PART ONE Political and security questions
Chapter I International peace and security Peacekeeping, peacebuilding in post-conflict countries and counter-terrorism strategies were among the key challenges addressed by the United Nations in 2013. During the year, the Security Council issued presidential statements on cooperation with regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, protection of civilians in armed conflict, and threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. By a resolution on conflict diamonds, the General Assembly reaffirmed its support for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and for the Kimberley Process as a whole. The Assembly also adopted resolutions on comprehensive reviews of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects and of special political missions; the support account for peacekeeping operations; rates of reimbursements to troop-contributing countries; the financing of the United Nations Logistic Base at Brindisi, Italy; and the criminal accountability of UN officials and experts on missions. On 26 September, the Peacebuilding Commission s Organizational Committee held a high-level meeting on women s economic empowerment for peacebuilding. The meeting adopted a declaration entitled Women s economic empowerment for peacebuilding, which affirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding. Acts of international terrorism resulted in the deaths of many innocent civilians and injuries to others in Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Lebanon, Mali, the Niger, the Russian Federation, Somalia, the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and Yemen. The Security Council and the Secretary-General condemned those and other attacks. The United Nations continued to work to prevent and combat all forms of terrorism. In December, the Assembly reaffirmed its strong condemnation of acts of terrorism and called upon Member States to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in all its aspects and without delay, and to strengthen measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. At the end of 2013, there were 15 peacekeeping operations served by 116,755 uniformed and civilian personnel, including United Nations Volunteers. To support a national political dialogue and electoral process, the Security Council in April decided to establish the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated 35 Stabilization Mission in Mali, which commenced its mandate in July, for an initial period of 12 months. At the year s end, the United Nations was conducting 13 political or peacebuilding missions. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia was established in June, replacing the United Nations Political Office for Somalia. The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations held its 2013 substantive session in February, March and September. Expenditures for peacekeeping operations decreased by 3.6 per cent, from $7,544.2 million in the previous fiscal year, to $7,273.1 million. The overall level of unpaid assessments decreased by 1.3 per cent from $1,385.1 million to $1,366.9 million. Promotion of international peace and security Maintenance of international peace and security Security sector reform Report of Secretary-General. In response to presidential statement S/PRST/2011/19 [YUN 2011, p. 34], the Secretary-General in August submitted a report [A/67/970-S/2013/480] assessing UN support for security sector reform (ssr), including recommendations on how to strengthen the UN comprehensive approach in that area. Since the previous report of the Secretary-General on ssr [YUN 2008, p. 36], the United Nations had made progress in elaborating technical guidance and policies to enhance delivery of support and the establishment of specialized capacities for ssr in the field and at Headquarters. System-wide coherence and coordination had been improved, partly through the efforts of the inter-agency Security Sector Reform Task Force, as well as partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, Member States forums, and civil society. Experience showed that the outcome of ssr efforts depended on the political environment in which they were carried out. Support for ssr therefore had to be linked to broader political reforms, such as national dialogues, reconciliation efforts or transitional justice initiatives, to create the foundations for transformative processes. On national ownership, a key challenge was to ensure that ssr processes reflected the
36 Part One: Political and security questions host Government s primary role, while still promoting inclusiveness. In order to create trust between citizens and State security institutions, there was a need for improvements in the overall provision, quality and governance of security services through dialogue with communities and civil society, protection of human rights, gendered security analysis, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, control of small arms and light weapons, community-based approaches, reduction of armed violence, public financial management in the security sector, and anti-corruption measures. A holistic perspective on the security sector s strategy, governance and architecture, beyond the focus on individual activities such as the police, army and border control, was also seen as critical. The report contained recommendations on how the United Nations, Member States and partners could further support ssr through encouraging inclusive and sustainable national ownership; promoting security service delivery; building capacities for reform that better linked component-specific and sector-wide initiatives; expanding and deepening partnerships; encouraging dialogue and knowledge-sharing; and enhancing inter-agency coherence and coordination. United Nations and regional organizations Security Council consideration. On 6 August [S/PV.7015], the Council held an open debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. The Council had before it a concept note submitted by Argentina [S/2013/446]. The Secretary-General said that given the interconnected nature of the threats the world faced, and the range of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, Chapter VIII was as relevant as ever. The United Nations worked with regional partners in a range of areas, from combating illicit trafficking to peacekeeping and advancement of human rights. While initiatives such as formal partnership agreements, shared workplans and staff exchanges between the United Nations and regional organizations built on collective strengths and helped in responding to evolving situations on the ground, there was room for improvement in informationsharing, swift