YouSaid · the spoken record

Zouev

lines on the record: 58
first: 2017-10-26
most recent: 2023-03-16
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“We believe that a fixed cycle of the Secretary-General’s thematic reports on security sector reform, every five years, for instance, would strengthen the Council’s consideration of the topic and therefore our collective support to national security sector reform efforts. Every aspect of strengthening United Nations engagement on security sector reform will continue to depend on all of us working together to address the challenges and priorities outlined by the Security Council and the Secretary-General.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, mandates on security sector reform without the financial and human resources needed to fulfil them undermine the credibility of the United Nations and undercut our support for the people we serve. We need Member States’ support for the new United Nations programme of action on security sector reform designed to implement their priorities, including for our newly established Security Sector Reform Unit standing capacity in Brindisi, which I mentioned. In that respect, we sincerely thank the Governments of Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway and Slovakia for their financial support to our standing capacity. Finally, I want to stress the oversight role of the Council and the importance of consistent reporting.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Fourthly, we must develop the first-ever global report on the status of women in the defence sector. I would like to thank Germany and Switzerland for their generous contributions to that end. In closing, I would like to thank Mozambique for organizing today’s meeting, as well as South Africa for its leadership in facilitating the adoption of resolution 2553 (2020), on security sector reform. The implementation of such a critical resolution starts with well-tailored and prioritized mandates. In that regard, the Security Council could more systematically integrate into its instructions the key tenets of the resolution, such as national ownership, the primacy of political solutions and the need for governance-focused and gender-sensitive approaches at all stages of security sector reform.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“To tackle those shortcomings, the Secretary- General advised us first of all to strengthen the role of United Nations leadership in building and fostering national ownership of security sector reform, which we are committed to doing, including by developing a security sector reform policy and delegated guidance and tools for United Nations principles. Secondly, we must improve our efforts to facilitate dialogue, share lessons learned, offer technical advice on security sector reform to parties during mediation processes and prioritize the implementation of security sector reform provisions in peace processes. Thirdly, we must ensure the financial sustainability of security sector reform, including through public- expenditure reviews, which we conduct, as I mentioned, in partnership with the World Bank.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, too often critical progress in reforms cannot be financially sustained after a drawdown of peace operations, risking relapses into conflict. Lastly, we see too many barriers to women’s participation, as gender stereotypes are deeply embedded in the institutional cultures of security services, undermining people’s trust in them. Addressing those challenges requires strong United Nations leadership. It needs predictable mandates by the Council for our peace operations to assist security institutions and build democratically governed, accountable, inclusive and people-centred services. It will also require strategic and effective interventions informed by political and economic analysis that identifies barriers and articulates incentives for national actors to commit to security sector reform.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“As the Secretary-General noted, the Organization is facing major challenges in accomplishing the tasks mandated to it by the Security Council in resolution 2553 (2020), particularly at the country level. First, we often encounter situations where inclusive national ownership and leadership of security sector reform is lacking. Without buy-in from the highest nationalauthorities, the United Nationslacksafoundation for its support and for sustainable peace more broadly. Secondly, national parties and international partners are often reluctant to integrate security sector reform into the early stages of mediation and peace processes, risking a recurrence of conflict when key questions around security sector reform remain unresolved for too long.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“In a very short time, our nimble team has become indispensable in ensuring flexible, timely and high-quality support to peace operations, country teams and national institutions, particularly in the context of crises and mission downsizing. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, our experts helped the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to mobilize resources and capacities for the transition and facilitated consultations with the World Bank on the need for a public expenditure review of the security sector. But while these achievements are certainly worth celebrating, our work is not done.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Regarding progress, much has been achieved since the adoption a little more than two years ago of resolution 2553 (2020). As I just mentioned, the Secretary-General issued his first report on security sector reform in March 2022. For the first time, through the Inter-Agency Security Sector Reform Task Force, a system-wide programme of action on security sector reform was launched to guide the implementation of the report. Strategic partnerships have been strengthened, including with the African Union, the European Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Bank. Next, we established our Security Sector Reform Unit standing capacity in Brindisi.