YouSaid · the spoken record

Zarif

lines on the record: 520
first: 1992-01-21
most recent: 2019-09-25
sittings or episodes: 43
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

“Thirdly, the States of the Hormuz Strait community will have periodic meetings at various levels, including at the summit level. Such meetings may also have a private-sector and academic components. At the same time, on the basis of resolution 598 (1987), the United Nations will be invited to furnish the necessary international umbrella and ensure the legitimate interests of the international community. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to fully engage in dialogue with countries of the region and the United Nations to discuss all aspects of the HOPE initiative.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“We have presented a plan of action that includes, first, preparatory arrangements for a Hormuz Straight community summit to commence deliberations on a broad spectrum of security and cooperation issues, including energy security, arms control and confidence-building measures, military contacts, the possible establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, and the conclusion of a Hormuz Strait community non-aggression pact. Secondly, the plan also includes, secondly, the establishment of joint task forces on various issues in relation to practical measures to gradually expand cooperation, including on early warning, prevention and resolution of conflicts; combatting drugs and human trafficking; joint investments and ventures in energy, transit and transportation; and cooperation in cybersecurity.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“Those objectives can be promoted only through adherence to such common principles as dialogue and mutual respect; respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of international borders; peaceful settlement ofall disputes; rejection ofthe threat and use of force; non-aggression and non-intervention in the internal or external affairs of other States; and rejection of and non-participation in coalitions and alliances against fellow States. Energy security and the free flow of natural resources are further principles to which we must all subscribe.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“The objectives of HOPE include promoting solidarity, mutual understanding and peaceful and friendly relations and cooperation among States of the region, ensuring the territorial integrity, political independence and international boundaries of all regional States, cooperating in eradicating terrorism, extremism and sectarian tensions, peacefully resolving all regional tensions and conflicts, preventing tensions through enhanced communication and early warning, and ensuring energy security, the freedom of navigation and the free flow of oil and other resources to and from the Hormuz Strait community and beyond.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“This morning, in his remarks before the General Assembly, President Rouhani of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented an important initiative on a new coalition, the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE), a coalition for hope, and invited all States of the Hormuz Strait community to join this endeavour (see A/74/PV.5). HOPE is based on the fact that all regional States have the responsibility to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region, and, together with the global community, share a common vital interest in maintaining freedom of navigation and energy security for all. Likewise, regional endeavours are imperative to prevent war, conflict, violence, extremism, terrorism and sectarian tension.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“At the outset, I thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting and all briefers for their valuable input. Regional cooperation in countering terrorism is imperative, particularly in such regions as Central and West Asia, where the threat of terrorist groups is pervasive. We value the role of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and underline the importance of cooperation between the United Nations and these organizations in countering terrorist threats. Regional cooperation is also long overdue in the Persian Gulf. In this regard, we note with appreciation and support the constructive proposal of the Russian Federation for security in that region.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“The continuing shortfalls in national resources for supporting Liberia's transition and consolidating peace will be felt even more acutely as international donor assistance declines. Liberia has made remarkable progress since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Accra in 2003. However, challenges that pose a risk of reversal still remain. The Government of Liberia, the United Nations system and the wider international community must continue to address them with all the energy and innovation available to them if we are to preserve and reinforce the gains made in the intervening years. I appeal to all concerned to increase and consolidate their investment in Liberia and support the country at this crucial time, through its transition to a new Government and beyond.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“It could be organized for April 2018, when there will be a review of the statement of mutual commitments, which, together with the peacebuilding plan, could form the basis for a framework of mutual accountability between the new Government and the international community, as represented by the United Nations. It is therefore a concern that the most recent draft of the national budget for 2017-2018 has little room for investment in social and economic intervention, which is essential if the key drivers of conflict are to be addressed. Currently, 94 per cent of the estimated $526.5 million budget is committed to recurring costs, including payrolls, leavingjust $27.3 million - I repeat, just $27.3 million f for public-sector investment plans. At the same time, the budget is 12.3 per cent lower than the 2016-2017 budget of $600.2 million.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“With regard to financing, a Liberia transition multipartner trust fund, aimed at making the country team's funding and operations more predictable, is being discussed. Given that most of the priorities outlined in the Liberia peacebuilding plan require the country team's medium- to-long-term engagement, it will be essential to ensure that Liberia has the international community's sustained political and financial support. In that regard, we are also discussing an international conference that will enable the new Liberian Government to share its national priorities.