response and long-term prevention. SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION On 6 August [meeting 7015], following consultations among Security Council members, the President made statement S/PRST/2013/12 on behalf of the Council: The Security Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and statements by its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organizations. The Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council further recalls that cooperation between the United Nations and the regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, as are appropriate for regional action, is an integral part of collective security as provided for in the Charter, and can improve collective security. The Council reiterates that the growing contribution made by regional and subregional organizations can usefully complement the work of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security, and stresses in this regard that such contribution must be made in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter, including the need for regional and subregional organizations at all times to keep the Council fully informed of activities undertaken or in contemplation for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council expresses its intention to consider further steps to promote closer and more operational cooperation, as appropriate, between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the fields of conflict early warning, prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and to ensure the coherence, synergy and collective effectiveness of their efforts. In this regard, it welcomes the strong cooperation initiatives already existing between the United Nations and regional organizations. The Council commends the ongoing efforts and contributions made by the Secretariat to consolidate partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, and expresses its intention to continue to expand consultation and cooperation, as appropriate, with relevant regional and subregional organizations, as agreed by the Council in the statement by its President of 13 January 2010 and the note by its President of 19 July 2006 and subsequent related documents and notes by its President. The Council recognizes that regional and subregional organizations are well positioned to understand the causes of armed conflicts owing to their knowledge of the region, which can be a benefit for their efforts to influence the prevention or resolution of these conflicts. The Council stresses the importance of a coordinated international response to causes of conflict and recognizes the need for the development of effective long-term strategies and emphasizes the need for all United Nations organs and agencies to pursue preventive strategies and to take action within their respective areas of competence to assist Member States and regional and subregional organizations to eradicate poverty, strengthen development cooperation and assistance and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Council reaffirms the obligation of all Member States to settle disputes and resolve conflicts in accordance with the Charter, and calls upon the international community to assist, as appropriate, the efforts initiated by regional and subregional organizations aimed at the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prevention and
Chapter I: International peace and security 37 resolution of conflicts in accordance with the Charter and relevant Council resolutions. The Council encourages the continuing involvement of relevant regional and subregional organizations in the peaceful settlement of disputes, as appropriate, including through conflict prevention, confidence-building and mediation efforts, and underlines the importance of utilizing the existing and potential capabilities of regional and subregional organizations in this regard. The Council stresses the utility of continuing to develop effective partnerships between the United Nations and relevant regional and subregional organizations, in order to enable early responses to disputes and emerging crises and to strengthen the role of the United Nations in the prevention of conflict. The Council recognizes the important role of the good offices of the Secretary-General, and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to use mediation as often as possible to help to resolve conflicts peacefully, working in coordination and closely with relevant regional and subregional organizations in that regard, as appropriate. The Council welcomes the continuing important efforts and enhanced peacekeeping role of regional and subregional organizations, consistent with the Charter and Council resolutions and decisions, to prevent, mediate and settle conflicts. The Council recognizes that, in deploying peacekeeping operations authorized by the Council, regional and subregional organizations are contributing towards the maintenance of international peace and security, in a manner consistent with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter. The Council invites the Secretariat and all regional and subregional organizations that have a capacity for peacekeeping to enhance their working relations and to further explore how their collaboration could better contribute to the fulfilment of United Nations mandates and goals, so as to ensure a coherent framework for peacekeeping. The Council underlines the importance of partnership and cooperation with relevant regional and subregional organizations and arrangements, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter, in supporting peacekeeping operations, including on issues relating to the protection of civilians, taking into account the respective mandates of peacekeeping operations, and peacebuilding activities as well as forging greater regional and national ownership. The Council recognizes the role that regional and subregional organizations can play in post-conflict peacebuilding, recovery, reconstruction and development processes, and affirms the importance of interaction and cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements. The Council encourages the Commission to continue to work in close consultation with regional and subregional organizations and arrangements, with a view to ensuring more consistent and integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery. The Council recognizes the need for close cooperation, including through its subsidiary bodies, with regional and subregional organizations, as appropriate, in order to enhance the implementation of its resolutions in a coherent and effective manner, including those on thematic issues applicable to a wide range of conflict