YouSaid · the spoken record

Ybafiez

lines on the record: 128
first: 2015-01-19
most recent: 2016-11-07
sittings or episodes: 12
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 those places where the State is not present, where the law is not respected, violations of human rights and illegal exploitation of natural resources go hand in hand. The State must return to those regions or newly appear in areas where it could not be found previously. In other words, it is necessary that there be a fair and inclusive electoral process and that constitutional parameters be adjusted. We look forward to the country's upcoming elections. They will be the best way to measure the maturity of the people and institutions of Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have confidence in them. The third major challenge for the Great Lakes region is developing effective regional cooperation that is able to ensure that the countries of the region come together to achieve a better future and that they share the benefits of prosperity.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“With the support of the international community, the Democratic Republic of the Congo can and should move forward in combating the illegal exploitation of its resources, especially in the eastern part of the country. We must move from armed groups to the generating of tax revenues and from violence and corruption to the construction of schools and hospitals and the creation of decentjobs for young people. The question now is how to unlock the energies that still prevent the achievement of the future that the people deserve. In part, this question has been answered - through democratic governance. It is crucial for the institutional strength of the State to reach those areas that today remain outside the control of the law.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“This challenge is also a non-negotiable obligation, for we cannot go on justifying the tens of millions of people living in poverty, the millions of suffering young people whose outlook on the future is marked by hopelessness and the lack of opportunity, and the millions of women suffering from attacks on their lives and integrity and living excluded from economic and social participation in a region that is extraordinarily rich. Let us take the case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country has enormous resources of all kinds, valuable deposits of minerals, fertile soil and plentiful water resources - in a world where water and energy are two of the most precious assets.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Spain respects the role of African countries as primarily responsible and interested in the prosperity and stability of their continent and believes that, as emphasized by the Presidents of Africa at the African Union Summit in January, it is urgent to have an inclusive and unconditional political dialogue that fully respects the Arusha Agreement and the Constitution of Burundi and enables the parties to reach a broad and generous agreement on the future they want for the Burundian people. The second fundamental challenge is to achieve inclusive economic and social development that benefits all citizens of the countries of the region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Over a year ago, Burundi was poised to be honoured as an example of success in the Great Lakes. It seemed to be a country able to turn the page on violence and instability and begin writing a history of development and prosperity. In April 2015, that illusion began to unravel. Since then, the number of dead has not stopped growing. And there are approximately 240,000 Burundian refugees who have been forced to leave the country. This situation can and must end without any further delay.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Today it is essential to ensure that this includes women, who have been traditionally excluded in many societies and who are possibly the greatest force for change in the world. Inclusion and respect for legal procedures are conditions to ensure that electoral processes contribute to peace, stability and prosperity. Constitutions and the legal order as a whole are frameworks for coexistence that no one can overturn, because all citizens are equal before the law. And the leaders must lead by example. It is essential to respect the provisions and limitations of presidential mandates, since the rotation in power is one of the best safeguards of peace and stability. The most worrisome case at the moment is that of Burundi, which I would like to address in greater detail.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“The democratic mandate is the best instrument we know to fulfil these objectives and is the expression of a fundamental right, namely, the right to political participation, which makes citizens the architects of their own destiny. The absence of governance leads to a vacuum of responsibility and the inability to provide adequate services to the population. The lack of democracy implies the denial of the rights of individuals. In the Great Lakes there is a serious problem of lack of democratic governance. Some countries have made progress in the provision of services to its population, but in several of them elections do not end up becoming an instrument of democratic development and social inclusion. Political participation is an essential instrument for empowering citizens.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“The constant threat of conflict forces us to look further - to try to understand the deeper forces that persist in a region still suffering from instability and violence despite the still-remarkable progress in stabilization and growth in countries such as Rwanda and various regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In that context, I want to discuss three challenges that we consider to be priorities, namely, democratic governance, inclusive development and regional cooperation. The first factor is democratic governance. Every peaceful, stable and prosperous society is built upon a social contract that requires leaders to fulfil their responsibilities and provide services to everyone in the civilian population.