YouSaid · the spoken record

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117

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2014-09-08

most recent

2017-06-28

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21

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un-security-council

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1. “The most pressing concerns have to do with the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in the face of the difficulties following the scheduled electoral process. At the same time, we welcome the positive signals from the Central African Republic, which proves that transition and conflict mitigation can be attained with the consistent involvement of the international community. We support United Nations efforts with regard to the protection of civilians in the region and beyond. One example of such efforts was the establishemt of a dedicated pillar within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

   2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

2. “One of the issues Poland considers central to our debate is how best to transition from the initial phase of sustaining peace to long-term socioeconomic development. Key challenges to development in the Great Lakes region are well defined. Poland, with its complicated history, can be a good example of how to conduct a transformation - in our case, from a foreign-imposed communist regime - to democracy, a market economy and an open society. We know what it means to lose independence, what it means to fight for freedom and what it means to rebuild an economy. We are sharing our experience through our special Go Africa programme, which was developed as a bridge between Poland and African continent. Poland remains committed to support all United Nations activities aimed at conflict prevention and the promotion of dialogue instead of violence.”

   2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

3. “I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening today's debate, as well as for Angola's constructive engagement in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. We would like, however, to provide some additional remarks from our national perspective. It is widely acknowledged that the Great Lakes region possesses enormous, and largely underdeveloped, potential for growth, which desperately needs to be tapped in order to improve the livelihoods of the peoples of the region. In that regard, Ijoin my colleague from Morocco in welcoming today's launch of the United Nations Great Lakes Strategic Framework for 2016-2017, which should contribute to that goal.”

   2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source

4. “We underline that national authorities remain primarily responsible for protecting their citizens. Last but not least, let me stress that Poland remains committed to promoting the implementation of international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law worldwide. Respect for these laws is essential to helping the victims. However, the politicization of aid and the polarization of States around humanitarian issues remain a huge challenge. In that regard, we are grateful to the Secretary General for convening the World Humanitarian Summit and to the Government of Turkey, which will host that meeting in Istanbul in May. The Summit will be a rare opportunity to bring all stakeholders together and reshape the global humanitarian system for the years to come.”

   2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

5. “The challenges that peacekeepers face are often not sufficiently appreciated. They protect civilians in very harsh and difficult conditions, with often insufficient resources. Thirdly, United Nations peace operations should play a critical role in assisting host States in the implementation of the responsibility to protect. The implementation of the Human Rights Up Front initiative should make a positive contribution in this regard. Human rights monitoring and advocacy, the development of the rule of law, strengthening the standards of good governance and political engagement should be central to United Nations protection efforts. We should never forget about the most vulnerable, women and children, who require our undivided attention. The number of those most affected by armed conflicts is, unfortunately, not decreasing.”

   2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

6. “We agree that the development of policy standards to curb or limit the use of explosive weapons in populated areas could strengthen the protection of civilians. Secondly, peacekeeping operations should be equipped with more advanced tools to address both the root causes of crises and their most visible consequences. There is a crucial need to improve early warning and rapid-reaction capacities. It is our duty to explore new capabilities and adopt new technologies. We also need to further work on developing a clearer understanding of the meaning of the kind of protection of civilians that is needed in peacekeeping operations. The universal value of human life should be cherished beyond any doubt. While caring about the lives of those who should be protected, we cannot forget about those who are given the task to protect.”

   2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

7. “Poland welcomes the fact that the protection of civilians is addressed in the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/446) and the subsequent report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Panel's recommendations (S/2015/682). With nine United Nations peacekeeping operations currently operating under explicit civilian protection mandates, we encourage the Secretariat to work further on the development of relevant policies, guidance and training. The Secretary-General's reportbefore us (S/2015/453) accurately indicates key challenges with regard to the protection of civilians, namely, limited humanitarian access, attacks on humanitarian and health-care workers and facilities, and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.”

   2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

8. “I thank Uruguay for convening today's important debate. Poland aligns itself with the statement just delivered by observer of the the European Union, but I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. First, the issue ofprotection ofcivilians is now more important than ever. We still see millions of civilians suffering as a result of deadly military attacks, civilians sheltering in United Nations bases and recurring attacks on humanitarian workers. The Security Council has a fundamental role to play in this regard, given its primary responsibility for international peace and security.”