situations. In this regard, the Council further encourages regional and subregional organizations to provide full cooperation to United Nations sanctions committees and their groups of experts in the implementation of their mandated activities. The Council reaffirms the vital role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction, further reaffirms the importance of the prevention of and protection from sexual violence in armed conflicts and post-conflict situations, and stresses the need for the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations to work to ensure that women and gender perspectives are fully integrated into all peace and security efforts undertaken by the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, including by building the necessary capacity. The Council recognizes the valuable contribution that pertinent regional and subregional organizations and arrangements make for the protection of children affected by armed conflict. In this regard, the Council encourages the continued mainstreaming of child protection into the advocacy, policies, programmes and mission planning of these organizations and arrangements as well as training of personnel and inclusion of child protection staff in their peacekeeping and field operations and the establishment, within their secretariats, of child protection mechanisms, including through the appointment of child protection focal points. The Council stresses that regional and subregional organizations have an important role in addressing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and the need to take into account in the mandates of peacekeeping operations, where appropriate, the regional instruments enabling States to identify and trace illegal small arms and light weapons. The Council encourages the establishment or strengthening, where appropriate, of subregional or regional cooperation, coordination and informationsharing mechanisms, in particular transborder customs cooperation and networks for information-sharing, with a view to preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons across borders. The Council encourages international and regional cooperation in identifying the origin and transfer of small arms and light weapons in order to prevent their diversion, including to Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. The Council underlines the significant steps that have been taken by Member States and international and regional organizations in this regard. The obligation of Member States to enforce Council arms embargoes should be coupled with enhanced international and regional cooperation concerning arms exports. The Council recognizes the need to enhance coordination of efforts at the national, subregional, regional and international levels, as appropriate, in order to strengthen the global response to the serious challenge and threat to international peace and security posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The Council is mindful of the need to continue to explore with international, regional and subregional
38 Part One: Political and security questions organizations and arrangements experience-sharing and lessons learned in the areas covered by its resolution 1540(2004), and the availability of programmes which might facilitate implementation of the resolution and areas in which they are able to provide assistance, including through the designation of a point of contact or coordinator for the implementation of resolution 1540(2004). The Council welcomes the efforts undertaken by its subsidiary bodies with responsibilities in counterterrorism to foster cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, and notes with appreciation the efforts made by an increasing number of regional and subregional organizations in countering terrorism. The Council urges all relevant regional and subregional organizations to enhance the effectiveness of their counterterrorism efforts within their respective mandates and in accordance with international law, including with a view to developing their capacity to help Member States in their efforts to tackle the threats to international peace and security posed by acts of terrorism. The Council also notes with appreciation in this regard the activities undertaken in the area of capacity-building, technical assistance and its facilitation by United Nations entities, including the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, in coordination with other relevant international, regional and subregional organizations to assist Member States, upon their request, in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and encourages the Executive Directorate and the Task Force to ensure focused delivery of capacity-building, technical assistance and its facilitation. The Council recalls that justice and the rule of law are of key importance for promoting and maintaining peace, stability and development in the world. In this regard, the Council emphasizes that ending impunity is essential in a conflict and post-conflict society s efforts to come to terms with past serious crimes under international law, and in preventing future serious crimes under international law. In this regard, the Council highlights that regional and subregional organizations and arrangements can contribute to accountability through support for enhancing the capacity of national justice systems, as appropriate, and through cooperation with international mechanisms, courts and tribunals, including the International Criminal Court. The Council recognizes the importance of strengthening the capacity of regional and subregional organizations, as appropriate, in conflict prevention and crisis management and in post-conflict stabilization. The Council underlines the importance of regional and subregional organizations enhancing their peacekeeping capabilities and the value of international support to their efforts. The Council invites all Member States to contribute, as appropriate, more actively in this regard. The Council reiterates that regional organizations have the responsibility to secure human, financial, logistical and other resources for their organizations, including through contributions by their members and support from their partners. The Council stresses the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing regional organizations when they undertake peacekeeping under a United Nations mandate, and welcomes the valuable financial support provided by partners in this regard. The Council encourages regional and subregional organizations and arrangements to strengthen and increase cooperation among them, including to enhance their respective capacity, in the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council