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“In recent decades, the structural transformation of the Great Lakes has been spectacular. In the 1990s, we witnessed a brutal genocide in Rwanda, followed by a cruel war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2013, we witnessed the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. The distance between those two events is enormous. But this transformation is not enough. Or put another way, it has not been completed. The region continues to fail to turn the page on conflict.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Mr. Ybafiez (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by thanking Angola and in particular you, Foreign Minister Chikoti, for the organizing today's open debate, which is of the utmost importance and topicality. I also extend my thanks to the Secretary- General, the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General and the representative of the World Bank for their valuable contributions. A well-known African proverb affirms that when two elephants fight the grass gets hurt. The Great Lakes region continues to experience some of the worst conflicts currently ravaging the African continent. The region has not completed its search for the path of peace, stability and prosperity, and it is the population that is suffering the consequences.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“In Syria we have a long road ahead full of obstacles, but at least we are taking the most important step - an indispensable step, in fact - so that armed clashes give way to diplomacy. As a member of the Security Council, Spain will spare no effort in translating the spirit of unity and consensus into an effective commitment to peace, security and stability in Syria and in the Middle East as a whole.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“Yesterday in this Chamber we also adopted resolution 2253 (2015), in which we committed to take concrete measures to sever the umbilical chord of Daesh's financing. I trust that the Security Council will swiftly take a position with the same firmness and unity in favour of guaranteeing humanitarian assistance to all Syrians through the most immediate channels and without any obstacles. Spain is working with Jordan and New Zealand to achieve the adoption of such a draft resolution. We will submit for adoption together next week, and I am sure that all Security Council members will provide their full support. The involvement of all the parties will be needed to implement that resolution. In recent days we have had positive news on Libya from Morocco. Step by step progress is being made in Yemen.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“Spain has always supported a dialogue without preconditions in Syria, with the knowledge that the future will inevitably go through a transition that will lead to a new political system based on the Geneva communique' (S/2012/522, annex). We fully support Special Envoy de Mistura, who has all the qualities necessary to successfully conduct this exercise. The implementation of confidence-building measures in the short term would be a clear sign of hope. In that regard, we call for the immediate cessation of indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population, in particular the use of barrel bombs by the Government of Syria. In conclusion, yesterday marked five years since Mohammed Bouazizi's protest in Tunis, which led to the Arab Spring.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“However, the United Nations should mediate a long-term solution, as is reflected in the responsibilities set out in resolution 2254 (2015) to the Secretary-General, the team of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, and the Security Council itself. Without the unity of the international community we would not have come this far. However, the success or failure of this process will depend mainly on the Syrians themselves. The challenge is considerable. After so many years of war, it will be very difficult to heal the wounds; the temptation to embrace a military solution will be present at each stage of the process.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“As a co-sponsor of the resolution, Spain is well aware of the attacks in Paris, Beirut, the downing of a Russian airliner over the Sinai and the attacks in Ankara. A ceasefire in Syria will allow us to focus on the political solution to that conflict, while continuing the fight against terrorism. That is now our priority. In the coming months, Spain will continue to actively participate in the coalition against Daesh in various areas, including the training of Iraqi security forces. Today's resolution affirms, moreover, the centrality of the United Nations, and in particular the Security Council, which can no longer sit idly by in the face ofa conflict ofthis magnitude. The Vienna process has been key in bringing together countries with very different, even antagonistic, views on the conflict in Syria around the negotiating table.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“Mr. Ybafiez (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): The unanimous adoption of resolution 2254 (2015) opens a window of opportunity to address through dialogue the crisis in Syria, one of the most painful conflicts that we have seen in decades. The main victims of the crisis are first and foremost the Syrians themselves. Today's resolution comes too late for the more than 250,000 people who have died in the past five years. We should not forget that in Syria the most fundamental norms of international humanitarian law have been - and continue to be - violated. At the same time, the war in Syria is a challenge owing to the implications that it has for the entire region. It triggered the escalation of the terrorism perpetrated by Daesh, which has become the main threat to the international community on a global scale.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“The tenth anniversary ofresolution 1738 (2006) in 2016 will be an excellent opportunity for that, and to strengthen cooperation in this field between the United Nations and regional organizations. Finally, I should like to express my admiration and gratitude to the professionals of the press, particularly those who risk their lives in situations of conflict, for their noble commitment to give voice to witnesses. Their stories are critical to keeping our consciences awake and helping us to respond to crimes and abuses. On behalf of Spain, I pay tribute to them.