   2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source

9. “We are looking forward to a swift resumption of the intergovernmental negotiations, which were skilfully conducted by the Permanent Representative of Jamaica, Ambassador Courtenay Rattray, during the Assembly's last session. While welcoming the progress reached so far in improving the Council's working methods, Poland believes that further increasing transparency in the Council's activities would serve not only the wider membership, but also the Council itself. In my final 10 seconds, I would like to say that it is remarkable how much more an organization can achieve by making very simple adjustments to its working methods. Small steps can be taken that will hopefully lead us to more comprehensive reform of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the United Nations as a whole.”

   2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source

10. “We therefore believe that the Council should take regional rotation duly into account in its recommendation of a candidate to the General Assembly. We are looking forward to an official start of the process of selecting the next Secretary-General by the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, as envisaged in the Assembly resolution. We also hope that the cooperation between the Council and the Assembly during the upcoming election will set a good example and standards for the future. I would also take this opportunity to emphasize that comprehensive Security Council reform is not limited only to the Council's working methods. This is a matter of great importance to my country.”

    2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source

11. “1 would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on their reappointment to their positions. Like Colombia, Poland is in favour of presenting women candidates for the position of Secretary- General and therefore welcomes the relevant provisions in resolution 69/321. In our opinion, choosing a female Secretary-General would constitute a significant step towards achieving gender balance throughout the entire United Nations system. Yet another fundamental principle serving as a cornerstone of our work within the United Nations is geographical distribution. On this occasion, I would like to recall that in the 70 -year history of our Organization, the Secretary-General has never been appointed from among candidates from the Eastern European Group.”

    2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source

12. “I would like to thank the President for organizing today's meeting and for Spain's devotion to discussing the working methods of the Security Council. Guided by the President's excellent concept note (S/2015/793, annex), I would like to focus on just two issues, especially on the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly, with special emphasis on the selection and the appointment of the Secretary-General. More transparency, inclusiveness and greater interaction with the candidates should guide the process of electing the next Secretary-General. We were pleased to include these aspects in the recent General Assembly resolution, 69/321, on revitalization of the Assembly's work, negotiated under the very able leadership of Ambassadors Vladimir Drobnjak of Croatia and Wilfried Emvula of Namibia.”

    2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source

13. “Along those lines, violators of those provisions should ultimately face international accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court.”

    2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source

14. “Their recruitment is carried out in a violent and cruel way. Some of them enter military service voluntarily,just to escape poverty or protect their families. In that context, let me recall that resolution 2143 (2014) underscores the importance of mainstreaming child-protection issues when undertaking security- sector reform, including age-assessment mechanisms to prevent underage recruitment and the establishment of child-protection units in national security forces. Last but not least, it is of the utmost importance, in our opinion, that all countries sign, ratify and effectively implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict.”

    2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source

15. “In this context, ensuring universal access to education must be a priority. Poland is therefore proud to have been one of the first countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration, signed in Oslo, which aims to prevent the military use of schools during armed conflict. I would like to thank in particular Ms. Zama Coursen-Neff, director of the Children's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, who is actively promoting the concept of safe schools. I also thank Ambassador Geir Pedersen of Norway and Ambassador Maria Cristina Perceval of Argentina for their Governments' leadership and engagement in promoting this crucial initiative. We are concerned that in South Sudan, Syria, the Congo and Mali, children are being abducted or recruited as soldiers, thus becoming active participants in armed conflicts.”

    2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source

16. “I wish to seize this opportunity to extend my warm thanks to the Governments of Jordan and Lebanon for their support in the evacuation of Syrian refugees on route from the conflict area to Poland. Bearing in mind the provisions contained in the preamble to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the desire expressed therein for children to grow up "in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding", we are of the opinion that the international community should undertake all possible steps to eradicate the root causes and consequences of the involvement of children in armed conflict. Comprehensive action plans should be elaborated to help children recuperate and more effectively adjust to living conditions during hostilities and in the post- war period.”

