YouSaid · the spoken record

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lines on the record

32

first

2017-10-31

most recent

2019-09-10

sittings or episodes

7

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un-security-council

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1. “Despite the ongoing challenges, Australia welcomes the significant gains that Afghanistan has made over the past 18 years, such as the tenfold increase in school enrolment, the 20-year increase in life expectancy and the fivefold increase in gross domestic product per capita. We must work together to protect those gains. It is not for the sake of a diplomatic agreement but for the gains made by ordinary Afghans that we must collectively pursue peace in Afghanistan.”

   2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source

2. “Australia will continue to advocate strongly for the full protection of Afghan women and girls. We know that the most durable peace agreements are inclusive and are able to address the root causes of conflict by engaging all citizens in a process of change. That is a long-term endeavour and will require the support of the international community. The inclusion of women in the intra-Afghan peace dialogue is an important moment, including for resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. Women must have the right to speak for themselves at home and in international forums, including in peace discussions. Ensuring the representation of Afghan women in negotiations would be the beginning of a truly inclusive peace process.”

   2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source

3. “In recent days, many hoped such efforts would result in a historic deal to de-escalate the conflict and lay the foundations for direct intra-Afghan peace talks. We call on the Taliban to immediately halt the violence against civilians and to agree to a comprehensive ceasefire as the basis for intra-Afghan negotiations. We must continue to prioritize diplomacy and other peaceful means to end the conflict. Afghan and international human rights advocates have called for the full protection of the rights of Afghan women. That must include access to health care, education, employment and freedom of movement and addressing gender-based violence. Many Afghan women are calling for transitionaljustice, basic services and room to continue the long journey to equality. We applaud all those who stand up for these rights.”

   2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source

4. “I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. I also thank all today's briefers. Afghanistan continues to experience unacceptable levels of violence. With 3,804 reported civilian deaths in 2018, that is more than any other year on record. Since then scores more lives have been lost to the conflict, including civilians and Afghan security forces trying to protect their country against terror and insurgency. Australia remains firm in its support of all efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan. We appreciate the efforts made by United States Special Representative Khalilzad to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Taliban. The past year has seen significant diplomatic investment to end the long-running conflict in Afghanistan.”

   2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source

5. “Transnational, serious and organized crime is a complex phenomenon. Australia has committed to a nationally integrated approach involving our health, education, social policy, security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as to working closely with international partners, academia and industry to address all aspects of transnational crime to help prevent it from being used to support terrorism.”

   2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source

6. “The annual South-East Asian regional Counter-Terrorism Financing Summit is another example of multilateral cooperation focused on understanding andre sponding to terrorism financing and significant financial threats. It harnesses the collective capability of the region's financial-intelligence units to develop actionable strategies to combat terrorism financing and serious crime. The next regional Summit will be held in Manila, also in November. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive response to the threat of terrorism, Australia is also strongly advocating for a broad range of counter-terrorism initiatives, including the recent leaders' statement made at the Group of Twenty Summit in Osaka on preventing the exploitation of the Internet for terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.”

   2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source

7. “In recognition of the linkages across multiple security issues, the creation of Australia's Home Affairs portfolio in December 2017 brought together national security policy areas, including terrorism and transnational, serious and organized crime. The creation of that body has enabled agencies to work closely with partners domestically and internationally and to share information more quickly, enhancing our ability to address terrorist threats. A strong counter-terrorism financing regime is critical to disrupting any links between terrorism and organized crime. Australia is pleased to host the next No Money for Terror ministerial conference on counter- terrorism financing, to be held in November. It will be a further opportunity to strengthen the global response against terrorist financing.”

   2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source

8. “There is an urgent need to enhance international cooperation and strategies to prevent terrorists from benefiting from such activities. Australia recognizes the importance of a coordinated global response to the transnational nature of those threats. Australia welcomes the collaboration between the United Nations and other relevant bodies such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) to address those issues. The GCTF's The Hague Good Practices on the Nexus between Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism notes that the nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism exists in many forms and manifestations, exacerbating the threat to international peace and security.”