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“The UnitedNations country team recently completed a capacity mapping exercise to assess its readiness to provide strategic and programmatic support to Liberia after UNMIL's departure. The findings showed that it will need significant assistance to increase its capacity, resources and expertise. Efforts are currently under way to mobilize support so that the transition from UNMIL to the country team is conducted seamlessly and responsibly and can effectively support Liberia's efforts to achieve sustainable peace. One programmatic aspect is the establishment of an independent presence for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is essential for monitoring and capacity-building.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“Sustaining peace in Liberia must look to horizons beyond the immediate needs of the transition process, requiring long-term investment in national institutions that are inclusive, accountable and responsive, providing opportunities and services to all Liberians. To that end, the Government has started developing specific actions for the implementation of each of its commitments under the plan, and the Mission is assisting with this process to, hopefully, ensure that it is done in a timely and successful manner. In that context, I would like to express my appreciation for the helpful assistance from the Peacebuilding Commission's configuration for Liberia, chaired by Ambassador Skoog, who has just completed a very useful visit to the country.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“In this regard, UNMIL has stepped up media activities and interactive programming on the themes of sexual and gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, national reconciliation and the promotion of human rights. On 4 April, the Secretary-General transmitted to the Security Council the Liberia peacebuilding plan, which was developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders by the United Nations system and the Government of Liberia. The plan identifies key actions set to take place before 30 March 2018, when UNMIL's substantive mandate ends, and outlines the level of necessary political engagement. The peacebuilding plan provides the basis for the United Nations system's integrated transition plan, which is currently being finalized in consultation with the Government and civil-society actors.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“The Commission must intensify its efforts to address the serious human rights challenges, including sexual and gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices and challenges with respect to freedom of speech, which continue to plague Liberia. For instance, over the past two weeks, from late May to early June, UNMIL counted seven reported cases of rape, both by individuals and gang rape, of minors, including children of both sexes. The Government should implement as a matter of urgency the salient recommendations of the 2016 UNMIL- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights report on addressing impunity for rape in Liberia.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“Critical legislative reforms, widely accepted as minimum requirements to address the underlying causes of conflict, most notably the land rights bill and the local governance bill, are yet to be enacted. The decisive steps needed to help bring more security to the lives of women have yet to be taken, including the passage of the domestic violence bill. I continue to engage vigorously with the Government, particularly the Legislature, to help advance these transformational reforms. I am encouraged by the gradual strengthening of Liberia's human rights capacity, illustrated, for example, by the recent international accreditation of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights following several years of UNMIL's technical support in capacity-building.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“Meanwhile, the exhibition of the provisional registration roll, which took place from 12 to 17 June, encountered technical issues, including, reportedly, missing names and photographs of several individuals, although the Commission has claimed that all registered individuals will be allowed to vote in October. It will be important that the Commission address these challenges so as to prevent uncertainty in connection with the process and its results, which could lead to distrust and amplify existing problems. Despite the important gains made over the years of post-conflict recovery, Liberia continues to face considerable challenges, which weigh heavily on efforts to sustain peace and advance national reconciliation.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“The Government has established a transition team that will attend to asset transfers, handover notes and other matters, so as to ensure that the incoming Government assumes its functions as seamlessly as possible. On 8 June, the Senate proposed to amend part XII of the Code of Conduct law, with which the House of Representatives concurred on 13 June. The amendment, inter alia, seeks to provide a governing framework for the operations of the Office of the Ombudsman. The amendment also requires that electoral matters be adjudicated by the National Elections Commission in the first instance, with appeals to the Supreme Court, which has caused additional uncertainty about the eligibility of candidates for nomination, which process started on 19 June.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“The commitment, referred to as the Farmington River Declaration, built on a combination of agreements previously reached among the parties. The Declaration also endorsed the establishment ofa peace and mediation committee to help guide relations among and between the political parties and State institutions for a peaceful transition. The Declaration was formalized on 4 June 2017 during the summit conference of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State. UNMIL, the African Union and ECOWAS collectively engaged with the parties to ensure their support for this significant initiative. The Government also submitted a draft bill on arrangements for the smooth transition of authority to a new Government.