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Latest News and Statements
The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
One year on from the dramatic events in Tunisia, then Egypt, Libya and other countries in the Middle East, the outlook for the region is both one of encouraging progress and situations of continuing concern.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to United Nations Security Council debate on 24 January 2012.
Capital Master Plan
CANZ has been a strong advocate of the CMP since the Secretary-General first approached Member States with the proposal. We are encouraged by the tangible progress made over the reporting period, and take this opportunity to reaffirm our ongoing support for this important project.
- Ms Shannon White, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda items 133, 134: Programme Budget 2010-2011; Proposed Programme Budget for the Biennium 2012-2013 – Capital Master Plan on 9 December 2011.
Situation in the Middle East
It is obvious that events in the Middle East and North Africa are changing wider political dynamics, even as we watch. People throughout the region are making their voices heard and are demanding governments which will be responsive to the legitimate aspirations of their peoples for greater transparency, democracy and inclusiveness. We need to recognize that this profound shift in the dynamics of the region demands that efforts to resolve conflicts in the region be re-energised.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 30 November 2011.
Security Council Working Methods
Australia supports a Security Council that better reflects the contemporary world and is well-placed to respond to its challenges. Reform of the Council’s composition is central to this. But so too is improving working methods - the working methods of an organisation can be the key to its performance.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 30 November 2011.
Information Technology and Enterprise Resource Planning
CANZ delegations are long-time supporters of the modernisation of information and communications technologies within the Organisation. We remain strong supporters of ICT reform, and are committed to the successful and timely implementation of the UMOJA enterprise resource planning project.
- Ms Shannon White, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda item 134 - Proposed Programme Budget: Biennium 2012-2013 - ICT, Umoja/ERP on 29 November 2011.
Peacebuilding Fund
Australia continues its long history of support to the PBF. We were the first donor to commit to the Fund when it was established five years ago and we have provided annual funding since. Our support for the Fund reflects the importance we attach to assisting those countries facing the urgent challenges of building government and community confidence and capacity, and promoting economic opportunities, following conflict.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund Annual High Level Stakeholders Meeting on 22 November 2011.
The Situation in Timor Leste
Timor-Leste has experienced an extended and increasingly confident period of stability over the past three and a half years, allowing the government to turn its attention to the important tasks of strengthening state institutions, improving service delivery to its people, building infrastructure and boosting the economy. Into the future, growing government budgets will provide scope for greater public investment in health, education and rural development. Agriculture requires particular attention. And the employment needs of youth.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council on 22 November 2011.
The Situation in Afghanistan
We strongly support the pledge contained in the resolution that the United Nations community will continue to support the efforts of the Government and people of Afghanistan as they rebuild a stable, self-sufficient state, free of terrorism. We recognise and support the growing Afghan ownership of reconstruction and development efforts and welcome the resolution’s endorsement of the Afghan Government’s objective for the Afghan National Security Forces to take over lead security responsibility for Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly regarding Agenda item 38 - the Situation in Afghanistan on 21 November 2011.
UN Security Council Reform
Australia’s outlook on reform is founded on the premise that no country should have a monopoly on power. We are committed to a rules-based international order that respects international law. And we believe that the effectiveness of a rules-based order depends on access and buy-in by all Member States.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly regarding Agenda item 122: Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters on 9 November 2011.
Protection of Civilians
The importance of the protection of civilians agenda cannot be overstated. Protection of civilians is intrinsic to the purpose and identity of the UN. Over the last decade or so the term “PoC” has gained currency and we have developed new strategies to provide protection. But we should not lose sight of the fact that the goal of protecting civilians is as old as the UN.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council debate on 9 November 2011.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Australia welcomes this opportunity to again commend the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and its staff for their commitment and dedication to providing essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian Territories.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East on 1 November 2011.
International Atomic Energy Agency
We are honoured to be a member of the IAEA Board of Governors and take very seriously the responsibilities this entails. Australia attaches great importance to the central role played by the IAEA in improving the safety and security of nuclear activities; enlarging the humanitarian contribution of nuclear technology; and verifying states’ non-proliferation commitments.
- Mr Steven Ciobo MP, Member of Parliament of Australia, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly regarding the Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency on 1 November 2011.