   2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source

9. “I thank you, Sir, for convening today's open debate and also thank all of today's briefers. The link between terrorist groups and transnational, serious and organized crime presents a complex and evolving threat to international security. There are many examples of international terrorist groups using sophisticated criminal activities to enhance and fund their operations and evade detection, in particular through kidnapping for ransom, money-laundering, drug trafficking, encryption and cybercrime. We know that transnational, serious and organized crime and terrorist groups are involved in money- laundering, drug-trafficking and people-smuggling activities, which span multiple countries. Those illicit activities have helped produce hundreds of millions of dollars to fund and perpetuate international terrorism and crime.”

   2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source

10. “At a difficult time of record levels of violence, we nevertheless look forward to a point when UNAMA can help Afghanistan enter a new era of peace and reconstruction.”

    2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source

11. “We encourage continued progress, especially against corruption, to ensure that more resources reach their intended destinations. The Afghan people face natural, as well as man- made, challenges. We have seen this year how drought has affected many Afghans. In March, we pledged $39 million over three years to support vulnerable groups affected by conflict and displacement, bringing Australia's humanitarian response to Afghanistan to $89 million since 2014. During the Geneva Conference, we also announced an additional $5 million contribution to provide emergency assistance to almost 1.4 million Afghans on the verge of acute famine. Finally, we wish to again record our appreciation for UNAMA's work in Afghanistan.”

    2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source

12. “Australia particularly welcomes the efforts of the United States to build on the Afghan Government's initiatives in 2018 and bring the parties together in meaningful negotiations. We are deeply disappointed that, to date, the Taliban has refused to engage with the Afghan Government and has continued its bloody campaign against the Afghan people. We call on the Taliban to end its violence, enter genuine negotiations with the Afghan Government and bring relief to the Afghan people. In the meantime, Australia will continue to stand with its allies and partners in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission and work with the Afghanistan security forces to overcome the challenges they face. Australia also recognizes that Afghanistan has made important progress, especially on economic and institutional reform.”

    2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source

13. “President Ghani's determination to take the lead on peace through the Kabul process and his offer to the Taliban of negotiations without preconditions demonstrate a strong desire for a new chapter dedicated to peace. Australia understands and shares that desire and welcomes those initiatives. Australia believes that the Kabul process should form the framework for the pursuit of peace in Afghanistan and the basis for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process. We were pleased that the international community reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan and for an Afghan- owned and Afghan-led peace process on 28 November, at the Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, and on 6 December, with General Assembly resolution 73/88, on Afghanistan.”

    2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source

14. “I thank Special Representative Yamamoto and all of today's briefers. We congratulate the people of Afghanistan on their courage and determination during the parliamentary elections on 20 October. Despite violence, intimidation and disappointing administrative failures, the Afghan people turned out to vote in impressive numbers and make their voices heard. Australia urges the Government of Afghanistan to quickly address the deficiencies that are evident in the electoral processes and ensure that the 2019 presidential election is credible and transparent and fully reflects the will of the Afghan people. Just as the October elections demonstrated the desire of Afghans to participate directly in the governance of their country, their call for an end to the conflict and ongoing suffering is loud and should be heard.”

    2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source

15. “As we continue to grapple with the multiple, overlapping challenges of terrorism, instability, conflict and fragility, working methods reform is not just a bureaucratic exercise. It is critical to the ability of the Council to discharge its core mandate - and to the lives that depend upon it.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

16. “Too often, the Council has failed in its mandate because narrow interests have been allowed to prevail over those of the most vulnerable. We note with concern the observation by Mr. Martin that 2017 saw the highest number of vetoes in two decades, which can impede decisive action in response to egregious crimes. We therefore join others in calling on all Council members - current and incoming - to commit unambiguously to the ACT code of conduct and the complementary French- Mexican initiative on restraining the use of the veto in situations of mass atrocity. Australia also encourages the Secretary-General to make full use of his prerogative under Article 99 of the Charter to bring to the Council's attention any matter that may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