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“The country's future as a stable democracy will hinge on the successful conduct of the October elections and broad agreement that they were free and fair, followed by a smooth transfer of power from the current Government to a new Administration. There are many presidential candidates, including the incumbent Vice-President and several formidable opposition-party candidates, who will almost certainly have to form coalitions to enhance their chances in a possible run-off. At the initiative of the Government, the Interreligious Council of Liberia organized, on 31 May and 1 June 2017, a national forum of all political party leaders, culminating in the parties' commitment to a violence-free electoral process and transfer of power.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“Any substantial reduction, therefore, in the modest and lean budget we submitted to the General Assembly would significantly affect the ability of UNMIL to deliver on the mandate given by the Council. While UNMIL is preparing for the transition of residual mandated activities to the Government of Liberia, the United Nations country team and other partners, it remains fully engaged in all aspects of its mandate, with a particular emphasis on good offices and political facilitation. As the elections draw closer, the Mission has further intensified its engagement with the National Elections Commission, political party leaders, presidential candidates, the Government and civil society to prevent and defuse tensions, help resolve disputes and advocate for inclusive, transparent, credible and peaceful elections.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“Yet the extent of this response will be restricted by the reduced Mission capacity, the low number of uniformed personnel and the potentially competing mandated task of protecting United Nations personnel. At present, UNMIL has 260 personnel in its two formed police units and 230 personnel of the Nigerian infantry company. We presently maintain only two field offices, in the north-east and the north-west. Formed police units and force personnel are deployed only in Monrovia, which significantly limits our capacity to intervene. This is a significant change from the last two presidential elections, when UNMIL had a country-wide presence. Other factors could also have an impact on our ability to perform our mandate.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“UNMIL is supporting the Liberia National Police in elaborating an integrated election-security plan to ensure the most effective utilization of available resources to protect civilians. The Liberia National Police has also conducted community-policing activities across the country aimed at building trust and communication with the population ahead of the elections. UNMIL, in collaboration with the Government and local actors, including Liberian traditional communicators, has undertaken public-awareness campaigns country- wide to mitigate the risk of mob justice and encourage adherence to the rule of law. UNMIL stands ready to respond to any situation amounting to a risk of strategic reversal of peace and stability.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“Mr. Zarif: It is a pleasure to be here today to present the Secretary-General's latest report on Liberia, dated 16 June (S/2017/510). As the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) enters the final phase of its mandate, Liberia has remained stable. No major threats are envisaged beyond possible isolated and sporadic incidents of a public-order nature in the context of the presidential and legislative elections in October, and the subsequent transition of Government in January. It will be crucial for Liberia's law-enforcement agencies to be adequately prepared to respond to potential low-level civil unrest and mob violence during this delicate period. Current limitations in manpower, equipment and mobility may restrict the ability of these agencies to respond to multiple simultaneous security incidents.”
2017-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7984 (2017) · source
“As the successes ofthe United Nations peacekeeping operation in Liberia is leading to adjustments in our presence, and as the country is preparing for its forthcoming important political transition, many Liberians are expressing concern about the prospects of UNMIL's withdrawal and potential lack of United Nations support during the elections. There is consensus among national actors that the next elections will be a critical test for Liberia's stability, democracy and development. Therefore, both Liberia and the international community must not lose sight of the still arduous path towards sustainable peace in the country and the region, which will require long-term robust engagement by all concerned, particularly by the Security Council.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“Their main concerns related to electoral transparency and potential for fraud, the use of Government assets for political party campaigning and the capacity of the Liberia National Police to ensure security. The Government has also taken steps to engage the political parties on the conduct of the elections. Earlier this month, the Minister of Justice invited the leaders of all political parties to discuss their role and responsibility in ensuring peaceful and credible elections. I will continue to encourage stronger engagement between the Government and other political actors to ensure a peaceful environment in Liberia, particularly during the electoral period.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“I also engaged with all political parties, media representatives, religious and traditional leaders and women's groups to discuss political, governance and security issues in the run-up to the 2017 elections. I also stressed the importance of meaningful political discourse, national unity and the need for all political actors to adhere to electoral laws and regulations. I urged the political parties to demonstrate leadership and commitment to peaceful campaigning, robust civic education and promoting equitable women's representation in the political decision-making processes. All parties I met with expressed a strong desire for the peaceful conduct of the elections and recognized their responsibility in that regard.