UN Regional Office for Central Africa and the Lord’s Resistance Army
Now more than ever, UNOCA has an important role to play in conflict prevention, early warning, and mediation efforts in Central Africa. We welcome regional efforts to address these issues, and the assistance UNOCA is providing to support them.
- HE Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 29 May 2013.
Arria Formula Meeting on Implementing the UN Security Council’s Women, Peace & Security Agenda
As the Council seeks to address the many complex and ongoing security challenges before it, including in Mali, Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is critical that we ensure strong gender mandates are included early, and implemented effectively.
- Mr Stephen Smith, MP, Australian Minister for Defence, Statement to the Arria Formula Meeting hosted by Australia and Guatemala on Implementing the UN Security Council's Women, Peace and Security Agenda on 17 May 2013.
The Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Australia has a close association with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the 1990s, Australian peacekeepers served alongside their EU and NATO counterparts to help build peace.
- HE Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 7 May 2013.
Human Trafficking - High Level Meeting
Human trafficking and related exploitative practices are abhorrent crimes. Around the world, slavery, servitude and forced labour are the daily reality for many millions of people. It is a deeply dehumanising practice from which no country is immune.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 14 May 2013.
Peace and Security in Africa
There is no doubt that Africa is the new theatre in the fight against terrorism. In the last week alone, we have seen stark reminders: suicide attacks targeting Malian and Nigerien soldiers in towns in northern Mali; coordinated attacks by alleged Boko Haram militants in north-eastern Nigeria; and a suicide car bomb by Al Shabaab against a convoy carrying a Qatari delegation in Mogadishu, Somalia.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 13 May 2013.
Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee - Briefing by the Chair
The threat posed by Al-Qaida to international peace and security remains a pressing dimension of a number of issues on the Council’s agenda, not only in its deliberations on international terrorism, but across country situations, including Somalia, Mali and Yemen.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 10 May 2013.
International Criminal Court - Libya
The situation in Libya demonstrates that the International Criminal Court can – and does – play a significant role in strengthening the rule of law in States undergoing post-conflict transition.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 8 May 2013.
Briefing by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
As members of the Council are aware, close cooperation between the Council and regional organisations, including the OSCE, can be a decisive component of our efforts to maintain international peace and security. Certainly, one of Australia’s priorities during its Council term is to further encourage such cooperation, and the OSCE provides a good illustration of what is possible.
- HE Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 7 May 2013.
Post-Conflict Peacebuilding
The Peacebuilding Commission, together with the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office were established to fill gaps in the UN’s capacity to assist post-conflict states to avoid such relapses. At that time, there was little in the way of peacebuilding architecure in other fora. The field is now relatively crowded. While it has been rightly acknowledged that the PBC has yet to realise its full potential, there are useful lessons we can draw on to provide it with guidance on fulfilling its core mandate.
- HE Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 25 April 2013.
The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
The deepening crisis around the conflict in Syria is rightly an overriding preoccupation. But we should not be deterred from the imperative of reinvigorating the peace process between Israel and Palestine. Australia remains firmly committed to a lasting resolution of this conflict.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 24 April 2013.
Sexual violence in conflict
Sexual violence is a brutal, unacceptable but pervasive dimension of today’s conflict. We must constantly think about how we can prevent it from occurring, and when it does, to ensure survivors are supported and perpetrators held relentlessly to account.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 17 April 2013.
Prevention of conflicts in Africa: Addressing root causes
There is never any question that prevention is better than cure. Prevention can save countless lives and untold trauma and grief. It can also avoid enduring economic disadvantage and erosion of development gains.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 15 April 2013.
The Role of International Criminal Justice and Reconciliation
Australia takes this opportunity to record its emphatic support for international criminal justice. My country is committed to upholding international criminal law in our own courts. We are committed to supporting the efforts of other jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. And we are committed to supporting each of the international criminal courts and tribunals that have been established to ensure that those accused of committing serious international crimes are held to account.
- Ms Julia O'Brien, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 11 April 2013.
Arms Trade Treaty
Australia's commitment to an Arms Trade Treaty has since the beginning been driven primarily by our humanitarian concerns. We owe it to those millions – often the most vulnerable in society – whose lives have been overshadowed by the irresponsible and illicit international trade in arms.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 2 April 2013.