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Moreover, for our part, during the meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee in Madrid in July, we will address the role of the media in a panel dedicated to the identification and prevention of the recruitment of foreign fighters. I should like to conclude with another proposal. The United Nations has an extensive network of agencies and institutions that could contribute to improving the security of journalists, as reflected in the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue oflmpunity, approved by UNESCO in 2012. It would be a good idea to assess its impact and to transmit its findings to the relevant bodies of the United Nations system.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“We would point to such concrete measures as the inclusion in the sanctions committees the designation criteria related to the violation of the rights of women, including the many women journalists who champion them. Second is the review of peacekeeping operations. We believe that the role of the media should be given priority attention in defining the terms of reference of United Nations political missions and peacekeeping operations. Resolution 2222 (2015), which we adopted today, emphasizes the importance of that factor. Third is the factor against terrorism. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy underscores the media's important role in curbing the spread of extremist ideologies. The review to take place in 2016 will give us the opportunity to strengthen that perspective.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Only 5 per cent returned to their countries of origin, and the remaining 95 per cent remain vulnerable even in exile. I would now like to refer briefly to Spain's three priorities of significant importance bearing on the subject of today's debate. First, on gender equality, the communications media are essential both to prevent violence against women and to articulate their participation in peace processes. The radio station Okapi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a partner of the United Nations with 14 million listeners, is an excellent example of this. Last year, Spain awarded its most prestigious award, the Princess of Asturias Award for Concordia, to journalist Caddy Adzuba for defending human rights and freedom of the press.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“There is a high level of impunity for crimes against journalists, as has been highlighted in the briefings today, which calls for enhanced cooperation between the Council and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. It would also be useful - again I am conveying a proposal by the media in Spain-to receive a report from the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on the increasingly frequent and worrisome phenomenon of the forced exile of numerous journalists. According to Reporters Without Borders, in 2014 139 journalists and 20 bloggers had to seek exile, almost twice the number of the previous year. The main reason was the threat of violence or imprisonment related to the issues under their investigation.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“No one is better placed than professionals of the press to contribute to this debate. Before coming to New York, I had the opportunity to meet in Madrid with professional associations of the Spanish press, including Reporters Without Borders, and to hear their views. I heard very interesting proposals, some of which I would like to highlight here. One was a proposal for the prosecution of crimes against journalists as war crimes, pursuant to various considerations. I have already mentioned the important role of the media in armed conflict. Journalists, given the specific nature of their work, are particularly exposed to threats and dangers. The abduction and execution of journalists are instruments of propaganda, intimidation and terrorism used by terrorist groups to influence public opinion.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“That begins with the ratification and implementation of the relevant international instruments in the area of international humanitarian law and human rights, including the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, or mechanisms such as the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Human Rights Council and the Special Rapporteur of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. It is also essential to support the work Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. It is essential that we take into account the views of the media themselves as we identify activities to protect their security.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Let me just mention some measures that can be used to improve the conditions in which they conduct their very difficult work. It is necessary to publicly acknowledge the work carried out by the media and to reiterate our commitment to their protection. Open debates such as today's are an excellent opportunity to do this. The work of the Security Council also offers opportunities such as adopting draft resolutions and press statements or even imposing sanctions. States should actively promote the establishment of a secure framework so that journalists can exercise their profession free of coercion and intimidation.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Countries such as Spain that have suffered terrorist attacks know from experience that these groups are moved by a totalitarian instinct. Jihadi terrorism uses the Internet and social media as key tools to recruit combatants and obtain financing. Groups such as Daesh use social networks to publicize their activities and to terrorize. In the medium- and long-term, the best way to combat jihadist propoganda is through truthful information about the real face of terrorism. The testimony of the Yazidi girls that managed to escape Daesh in Iraq and the Nigerian girls who were recently freed from the inhumane imprisonment of Boko Haram are telling examples. We owe a great deal to the media. In contrast, our tools to ensure their protection are very limited.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Such type of pressure occurs in many parts of the world. Attacks against journalists in Ukraine throughout last year, for example, are very troubling. The working conditions of journalists are unfortunately increasingly difficult due to the threat of terrorism. The pressure and intimidation by terrorist groups is increasing. Abductions of journalists increased by 30 per cent in 2014. In parts of Iraq and Syria we are now talking of a news blackout because there is no possible access by the media. The year 2015 had a painful and outrageous beginning with the attack on Charlie Hebdo. Terrorists are increasing their scope of action. The reason that terrorist groups have chosen the press is clear: they abhor pluralism and try to impose themselves using coercive means.