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“Tendencies towards division and exclusion were manifested again in the constitutional review process, in the form of Proposition No. 24, to render Liberia a Christian nation, and Proposition No. 6 ,to grant Liberian nationality based on race, which have caused considerable tension despite the President's rejection of those propositions, among others. I have been engaged with legislators and religious and traditional community representatives to defuse the tension and to encourage the importance of preserving and building on Liberia's diversity and adherence to international standards and norms. Over the past months, in my meetings with State officials, I consistently urged constructive dialogue to overcome disagreements and to refocus on substantive national issues.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“That is becoming all the more pressing, as the legislature is expected to move into recess at the end of the month. The majority of House members, meeting in separate session, wrote to the President to request the postponement of the recess by one month. In Liberia, as anywhere else in the world, the prevention of conflict can be only effective in the context of broader social, political and economic transformations and respect for the rule of law. I therefore remain concerned about the overall lack of progress on addressing the underlying causes of divisions and exclusion in Liberia. The failure to robustly pursue reconciliation, and delays in structural changes, such as land reform and decentralization, raise a red flag about the future prospects for peace and security in the country.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“- for failing to comply with tax and licensing regulations. Opposition groups perceived that as a Government attempt to muzzle the independence of the media. One of the opposition parties, the All Liberia Coalition Party, accused the President and the Government of seeking an unfair advantage for the Unity Party - the ruling party - with a view to influencing the 2017 elections by silencing the independent media and seeking the removal of political opponents, in particular the Speaker of the House, for their critical views. UNMIL has actively encouraged the early resolution of those cases through equitable application of the relevant regulations. The current unsatisfactory situation calls for ian urgent resolution in order to ensure the focus and resources on critical national priorities.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“One the potentially serious consequences of the political infighting within the legislature is the delay in adopting the national budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, which includes the financing of the National Elections Commission and preparatory activities, including those related to the security for the October 2017 presidential and legislative elections. That should also be viewed against the background of a hardening socioeconomic environment due to the worsening economic outlook, which has prompted the Government to introduce austerity measures, revise downwards the current year's budget and introduce an additional ll per cent decrease in the proposed budget for the next year. Also, last week the Government announced the closure of several radio stations - Voice FM, Radio Lib 24 and Shata FM.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“The standoff has led to the boycott of regular House sessions by the opponents of the Speaker, who, in turn, has accused the President of plotting to remove him The standoff has in effect paralysed the normal functioning of the legislature and resulted in a separate parallel session held by the opposing camps in the presence of police on the capital routes. Outside the legislature, supporters have each camp have held demonstrations, which fortunately have not led to any serious security incident.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“In a positive development, the long- awaited draft of the local Government act, which is a key component of implementing the decentralization programme, reached the legislature in July. Moreover, the overall political climate in Liberia continues to be impacted by the fallout from the Global Witness report issued in May, which implicated some senior officials in bribery. The allegations triggered strong public reactions and, among other consequences, led to a tense stand-off in the House of Representatives, where the majority of legislators continue to demand the resignation of the Speaker, who was one of the officials implicated in the report.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“The draft code provides for a legal framework for jurisdictional authority, dispensing justice and the right to due process within the armed forces of Liberia. I cannot overemphasize the importance of expeditious approval and enactment of those critical laws to sustain progress on the security transition. Similarly, the domestic Violence act, which the House of Representatives adopted in July, is yet to be concurred by the Senate. The current version of the act, regrettably, excludes the provisions that would have criminalized female genital mutilation. The women's legislative caucus continues to lackthe maj ority's support in the legislature to outlaw that practice. In addition, the land authority and land rights acts, which are key elements of the reconciliation process, still remain to be adopted into law.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“I am afraid, however, that will not be possible without continued international support. Challenges are still complex, and too many for Liberia to successfully tackle them by itself. Over the recent period, Liberia has without doubt continued to achieve progress in security and peace consolidation. Some key legislation, such as the firearms and ammunition control act, was adopted and was enacted by the President. The Liberian National Police and immigration services acts were also adopted, but their signing into law has been delayed because of some continuing disagreements on a number of clauses. The Government has submitted to the legislature a draft uniform code of military justice.