United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)
A broad and substantial political settlement to the question of Kosovo is now within reach. Australia joins the Secretary-General and other Council members in encouraging both Prime Ministers to continue their dialogue with the determination to bring about lasting stability not only in Kosovo and between Serbia and Kosovo, but in the broader Balkan region.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 22 March 2013.
Final Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty
We cannot allow the catastrophic impact of the illegal trade in arms to continue to harm humanity, especially when we know a major cause – the inadequate control of trade in conventional arms – and we know that we can do something to fix it now.
- Senator the Honourable Bob Carr, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Statement to the Final Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty on 20 February 2013.
United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
Creating durable and transformative change such as that being undertaken by Haiti takes time. Strengthening institutions and establishing good governance to the stage of providing security, justice and jobs and breaking cycles of poverty and violence is a long term effort.
- HE Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 20 March 2013.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
As Afghanistan moves through transition to its transformation decade, it is important to note the progress that has been made over the last ten years. Afghanistan – through the leadership of its Government, determination of its fine people and support of the international community – has come a long way.
- Senator the Honourable Bob Carr, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 19 February 2013.
Commission on the Status of Women
Australia has no tolerance for violence against women and girls. Violence, in all its forms – physical, sexual or psychological – is unacceptable. It is a universal issue that affects women of all backgrounds, races, cultures and economic circumstances. Living safe and free from violence is everyone’s right, and reducing violence is everyone’s responsibility. Domestically and internationally – including through our aid program and advocacy – Australia is actively contributing towards a world where women and girls can thrive and where their safety is guaranteed.
- The Hon Julie Collins, MP, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Minister for Community Services, Minister for the Status of Women, Statement to the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women on 5 March 2013.
Peacekeeping Operations
All evidence shows us that peacekeeping still remains a responsive, dynamic and necessary tool to assist the work of the international community in its efforts to maintain international peace and security.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, on behalf of CANZ (Canada, Australia and New Zealand) on 19 February 2013.
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
Protection is not just at the core of the Council’s responsibility. It should also be the Council’s moral compass. More than any other issue, we will be judged by our actions and by our failures to act on protection challenges.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 12 February 2013.
The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
The continuing stalemate in the Middle East peace process has implications for the region’s stability and economic development. So too does the worsening conflict in Syria, which will soon enter into its third year.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 23 January 2013.
UN Peacekeeping: A Multi-Dimensional Approach
Australia welcomes the evolution in the approach to peacekeeping over the past decade, which has seen a recognition of the complex, multidimensional issues that can be associated with such missions.
- The Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM, MP, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 21 January 2013.
Comprehensive Approach to Counter-Terrorism
As a newly-elected Security Council member, Australia will strongly support the Council’s ongoing efforts to combat and prevent terrorism. As the threat continues to evolve, our strategies to counter it also need to improve. The Council’s role will continue to be central in this. No matter how hard the task, we must be a step ahead.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 15 January 2013.
Post-conflict Peacebuilding
Peacebuilding is vital work. Ensuring we take advantage of the critical post-conflict window to shore up peace and stability and prevent a return to conflict is one of the most important endeavours we can undertake.
- Mr Will Nankervis, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2012.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
Australia remains committed to supporting Afghanistan to assume full responsibility for its own security, and to bringing enhanced opportunities for its people to improve their livelihoods in a safe and secure environment.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 19 December 2012.
Women, Peace and Security
There is a clear consensus that the early involvement of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peace-building promotes lasting peace, and helps in the realisation of gender equality.
- Mr Michael Bliss, Minister Counsellor, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 30 November 2012.
Sport for Peace and Development
Sport’s popularity, its capacity as a communication platform and its ability to connect people make it a tool that can be used to meet a range of development objectives, including contributing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
- Mr Peter Stone, Adviser, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 28 November 2012.
The Situation in Afghanistan
Australia welcomes the opportunity to co-sponsor the General Assembly’s resolution on Afghanistan again in 2012 – a crucial year for the partnership between Afghanistan and the international community, during which we made strong commitments to support Afghanistan’s future.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 27 November 2012.
Human Resources Management
CANZ delegations are strong supporters of increased mobility in the United Nations. We often hear that human resources are the most important resources to the Organisation. CANZ firmly believes this. This is why we have to make sure we are putting in place a strong mobility framework which has the support of both staff and the General Assembly.