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“For example, the pictures taken and preserved by the Spanish deportee Francisco Boix in the Mauthausen concentration camp were critical in establishing responsibility in the trials after the Second World War. The media spurs Governments and civil society to find peaceful solutions to conflicts. Indeed, journalism has contributed to shaping the agenda of the Security Council by bringing attention to notions including the protection of civilians, children in armed conflict, and women and peace and security. The pressure to whichjournalists are subjected to in conflict situations is the best reflection of the uncomfortable yet irreplaceable role played by journalism such circumstances. In Burundi, for example, independent radio and television channels have not been able to broadcast for many weeks.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“In some cases, journalists are the only mode of access to truthful information: today we would not know much about events taking place in Yemen or Syria if it were not for the presence of reporters who often take their commitment to their job to heroic extremes. Very often, journalists are the only voices that the victims of abuses and attacks against civilians have to rely on. Hence, they play an essential role to ensure a response by the international community to try to prevent an escalation of violence or, at least, mitigate its consequences. Furthermore, they are important to make sure that crimes do not go unpunished and that perpetrators area brought to justice.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“However this job is essential in order to be able to know, to think and to shape opinions. Hence, the role of journalists is particularly important in armed conflicts. The independent press informs us about realities on the ground. The development of new technologies has significantly facilitated access to information and news in real-time, has increased the number of information sources and enhanced the role of the media. Journalists are an important counterweight against propaganda, which often tries to manipulate public opinion. Abuses can occur, such as when radio stations were used in the Great Lakes region two decades ago to incite hatred.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Freedom of the press, as a clear expression of freedom of expression and opinion, is the backbone of a free society. Freedom of expression and opinion is the oxygen that is essential to all democratic systems worthy of that name. That right is clearly enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which expresses its dual role and states that it is essential for everyone to be able to express their views without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. The exercise of freedom ofthe press is fundamental, not only by journalists. It is a difficult profession as it must be guided by the need to provide truthful information. In that undertaking, it is inevitable that disagreements will arise with political authorities.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“Mr. Ybafiez (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to express my appreciation for the briefings given by Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson, Mr. Deloire on behalf of Reporters Without Borders, and Ms. Pearl. Their briefings were quite moving and we will have to carefully examine their proposals. I would also like to thank the Lithuanian presidency for organizing this open debate and for supporting resolution 2222 (2015), which we adopted today. We are joined today in the Chamber by a sizeable delegation from the Congress of Deputies of Spain representing the various political forces of my country. Their visit reflects their desire to learn about the work of the Council, benefiting from our presence in this body, and to support the important work of this organ.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450 (2015) · source
“I am outlining its design for the Council's consideration, and the Spanish delegation is ready to begin work on it immediately with other Council members. I conclude by reiterating my congratulations and thanks to the Jordanian presidency for convening this timely and much needed debate.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“The action proposed by Spain, along with other countries working on the humanitarian dossier for Syria, is the launch of a mission to assess the humanitarian needs in the besieged areas. That mission could at the same time facilitate humanitarian access. It may be late for Yarmouk, but it is not for the rest of the people living in similar conditions elsewhere in Syria. Such a mission could be at a level that the Council determines, but it would in any case have to be supported by a clear mandate that included three essential elements. First, it must appeal to the parties concerned not to obstruct it. Secondly, we must determine its level and composition. Thirdly, the expected results must be delivered within a defined time frame and be reported in a timely manner to the Council.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“It is necessary, therefore, to reflect on how to ensure urgent and effective compliance with the resolutions. Above all, it is necessary and urgent to act. As a member of the Council, Spain has insisted in recent statements on practical measures to realize that goal. One measure in particular relates to an area of humanitarian action noted as a priority in the Secretary-General's reports. I am referring to access to areas under siege, where, according to available data, 440,000 people live in poverty and where humanitarian access has not gotten through or has opened very sporadically in recent months. One such area is the Yarmouk refugee camp, on which the Council held two consultations this month and where the situation has been described as one of the deepest circles of hell for the thousands of civilians still trapped inside.