underlines the importance of the United Nations political support and technical expertise in this regard. The Council notes the ongoing efforts of the Secretariat to extend and enhance regular interaction, consultation and cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements, and underlines the importance of enhancing the efforts in this regard. The Council encourages the Secretariat and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements to further explore, as appropriate, information-sharing on their respective capabilities and lessons learned in maintaining international peace and security and to continue to compile best practices, in particular in the field of mediation, good offices and peacekeeping. The Council also encourages the strengthening of cooperation and dialogue among regional and subregional organizations in this regard. The Council highlights the importance of the role of regional and subregional organizations and arrangements and of cooperation with them, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter, with regard to conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, including the maintenance of constitutional order, the promotion of human rights, democracy, the rule of law and the fight against impunity. The Council encourages cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements to cooperate across a broad agenda of mutual concern. The Council further encourages enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the regional and subregional organizations and arrangements to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of tolerance and peace, to promote better understanding across countries, cultures and civilizations. The Council commends the efforts of the Secretary- General to include in his regular reporting to the Council assessments of progress on the cooperation between the United Nations and relevant regional organizations, and requests that he continue such efforts. The Council further requests that the Secretary-General include, in his next biennial report to the Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on ways to enhance cooperation between the United Nations and relevant regional and subregional organizations and arrangements. United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Security Council consideration. On 28 October [S/PV.7050], the Security Council held a debate on strengthening the partnership synergy between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic
Chapter I: International peace and security 39 Cooperation (oic). The Council had before it a concept paper submitted by Azerbaijan [S/2013/588]. The Secretary-General told the Council that given the complexity of peace and security challenges, cooperation between different organizations and countries, such as that between the United Nations and oic, was crucial. Cooperation on issues such as conflict prevention and resolution, counter-terrorism, human rights and humanitarian affairs, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development remained critical. SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION On 28 October [meeting 7050], following consultations among Security Council members, the President made statement S/PRST/2013/16 on behalf of the Council: The Security Council recalls the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council reiterates that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and arrangements in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, and consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter, can improve collective security. The Council recalls its previous relevant resolutions and the statements by its President which underscore the importance of developing effective partnerships between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in accordance with the Charter and the relevant statutes of the regional and subregional organizations. The Council expresses its appreciation for the briefings of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu. The Council recognizes and further encourages the active contribution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the work of the United Nations towards the realization of the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter. The Council acknowledges the continuing dialogue between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the fields of peacemaking, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The Council commends the States members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for their ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping and peacebuilding, including through the contribution of troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Council reiterates its commitment to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and to seek a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and recalls in this regard its previous relevant resolutions. The Council notes that the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation share common objectives in promoting and facilitating the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the political solution of the Syrian conflict in accordance with the Geneva communiqué of 30 June 2012, as well as in fostering solutions to other conflicts in accordance with the Charter and the relevant resolutions of the Council. The Council takes note of the general meeting on cooperation between the Secretariats of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and their specialized organizations, held in Geneva from 1 to 3 May 2012. The Council acknowledges the intention expressed by representatives of both organizations to reinforce cooperation in areas of common interest, such as conflict prevention and mediation, human rights, humanitarian assistance and refugees, intercultural dialogue and the fight against terrorism. The Council notes the commitment of both the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of tolerance and peace, and calls for enhanced cooperation to promote better understanding across countries, cultures and civilizations. The Council recognizes the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council requests the Secretary-General to include, in his next biennial report to the Council and the General Assembly on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, recommendations on ways to enhance cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Conflict prevention Conflict prevention and natural resources Security Council consideration. On 19 June the Security Council held a debate [S/PV.6982] on conflict prevention and natural resources. It had before it a 6 June letter [S/2013/334] submitted