Administration of Justice
CANZ maintains its long-standing support for a fair, efficient and effective system of administration of justice within the United Nations and we welcome the progress made over the past two years. As we have stated on previous occasions, we believe that a properly functioning system of internal justice is an essential element of our collective efforts to strengthen accountability, oversight, and human resources management in the United Nations.
- Mr Paul Ballantyne, New Zealand Mission to the United Nations on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda item 143 - Administration of Justice on 1 November 2011.
Sustainable Development
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly last month, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described sustainable development as the imperative of our century. As the Secretary-General stated, saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty and advancing economic growth are one and the same challenge. Through our collective actions we have made some progress. Yet, there is still a long way to go.
- Mr Kelvin Thomson MP, Member of Parliament of Australia, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Second Committee regarding Agenda item 19 - Sustainable Development on 31 October 2011.
Women, Peace and Security
Australia welcomes the focus of this open debate on women’s participation and role in conflict prevention and mediation. Although the number of conflicts worldwide has fallen since the 1990s, the proportion of civilian casualties has increased dramatically. The toll in terms of human suffering, economic loss and wasted development opportunities has been enormous.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to United Nations Security Council debate on 28 October 2011.
Land Mine Assistance
Australia’s commitment to mine action is long standing and we recognise the significant impact that unexploded ordnance –landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war – has on communities for years after hostilities have ceased.
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee regarding Agenda item 49 - Assistance in Mine Action on 28 October 2011.
Proposed Programme Budget: Biennium 2012-2013
CANZ delegations are acutely aware that the global financial situation remains fragile. Like all Member States, our governments are working tirelessly to find innovative opportunities for cost savings in our respective national budgets. It is only appropriate that we bring this same financial discipline to our deliberations at the United Nations.
- H.E. Mr Guillermo E. Rishchynski, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda item 134 - Proposed Programme Budget: Biennium 2012-2013 on 27 October 2011.
International Trade and Development
The 36th Ministerial Meeting of the Cairns Group was held from 7-9 September 2011 in Saskatoon, Canada. At this meeting, Ministers discussed the international trade policy environment, including the Doha Round agriculture negotiations, our shared desire to continue agricultural trade policy reform efforts, the development dimension to agriculture reform and food security.
- Mr Kelvin Thomson MP, Member of Parliament of Australia, Australian Mission to the United Nations on behalf of the Cairns Group of Agricultural Trading Countries, Statement to the United Nations Second Committee regarding Agenda item 17(a) -International trade and development on 27 October 2011.
UN Peacekeeping Operations
CANZ has been very pleased at the progress towards developing pre-deployment scenario-based training modules for peacekeepers on protection of civilians, including modules to assist peacekeepers to respond to sexual violence in conflict. We encourage their distribution to troop and police contributing countries as soon as possible. We also encourage the Secretariat to develop guidelines that will assist in more clearly articulating the responsibilities of uniformed peacekeepers.
- Mr Will Nankervis, Counsellor, Australian Mission to the United Nations on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Fourth Committee regarding Agenda item 54 - Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects on 24 October 2011.
Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations
CANZ delegations are encouraged to see some positive signs in the UN financial situation, particularly given the global economic pressures currently confronting the Organization and its Member States. We are also pleased to note that the Organization is projected to remain in a positive cash position at the end of 2011. However, we are mindful that reaching this position will depend on Member State contributions in the final quarter of 2011. We will be monitoring the situation closely.
- Ms Leah Marchuk, Canadian Mission to the United Nations on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda item 136 - Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations on 20 October 2011.
Other Disarmament Measures and International Security
Australia, like all other Member States, has a growing interest in cyberspace as a vital platform for commercial, intellectual and social exchange. Australia supports the commencement of an international dialogue on the development of international norms for cyber. Such a dialogue is needed; the current international consideration of cyber issues lacks coherence.
- H.E. Mr Peter Woolcott, Australian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Ambassador for Disarmament, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee regarding the thematic discussion on disarmament measures on 20 October 2011.
Conventional Weapons
The proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons threatens all societies. From illicit small arms and ammunition that fuel conflicts between communities and across borders, or explosive remnants of war that maim and kill innocent civilians in many parts of the world, the uncontrolled trade and use of such weapons endangers security and development.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee regarding the thematic discussion on conventional weapons on 18 October 2011.