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“That includes the training and mentoring of senior management, assistance in the drafting of legislation, policies and standard operating procedures, and support for the decentralization of security services. For example, with the technical training and logistical assistance of UNMIL, the Liberian National Police has opened five professional standards divisions in the counties to deconcentrate security services from Monrovia. UNMIL also provided support in developing draft administrative regulations to implement the Liberian National Police and immigration services acts, once signed into law. Following the takeover of the security functions, the Government will need to redouble its focus and energy in order to sustain the progress and implement the remaining components of its transition plan.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“That has also necessitated a review of the nature and form of the future support and cooperation between the Government, on the one hand, and UNMIL and other international partners, on the other, based on the clear leading role of the Liberian actors and continued, recalibrated support from international actors. Accordingly, consultations are ongoing between the Government and the United Nations and other stakeholders on the revised institutional framework for such cooperation. In the meantime, UNMIL remains engaged with a View to consolidating the gains of the past years and advancing the development of the security and justice structures, frameworks and accountability mechanisms.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“It is now up to the Liberians to demonstrate full ownership and responsibility for ensuring that the significant investment made in building the security institutions is not lost, that this achievement serves as a foundation for more a focused and determined continuation of efforts to strengthen their capacity and professionalism, and that the execution of the outstanding activities under the Government's plan for the transition of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) remains on track. Following the security transition, the overall situation in Liberia has remained calm. UNMIL has been closely monitoring the performance of the security institutions and adjusting its own engagement accordingly.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“Mr. Zarif: On 1 July, Liberia crossed a historic milestone and assumed full responsibility for its security. I applaud the Government and the people of Liberia for the successful completion of the security transition, in keeping with Security Council expectations. I commend the Liberian institutions and international partners for their leadership and commitment, which made reaching that milestone possible.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7761 (2016) · source
“The expected completion of the security transition on 30 June will be one ofthe most significant milestones for Liberia and the international community since the end ofthe country's civil war and the signing ofthe peace agreement in 2003. It will also mark the beginning of a new phase in United Nations engagement in Liberia. However, Liberia and the international community must not lose sight of the still arduous path to a genuinely sustainable peace in Liberia and the region, which will require the long-term engagement and support of the international community. Before concluding, I should like to thank you, Mr. President, and all members of the Security Council for the strong support being provided to UNMIL and its operations.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“The second joint council of chiefs and elders of Liberia and C6te d'Ivoire, held in January, was also a positive development in efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts at the local level through peaceful means. The Mano River Union plan to hold technical and ministerial meetings in Abidjan in April, with the support of UNMIL and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, to discuss enhanced collaboration in the areas of maritime security, border security and counter- terrorism is another welcome development. In the meantime, progress has been achieved in the voluntary repatriation of Ivorian refugees from Liberia. Following the resumption of the process in December, 10,654 of some 37,000 remaining refugees have returned to Cote d'Ivoire so far. We are hoping that tomorrow there will be another 200 refugees returning to their country.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“Both countries enhanced security measures along the border following the fatal clashes related to illicit cross-border farming. These have included the temporary deployment of the armed forces of Liberia to reinforce national security agencies operating in the area. The Liberian Minister of Defence has indicated the possibility ofdeploying ajoint military operation, together with Ivorian counterparts, to deter cross-border attacks. The issue will be discussed at the quadripartite meeting of the heads of the armed forces of the two countries and the Force Commanders of the two Missions later this month. Such discussions will be held within the framework of the next session of the joint commission for bilateral cooperation between Liberia and cote d'Ivoire, as proposed by the Liberian Government.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“In that regard, it is important that the Liberian judiciary system, with the support of UNMIL and the international community, intensify efforts to improve the provision of services, ensuring that the population and communities are empowered to settle disputes, and to ensure the protection of their interests. Some additional priorities include the need to reduce the high level of pre-trial detentions, promote justice in relation to children and sexual and gender- based violence, improve conditions in prisons and, last but not least, implement the national human rights plan. Liberia's long-term security and stability also require continued focus on improving regional cooperation, including cross-border cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“Lack of action on the various key pieces of legislation is a major cause of the slow progress in the security transition. In addition to the bills already mentioned, other essential pieces of legislation awaiting to be enacted include the land rights act, the land authority act, the local governance act, the gender equity bill, the whistle-blowers protection act, the corrupt offences act and the domestic violence act. I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to members of the Council to call for the expeditious adoption of all these bills. This is the responsibility not of the executive branch alone, but of the Liberian Government as a whole, particularly the legislature. As UNMIL draws down, it becomes critical to invest in capacity-building and strengthening the rule of law andjustice sectors.