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“We appreciate her presence among us and value her dedication and valorous efforts in extraordinary measure. Those are figures that, again to our shame, have been repeated and have continued to increase month by month over the past years. The Council's actions through resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014) and 2191 (2014) have, since their adoption, undoubtedly contributed to improving the lot of the Syrian population. But that is not enough. Instead, in debate after debate we find that the most important requirements of the resolutions on protection and humanitarian assistance remain unfulfilled in their entirety. We are especially but not only concerned about the systematic violations of the medical neutrality principle and the removal of medical and sanitary supplies from humanitarian convoys that are essential to civilian populations.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“Overall in that regard, we must do more. I am speaking about current and potential donors, as well as funding from international financial institutions. Those institutions could consider the use of financial instruments adapted to the neighbouring host countries' needs, taking into consideration that they are middle-income countries, whose access to funding under more favourable conditions would be restricted. The situation of the Syrian refugees is one aspect of the broader Syrian humanitarian crisis. We are facing a crisis that affects, within a country of more than 22 million people, 7.6 million who are internally displaced. Those figures are from the Secretary- General's most recent report (S/2015/264), which Under- Secretary-General Amos presented.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“As I said, we cannot and we must not leave them to manage alone in that effort. We are not facing a solely humanitarian crisis, but also a situation that undermines the development efforts of the neighbouring host countries. It is vital to keep in mind the link between the two dimensions, humanitarian and development, when considering how we can more effectively aid those countries. At the recent donor conference for Syria, held in Kuwait on 31 March, we were able to see at first hand the magnitude of the amounts needed to respond adequately to the crisis and to support neighbouring countries in the two dimensions just mentioned. Certainly, the generosity of many donors has provided the opportunity to gather approximately $3.6 billion, but we are still far from covering the $8.4 billion that the United Nations requires.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“Let us put ourselves in their place, and try to imagine spending five years of our lives uprooted by force from our living environment, often from the closeness of our loved ones, surviving in precarious material conditions - five years taken from our professional careers, five years stolen from our children's education, five years of our lives living without hope that the situation is going to change in the immediate future. That is, until we are able to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict, which we have not done. That is our failure and our shame. What can we do in the meantime? The neighbouring countries, which have received most of the Syrian refugees, are giving us an example of solidarity and humanity under conditions that test the resilience of their own societies.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“They include 600,000 children, whose basic and educational needs are being barely covered or not covered at all and who require urgent attention. The High Commissioner, Mr. Guterres, his Special Envoy, Ms. Jolie Pitt, and Ms. Cousin of the United Nations World Food Programme have eloquently described the plight of the Syrian refugees and the challenges that their presence poses for the host countries. We appreciate their briefings and, above all, the extraordinary work they do as humanitarian workers. We are witnessing the greatest refugee crisis of our time. It is a drama that crosses borders and challenges the conscience of the entire international community. It is, above all, a drama that has 3.9 million faces and names.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“Mr. Ybafiez (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank and congratulate the Jordanian presidency on bringing the Council's attention to the impact of the humanitarian crisis in Syria on its neighbouring countries. While affecting each of those countries, the implications of that conflict also have an impact on regional and global peace and security. Consequently, the challenges that Jordan faces affect us all, and we must collectively contribute to providing a response. The presidential statement that we have adopted today (S/PRST/2015/10) provides clear recognition and firm support for the extraordinary efforts undertaken by countries such as Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey to host the 3.9 million refugees who have fled their homes since the beginning of the conflict that is devastating Syria.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“The commitment of the international community and the Security Council to the fight against Violent extremism, especially as it affects young people, will be key to safeguarding humankind's greatest treasure: our diversity.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Such a representative, in addition to promoting the coordination of policies against violent extremism, should make it a priority to prevent the radicalization of young people and work, together with the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, to integrate young people in the development of relevant policies. Such a special representative would coordinate her actions with all bodies, funds and programmes of the United Nations whose work touches on this agenda. The Alliance of Civilizations should undoubtedly be at the centre of this process. Likewise, regional organizations should be involved, as should the Union for the Mediterranean, which already works in this area. Your Royal Highness, I thank you for having convened this debate.