Other Weapons of Mass Destruction
The proliferation of chemical and biological weapons remains a serious threat to global and regional security. Countering this threat demands undiminished commitment to strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and related multilateral export control regimes.
- Mr Paul Wilson, Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative, Australian Delegation to the Conference on Disarmament, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee regarding the thematic discussion on other weapons of mass destruction on 17 October 2011.
Outer Space - Disarmament Aspects
The world is increasingly dependent on space for communications, navigation, climate monitoring, electronic commerce, and a myriad of other services now necessary for our daily lives. All Member States in some way are dependent on space-related systems. The use of space is important for the sustainable development of all nations. As the number, national diversity and range of satellite applications grow, so does international concern about space security.
- Ms Claire Elias, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee regarding the thematic discussion on outer space - disarmament aspects on 17 October 2011.
Indigenous Peoples
Australia is pleased to provide an update on developments in Indigenous policy in Australia and our enhanced international engagement on Indigenous issues. Improving the promotion and protection of human rights for Indigenous peoples will better ensure the universal enjoyment of all human rights by all.
- Ms Helen Horsington, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee regarding Agenda item 66 - Rights of Indigenous Peoples on 17 October 2011.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Since the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force three and a half years ago, support for this landmark international treaty has grown at a remarkable pace. Canada, Australia and New Zealand firmly believe that universalisation and implementation of this important instrument will help ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by all persons with disabilities and we call on all those remaining states which have not yet ratified the Convention to do so as a matter of priority, and for all states to fully implement the Convention.
- H.E. Ms Bernadette Cavanagh, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Statement to the United Nations Third Committee on 17 October 2011.
Women in Development
Helping to promote gender equality and empower women is an overarching principle of Australia's rapidly increasing aid program. Our development objectives include a focus on improving maternal health; helping more girls attend school; and empowering women to further participate in the economy and take on leadership roles.
- Mr Chris Stokes, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Second Committee regarding Agenda item 23(b) - Eradication of Poverty: Women in Development on 17 October 2011.
Nuclear Weapons
Australia is committed to the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and has a history of practical and determined activism in support and promotion of this goal.
Australia attaches importance to the First Committee as a place where we can build support for practical steps to strengthen efforts in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
- H.E. Mr Peter Woolcott, Australian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Ambassador for Disarmament, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee regarding the thematic discussion on nuclear weapons on 14 October 2011.
Rights of the Child
In 2012 the world will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the General Assembly’s Special Session on Children. While much has been achieved over the past decade, many fundamental challenges remain. Millions of children throughout the world continue to live in poverty stricken conditions, and experience daily the lack of adequate food, shelter and access to health and education facilities.
- Ms Helen Horsington, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee regarding Agenda item 65 - Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children on 13 October 2011.
Maintenance of International Peace and Security in Africa: Security Sector Reform (SSR)
Security Sector Reform (SSR) is some of the most vital work this Council can mandate. An effective and accountable security sector is a prerequisite for peace and stability. These, in turn, are preconditions for development and prosperity – as underlined by the World Development Report. SSR therefore needs to be seen in a far broader context than peacekeeping. It is an integral element of the spectrum of peacebuilding and development. It can also play an important conflict prevention role.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council debate on 12 October 2011.
New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the Decade to Roll Back Malaria
As we mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of NEPAD, and draw closer to the timelines we have set ourselves for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), it is essential that we take stock on these issues.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the Joint Debate on New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD): Progress in Implementation and International Support; and the Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa on 11 October 2011.
Disarmament and International Security
Australia has a long history of what we hope has been practical leadership in promoting global disarmament and non-proliferation – through bringing the CTBT to the General Assembly, through the model text for the Chemical Weapons Convention, and now for the negotiation of an Arms Trade Treaty. Our approach is a practical one, focused on securing progress – and leveraging it – where we can.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee General Debate on 4 October 2011.
Social Development
As the world’s gaze is fixed on the impact that young people continue to have on societies around the globe, it is a privilege to represent the optimistic views and aspirations of Australian youth.
- Mr Benson Saulo, Youth Representative of Australia, Australian Mission to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee regarding Agenda item 17 - Social Development on 3 October 2011.