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zouev: I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council on the Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/280) on strengthening the United Nations approach to security sector reform. The Secretary- General outlines a new, bold vision for security sector reform, focusing on the primacy of politics and governance and on concrete recommendations for the work of the United Nations in implementing the Security Council’s landmark resolution 2553 (2020), on security sector reform, fully in line with the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative and Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). Let me start by outlining the progress we have achieved in implementing the priorities set out in the report. I would then like to share with members some of the key challenges that we have encountered, before turning to avenues for joint action.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“We also carry out our work in the field and at Headquarters with full respect for national sovereignty of host countries and in close consultations with host Governments that we organize from time to time.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“So there will be one report out before the end of the year, and the next will follow. (spoke in French) I would like to assure the Council that we will continue to increase the role of women in United Nations policing. We are always in need not only of more women officers but of more French-speaking women. When I meet ministers and heads of police or gendarmeries, I always raise the issue. It is not an easy issue, but we are making some progress on it and will continue to work to that end. (spoke in English) I want to assure all Council members, since the issue was raised, that the United Nations Police has always worked and will continue to work in full compliance with the mandates approved and endorsed by the Security Council in this Chamber.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Here I would first like to point to resolution 2382 (2017), adopted under the Italian presidency of the Council in 2017, which calls on the Secretary-General to prepare a special report on United Nations policing before the end of 2018. We are making good progress and are in the final stages of the report's preparation. I am sure that it will be submitted for the attention of the Council and the wider membership on time. We will meet that deadline. At the same time, as we know, with regard to the functions, structure, capacity and level of the Police Division, that General Assembly resolution 72/262 C clearly called on the Secretary-General to make a special assessment on those four areas. I do not want to pre-empt the assessment's findings right now because it will be submitted at the next session of the Assembly.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Mr. Zouev: First of all, I would like to thank all members of the Council for their thoughtful comments, strategic guidance and important questions. I will address some general issues, while the three Police Commissioners will briefly address mission-specific questions. Iwill start with the issue ofthe periodic review ofthe 14 recommendations, which many speakers mentioned. As we know, it is an external review. We convene periodic meetings with Police Adviser Luis Carrilho, who is here in the Chamber today, and with other senior Police Division staff, to review the recommendations' implementation. We have had some success, as well as gaps that we are trying to fill. Overall, we can see that there has been a certain amount of progress. Secondly, there were several references to the functions, level and place of the Police Division.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“The reviews have proved impactful in supporting the increased efficiency and effectiveness of operations by both the streamlining of functions and the realignment of resource allocation. The reviews will help us to strengthen the recommendations of the Secretary-General ahead of the deliberations of the Security Council on mandate renewals. This is absolutely essential if the United Nations police are to fulfil their role in not only keeping the peace, but also creating the space for political dialogue and preventive diplomacy. It is my hope that today's discussion will help us to further mobilize international support for a United Nations police service that is built for purpose and built for the future.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“They would like to see peacekeeping forge greater unity of purpose and work together across the United Nations system to ensure greater coherence. United Nations policing has helped to lead the way in this regard, as it has been a founding member of the Global Focal Point for Police, Justice and Corrections, an arrangement that has helped us to break down silos and work towards greater horizontal cooperation among all pillars of the United Nations. In conclusion, this event presents us with an opportunity to take stock. Over the past year, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support have completed eight independent strategic reviews of different peacekeeping operations.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“WerecentlysharedwithourMemberStatestheAction for Peacekeeping Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which is an affirmation of collective responsibility among the Secretariat, partner organizations and Member States in their various capacities as peacekeeping host countries, Security Council members, troop, police and financial contributors and donors. As ofS October, 150 Member States had endorsed the Declaration. The breadth of this high-level political support is a strong endorsement of the Department as we move forward. This gathering of our heads of police components will provide critical impetus to the realization of the ideals behind Action for Peacekeeping in the field. As part of the Action for Peacekeeping consultations, we heard Member States loud and clear.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“(spoke in English) The Action for Peacekeeping initiative launched by our Secretary-General aims to refocus peacekeeping on realistic expectations, make peacekeeping missions stronger and safer, and mobilize greater support for political solutions and for well-structured, well-equipped and well-trained forces. It is an acknowledgement that politics and peacekeeping are intertwined. United Nations police already know that there can be no such distinction, not when organized crime groups can infiltrate and influence the highest levels of Government and not when they remain some of the greatest spoilers of peace.