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We support the process established by the United States in this regard at the recent Washington, D.C., Summit Against Violent Extremism. In February, Spain approved a national strategic plan to counter violent radicalization, which recognizes the vulnerability of young people to radical discourse. We also have a resource centre for cultural diversity in education and a fund to support the reception and integration of immigrants, most of whom are young people. The time has come to move to a new phase in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. A month ago, Spain requested that the Secretary-General consider appointing, within the Secretariat and with existing resources, a special representative mandated to combat Violent extremism.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We have many examples of good practices to counter their propaganda, examples of messages of tolerance and understanding towards other cultures. For example, I could mention the video disseminated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya through Twitter prior to the recent round of negotiations among Libyans in Skhirat. We need to strengthen international police, judiciary and legislative cooperation so as to ensure that terrorists do not use modern media for their purposes without consequence. I also want to emphasize the importance of civil society and, in particular, the role that Victims of terrorism can play as a moral reference for young people. The 2014 revised United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review refers to this. In my View, it is essential to share good national practices.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“I would also like to underscore the work carried out by the Egyptian university Al-Azhar, which has established an observatory to analyse all the fatwas that have been issued over the past year. That centre found that 200 fatwas could incite young people to join terrorist groups. To counter that, it has launched a campaign in the media and on the Internet in which it explains that Daesh is a terrorist organization. We need more actions of this kind. Women in general and young people in particular can also play a crucial role through their participation in any strategy against Violent extremism and in peace processes. The empowerment of women diminishes the probability that violent extremism will expand. The main source for the recruitment of young people by radical groups takes place through the Internet.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Authorities and religious leaders play an important role in preventing radicalization. Schools of religion have a great deal of authority and capacity to influence their students' concept of life. As representatives of Governments, we have a responsibility to ensure that all religious schools teach tolerance and respect for others and to take the legal and judicial measures that are necessary against those who do not comply with them. There should be a network of pro-peace religious leaders in the areas of conflict where it is most urgent to take action. The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, whose Board of Directors is made up of religious leaders, is working in this direction.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“There are many examples of athletes who cooperate with the United Nations in awareness-raising campaigns. That is the case of basketball player Pau Gasol, who is a goodwill ambassador of UNICEF in Spain. We need to ensure that increasingly more young people are leaders in their communities inpeacebuilding, reconciliation and post-conflict rebuilding. It would be useful to have training projects in this area. The agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, which is being reviewed this year, should include strategies that prevent radicalization. The media play an important role in awareness- raising in society and among young people in particular. We need to foster a partnership with as many media outlets as possible in combating violent extremism. Media literacy for young people will form critical and peaceful perspectives.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We need to underscore their added value and promote the complete social integration of those with immigrant backgrounds. Unfortunately, the facts have demonstrated that education is indeed a necessary but not always sufficient condition to prevent adherence to extremist and violent ideologies. That is why I want to underscore the importance of intercultural and interreligious education. We need to promote an education based on universal values and respect for diversity and human rights. Sports can also be a very useful tool for peace and development. Athletic activities among young people from different countries, cultures or beliefs and the participation of the most well-known athletes and sports teams in campaigns aimed at young people to promote tolerance can be very effective tools.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“The international community therefore often withdraws without addressing and solving the post-conflict trauma experienced by part of the local populations. Sometimes these populations try to seek revenge while other populations, owing to the lack of means to support themselves, are led to use violence again. We are focusing on responding to the emergency without dealing with the deep-rooted causes and consequences of the conflict. There is no doubt that the time has come to focus more attention on the medium to long-range dimension of conflict management. The complexity of the radicalization processes described requires a multifaceted approach. Youth and education are two closely linked areas for intervention. Approximately 1.8 billion young people around the world should and can play an important role in our societies.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“The vulnerability of certain social groups, their socioeconomic situations, their level of education or their condition as minorities in which they feel marginalized are factors that can have an impact on feelings of alienation and exclusion, turning these groups into fertile grounds for the emergence of hatred, resentment and radicalism. The high rates of unemployment, in particular among young people, no doubt contribute to this phenomenon. In other parts of the world, this hatred and resentment have different origins. That is the case in conflict zones. We often see the international community withdraw from conflicts too early when there is believed to be a sufficient level of economic and social functionality.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source