United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan
Australia strongly supports the work of the United Nations in Afghanistan and reaffirms its commitment to international efforts in support of Afghanistan. Since the Council’s last debate on Afghanistan in March, we have seen some very worrying security developments, especially the increased momentum of the campaign of intimidation and targeted assassinations. But despite these serious concerns the fundamental trajectory on the security front is in the right direction.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the United Nations Security Council debate on the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan on 29 September 2011.
New Partnership for Africa’s Development
Australia itself has expanded its engagement with the countries and institutions of Africa rapidly in recent years. We needed to. And we have done so because we recognise Africa’s growing global role and leadership, and the opportunities and dynamism that the continent presents.
- H. E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, Statement to the Joint Debate on New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD): Progress in Implementation and International Support; and the Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
"Australia’s commitment to upholding and advocating the rights of persons with disabilities extends beyond our borders. Australia is internationally recognised as a leading donor in the field of disability and development and is committed to ensuring that our aid is inclusive of, and accessible, to persons with disabilities in line with Article 32 of the Convention. Australia expects to spend over $140 million on developing and implementing this strategy to 2015. This includes around $80 million for improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and over $66 million for preventing avoidable blindness."
- Dr Nick Hartland, Group Manager, Disability and Carers at the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, to the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
UN Peacekeeping Operations
"Peacekeeping remains at the core of the United Nations. It is the most critical and highly visible measure by which the organisation is judged. It is a partnership that relies on the broad UN membership to turn words and expectations into results, in terms of maintenance of peace and security for vulnerable populations on the ground."
- H.E. Ms Philippa King, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
of Australia to the United Nations, United Nations Security Council Debate on UN Peacekeeping, 26 August 2011
The Right to Water
The international community will not meet its commitment to reduce poverty and hunger, promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, reduce child and maternal mortality, combat disease, and ensure environmental sustainability without providing safe water and effective sanitation.
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations General Assembly on the principal challenges related to the realisation of the human right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation, and their impact on the MDGs
Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmanent
"Recognizing the danger to humanity posed by the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons and the necessity to address increased proliferation risks, to decrease nuclear arsenals, to strengthen nuclear security and to improve nuclear safety, we continue to consider the urgent need to reduce nuclear risks and achieve tangible progress on the path towards a world free of nuclear weapons."
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) at the Follow-up to the high-level meeting held on 24 September 2010: revitalizing the work of the Conference on Disarmament and taking forward multilateral negotiations, 27 July 2011
Youth
"Young people are crucial to any nation’s economic and social prosperity. Seriously addressing issues of the utmost importance to youth – access to education and healthcare, employment, and participation in decision making - will not only help them to shape their own futures, but also shape a nation’s future...Genuinely integrating youth in all aspects of economic and social development is a key element in global stability."
Statement by the Hon Stephen Smith Minister for Defence - Challenges to Youth Development, 25 July 2011
International Peace and Security
Statements to the UN Security Council
"The only way to tackle the global challenge of climate change is through robust global cooperation and strong domestic action. Both are indispensable. Both are complementary.
"Australia remains seriously committed to helping developing countries tackle climate change. Least developed countries, small island developing states and Africa have been given the highest priority in the allocation of Australia’s fast-start package because these countries need it most urgently. These are not the countries most responsible for the current crisis we face. But they are the countries that will bear the greatest burden. Of our $599 million fast start funding commitment at Copenhagen, Australia has so far allocated $498 million – over 80 per cent."
- The Hon Richard Marles MP, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs in the Australian National Statement on Climate Change and Security to the United Nations Security Council on 20 July 2011.
"Australia is committed to a strong and effective international framework to protect the rights and address the situation of children in armed conflict. As a member of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict, we are pleased to associate ourselves with the statement delivered by Canada on behalf of the Group."
- H.E. Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding Children and Armed Conflict 12 July 2011.
"The protection of civilians during times of armed conflict is firmly rooted in international humanitarian law. Our efforts towards this objective have come a long way – but there is still much more to be done."
- H.E. Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council debate on the Protection of Civilians on 10 May 2011.
"Australia welcomes the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to international efforts in Afghanistan and supports the renewal UNAMA’s mandate for another twelve months."
- H.E. Mr Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding the situation in Afghanistan 17 March 2011.
