on these commitments. Parliamentary elections, of course, will be a crucial test of progress by the Afghan Government in improving electoral and political processes. In this regard, we encourage the Afghan Government to appoint independent and reputable electoral commissioners so that the process can be acceptable to all Afghans, including opposition parties.

    2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source

  5. The draft resolution should endorse further the concept of constructive partnership between the Afghan Government and the international community and the shared plan of phased transition to Afghan leadership and ownership of security, governance and development for the Afghan people - the key outcome of London. A renewed UNAMA mandate should also address the call for a better coordinated and civilian effort in Afghanistan to improve the impact of international civilian assistance, and the need for a more rigorous alignment of international assistance with clearly identified Afghan priorities, with UNAMA in the primary coordinating role in these activities. Australia does not underestimate the significant and interrelated security, political and economic challenges facing the Afghan people and ourselves.

    2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source

  6. Australia supports Security Council renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and welcomes the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Afghanistan and to international efforts in support of the Afghan Government and people. In view of the hour and to facilitate the work of the Council, I will summarize my statement, which will be distributed. We are grateful for the briefing by the Under- Secretary-General and for the statement by the Ambassador of Afghanistan. We wish him and his mission all the best in advance of Nowruz. We believe that the draft resolution before the Council should build on the substantial outcomes of the London Conference and reinforce the central role the United Nations has to play in supporting the security, stability and development of Afghanistan.

    2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source

  7. Australia stands ready to work with the new Afghan Government and the international community. We look forward to the London Conference, and to the subsequent one in Kabul in the spring, as a basis for a renewed partnership between the Afghan Government and the international community, and a renewed commitment between the Afghan Government and its people. We must all remain committed to this vitally important effort to reclaim Afghanistan from violence and extremism. Afghanistan has endured so much for so long. We had a very difficult year last year together, and we have an equally difficult one ahead. With the right commitment and unity of purpose, we can provide a better future in the years ahead.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  8. These international coordination mechanisms have to ensure that the necessary coordination actually happens in a regular, effective and efficient manner and at all the levels it needs to be to ensure there is an actual outcome on the ground. The actual mission strength of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) remains a concern. We, too, were pleased to support the enhanced package for UNAMA at the end of the year. But if it would assist the Mission, we should look at flexible arrangements, such as providing secondees or liaison officers to make sure that the job required is actually done. UNAMA's security needs also have to be kept very clearly in mind if it is to continue to play its indispensable role throughout the country.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  9. We agree with the Secretary-General's report that the problems associated with the 2009 presidential election very much demonstrate the need for the reform of some key aspects of the electoral system. Lessons need to be learned and shortcomings rectified, in particular before the next parliamentary elections, in order to secure Afghan and international support for democratic processes in Afghanistan. We all need to lift our game. Increased efforts on the civilian side need to be well targeted and better coordinated. The United Nations has an indispensable role to play, and it can be further strengthened, but other key players, including ISAF, also have an important contribution to make to the improved coordination of civilian effort.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  10. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2009/674) and his statement here today, and Special Representative Kai Eide for his presentation. I join those who have praised his leadership and the work he and his staff have done under incredibly difficult circumstances, as we all know. We, too, welcome President Karzai's commitment to action that he set out in his inauguration speech. The timely finalization of a credible and competent new Cabinet will be an important initial step towards ensuring that the new Afghan Government realizes early, demonstrable progress on its key priorities - improving governance, including at local levels, addressing corruption, delivering basic services, making progress with reintegration and reconciliation efforts, and strengthening the Afghan National Army and Police.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  11. Australia has boosted its contribution to the critical task of strengthening the Afghan security capacity as a key focus of efforts to deny terrorists safe haven in Afghanistan. We are committed to training the Afghan National Army to a point at which it can take on security in Uruzgan province, where our troops have been serving alongside the Dutch, who have led capably in that province for the last four years. Australian police have also expanded their efforts to train and advise Afghan police, including in Uruzgan province. We will continue to expand our contribution on the civilian side, with a particular emphasis on building the capacity of the Afghan authorities to deliver more effective governance and basic services.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  12. It is, of course, reflected in the renewed commitment to an effective strategy articulated by United States President Obama and by the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) late last year, and in the ongoing work that the international community and the Afghan Government are doing together to redefine their partnership so as to better meet the pressing needs of the Afghan people. The security situation inside Afghanistan undoubtedly remains difficult and dangerous. The levels of violence will likely increase further in the coming year as the insurgency comes under increased pressure from Afghan and ISAF operations. Recent attacks, such as those in Khost and Kandahar - for which we offer our condolences to all those affected - are a reminder of the ongoing human cost of our necessary efforts to build security and stability.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  13. On behalf of Australia, I would like to congratulate China on assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. I would also like to congratulate Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria on taking up their vital duties as elected members of this important body. As the Secretary-General said, and as Australia fully agrees, we are now at a critical juncture in Afghanistan. What we need now is unity of effort, greater attention to key priorities, and a new mindset on the part of the international community and the Government of Afghanistan. This imperative is increasingly being recognized both in Afghanistan and internationally.

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

  14. Given the valuable and constructive results of the Special Representative's field visits, including her recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there may be real merit in the Group's visiting situations in which persistent violations occur or in which there has been no reaction to the Group's recommendations. Persistent violators should not go unpunished. National and international accountability is at the heart of resolution 1612 (2005) and will have a significant deterrent effect. In conclusion, the commitment of all Member States is required to realize the full potential of resolution 1612 (2005) and to further the fight against impunity. We must work together to fight the scourge of violence against children in all its forms. Australia remains firmly dedicated to that goal.