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Almost exactly one year ago, our peacekeeping operation in Haiti transitioned to a rule-of-law mission. The United Nations police - as the largest component, with almost 1,300 uniformed personnel - is the lynchpin in our effort to improve Haiti's rule of law institutions and promote human rights in Haiait. In this way we are closing the circle. The United Nations police has helped to design and train a new police force in Haiti, while the mandate of the very first United Nations operation included from the outset the task of launching police development. We are all interested in hearing from Commissioner Therriault from the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti about how police reform efforts are helping to strengthen the rule of law in the country.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“As one example, the Police Division has been taking steps to standardize the assessment and evaluation of formed police units to improve operational readiness and to ensure the proper performance of their tasks. Lastly today, we will look at strengthening the rule of law through police reform. I would like to quote the research conducted by Chuck Call and Michael Barnett of 1999, as published in Peacebuilding and Police Reform: "[T]he transition from civil war to civil society is inextricably linked to the development of civilian... police forces that... uphold the rule of law and help to maintain order with the minimum" - I emphasize "minimum" - "amount of force". We have seen many positive examples of this transition, for instance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, El Salvador, Sierra Leone and other countries.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Commissioner Abdounasir will share more details about the support of the police component of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the Congolese authorities in this area. (spoke in Russian) As we demand more from our police officers, we must for our part do more to create the necessary conditions to ensure their safe, smooth work, to the extent possible in these challenging environments. The report authored by former United Nations Force Commander, Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled Improving security of United Nations peacekeepers, laid bare some of our shortcomings in this area, and we are committed to correcting them.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“In Nigeria, Boko Haram has been involved in the trafficking of drugs, people and natural resources. This new normal - where networks are looser and alliances of convenience are forged - requires a holistic response rooted in a coherence of practice and approach. Our police components in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali, among others, assist their host-State counterparts in setting up criminal intelligence systems and utilize modern technology to prevent and investigate serious and organized crime. They also help to improve host- State police interactions with the public through community-oriented policing initiatives that have proved successful in Liberia, Abyei and other mission settings, thereby contributing to situational awareness and early warning.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“By compromising the integrity of public officials and institutions through corruption, intimidation and violence, organized criminal groups erode the State's long-term capacity to provide for the public good. That hurts national dialogue and reconciliation, entrenches positions of power and endangers the entire peacebuilding process. Historically, organized crime has been a matter for the police, while the military responded to violent conflict. The rise of asymmetric threats and non-State actors has blurred the lines between the two. For example, in West Africa and the Sahel, routes for the illegal trafficking and smuggling of people, weapons and drugs go through areas controlled by terrorist groups, with smugglers and traffickers paying for the right of passage.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“(spoke in English) Secondly, we will hear how United Nations police components are increasingly called upon to assist their host-State counterparts in addressing serious and organized crime. The growing risks posed by such crime have been recognized at the highest levels of the Organization, as evidenced by various resolutions of the Council and reports of the Secretary-General. It is no exaggeration to say that it strikes at the very heart of the United Nations core business. Often characterized by porous borders, scarce socioeconomic opportunities, weak State authority and prevailing corruption, countries in conflict or emerging from conflict are particularly vulnerable to organized crime.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Shortly, Commissioner Bolatolu-Vuniwaqa will share more details with the Council about UNMISS and the efforts of her team and the Mission to make progress on the issue of gender parity within the framework of her protection of civilians mandate. (spoke in Spanish) It is also important for us to recruit officials with the ability to connect with the local communities by using their language. The ability to communicate effectively remains a crucial aspect of our work. That includes being able to communicate our mission and the intentions behind our actions. I appreciate the commitment of Member States to multilingualism, and I ask that they ensure that we always have police officials who are genuinely centred on people and the communities where they serve, including when it comes to how we are able to communicate.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Unfortunately, despite those gains, women continue to be underrepresented in senior-level posts with the United Nations police. To address that situation, the Police Division has organized female senior police officer command development and training courses. These courses have made it possible to identify over 140 female officers eligible for the aforementioned posts. That initiative is part of the Police Division's ongoing work to establish a roster of women and men police candidates for senior posts. Police components in field missions are expected to develop and implement their own gender-parity strategies.