17. “Australia was proud to collaborate with Finland, Germany, Greece and Sweden in launching, in November 2015, the Compendium ofthe High-Level Review ofUnitedNations Sanctions and, in October last year, its follow-up Assessment Report. We are pleased that many of the Compendium's 150 recommendations are now being implemented. But more can be done. Last year's Assessment Report offers further ways in which cooperation, collaboration, transparency and capacity- building on sanctions issues can be enhanced. Both the compendium and the assessment represent sizable contributions towards building a better United Nations sanctions system and are essential tools for reforming Council working methods. Finally, we must move urgently, decisively and in unison to agree on clear restraint of the veto.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

18. “In line with Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations, which enshrines the responsibility of the Security Council to act on behalf of the whole membership, Council members should engage regularly with the broader membership through briefings, including with regional groups and outreach to affected countries. We also support greater use of public meetings, open debates, Arria Formula meetings and monthly wrap-up sessions. Secondly, much of the Council's work relies on non-members to implement its decisions. It is therefore imperative that the broader membership be engaged appropriately in Council deliberations. One clear example is in the field of sanctions. We need to continue improving the working methods of the sanctions committees to enable better implementation of sanctions measures.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

19. “The scale and pace of challenges facing the Security Council today must bolster our resolve to ensure that the Council is as agile and effective as possible. Australia welcomes the update to note by the President S/2010/507. We thank Japan, which acted as Chair of the Informal Working Group during its recent Council term in 2016- 2017, for its leadership and commitment on this issue. Australia likewise commends Kuwait for assuming the Chair in 2018 and for convening today's debate. I will focus on three key areas of working methods reform - transparency, sanctions and use of the veto. First, as a member ofthe Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group, Australia firmly believes transparency is an important element of the Council's effectiveness.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

20. “This has been a year ofreflection and realignment for the international community's approach in Afghanistan. We urge full implementation of the recommendations of the strategic review of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and inclusions flowing from these in the Mission's renewed mandate - especially initiatives that address gender issues. Australia appreciates the significant contribution of United Nations agencies and their staff in Afghanistan, and we would like to thank them for their close cooperation as development and diplomatic partners throughout 2017. As we move into 2018, we look forward to a refreshed approach. We have a window of opportunity to use the momentum of 2017 and see tangible progress for Afghanistan. The meeting rose at 1.45 pm.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

21. “We look forward to the Kabul process meeting in February 2018 as a means of continuing to draw together different peace initiatives into a coherent and comprehensive Afghan-owned and led peace process. We would also welcome enhanced engagement between Afghanistan and Pakistan and urge that priority be given to strengthening this bilateral relationship, which is vital to regional stability. Australia continues to work with partners in support of the international response to Afghanistan's challenges. We welcomed renewed international commitments to Afghanistan in 2017, including the United States and European Union strategies on Afghanistan and the bolstered commitment of NATO and its partners. Australia also contributed to that effort, modestly increasing our military contribution to the Resolute Support mission during 2017.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

22. “We encourage Afghanistan to continue to work towards timely, free and fair elections, and welcome the United Nations commitment to providing electoral support. The worrying trend of increased drug production identified in the recent report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will also require increased attention in order to avoid undermining security and development gains. While the security and political phases of transition are important, it is essential that Afghanistan's economic transition not be neglected. It is critical to long-term stability. We are encouraged by growing regional economic cooperation, which has seen Afghanistan build closer trade partnerships with its neighbours through 2017.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

23. “I thank Special Representative and all the briefers today for their valuable briefings. Australia congratulates Afghanistan on overcoming significant security, political and humanitarian challenges in 2017, and notes the progress made on key reforms, particularly on anti-corruption and in the security sector. We encourage sustained attention to the challenges of the security environment, establishing a credible peace process and the response to continuing high levels of internal displacement. We welcome the Afghan Parliament's recent confirmation of 11 ministerial nominees to bring more certainty to domestic politics, but were discouraged by the failure to gain confirmation for the single female nominee. Conducting parliamentary elections in 2018 will be crucial for political credibility.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