by the United Kingdom. The Deputy Secretary-General said that managed wisely, extractive resources could aid development and peace. The Council was, however, also well aware of the link between abundant extractive resources and conflict, as well as corruption, human rights abuses and environmental damage. Governments had the primary responsibility for preventing conflict and ensuring that extractive industries benefited the public. Measures had to be taken to mitigate negative consequences in collaboration with local communities, and with clear processes for compensation to prevent tensions and disputes. UN political and peacekeeping missions had supported dispute resolution and grievance mechanisms through rule of law programmes, but the United Nations had to ensure that issues related to extractive industries were also part of mediation efforts and addressed in peace processes. Conflict diamonds The Security Council, in resolution 2101(2013) (see p. 165) of 25 April, decided to renew until 30 April 2014 the measures imposed to prevent the importation
40 Part One: Political and security questions by any State of all rough diamonds from Côte d Ivoire, imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 1643(2005) [YUN 2005, p. 251], with a readiness to review measures in light of progress made towards the Kimberley Process [YUN 2000, p. 76] implementation. The Kimberley Process and other appropriate national and international agencies were requested to work in close cooperation with the Group of Experts and its enquiries concerning the individuals and networks involved in the production, trading and illicit export of diamonds from Côte d Ivoire, to exchange information on a regular basis, and to communicate to the Security Council through the Committee. Furthermore, the Council decided to renew the exemptions set out by paragraph 16 and 17 of resolution 1893(2009) [YUN 2009, p. 186], to secure samples of rough diamonds for scientific research purposes coordinated by the Kimberley Process. Ivorian authorities were urged to implement the resolution s action plan to enforce the Kimberley Process minimum requirements, and encouraged to work closely with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (kpcs) in reviewing and assessing the country s internal control system for trade in rough diamonds, and in a comprehensive geologic study of Côte d Ivoire s potential diamond resources and production capacity, with a view to the possible modification or lifting of the measures imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 1643(2005). Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process, at its eleventh annual session (Johannesburg, South Africa, 19 22 November), continued its work related to kpcs, which was established in 2003 [YUN 2003, p. 55] to stop the trade in conflict diamonds from fuelling armed conflict, protect the legitimate diamond industry and ensure implementation of UN resolutions on trade in conflict diamonds. In June, Mali joined the Process. As at 1 December, kpcs had 54 members, representing 81 countries, including the 28 members of the European Union. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 67/135 [YUN 2012, p. 39], South Africa, in its capacity as chair of kpcs, transmitted to the Secretary-General, on 9 December, the 2013 Kimberley Process report [A/68/649]. The report stated that since its establishment, kpcs had contributed significantly to improved security situations in several diamond-producing countries. At a June intersessional meeting, Mintek, in South Africa, was identified as the research facility to carry out the technical certification of Ivorian diamonds. On 23 May, the Process adopted an administrative decision to temporarily suspend the export and import of diamonds by the Central African Republic, given the country s deteriorating security situation. The Chair was requested to liaise with the United Nations on a continuous basis in assessing the situation on the ground. The Working Group on Monitoring was also requested to continue to review the administra- tive decision and the situation in the Central African Republic. The plenary recommended that the Chair reapproach the United Nations, the African Union (au), and the Economic Community of Central African States to ask the Central African Republic s neighbouring countries to collaborate with the Process in order to ensure vigilance at their borders. Prior to the plenary, 54 participants representing 81 countries had submitted annual reports on kpcs implementation. Venezuela, which had withdrawn from the Process in 2008 [YUN 2008, p. 44], participated in the plenary, which acknowledged the country s efforts to establish a national mining corporation and its intent to fully take part in the Process and to host a review mission to demonstrate its compliance with the minimum Certification Scheme requirements. Review missions were conducted to Côte d Ivoire, Liberia, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, and Viet Nam. Côte d Ivoire had fulfilled the minimum requirements of the Process insofar as could be achieved under the UN embargo, but was encouraged to develop a transition strategy and road map towards the lifting of the embargo. China would succeed South Africa as Kimberley Process Chair, with effect from 1 January 2014; Angola would serve as Vice-Chair. (For information on the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572(2004), which monitored the embargo on the import of rough diamonds from Côte d Ivoire, and its Expert Group see p. 164.) GENERAL ASSEMBLY ACTION On 18 December [meeting 69], the General Assembly adopted resolution 68/128 [draft: A/68/L.29 & Add.1] without vote [agenda item 32]. The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict: breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts The General Assembly, Recognizing that the trade in conflict diamonds continues to be a matter of serious international concern, which can be directly linked to the fuelling of armed conflict, the activities of rebel movements aimed at undermining or overthrowing legitimate Governments and the illicit traffic in and proliferation of armaments, especially small arms and light weapons, Recognizing also the devastating impact of conflicts fuelled by the trade in conflict diamonds on the peace, safety and security of people in affected countries, and the systematic and gross human rights violations that have been perpetrated in such conflicts, Noting the negative impact of such conflicts on regional stability and the obligations placed upon States by the Charter of the United Nations regarding the maintenance of international peace and security, Recognizing that continued action to curb the trade in conflict diamonds is imperative,