"The progress which Timor-Leste has made over the past few years is impressive. The country today enjoys a measure of security which would have seemed almost unimaginable in the dark days of 2006."
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding Timor-Leste on 24 February 2011.
"Australia has learned from its own work on peace and security issues, particularly in our region, the importance of taking comprehensive, whole of government approaches, combining development assistance with defence, law enforcement and diplomatic resources."
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding the maintenance of international peace and security: the interdependence between security and development on 11 February 2011.
"Institution building in any environment is obviously complex. Institution building in post-conflict situations presents clearly again even greater challenges. This is why it is important that we share ideas and best practice."
- H.E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding Post-conflict Peacebuilding on 21 January 2011.
"Israeli and Palestinian leaders need to return to direct talks as a matter of urgency. Both sides must refrain from actions which undermine confidence, including – decisively - the construction of settlements."
- H.E. Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council regarding the situation in the Middle East, on 19 January 2011.
Arms Control
"We have made progress. Member States have been constructive – reflecting the simple fact that the global community has an incontestable obligation to deter and prevent the spread of illicit arms. We need to maintain that constructiveness. Our progress has also reflected the significant amount of intersessional activity that has taken place reflecting broader community and civil society engagement and interest in a Treaty. Australia has sought to contribute through our co-sponsorship of regional seminars and workshops on the ATT. Such activities have helped to further inform the views of UN Members as we set out on this penultimate Preparatory Committee meeting."
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, on 11 July 2011.
"While we have made progress over the past year, we do not under-estimate the challenges we have ahead of us. But we have an obligation that we must use intelligently and constructively to build on our work to date with focus and determination to achieve a Treaty we so uncontestably need."
- HE Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, on 15 July 2011.
"I wish to convey the Australian delegation’s full support for the approach that you have taken in the draft paper on final provisions...with reference to paragraph 1 of Section C, we agree with your proposal that entry into force on attaining a simple threshold number of ratifications is the preferred a more practical approach. We would think a ‘reasonable’ number of ratifications for entry into force to be rather in the direction of 60, but can be flexible on this given the strong preferences of some participants for a lower threshold."
- Statement by Mr John Tilemann, International Security Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, on 13 July 2011.
"Australia agrees with the paper that key responsibilities of importing States should include controlling the importation of arms; taking additional measures, as appropriate, to ensure imports are not illegally diverted; and assisting exporting States by providing them with information – including, for example, end-user certification - necessary to decide whether a proposed export meets the assessment criteria. This latter obligation would complement the obligation on the exporting State to assess potential exports against the minimum criteria expounded in the Treaty."
- Statement by Mr John Tilemann, International Security Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, on 12 July 2011.
Civilian Capacity
"The UN and international community often fail to deliver in the vital window of opportunity in the immediate aftermath of conflict, when quick and effective support can assist a country to consolidate peace and lay the groundwork for future stability and prosperity. Movement on this front will be key in taking forward the UN’s peacebuilding agenda."
- Mr Will Nankervis, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations General Assembly regarding civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict, on 11 May 2011.
The Situation in Libya
"It is our strong belief that the gross and systematic human rights violations recently committed by the Libyan regime warrant its suspension from the Human
- H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan to the United Nations General Assembly on 1 March 2011.
Australia is responding to the crisis in Libya by providing $6 million in humanitarian support for emergency medical assistance and shelter.
United Nations Budget
"Member States have a responsibility to support the mandates we establish by fulfilling our Charter obligations to pay our assessments in full and on time. The fact that the majority of Member States fail to do so is troubling, and affects us all."
- Ms Valeriia Minigoulova to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Item 131: Improving the financial situation of the UN on 19 May 2011.
"CANZ remains committed to assisting the Government and people of Timor-Leste as they take primary responsibility for the development of a stable prosperous nation."
- Ms Bernadette Cavanagh on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda item 150: Financing of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste on 5 May 2011.
"This year, we have in front of us an interesting proposal from the Secretary General on this item. While we have reservations with respect to some aspects of this proposal, we strongly believe that the time has come to settle our differences and find a solution that is acceptable to all delegations."
- Mr Paul Ballantyne on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand to the United Nations Fifth Committee regarding Agenda item 143: Closed Peacekeeping Missions on 5 May 2011.
Development
Least Developed Countries
"Australia’s own c