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“In line with the Secretary-General's system-wide strategy on gender parity, Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations gender-parity strategy, the United Nations police have stepped up efforts to increase the participation of women police officers. More specifically, the Police Division has developed an action plan that sets out specific targets for female representation in contracted and seconded posts in field missions and at Headquarters by December 2028. The efforts of the Police Division are already bearing fruit. The number of female heads of police components in United Nations peacekeeping operations has reached 40 per cent. Increases in the number of female personnel at all levels of professional posts have also been noted.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“(spoke in French) Central to that effort is gender-responsive policing. As Ms. Unaisi Bolatolu-Vuniwaqa, Police Commissioner of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), will tell us in a few moments, a more reactive approach to gender parity in policing makes us more efficient at what we do because it helps us to reach the whole population - men, women, boys and girls. Recruiting more women police officers can support our efforts in that regard. In addition, women police officers can help to mentor and inspire future women police leaders, increase access to justice for women and children at risk, and improve information-gathering and analysis by building bridges to vulnerable groups. If we are to reach our full potential, we must bring more women police officers into the fold.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Mr. Zouev: I would like to thank the Security Council for convening this briefing on the role of United Nations policing in peacekeeping operations. I am especially pleased to be joined by our Police Commissioners working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and South Sudan. This year, we celebrate 70 years of United Nations peacekeeping, and this annual event is an opportunity to reaffirm the vital role that the United Nations police play in linking the United Nations work, from prevention to peacekeeping to peacebuilding. Today we will hear several examples of how United Nations police officers perform their mandated tasks while advancing the Secretary-General's vision of a transformed United Nations police that is people-centred, mission-oriented, modern, agile, mobile and flexible, specialized and definitely rights-based.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“We have taken detailed notes on the important comments and recommendations that Council members have made today, and we will be implementing them in our mine action efforts in future. We will also definitely take note of the President's recommendation to use more of the official languages of the United Nations, and more than the three that I have used in my briefing today. In that regard I would like to point out that last June, during Bolivia's presidency, when I had the honour of representing the Secretary-General at the meeting (see S/PV.7992) at which the Council adopted its historic resolution 2365 (2017), I used four of the official languages, including Spanish, which, unfortunately, is not my best.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“On behalf of the Secretary-General, I urge Member States in a position to do so to provide sustainable, predictable and unearmarked funding to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action. The annual review of mine action by the Security Council, based on a report on the implementation of the resolution, would continue to give due attention to the threat posed by landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Mine Action Service of the Office of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions will be ready at any time to inform the Council on specific mine-action issues.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Troop-contributing countries, too, must step up their efforts to prepare peacekeepers for the threats they face in their deployments. The United Nations will continue to provide support to countries seeking to improve their national mine-action management. I greatly thank those Member States that have implemented measures to mitigate the risk to their citizens of explosive devices, including by acceding to or ratifying relevant international instruments. (spoke in French) Resolution 2365 (2017) has made mine action one of the main priorities for the Organization. As a vital element in the prevention of casualties and the maintenance of peace and security, it is precisely there - at the forefront of United Nations action - that mine action must remain. The increasing number of victims shows that we cannot afford to be complacent.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Through their mine-action activities, peace operations also protect civilians and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. In armed conflicts, improvised explosive devices have become the main driver of increased deaths and injuries among civilians and peacekeepers. Peace operations are more effective, and lives are saved, when the threat posed by explosive hazards is considered from the earliest stages of planning and programming. In his Agenda for Disarmament, which was launched last month, the Secretary-General called for a whole-of-system approach to this increasingly deadly threat. Under the leadership of the United Nations Mine Action Service, United Nations entities are working towards a more effective and integrated response.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“The report before the Council today notes that mine action is critical to the safety, security and mobility of United Nations personnel. In 2017, 59 peacekeepers lost their lives through malicious acts involving the use of explosive devices, and 150 more were injured. Contexts like Mali and Somalia continue to be highly threatening environments for the safe conduct of Security Council mandates. The Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative seeks to make our missions stronger and safer. We owe it to the personnel we deploy on the ground to provide them with the right training, knowledge and equipment to safely conduct the United Nations mandate. Raising awareness, training and building capacity to mitigate the threat posed by explosive weapons are critical aspects ofthis effort.