Chapter I: International peace and security 41 Noting with appreciation that the Kimberley Process, as an international initiative led by the Governments of participant States, has pursued its deliberations on an inclusive basis involving concerned stakeholders, including producing, exporting and importing States, the diamond industry and civil society, as well as applicant States and international organizations, Recalling that the elimination of conflict diamonds from legitimate trade is the primary objective of the Kimberley Process, and stressing the need to continue its activities in order to achieve this objective, Welcoming the important contribution of the Kimberley Process, which was initiated by African diamond-producing countries, and calling for the consistent implementation of commitments made by Kimberley Process participant States and the diamond industry and civil society organizations, as observers, Acknowledging the successful role that the Kimberley Process has played in stemming the flow of conflict diamonds in the past decade of its existence and the significant developmental impact it has had in improving the lives of people dependent on the trade in diamonds, and noting that the plenary meeting of the Process, in looking towards the future, committed to continue to ensure that the Process remains relevant as a credible tool in curbing the illegal flow of rough diamonds, Acknowledging also that the diamond sector is an important catalyst for promoting economic and social development, which are necessary for poverty reduction and meeting the requirements of the Millennium Development Goals in many producing countries, particularly in developing countries, Bearing in mind the positive benefits of the legitimate diamond trade to producing countries, and underlining the need for continued international action to prevent the problem of conflict diamonds from negatively affecting the trade in legitimate diamonds, which makes a critical contribution to the economies of the producing, exporting and importing States, Noting that the vast majority of rough diamonds produced in the world are from legitimate sources, Recalling the Charter and all the relevant resolutions of the Security Council related to conflict diamonds, and determined to contribute to and support the implementation of the measures provided for in those resolutions, Recalling also Security Council resolution 1459(2003) of 28 January 2003, in which the Council strongly supported the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme as a valuable contribution against trafficking in conflict diamonds, Noting with satisfaction that the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme continues to have a positive impact in reducing the opportunity for conflict diamonds to play a role in fuelling armed conflict and would help to protect legitimate trade and ensure the effective implementation of the relevant resolutions on trade in conflict diamonds, Acknowledging that lessons learned from the Kimberley Process may be useful for the work of the Peacebuilding Commission in its consideration of the countries included in its agenda, as appropriate, Recalling its resolutions 55/56 of 1 December 2000, 56/263 of 13 March 2002, 57/302 of 15 April 2003, 58/290 of 14 April 2004, 59/144 of 15 December 2004, 60/182 of 20 December 2005, 61/28 of 4 December 2006, 62/11 of 26 November 2007, 63/134 of 11 December 2008, 64/109 of 11 December 2009, 65/137 of 16 December 2010, 66/252 of 25 January 2012 and 67/135 of 18 December 2012, in which it called for the development and implementation as well as a periodic review of proposals for a simple, effective and pragmatic international certification scheme for rough diamonds, Welcoming, in this regard, the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in such a way as not to impede the legitimate trade in diamonds or impose an undue burden on Governments or industry, particularly smaller producers, nor hinder the development of the diamond industry, Welcoming also the decision of the 54 Kimberley Process Participants, representing 81 countries, including the 28 members of the European Union represented by the European Commission, to address the problem of conflict diamonds by participating in the Process and implementing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, Noting the outcomes of the eleventh plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process, hosted in Johannesburg by South Africa from 19 to 22 November 2013, Welcoming the important contribution to fulfilling the purposes of the Kimberley Process that has been made and continues to be made by civil society organizations from across participant countries, and the diamond industry, in particular the World Diamond Council, which represents all aspects of the diamond industry in the Process, to assist international efforts to stop the trade in conflict diamonds, Welcoming also the voluntary self-regulation initiatives for the diamond industry announced by the World Diamond Council, and recognizing that a system of such voluntary self-regulation contributes, as described in the Interlaken Declaration of 5 November 2002 on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for Rough Diamonds, to ensuring the effectiveness of national systems of internal control for rough diamonds, Recognizing that State sovereignty should be fully respected and that the principles of equality, mutual benefits and consensus should be adhered to, Recognizing also that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which came into effect on 1 January 2003, will be credible only if all Participants have requisite national legislation coupled with effective and credible internal systems of control designed to eliminate the presence of conflict diamonds in the chain of producing, exporting and importing rough diamonds within their own territories, while taking into account that differences in production methods and trading practices, as well as differences in institutional controls thereof, may require different approaches to meeting minimum standards, Welcoming the efforts to improve the normative framework of the Kimberley Process through the elaboration of new rules and procedural norms to regulate the activities of its working bodies, Participants and observers and the streamlining of the procedures for preparation and adoption of the decisions and documents of the Kimberley Process, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, 1. Reaffirms its strong and continuing support for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the Kimberley Process as a whole;