    2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source

17. “Although there are no exact figures and the numbers are constantly changing, tens of thousands of children continue to serve in Government forces or armed opposition groups. It is high time to intensify our efforts to suppress this dreadful trend. As the main initiator of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted almost 26 years ago, Poland is doing its utmost to raise awareness about children's rights and ensure that they are respected in their own countries and internationally. In this regard, recently the Polish Government has provided assistance to a number of Syrian families suffering from the horror of conflict. As a sign of solidarity with those persecuted, we have committed to helping Syrian children resume normal lives in Poland.”

    2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source

18. “Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I should like to add a few remarks in my national capacity. First, I would like to thank the Malaysian presidency for organizing this timely and important debate, and I welcome the adoption of the resolution on the abduction of children (resolution 2225 (2015)), which Poland co-sponsored. I also thank today's briefers, in particular Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, for her moving update. Children are the ones that suffer most in the course of and following armed conflicts. Growing up in a hostile environment has an immense impact on a child's health, physical integrity, education and social abilities.”

    2015-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7466 (2015) · source

19. “It includes, among other things, an innovative programme of training for imams, which begun in 2008 and was recently reinvigorated by the opening of the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams in Rabat. Instead of military operations to mitigate the effects of extremism, Morocco has identified a powerful tool to address its root causes. A long-term, concerted effort is needed to limit the involvement of youth in violent extremism. There is a direct link between security, development and education. This is why I echo the call for better coordination among all United Nations bodies active in the field of countering terrorism. At the same time, the Security Council and the international community have to do more to bring an end to the conflicts that destabilize the Middle East and fuel radicalism.”

    2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source

20. “The focus has to be put on education and promoting interreligious dialogue to counter the idea of the so- called clash of civilizations that is being spread by extremists and greatly contributes to the radicalization of youth. Bearing in mind that one should not establish a false direct link between Islam and radicalism, we welcome the very wise voice of Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar University. Let me recall his February speech in Mecca, in which he condemned terrorism, linking extremism to "bad interpretations" of the Koran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Another very good example of a valuable contribution to countering radicalism is the comprehensive strategy implemented by Morocco.”

    2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source

21. “As is rightly stated in the concept paper (S/2015/231, annex) prepared by Jordan for this debate, violent extremist groups very effectively exploit these weaknesses. Their cynical propaganda takes advantage of youth's economic struggle and idealism. These problems do not, however, affect only young people in certain regions of the world, struck by conflict and poverty. This ideology is also advancing in rich and developed countries. The issue of social exclusion is a worldwide challenge that has to be better addressed by the international community. To adequately address the challenge posed by radicalism, we need to apply holistic approach.”

    2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source

22. “Their devoted patriotism did not differentiate among faith, tribal or ethnic backgrounds. We pay tribute to their heroism. Responsibility for this act of terror was claimed by an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State. Thiat terrorist organization also runs the most effective campaign of attracting youth from all over the world. Fighting this evil propaganda is a key element of a successful campaign against extremism. The United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy identifies in its first pillar the socioeconomic conditions that are conducive to the spread of radicalism. Unemployment, the lack of education and prospects for personal development are among the major factors that make young people so vulnerable to propaganda. Terrorists offer them an illusion of security and power.”

    2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source

23. “Poland aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. I would like to add a few comments in my national capacity. Let me first thank you, Sir, for convening this timely debate. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the key issue of the radicalization of youth, which is an increasingly challenging aspect of the fight against extremism. The importance of this topic was also underlined during this week's high-level meeting of the General Assembly. I would like to highlight the role, sometimes heroic and very tragic, of young individuals in our collective struggle against terrorism. Just this Monday, Captain Ahmed Salam and two other brave Egyptian soldiers paid the ultimate price when they were killed by a roadside bomb in the Sinai peninsula.”

    2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source

24. “Without their support, the ATT will not have the impact it should have. In conclusion, yesterday, 14 April, marked the first year since the abduction of Nigerian schoolgirls by Boko Haram. Despite the efforts of the national authorities and the international community, the fate of most of the girls remains unknown. That terrible crime, as well as others that we have witnessed in conflict- affected areas in Africa or the Middle East, call for our immediate action. We cannot leave them unpunished.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

25. “Unfortunately, in many countries there is resistance among victims with regard to reporting a crime due to the potential social stigma. Furthermore, a citizen must have confidence that the perpetrators of such acts will be held accountable by State authorities and, ifnecessary, that they will face consequences at the international level - namely, before the International Criminal Court. The International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda have played a historic role in the prosecution of wartime sexual violence. As my colleague from the delegation of the European Union underlined earlier, we welcome the entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). I appeal to all members of the Security Council to ratify this treaty.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