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“The clearance of landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices does more than just save lives. Mine action is a precondition for stabilization and peacebuilding - and, eventually, sustainable development - to take hold. Once explosive remnants of war are removed from critical infrastructure like hospitals, power plants and water- treatment facilities, rehabilitation and reconstruction of public services can begin. The resulting opportunities for progress, in turn, increase the likelihood that peace can be sustained in the long term. Moreover, mine action helps prevent explosive material from being harvested for use by armed and terrorist groups, which makes mine action a vital element of the nexus between peace and security and development, and a cornerstone in preventing any relapse into future conflict.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“(spoke in English) After years of decrease, casualty numbers from explosive hazards are on the rise again. Despite the clearance efforts of the United Nations, Member States and non-governmental organizations, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines recorded, in its latest annual report, over 8,500 casualties ofmines, explosive remnants of war and victim-operated improvised explosive devices. Ongoing conflicts and the difficulty of access to contaminated areas during active combats are among the main causes of this unfortunate trend. The figure represents over twice as many victims as four years ago. Over 2,000 of those victims were killed, nearly a quarter of whom were children. Considering the difficulty of gathering data during active conflicts, it is likely that the actual number of casualties is much higher.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“A year ago, on 30 June 2017, the Security Council adopted resolution 2365 (2017), the first resolution on mine action (see S/PV.7992). At the same time, the Security Council acknowledged the threat created by explosive objects to civilians and peacekeepers, as well as the acute need to carry out mine action in order to mitigate the threat. With the framework of the Office for the Rule of Law and Security Institutions, the United Nations Mine Action Service, in coordination with bodies within the United Nations system as well as with entities outside the Organization, is implementing the resolution. The report that we are discussing today (S/2018/623) contains a short overview of what we have achieved so far. It also describes the issues we are encountering as we carry out our mine action.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“The United Nations will continue to accompany the people and the Government of Liberia in building a nation that remains at peace with itself and with its neighbours, free from the scourge of war, with the hard-won stability enduring for all of Liberia's future generations.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“His focus on preventive diplomacy was key in steering the mission through its final but still critically important phase of mandate implementation. The presence today of Mr. Zarif and other former UNMIL personnel in their capacity as private citizens is a testament to the significance of our collective achievement that this session serves to underscore. (spoke in English) Lastly, I wish to convey our profound appreciation and admiration for the people of Liberia, whose resilience was a decisive factor in turning the page on crisis and conflict, and whose determination will ensure that the hard-won peace is sustained.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“I remember with appreciation the service and sacrifice of the 202 United Nations peacekeepers who lost their lives in pursuit of peace in Liberia. I would like to express our appreciation for the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, whose role in Liberia has been and will remain essential, and for the partners - bilateral, regional and international - whose contributions helped the United Nations to conclude the peacekeeping chapter in Liberia, and whose continued support for Liberia will help to cement our positive legacy. (spoke in Russian) I also Wish to express our appreciation for UNMIL's leadership. I would like to take a moment to recognize the presence in the Chamber of Mr. Farid Zarif, the last UNMIL Special Representative of the Secretary- General.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“The legacy of UNMIL demonstrates the value of the maintenance of multidimensional peace and the capacity of the United Nations to support a country from conflict to peace. Working with the Government of Liberia and its people, UNMIL was able to prevent the recurrence of armed conflict through post-conflict peacebuilding and progress towards lasting peace and sustainable development. (spoke in English) I wish to conclude by expressing our appreciation for the essential role played by the Council in restoring and consolidating peace to Liberia, including through the deployment of UNMIL; appreciation for the personnel of UNMIL - civilian and uniformed, women and men - who served with professionalism, dedication and a deep commitment to achieving its mandate; and appreciation for the countries that contributed troops and police to UNMIL.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“Now, with the people and Government of Liberia, lies the important work of continuing to build a nation - a unified, reconciled nation with an accountable Government committed to addressing corruption Within its ranks; a nation where all citizens share the benefits of Liberia's abundant natural and human resources; and a nation fully responsible for its own destiny, with institutions and a Government providing basic guarantees of security, protection and services to all its citizens. Although UNMIL has completed its mandate, and will soon complete its liquidation, the United Nations remains in the country to support the people and the Government of Liberia. (spoke in Spanish) I thank the Government of Peru for supporting important themes for the maintenance of peace as part of its duties as President of the Security Council this month.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“Going forward, it will remain essential that all partners remain closely engaged in efforts to finalize and implement the national development agenda, which will align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Although it is a signatory to the Declaration of Table Mountain on press freedom, over the past week the Government has had to reiterate its full commitment to freedom of speech, as some in the media had expressed apprehension. The United Nations will continue efforts aimed at building mutual confidence between the media and Government. The conclusion of UNMIL's mandate on 30 March, as determined by resolution 2333 (2016), was a remarkable demonstration of confidence that the country is moving steadfastly along the path of sustained peace.