42 Part One: Political and security questions 2. Recognizes that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme can help to ensure the effective implementation of relevant resolutions of the Security Council containing sanctions on the trade in conflict diamonds and contributes to the prevention of future conflicts fuelled by diamonds, and calls for the full implementation of existing Council measures targeting the illicit trade in rough diamonds, particularly conflict diamonds which play a role in fuelling conflict; 3. Welcomes the admission in June 2013 of Mali as a full Participant in the Kimberley Process, as approved through written procedure; 4. Recognizes the important contributions that the international efforts to address the problem of conflict diamonds, including the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, have made to the settlement of conflicts and the consolidation of peace in Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone; 5. Notes the efforts to further strengthen implementation of the Kimberley Process, including efforts to continue to examine the application of Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requirements in cross-border Internet sales; 6. Also notes the decision of the General Council of the World Trade Organization of 15 May 2003 granting a waiver with respect to the measures taken to implement the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, effective from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006, the decision of the General Council of 17 November 2006 granting an extension of the waiver until 31 December 2012, and the decision of the General Council of 11 December 2012 granting an extension of the waiver until 31 December 2018; 7. Takes note of the report of the Chair of the Kimberley Process submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 67/135, and congratulates the participating Governments, the regional economic integration organization, the diamond industry and civil society organizations involved in the Process for contributing to the development, implementation and monitoring of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme; 8. Acknowledges the progress made by Kimberley Process working groups, Participants and observers during 2013 in fulfilling the objectives set by the Chair to strengthen implementation of the peer review system, increase the transparency and accuracy of statistics, promote research into the traceability of diamonds, promote inclusiveness by broadening the level of involvement by Governments, industry and civil society in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, foster a sense of ownership by Participants, improve information and communication flows and enhance the capacity of the Certification Scheme to respond to emerging challenges; 9. Notes that the annual reporting process on Kimberley Process Certification Scheme implementation is the main comprehensive and regular source of information on the implementation of the Process provided by Participants, and calls upon Participants to submit consistent and substantive annual reports in order to conform to this requirement; 10. Expresses appreciation to Côte d Ivoire, Liberia, the Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa and Viet Nam for receiving review visits or missions in 2013, welcomes the commitment of those countries to continuously open their certification systems to reviews and improvements, and calls upon other Participants that have not already done so to make themselves available to receive review visits; 11. Acknowledges the efforts of the Kimberley Process to strengthen implementation and enforcement, and in partic- ular to ensure coordination of Kimberley Process actions in relation to the occurrence of fraudulent certificates, to apply vigilance and ensure the detection and reporting of shipments of suspicious origin and to facilitate the exchange of information in cases of infringement, and acknowledges with appreciation the increased level of collaboration among Participants and with the World Customs Organization in this matter; 12. Stresses that the widest possible participation in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is essential, encourages Member States to contribute to the work of the Kimberley Process by seeking membership, participating actively in the Certification Scheme and complying with its undertakings, and acknowledges the importance of the increased involvement of civil society organizations in the Process; 13. Calls upon the Participants of the Kimberley Process to continue to articulate and improve rules and procedures to further enhance the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, and notes with satisfaction the systematization of the work of the Process with respect to developing transparent and uniform rules and procedures and improving the mechanism for consultations and coordination within the Process, including through the adoption of rules related to non-compliance and statistical anomalies; 14. Notes with appreciation the willingness of Kimberley Process Participants and observers to support and provide technical assistance to those Participants experiencing temporary difficulties in complying with the requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme; 15. Recognizes the importance of the Kimberley Process in promoting economic development, particularly in the artisanal and small-scale diamond mining sector, and encourages an increased focus on issues related to development, including through the work of the Diamond Development Initiative; 16. Notes with appreciation the continued cooperation of the Kimberley Process with the United Nations on the issue of diamonds from Côte d Ivoire, in accordance with the provisions of Security Council resolution 2101(2013) of 25 April 2013 and in line with the administrative decision on sharing information with the United Nations; 17. Welcomes the conclusions and recommendations of the review mission to Côte d Ivoire, which took place from 30 September to 4 October 2013, acknowledges the important steps taken by Côte d Ivoire to ensure compliance with Kimberley Process Certification Scheme minimum requirements pursuant to Security Council resolution 2101(2013), notes that, in its 2013 final communiqué, the Kimberley Process plenary meeting recognized that Côte d Ivoire has fulfilled the minimum requirements as far as possibly could be achieved under the United Nations embargo, and recalls that the Council, pursuant to its resolution 2101(2013), will review measures in the light of progress made towards Kimberley Process implementation; 18. Encourages the Friends of Côte d Ivoire to continue to provide support to Côte d Ivoire to prepare it for implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme; 19. Encourages the Kimberley Process to continue to actively collaborate with the United Nations Group of Experts on Côte d Ivoire, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1584(2005) of 1 February 2005, and, through liaison, with Côte d Ivoire, with the ultimate objective of meeting the preconditions for the lifting of United Nations sanctions on the trade in rough diamonds from Côte d Ivoire;