26. “The widespread occurrence of sexual violence in conflict is a threat to peace and security, and diminishes prospects for reconciliation and peacebuilding. Combating impunity and providing support for the Victims are concrete duties that we must assume with respect to those who have suffered from sexual violence. We shall support the judiciary at the national and international levels, as well as those affected, through the Trust Fund for Victims, to which Poland is a proud contributor. Although international organizations play a pivotal role in combating sexual violence in conflict, the primary responsibility to protect their nationals lies with States. In that context, the grass-roots approach is a must, and that includes changing behaviour patterns and teaching their citizens what is not acceptable under any circumstances.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

27. “In the past, Poland was a Victim of many foreign aggressions and suffered the consequences of violent conflict. In that respect, I would like to highlight the role of the heroic women who led with vision, dedication and courage, and stood up against aggression. One example of such a woman comes from the history of my own country, as well as that of a country rather far away from Poland - the island of Tonga. Queen Salote of Tonga was the first foreign leader to officially oppose the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939. She and her action are a great example for us even now in the twenty-first century. Nowadays, women continue to be the Victims of conflict-related sexual Violence across the world.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

28. “I subscribe to the comment made earlier by the representative of Nepal on the role of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and in that regard I would like to congratulate Ethiopia, South Africa and Ghana on having the highest percentage of women peacekeepers. I would also like to express our respect to Jamaica and other Caribbean Community States for the prominent role they played in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, with this year's thematic focus on women and slavery. We also commend the Department of Public Information for the exhibit at United Nations Headquarters, entitled "Women and slavery", which was part of the Remember Slavery Programme.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

29. “Let me thank you, Madam President, for convening today's debate. I also thank Ms. Zainab Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Ms. Hamsatu Allamin of Nigeria for their statements. Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. I would like to add some comments in my national capacity. Poland attaches great importance to the topic of today's debate. On Monday, 13 April, the President of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski, ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, which was adopted in Istanbul in 2011.”

    2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source

30. “Further inaction will only fuel extremism and deepen the suffering of millions of people across the Middle East. It will also enable the spillover of the sectarian violence across the region and globally. After all the acts of terror that have taken place in recent months, we should all be well aware that no country is safe from the threat of extremism. It is in our common interest to respond adequately to these challenges.”

    2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source

31. “Today, the church is burned, the paintings destroyed. We cannot underestimate such actions. Their ultimate goal is not only to intimidate the unfaithful, but to change the social and ethnic composition of the region forever. The history of the twentieth century teaches us about the need to take action in the face of such developments to prevent even larger-scale atrocities. It is now more than five years since the beginning of the war in Syria, and we urge the Security Council to live up to the obligations that the Charter of the United Nations imposed on this body, and finally to take the necessary actions that can help put an end to the conflict in that country. The situations in Iraq and Libya also requires concrete actions by the Council.”

    2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source

32. “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the horrific act of terror in Tunis, in which three Polish nationals lost their lives, among over 20 other people. Every day we also witness other chapters of the barbaric destruction of the cultural heritage of the Middle East perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State and other extremists groups. I would like to mention one event that is extremely sad for Poland. Last year, the Al-Nusrah Front ruthlessly demolished the fourth- century Church of Saint Sergius and Bacchus in Malula, near Damascus. The attack destroyed two icons presented to that church in 1943 by General Wladyslaw Anders, commander of the Polish army, who shortly before had escaped the inferno of Stalinist Siberia. The Polish army was on its way to Monte Cassino to fight there for the freedom of Poland and the liberation of Italy.”

    2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source

33. “Poland contributes to the aid delivered to members of persecuted minorities by the United Nations and European Union agencies. We have also taken unilateral actions, as in August last year when we sent over eight tons of assistance to Christians in Northern Iraq in reaction to their dramatic situation and the persecution they were facing. We are very grateful to the authorities in Erbil for helping us with that project. Unfortunately, every day brings new horrors to the people in the Middle East and North Africa. All religious and ethnic groups have been suffering from unprecedented violence, including Christians, Shias, Sunnis, Yazidis, Kurds and others. The widespread violence affects everyone from Iraq to Libya and, recently, Tunisia.”