- Mr Emil Stojanovski, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ), Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Fifth Committee regarding agenda item 135 on 21 November 2012.
Maintenance of International Peace and Security - Piracy
Maritime security – including safe and secure sea lanes – is vital to the trade that underpins global economic growth. Martime security and oceanic governance are central to the “blue economy”, on which island nations – such as those in Australia’s region – are reliant for their economic stability and livelihoods.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 19 November 2012.
The Situation in Timor-Leste
The Timorese people have shown tremendous resilience over the past decade as they set about building a new nation. While UNMIT and the ISF have made their contribution, the real credit for the peace and progress enjoyed today must go to the Timorese people themselves.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 12 November 2012.
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
As a proud multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multicultural society, Australia encourages respect for religious differences and firmly protects the right of people of all religions to practice their beliefs without intimidation or harassment.
- Ms Tanisha Hewanpola, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on 6 November 2012.
Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency
The external environment in which the Agency operates is highly fluid, and we must ensure the Agency has the capacity to respond quickly and effectively to external developments, be they related to nuclear safety, physical protection, nuclear proliferation or sustainable development.
- The Hon Laurie Ferguson, Member of Parliament of Australia, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 5 November 2012.
Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
The elimination of racial discrimination remains a key priority for the Australia Government. To build a fair and inclusive community where racism is a thing of the past, governments, citizens, corporations and community groups alike must take concerted action against racism, racial discrimination and prejudice, whenever they see it.
- Ms Tanisha Hewanpola, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on 5 November 2012.
Capital Master Plan
CANZ delegations wish to reiterate our strong commitment to seeing the CMP project through to its successful completion. We will work constructively with all other delegations to ensure that the project is delivered in as expeditious, efficient and affordable manner as possible.
- Mr Emil Stojanovski, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ), Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Fifth Committee regarding agenda item 130 on 5 November 2012.
Peacekeeping Operations
For missions to be effective, they require planning, preparation and partnership. A comprehensive approach to mission planning is required to ensure mission mandates are clear and achievable, and that they have the resources and capabilities required to implement them.
- Colonel Roger Barrett, Military Attaché, Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ), Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee on 2 November 2012.
Report of the International Court of Justice
CANZ strongly believes that wider acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court would enable it to fulfil its role more effectively.
- Mr Richard Rowe, Senior Legal Adviser, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ), Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 1 November 2012.
Indigenous Rights
Australia accords the highest priority to Indigenous issues and is encouraged that these are being given due recognition and attention by the United Nations and Member States. However, while substantial progress has been made to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples, we, like others, recognise that much more needs to be done.
- Ms Tanisha Hewanpola, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on 22 October 2012.
The Rights of Children
Children are the future of our nation. We consider them to be a precious resource which needs to be given every opportunity to learn and to grow and to flourish. Ensuring this requires that their rights and needs are respected and promoted. This is fundamental.
- Ms Tanisha Hewanpola, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on 19 October 2012.
Promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security
Ensuring accountability for international crimes is a key component of peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 17 October 2012.
The Situation in the Middle East
In a period of tremendous change in the Arab world, the status quo in the Middle East Peace Process is simply untenable. The status quo will not provide the lasting peace and security which Palestinians, Israelis and all the peoples of the region deserve.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 15 October 2012.
Advancement of Women
The UN’s ongoing commitment and focus on gender issues is critical to the advancement of women everywhere, and Australia is strongly supportive of these efforts.
- Ms Tanisha Hewanpola, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on 15 October 2012.
Development Agenda
These are some of the most important and pressing issues of our time. They are at the core of the Second Committee's work. And as we undertake the task of turning our words into action, Australia is firmly committed to doing our part.
- The Hon Laurie Ferguson, Member of Parliament of Australia, Statement to the High Level Meeting of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on 9 October 2012.
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Within Australia’s broad commitment to the multilateral system, we have always placed historically disarmament and non-proliferation at the top of our agenda.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee on 8 October 2012.
Social Development
As recognised by the Secretary-General, youth are a transformative force and have the potential to act as agents for change.
- Mr Dan Ryan, Australian Youth Delegate, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on 8 October 2012.