Chapter I: International peace and security 43 20. Acknowledges Liberia s active involvement in the work carried out by the Kimberley Process regional team for cooperation in the Mano River region, encourages the Process, in collaboration with the Panel of Experts on Liberia, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2025(2011) of 14 December 2011, to support the efforts of Liberia to continue reinforcing its internal controls system and to continue to address the challenges to the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, and notes the review visit to Liberia from 18 to 27 March 2013; 21. Welcomes the initiative from Kimberley Process Participants in West Africa to enhance their cooperation on Kimberley Process implementation and policy harmonization efforts in the context of the regional approach for the Mano River region, and acknowledges the region s plans for developing a regional strategy and road map as the outcome of a high-level workshop on regional cooperation in West Africa early in 2014; 22. Notes that the plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process restated the administrative decision on the temporary suspension of the Central African Republic, as approved through written procedure of 23 May 2013, and the reported willingness of the Central African Republic to address issues of non-compliance with Kimberley Process Certification Scheme minimum requirements and strengthen its internal control systems; 23. Recalls the decision of the plenary meeting regarding the continued participation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the Kimberley Process, acknowledges the positive step represented by the submissions presented by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in response to the decision of the plenary meeting, and invites the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to continue its efforts to fully reintegrate into the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme through the steps outlined in the Kimberley Process communiqué of 30 November 2012; 24. Notes with appreciation the role played by the Kimberley Process Administrative Support Mechanism, with the World Diamond Council acting as host for 2013; 25. Notes the discussions during 2013 on the subject of the Kimberley Process reforms and the proposed changes to the definition of conflict diamonds, among other proposals, also notes that consensus was not reached on whether or not to change the definition of conflict diamonds, and further notes that the Chair, Participants and observers were encouraged to continue dialogue on this issue; 26. Acknowledges that the plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process adopted a proposal for modifications to the Kimberley Process core document aimed at strengthening the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme within its current remit; 27. Acknowledges the adoption by the plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process of seven administrative decisions, on technical definitions; guidelines for the preparation, review and analysis of Kimberley Process statistical data; the chairmanship of Kimberley Process working bodies; Kimberley Process Participants applications for membership and participation in working bodies; protection guidelines for the use of the Kimberley Process logo; the dissolution of the Participation and Selection Committees and the formation of the Committee on Participation and Chairmanship; and technical certificates for scientific research; 28. Notes with appreciation the continued support of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre for the Kimberley Process website, which has been enhanced significantly to make it a more efficient and effective tool; 29. Reaffirms the importance of the tripartite nature of the Kimberley Process, and welcomes the commitment of the plenary meeting to continue its constructive engagement with civil society in recognition of the role that civil society plays in the Kimberley Process; 30. Encourages further improvement in enforcement of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, and notes the new efforts made to increase information-sharing and collaboration in enforcement; 31. Acknowledges with great appreciation the important contribution that South Africa, as Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2013, has made to curbing the trade in conflict diamonds, and welcomes the selection of China as the Chair and Angola as the Vice-Chair of the Process for 2014; 32. Requests the Chair of the Kimberley Process to submit to the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session a report on the implementation of the Process; 33. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its sixty-ninth session the item entitled The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict. Implementation of 1970 Declaration The General Assembly, by decision 68/515 of 5 December, included in the provisional agenda of its seventieth (2015) session the item entitled Review of the implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security [YUN 1970, p. 101]. Peacemaking and peacebuilding Post-conflict peacebuilding Rule of law Report of Secretary-General. Pursuant to presidential statement S/PRST/2012/1 [YUN 2012, p. 46], the Secretary-General submitted a report [S/2013/341] on the effectiveness of the support provided by the UN system for the promotion of the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict situations. The report examined the importance and challenges of measuring the impact of UN rule of law activities and outlined the planning, assessment and evaluation tools available to the system. The Secretary- General reported that the Organization had started to shift towards a culture of measurement that employed country-level, sector-wide and thematic assessments to inform rule of law planning, but fell short of providing systematic baseline data on the rule of law. The Security Council was urged to consider mandating support to data collection and evaluation in all of its missions. The Secretary-General also stated his intention to develop a common set of evaluation principles for a system-wide approach to the measurement of the impact of UN rule of law activities.