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“Three opposition political parties and several civil society organizations, under the umbrella ofajoint action committee, called for the postponement of the UNMIL departure until after the elections. This petition was formalized in a memorandum addressed to the Council, which was handed over to me on ll March. Concerns remain about the slow pace of key political and institutional reforms that are essential to promoting and sustaining reconciliation. The enhanced political commitment of all Liberian institutions and civil society to constitutional reform, decentralization, land reform and good governance is vital in order to address the root causes of past and potentially future conflicts, and to establish a new compact between the Government and the population it is intended to serve.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“While we will continue to convey these messages, there is an increasing sense of unease and apprehension among Liberians across the board about the UNMIL drawdown and the prospect of its eventual departure. As Council members are aware, President Johnson-Sirleaf, in ajoint letter with President Ouattara of cote d'Ivoire, urged the Secretary-General to request the Security Council to maintain the quick-reaction force and United Nations forces in both countries until after the elections in Liberia. The events of 13 March in C6te d'Ivoire strengthened the perception among the Liberians of an inadequate local capacity to deal with security threats in Liberia.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“By 30 June, UNMIL will have consolidated its 13 county offices into five regional offices. As part of the consolidation process, we have also proposed a reduction ofover 30 per cent in UNMIL's civilian staffing for the 2016-2017 budget cycle. The closure of the field offices has been accompanied by a proactive public information campaign, including the holding of town hall meetings between senior Government officials and local communities. I have personally attended most of these meetings to explain the objectives of the security transition, to emphasize the importance of the Liberian security actors exercising full responsibility, to remind the communities of their role in maintaining peace and security, and to assure them of the United Nations continued support.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“After the completion of the security transition, UNMIL's residual force and formed police units will be concentrated in and around Monrovia, as well as in Gbarnga and Zwedru. UNMIL will maintain critical enablers to ensure its mobility and quick deployment in support of Liberian security agencies and to protect civilians in the event of a deterioration of the security situation that could threaten a strategic reversal. With the reduction of the military component, the 50 military observers will redeploy in the five UNMIL offices in Gbarnga, Greenville, Harper, Voinjama and Zwedru, and will work closely with the United Nations civilian police and the field support component to perform their duties. UNMIL has also continued to consolidate its deployments and streamline its activities in line with the mandated tasks.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“The Mission remains engaged with the Liberian security agencies to advance the development of institutional structures and legal frameworks for the justice and security sectors, as well as the establishment of accountability mechanisms. This includes the training and mentoring of their senior management, assisting in the drafting ofrequired legislation, policies and standard operating procedures, supporting the further decentralization of security services at the regional and county levels, and the establishment of county and district security councils. In parallel, UNMIL has continued to implement its drawdown plan and the authorized reductions in its military and police personnel, in accordance with resolution 2239 (2015).”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“I appeal to bilateral and multilateral partners to provide support to the security transition, particularly to those activities that enhance public trust and confidence in security sector personnel. Failure to do so may result in a fragile security transition, which could undermine the many gains made in peace consolidation in the country. Meanwhile, UNMIL has continued to hand over security responsibilities to national security agencies, such as the Liberian National Police, the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, including the provision of security at Monrovia Central Prison and the National Palace of Justice in Zwedru, and at one of the country's two airports.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“In addition to delays in the passage oflegislation, challenges in releasing the necessary Government funding for security transition have been a considerable constraint. Competing priorities for Government spending and the deteriorating economic outlook recently compelled the Government to announce austerity measures and to revise national budget projections downward. While we understand that these revised projections are unlikely to affect the commitments undertaken by the Government with regard to the security transition, there are still major funding gaps for security transition tasks, such as arms inspection or training, and equipment for the Liberia National Fire Service, which will require external support.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source
“Both the Government and UNMIL are confident that, with sustained political commitment, the priority targets of the plan will be achieved. However, more concerted efforts by the executive and legislative branches are required to ensure the urgent enactment and implementation of critical legislation relating to the security sector. In January, after long delays, the Senate approved the draft firearms and ammunition control act, which now remains before the House of Representatives. Other important outstanding legislation, such as the police and immigration service acts, are still pending with the Senate and have yet to be submitted to the House. The implementation of the plan has been uneven, with a number of activities falling behind schedule.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7649 (2016) · source