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“Among the specific deliverables promised is the development of Liberia's road network. The Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with a foreign private firm to obtain a loan of $536 million to develop a road along Liberia's border with the Atlantic Ocean. Some have raised concerns about the agreement, given that the terms and conditions have yet to be fully disclosed, and could have long-term social and economic repercussions, as has been the case with many concession agreements. Meanwhile, last week the Government launched its road map for achieving its pro-poor national development agenda. This approach seeks to situate the poor at the centre of public governance, including by seeking their input, so as to ensure that economic growth arising from development initiatives will benefit the most vulnerable.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“By-elections originally scheduled to be held in May to fill senatorial seats vacated by the President and Vice-President have been deferred due to a lack of agreement between the National Elections Commission and the Government regarding the budget for those elections, which will be held in two of Liberia's most populous counties. National institutions have demonstrated on numerous occasions their ability to plan, organize and secure sensitive political events such as elections. However, at least for some time, the Government and its partners will continue to face the challenge of ensuring that national institutions receive the financial and other investments needed to sustain their continued development. President Weah continues to consolidate his Government and is progressing in his efforts to pursue a pro-poor vision for the country.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“It is important to remember the past - the untold suffering wrought on the people of Liberia, the destabilization that the country's conflict brought to the entire region - in order to fully appreciate the long path to peace that Liberia has travelled since the Council adopted resolution 1509 (2003), authorizing the United Nations to take over peacekeeping responsibilities previously assumed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Council has before it the Secretary-General's final report on UNMIL dated 13 April (8/2018/344). As the report reflects major developments in Liberia through the conclusion of UNMIL's mandate, I would like to highlight just a few recent issues.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“On 30 March, our peacekeeping operation - the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) - concluded after successfully achieving the mandate for which it was deployed by the Council almost 15 years ago. It would be no exaggeration to characterize the Liberia of2003 as a country in ruins, with a traumatized population and a predatory State. We may never know the full human cost of the more than 14 years of successive, brutal civil war, but we know that far too many citizens suffered from human rights violations, far too many families were displaced, and far too many citizens were victims of sexual violence. I myself witnessed the extent of the destruction - but also the opportunity for renewal - when I visited Monrovia in early 2004, while working on the delicate matter of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“First of all, I convey our most sincere condolences to the Ivorian delegation and to the Security Council on the tragic death of His Excellency Mr. Bernard Tanoh-Boutchoue, Permanent Representative of Cote d'Ivoire to the United Nations. I think that I can speak on behalf of all ofus in saying that we have lost a distinguished diplomat and an invaluable partner and colleague. (Spoke in English) Today marks a historic milestone for Liberia, a founding Member of the United Nations. For almost 25 years, the situation in Liberia was so concerning that it was constantly present on the Council's agenda, but the country has turned an important corner.”
2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source
“In that regard, it is imperative to preserve the achievements of relative stability realized through the work of UNISFA, both towards maintaining peace and stability in the Abyei Area and in preventing confrontations along the Sudan-South Sudan border area. Bearing that in mind, I would like to echo the recommendations of the Secretary-General for the Security Council to extend UNISFA's mandate for an additional six months.”
2017-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8078 (2017) · source
“Progress on the operationalization of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism remains dependent upon the active collaboration of the parties, and is yet to meet all the benchmarks set by the Secretary-General to proceed to full operating capability. Both countries pledged to address challenges facing the Mechanism in the joint letter of 23 September I mentioned, highlighting the importance of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism as a confidence-building measure. In that context, we encourage the parties to use the mechanisms they have established to address their security issues and normalize their relations.”
2017-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8078 (2017) · source
“Since the latest resolution, there has been considerable progress in terms of full freedom of movement for Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism operations, with the helipad at Gok Machar now fully functional and expedited approval procedures in place to clear aerial patrols. In conclusion, let me reiterate that UNISFA has clearly had a stabilizing role in Abyei and along the border region between the Sudan and South Sudan. Neither the Abyei Area nor the border area have seen any major confrontation between the forces of the two countries. I urge both Governments to consolidate the gains achieved by UNISFA at the local level by actively engaging in discussions to resolve the deadlock over establishing the temporary arrangements that should lead to determining the final status of Abyei.”
2017-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8078 (2017) · source