    2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source

34. “Let me thank you, Sir, for convening today's debate. Poland aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. However, I would like to add a few comments in my national capacity. Poland attaches great importance to the protection of the human rights of individuals belonging to religious and ethnic minorities. We have quite a long tradition of tolerance and interreligious dialogue. Let me just mention one document: the declaration of the Confederation of Warsaw of 1573, which granted the freedom of religion to all the citizens of the Polish- Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was the first legal act of that kind adopted in Europe. My Government is gravely concerned by the current violence against ethnic and religious groups in the Middle East.”

    2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source

35. “His/her mission would be to investigate atrocities committed against children, as well as participate in procedures before international organs like the International Criminal Court." Finally, let me also reiterate that all countries should sign, ratify and effectively implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, with a View to preserving the dignity of children.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

36. “In November 2014, the United Nations celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child - a universal treaty initiated in 1989 by my country. On that occasion, Poland's First Lady, Mrs. Anna Komorowska, visited the United Nations and appealed for decisive steps of international community to protect children. As she pointed out: "Our concern for children should be a priority on both the national and international levels. The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was one of the main Polish achievements in the field of international human rights promotion. The United Nations could now consider the establishment of international ombudsman on the rights of the child.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

37. “The United Nations is guided by Security Council resolution 1612 (2005), but it is also important that other United Nations partners, including regional organizations, implement it in their field activities. In that regard, I would like to draw the Council's attention to the document adopted this past Monday, 23 March, by the NATO North Atlantic Council, entitled "The Protection of Children in Armed Conflict: Progress Achieved and the Way Forward". The recommendations contained in that document highlight the need to include resolution 1612 (2005) in the process of planning and conducting NATO missions. In Poland's opinion, child protection should also be addressed in all peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in which we are involved.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

38. “The preamble of the Convention on the Rights of the Child expresses our desire to raise children in "a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding". The international community should undertake every possible effort to eradicate the root causes and consequences of the engagement of children in armed conflict. Abductions, killings in attacks against schools, military use of schools, the recruitment of children as soldiers, sexual assaults - all of these violent and cruel crimes, often committed against children by non-State armed groups, have to be addressed and punished. All those responsible for violations and abuses of children's rights in armed conflict should be held accountable, including by referring the most severe cases of such violations and abuses to the International Criminal Court.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

39. “I would like to thank the French presidency for convening today's open debate. Let me commend also Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Ms. Yoka Brandt, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, for their tireless work. I would also like to thank the other briefers today, especially Mr. Junior Nzita for his very moving testimony and his activities in the field. We reiterate our strong support for the United Nations "Children, Not Soldiers" campaign. We also welcome the fact that the United Nations Security Council systematically holds debates on this issue. While Poland aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union, I would like to make additional remarks in our national capacity.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

40. “In the twenty-first century, external threats to national security do not come only from other countries or international terrorist organizations. An important example is the fate of the small island States, which face the challenge of the dire consequences of global warming. The United Nations has to better address those new developments. Today, Poland stands ready to further contribute to the United Nations. Solidarity, responsibility and commitment are key words that characterize our activities at the United Nations. Solidarity is not only the name ofthe movement that some years ago triggered historic political and economic changes in Poland. It is also a symbol of the much-needed international cooperation that is vital to the success of our common efforts.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

41. “We see it now in Ukraine, which is facing external military aggression and where the values enshrined in the Preamble and in Article 2 of the Charter, such as respect for the obligations arising from international law and the peaceful settlement of international disputes, are seriously compromised. We see it in Southern Europe, where human dignity and freedom are being challenged by terrorists and criminals pretending to act in the name of Islam. Respect for democracy and the rule of law is as important in international relations as it is on a national level. As Members of the United Nations, we are equally obliged to implement international law. We cannot shy away from using all the tools at our disposal, including sanctions, when dealing with clear violations of international norms.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

42. “We should be proud of many situations when firm and consistent actions by Member States helped to prevent threats to international peace, contributed to conflict resolution and restored peace and stability. But we should equally remember our failures, in order to learn from those lessons and prevent the reoccurrence of similar tragic instances. Let me be clear: we strongly believe in the principles upon which the system of the United Nations is based. Respect for the basic rules ofthe Charter - for example, regarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of countries to decide their own futures - is a prerequisite for the fair and just participation of States in international life. We have seen far too many threats and challenges to international peace and security when those rules were not observed.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