Small States
Australia has been a long time champion of small states, from our negotiating position during the UN Charter negotiations in 1945, where we advocated for equal rights for all states, to our current approach across the broad multilateral agenda. It is the way we work, it is what we stand for. We recommit to continuing to work closely with FOSS member states in the future.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the Forum of Small States on 1 October 2012.
Chemical Weapons
Australia is committed to ensuring the continued success of the OPCW beyond the destruction of all chemical weapons, so that it can work with States Parties to meet the non-proliferation challenges of today and tomorrow, and chemical weapons will never be used again.
- The Hon Laurie Ferguson, Member of Parliament of Australia, Statement to the High Level Meeting of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on 1 October 2012.
Transnational Organised Crime in Central America and the Caribbean
This problem has acute ramifications for the region – but it is a global problem. It is about our global security as well as the realisation of the MDGs. And so it needs global solidarity now.
- H.E. Mr Peter Woolcott, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Geneva, Intervention to the United Nations High Level Interactive Presentation on "Transnational Organised Crime in Central America and the Caribbean: A Threat Assessment" on 28 September 2012.
Nuclear Terrorism
In order to ensure terrorists do not succeed in their aims, we must build capacity so that countries can better secure radioactive sources, and respond effectively when sources are discovered beyond regulatory control.
- H.E. Mr Peter Woolcott, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Geneva, Statement to the United Nations High Level Meeting on Countering Nuclear Terrorism, with a Focus on Strengthening the Legal Framework on 28 September 2012.
United Nations General Debate
Australia embraces the high ideals of the United Nations and takes a practical approach to achieving change. The work of the United Nations is an historic task in which Australia wholeheartedly joins.
- The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September 2012.
Education First Initiative
Education is vital to prosperity for nations and to opportunity for individuals it is the ultimate means of a civilised life for every person. I am delighted to join my fellow Education Champions who are determined to put education first.
- The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Statement to the High level Political Launch of the United Nations Secretary-General’s “Education First” Initiative on 26 September 2012.
The New Deal: G7+ Perspectives and Experiences
Together we can deliver change. Our commitment to the New Deal must not waver. The world's poorest and most vulnerable need us now.
- The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Statement to the High-level side event on 'The New Deal: Perspectives of the g7+' on 26 September 2012.
High Level Meeting on the Sahel
Australia commends the governments of the Sahel region for their efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. As friends and partners, we stand ready to support regionally-led solutions. There is much to do – our partners in the Sahel region can be confident Australia will do its part.
- The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Statement to the United Nations High Level Meeting on the Sahel on 26 September 2012.
High Level Meeting on the Rule of Law
Let us ensure that the work of this high-level meeting – and this important Declaration - leads to practical progress towards the UN's highest ideals of security, development and human rights for all the peoples of the world.
- The Hon Richard Marles MP, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Statement to the United Nations High Level Meeting on the Rule of Law on 24 September 2012.
Afghanistan
2012 will be remembered as the year when the common goal of a secure and stable Afghanistan, with strong prospects for long-term economic and social development, was underwritten by unprecedented support from the international community.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 20 September 2012.
Children and Armed Conflict
The Security Council has taken significant steps in recent years to highlight the importance of protecting children in armed conflict. But we can actually never do enough to protect children. They are, after all, our future.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 19 September 2012.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Australia is working to ensure that mainstream services, programs and infrastructure are responsive to the needs of people with disability, their families and carers for the decades to come.
- Mr Evan Lewis, Group Manager, Disability and Carers - Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Statement to the Fifth Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 12 September 2012.
Responsibility to Protect
It is essential that we work to sharpen the collective tools available to us under the Charter of the United Nations to effectively prevent and respond to mass atrocity crimes.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 5 September 2012.
Open-ended Working Group on Ageing
Australia is committed to implementing policies and programmes to better improve the wellbeing of older Australians and to implement our human rights obligations to them.
- Ms Tanisha Hewanpola, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the Third Session of the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on Ageing on 21 August 2012.
Advancement of Women
The Commission on the Status of Women represents the central opportunity each year for us all to hold focused discussions on gender equality and the advancement of women. Importantly, it enables all stakeholders to collaborate and consider critically our progress in implementing international commitments on gender equality.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Economic and Social Council on 27 July 2012.
Arms Trade Treaty Conference
We have a unique opportunity now to secure agreement on what would represent a massive achievement for the United Nations. This will potentially benefit many hundreds of millions of people whose lives, well-being and economic circumstances are threatened by the illicit and unregulated trade in conventional arms.