24. “To overcome fragmentation, empower the field and improve United Nations effectiveness in assisting efforts to sustain peace, these reforms are needed. We must improve coordination and cooperation between departments and agencies, between field and Headquarters, and between policy and programmes. Cultural, process and structural reforms based on the sustaining peace resolutions are all crucial. Our reform objective should be to deliver a nimble, innovative United Nations that engages with conflict risk, rather than merely to bring about structural changes at Headquarters. We must prioritize prevention and inclusive peacebuilding to improve our ability to address contemporary conflict issues. Australia strongly support the Secretary-General's plans to take forward an ambitious reform agenda.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

25. “In our efforts to address complex security challenges and sustain peace, we must continue to strive to secure women's full political and economic participation. We acknowledge the practical steps undertaken by the Department of Political Affairs, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Peacebuilding Support Office in 2017 to improve women's participation in peacebuilding and peacekeeping. Finally, Australia strongly supports the Secretary- General's efforts towards reform, including reform of the peace and security pillar of the United Nations, and we are pleased that these reforms have advanced to the next stage today. The Security Council's ongoing support for the peace and security pillar reforms is vital.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

26. “This cannot be led only from the top; all staff across the Organization need to show leadership to embed these approaches, as well as be empowered to do so. Planning and programming must account for, adapt and respond to conflict risks. Respect for human rights, as well as integrated humanitarian and development programmes, are core to these efforts. Secondly, our efforts to support peaceful societies must be inclusive. We welcome the joint United Nations- World Bank study on conflict prevention and support its focus on how successful prevention is inclusive, based on broad coalitions reaching into civil society and the private sector. There is clear evidence that the meaningful participation of women in peace processes leads to more durable outcomes.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

27. “I thank the presidency of Japan for convening this debate, as well as the Secretary-General for his remarks. Long-term, comprehensive solutions to conflict and crises remain elusive. Addressing increasingly complex contemporary challenges to international peace and security requires change in our approach. As we advance reform of the United Nations system and adapt our tools and policies, we must adopt new ways of working. Today, I will address three areas that Australia sees as particularly important: a focus on prevention and sustaining peace, women's participation in peacebuilding, and current efforts towards United Nations reform. First, prevention approaches must become embedded across all United Nations operations and programmes, and across pillars, in line with the resolutions on sustaining peace.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

28. “On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Paris Commitments and Paris Principles, the urgent need for renewed effort is clear.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

29. “Fourthly, it is impossible to overstate the importance of the reintegration of former child soldiers so as to ensure that sustainable peace is established. Working with communities, health workers, policymakers, schools and tertiary institutions to support the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups is crucial to helping those children return successfully to Civilian life, thereby enabling them to reach their full human potential. Australia is proud to have endorsed the Paris Principles and Commitments. Those standards have informed national and international efforts to strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict. And yet, around the world, we continue to bear witness to the devastating impact of armed conflict on children.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

30. “We also welcome the introduction of the new reporting format, which acknowledges where a party is taking steps to end such violations. We hope that it will serve as an added incentive for parties to put an end to violations. Secondly, action plans to prevent child recruitment and use have had a significant impact. As the majority of groups known to recruit children are non-State armed actors, we need to continue efforts to ensure that those groups conclude action plans. We commend Special Representative Gamba on her efforts to engage proactively with those parties. Thirdly, child protection advisers in peacekeeping missions play an important role in verifying, preventing and ending grave violations. Australia therefore supports the maintenance of dedicated child protection advisers on the ground.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

31. “We commend the progress made, including the delisting of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for child recruitment, as well as the large numbers of children separated from armed groups in the Central African Republic and from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the Philippines. We also welcome the signing of new action plans with Mali, the Sudan and the Civilian Joint Task Force in Nigeria. However, more must be done to shield the world's children from the impact of armed conflict. Let me highlight four key issues. First, Australia believes that the accurate and credible listing of perpetrators in the annual report is crucial. We commend the Secretary-General for ensuring that all parties responsible for the commission of grave violations are listed.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

32. “Children continue to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, which is never of their own making. As the Secretary-General's report (S/2017/82l) so clearly outlines, unacceptable numbers of Children continue to be killed, maimed, recruited, abducted, sexually abused and denied humanitarian assistance, health care and education. And we know that verified violations are only the tip of the iceberg. That inhumanity must stop. Australia welcomes the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and child protection advisers to protect children affected by armed conflict.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source