43. “The strong cannot silence the weak. As one of the founding Members of the United Nations, Poland is fully committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter. The 70 years of the history of the Organization fully confirm the validity and continuing importance of the United Nations founding act, particularly in strengthening efforts by the international community to maintain peace and security. One would have hoped that, 70 years after the Second World War, armed conflicts would have disappeared from international life. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Numerous military conflicts on many continents show that the reasons for which the United Nations was established are equally as valid today as in the early days of the Organization.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

44. “After playing the American anthem, he stood up and said: In "this hall, where the great nations gather to make this world a better place, I do not see the flag of Poland, on behalf of which this cruel war was waged." He then sat down and played the Polish anthem in a great resounding forte, as a symbolic artistic protest against injustice. Despite the absence ofrepresentatives of the legitimate Polish Government at the Conference, Poland was counted as one of the United Nations founding Members by amending the wording of Article 3 of the Charter. It took my country nearly another half- century to regain full sovereignty. The story of Poland must teach us all that no country should ever be left behind if we are ever to create a truly United Nations. The rules and provisions of the Charter are equally binding on all.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

45. “Throughout the next six years, my country not only lost 6 million people but also made an immense military contribution to the defeat of the Nazism. Fighting on all fronts, Poles accounted for the fifth biggest Allied army in the European theatre. It is therefore a paradox of history that, due to an objection by one of the Allies, the legitimate Polish Government in London was deprived of its right to participate in the work of the preliminary conference that drafted the Charter of the United Nations, as well as to represent Poland at the founding San Francisco Conference. A great Polish pianist, Arthur Rubinstein, who was invited to play the American anthem at the inaugural concert at the Conference, noted as he entered the hall, with its long line of all the national flags of participating States, that the Polish flag was missing.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

46. “Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I should like to add some comments in my national capacity. I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's debate. Given the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security conferred on the Security Council, it is very topical and appropriate to concentrate this debate on reconfirming the fundamentals of the Charter of the United Nations. Let me begin with a story of Poland's extraordinary path as a member of the United Nations. In 1939, Poland became the very first victim of the Second World War in Europe. We were subsequently invaded by both our neighbours, on 1 September 1939 from the West and on 17 September from the East.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

47. “We are satisfied that the Climate Change Conference in Warsaw in 2013 adopted very important decisions in this regard - the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage, which provides assistance to vulnerable populations, and the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus to compensate and track developing countries' efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Let us not forget about the third element of the triad, that is, human rights. Respect for fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, media and association and the inclusion of women in all parts of political and social life as well as the rule of law and good governance are critical for reducing the likelihood of violent conflict.”

    2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source

48. “As we are all aware, climate change is a threat multiplier. Possible sea-level rise and the loss of territory resulting from climate change may seriously affect the future of many vulnerable States. There are countries that might disappear and entire nations might need to seek refuge far away from home. It is our global challenge of adaptation to climate change, a global challenge of risk management and a global challenge of sustainable use of non-renewable resources.”

    2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source

49. “More often, the mandates of United Nations peace operations are constructed in a way where more peacebuilding tasks - inter alia, support for economic reconstruction, electoral processes and institution-building - are assigned to peacekeepers. That is why the security/development nexus should be reflected in this year's reviews of peace operations and peacebuilding architecture. There are still places in the world where we need to prevent the cycle of recurring violence. We believe that the Council can make greater use of its working methods in this regard, in particular through more frequent Arria-formula meetings with representatives of civil society. Security is not only the lack of conflict but also the lack of threats that natural disasters and climate change pose to human safety and well-being.”

    2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source

50. “We understand that development is not a main issue within the scope of the Security Council deliberations. However, too many times in the past the Council has had to deal with the effects of underdevelopment and fragility. Too frequently, the international community has had to react at the very last moment. That is why we appreciate that in recent years the linkages among peace, security and development have been increasingly recognized by the members of the Security Council. There is a fruitful cooperation between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Multidimensional mandates of peacekeeping operations and political missions allow for greater effectiveness.”

    2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source