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  15. With regard to the broader issue of violence against children, I am pleased to announce that today, the Australian Government released "Time for Action", a major report prepared by the Australian National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. The Australian Government simultaneously announced its intention to move immediately to advance 18 of the 20 priority recommendations of the report. The Government will further consider the remaining two recommendations within the context of developing a national plan to reduce violence against women and children. Australia encourages the Working Group to utilize the full range of tools available to it in responding to situations of concern.

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  16. International efforts to address the problem of children in armed conflict must be accompanied by effective action at the national level. Concerned States, including Myanmar, should allow United Nations access to listed non-State parties for the purpose of discussing possible child protection measures. Effective domestic legislation, including legislation criminalizing rape and other sexual crimes, is of paramount importance. We encourage the adoption by concerned parties of national action plans on sexual violence and commend the efforts of parties in Cote d'Ivoire in that regard.

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  17. The Council should consider the feasibility of a new resolution to expand the scope of the monitoring and reporting mechanism to include, at a minimum, rape and other forms of sexual violence as a trigger for listing. We recognize that the mechanism should be expanded only if it enhances the protection of children in armed conflict and the effectiveness of resolution 1612 (2005). A well-supported and adequately resourced Working Group is crucial to the mechanism's effectiveness. That would not only ensure that the Working Group is well placed to respond to any new situations that may be included in its agenda, but also assist its ability to respond promptly to rapidly evolving situations of urgent concern.

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  18. The current situation in Sri Lanka only serves to underscore the serious impact that that conflict has on children. We owe it to all children in situations of armed conflict to strengthen the current monitoring and reporting process. Australia reiterates that there should be no hierarchy of treatment amongst the six grave violations. Australia is very concerned at the large number of reported sexual violations contained in the Secretary-General's report. We are particularly concerned at the significant number of reported cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Clearly, rape and other forms of sexual violence are endemic in many conflict situations worldwide. The threat that this poses to peace and security was recognized by the Council when it adopted resolution 1820 (2008).

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  19. Australia welcomes recent progress in implementing resolution 1612 (2005) and in operationalizing the monitoring and reporting mechanism. We are pleased that the mechanism has now been adopted in all situations listed in the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2009/158). That achievement will be further advanced by ensuring that all parties develop concrete, time-bound action plans that meet international standards. We commend the recent real progress in halting the recruitment and use of child soldiers. However, more remains to be done. Australia is particularly concerned about ongoing reports of the forced recruitment and use of child soldiers by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka and of the continued recruitment and use of child soldiers by the national forces and other parties in Myanmar.

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  20. Australia is very grateful for this opportunity to restate its commitment to strong and effective measures to protect and rehabilitate children from harm and exploitation in situations of armed conflict. Australia worked to ensure the renewal of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict during the sixty-third session of the General Assembly and we commend Ms. Coomaraswamy's progress in mainstreaming this issue. Australia recognizes the importance of effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes and, to that end, in September 2008 endorsed the Paris Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups and committed funding to UNICEF for its work on child soldiers, particularly in Sri Lanka.

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

  21. We will work to prevent the commission of mass atrocity crimes, and we will work to ensure that perpetrators of abuse are held accountable for their actions.

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source

  22. Just as the international community has a responsibility to protect communities from such mass atrocity crimes, so too do we have a responsibility to bring those who abuse fundamental principles of international law to justice. We must renew our commitment to end impunity for those who commit mass atrocity crimes and to increase accountability for crimes against civilians. In conclusion, Australia remains committed to working with partners in the international community to translate our words into action in an effort to protect civilians in armed conflict. Australia will work to 08-3528] ensure that United Nations missions on the ground are provided with clear guidance and adequate resources to fulfil their mandates.

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source

  23. While it is the primary role of States to protect their own populations from those evils, the international community has a responsibility to assist States to exercise that responsibility and, in appropriate circumstances, to take collective action, consistent with the Charter, to prevent such mass atrocity crimes. More must be done to develop a practical approach for implementation of the responsibility to protect principle. We welcome the Secretary-General's appointment of Mr. Edward Luck as his Special Adviser to focus on the conceptual development of the principle. Australia looks forward to working with Member States to continue our consideration of the principle and to give effect to it in appropriate circumstances.

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source

  24. We look forward to the outcome of the joint study being undertaken by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and DPKO on the implementation of protection tasks, and we would also welcome an update of the aide memoire to reflect the increasing focus on physical protection. Some armed conflicts witness the perpetration of heinous mass atrocity crimes. In 2005, world leaders recognized the responsibility we all share to protect vulnerable communities from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source

  25. Protection of civilians tasks are now mandated in eight of the 20 peace operations led by the Department of Peacekeeping 08-3528] Operations (DPKO), but there is a need to develop clear guidance to implement them. We must bridge the gap between our words and our deeds, and we call upon the Council to implement paragraph 16 of resolution 1674 (2006) fully to ensure the provision of clear guidelines regarding what missions can and should do to achieve protection goals. Australia also calls upon the broader membership to ensure that United Nations peace operations are properly resourced to carry out their mandates.

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source

  26. Where we cannot prevent armed conflict, the protection of civilians is and must remain an absolute priority. Australia therefore welcomes the attention the Security Council has rightly focused on this issue. I wish to express my thanks to the United Kingdom for convening this important debate and to the Emergency Relief Coordinator for his update briefing earlier this morning. It is clearly apparent that the plight of civilians in modern conflict remains dire. They continue to account for the vast majority of casualties. The situation must be addressed as part of any comprehensive international response to conflict. United Nations peacekeeping is one tool we can use to address that situation, but it is important that we use it wisely and effectively.

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source