- H. E. Peter Woolcott, Australian Ambassador for Disarmament, Statement to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Conference on 26 July 2012.
The Situation in the Middle East
We have seen elsewhere in the region - including most recently in Libya - that the most effective means for balancing the competing interests inherent in any society is for the establishment of fair and inclusive democratic processes that enable all citizens and groups to give voice to their views and to select a government that can represent them.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 25 July 2012.
Post-Conflict Peacebuilding
We take seriously our role in the collective enterprise of building peace. I would like to assure you of our commitment to ensuring the Peacebuilding Commission continues to develop so that it can deliver genuine change to the lives of people in countries emerging from conflict.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 12 July 2012.
Development Cooperation Forum
Sustainable development can only work if we innovate with partnerships.To make sustainable development a reality, it is not just one form of cooperation we need, but many.The world is changing and development cooperation needs to respond in an innovative way.This year’s United Nations International Year of Cooperatives reminds us that we need to put people at the centre of this change – to empower them to make development happen to achieve great outcomes.
- Senator the Honorable Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Statement at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Development Cooperation Forum on 5 July 2012.
Partnering for Peace
Arms Trade Treaty Conference
We need an Arms Trade Treaty that establishes the highest possible international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms; one that would promote much needed accountability and transparency in the global arms trade.
- Senator the Honorable Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Statement at the Opening Session of the Arms Trade Treaty Conference on 3 July 2012.
Economic and Social Council General Debate
We can only fight poverty through inclusive development approaches and partnerships that expand employment opportunities, ensure decent jobs and improve livelihoods for families and communities. I look forward to the adoption of the Annual Ministerial Declaration, and to its implementation: putting jobs at the heart of our actions to create stronger, more equitable and sustainable growth on the path to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
- Senator the Honorable Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Statement to the Economic and Social Council General Debate on 3 July 2012.
United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
The fight against terrorism remains a critical priority for Australia. As we all know too well, terrorism continues to kill and maim innocent people; it damages property and infrastructure, fosters fear in local communities, undermines social and economic confidence and, in many cases, entrenches the forces of poverty.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
2012 is proving to be a major milestone for Afghanistan as it works with its international partners - in a spirit of mutual commitment – to ensure the gains in security, development, governance, and human rights made over the past decade are maintained.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 27 June 2012.
Crime as a Threat to Development
Countries with the greatest development needs are often the target of unscrupulous transnational criminal networks. Our discussion has illustrated the importance of integrated responses - working at national, regional and multilateral levels, addressing transnational organised crime and drugs holistically with development, and - as the panel has emphasised - supporting rule of law and security sector institutions.
- Mr Will Nankervis, Counsellor, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 26 June 2012.
Protection of Civilians
We must rebuild consensus on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. This consensus is vital. Responding to threats to civilians must be at the very centre of our efforts in the field of peace and security. Indeed, this work goes to the very purpose and identify of this organization.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 25 June 2012.
The Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS
The targets which were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2011 offer, for the first time, quantified, achievable targets - targets which are based on current realities. But without an immediate change in the way we work, these targets risk becoming yet another set of targets that we fail to reach. As the Secretary-General’s Report notes, we are not on track to achieve the targets.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 11 June 2012.
The Convention on the Law of the Sea
Our ‘Constitution for the Oceans’ creates a framework for interaction with two-thirds of the earth’s surface. This is a singular achievement. But it has broader significance – the promotion of peace by supplanting arbitrary action with the rule of law and by ensuring that, when disagreements arise, we share a common vocabulary with which to seek peaceful solutions.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on 8 June 2012.
The Situation in the Syrian Arab Republic
Australia strongly supports Joint Special Envoy Annan's efforts to implement his six-point peace plan - endorsed by the international community, including the UN Security Council and the Arab League - the best chance for a resolution to the crisis in Syria.
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 7 June 2012.
Human Security
Protecting and empowering populations is essential to shaping long-term, effective and sustainable responses because it builds capacity, understanding and resilience amongst individuals and communities. We need to ensure our collective actions are not fragmented, that they focus on prevention and that they benefit directly affected populations. The human security concept provides a normative framework to do just this, which is why Australia supports it.
- Mr Damian Whit
>- Mr Damian Whit