UN PRESS RELEASE: Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) Points of Contact Training for States of Asia-Pacific Region
RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 14/ 17
From 7 until 11 August 2017, in cooperation with the United Nations Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), China hosted a training course in Xi’an for 1540 national Points of Contact in the Asia-Pacific region.
This is the second time the Government of China hosted a 1540 training course and overall the fourth training course of its kind. The first training course was held in Qingdao in September 2015, also for States in the Asia-Pacific region. That course was followed by training courses in 2016 in the Russian Federation, for the States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and in Chile, for States of the Latin America and Caribbean region.
The course opened on 7 August 2017 with a welcome address by Mr. Shen Jian, Counsellor, Arms Control and Disarmament Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Shen welcomed participants and among other things he renewed China’s commitment in supporting the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), including in the Asia-Pacific region. The Committee Chair, Ambassador Sacha Sergio Llorentty Soliz (Plurinational State of Bolivia) sent a video message during which he reminded the participants of “The potentially devastating effects of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons proliferating to non-State actors, including terrorists” …and that “…, no State is exempt from making every effort to prevent such proliferation from happening”. He also highlighted the cooperative nature of resolution 1540 (2004) to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to those weapons of mass destruction, and stressed that cooperation between States is essential to address the issue at a global level.
The course was conducted with instruction by members of the Committee’s Group of Experts and representatives of international and regional organizations, including the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The course focused on the obligations for States under resolution 1540 (2004) and issues related to current risks of the proliferation of nuclear chemical and biological weapons to non-State actors, as well as links with other relevant international non-proliferation and counter-terrorism instruments.
Participants included national Points of Contact and representatives from Afghanistan, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
The course was an excellent opportunity for 1540 Points of Contact from 17 States to deepen their understanding of resolution 1540 (2004) and to exchange their national implementation experiences with their peers.
Resolution 1540 (2004) was adopted unanimously by the Security Council, under the United Nations Charter’s Chapter VII, on 28 April 2004. It obliges all States to refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors attempting to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. The resolution requires all States to establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including by establishing appropriate controls over related materials.
Effective implementation requires constant attention. National Points of Contact play an important role in this regard as members of a “living network” that not only connects with the Committee and its supporting Group of Experts, but also with each other when it comes to the effective implementation of the obligations of resolution 1540 (2004). On 15 December 2016, the Security Council adopted unanimously resolution 2325 (2016) that reaffirms and reinforces the obligations of the resolution adopted 12 years earlier. In resolution 2325 (2016) the Security Council urged the Committee to continue to undertake initiatives to strengthen the capacity of such Points of Contact to assist in the implementation of the resolution, including through the continuation, on a regional basis, of the Committee’s Point of Contact Training Programme.
US MISSION TO THE UN: Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Peace and Security in Africa
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 15/ 17
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Assistant Secretary-General Wane, for this important update.
Countering violent extremism and terror across the globe is hugely important for us all. As others have noted this morning, the recent attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali clearly serve to drive this point home. The United States understands the seriousness of the threats in the Sahel region, and we were proud to extend a strong message of support from the Security Council to the G5 Sahel Joint Force, a noble and important regional effort, in UN Security Council Resolution 2359 in June. We also recognize the fundamental importance of achieving political solutions to long-lasting conflicts to better guarantee peace and security in the region, especially in Mali, where signatory parties are not keeping their end of the bargain.
We commend the G5 countries for their sacrifices in countering terrorism in the Sahel, and we thank France for its continued leadership on this vital work and for its own sacrifices. We believe that deepened cooperation among the G5 countries has the potential to improve their security and complement the efforts of the peacekeeping mission in Mali. Toward that end, the United States will continue its longstanding bilateral support to develop and build the capacity of G5 members’ security forces. We will work closely with our partners to find ways to help the G5 force be effective, well-coordinated with other counterterror efforts in the region, and ultimately sustainable.
The United States is eager for opportunities to further coordinate with other donors and the Sahel countries. We look forward to the organization of a donors’ planning conference, where we hope to identify, coordinate, and synchronize assistance to operationalize the force. We believe this approach will achieve greater security – and ultimately the freedom from terror – that the people of the region seek. The United States will continue to work closely with regional stakeholders and partners to make sure the combined international response to this threat is the right response.
In closing, let me reiterate our strong support for the undertaking of the G5 countries. We will continue to stand with you.
Thank you, Mr. President.
UN PRESS RELEASE: Holistic Solutions in Addressing Gender-Based Violence Key to Tackling Multiple Crises in Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Security Council Told
RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 10/ 17
Sexual Crimes ‘No Longer in the Shadows’, Says Bolivia, As Deputy Secretary-General Briefs on Bid to Drive Women, Peace, Security Agenda
Donors, neighbouring countries and other partners must invest in holistic solutions to the multiple crises faced by Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — and felt disproportionately by women and girls — the Security Council heard today as it was briefed on a unique joint mission to the region.
Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and one of four women leading the recent African Union-United Nations mission to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, described the 19-27 July visit as “the first of its kind” — a high-level mission focused entirely on women, peace and security. She was joined by the Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the African Union Commission’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, she said, adding that, besides meeting with Heads of State and other officials, they had spent most of their time with the women and girls most affected by conflict.
“We were four African women, from two organizations, visiting two countries, with one goal: advancing peace by advancing the equality, empowerment and well‑being of women,” she said. Both Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo suffered dismayingly low levels of political participation by women and were experiencing conflicts marked by high levels of sexual and gender-based violence. Noting that both countries also faced grave humanitarian crises, she called upon donors to bridge funding gaps and went on to outline some of the complexities on the ground. In northern Nigeria, for example — where 1.9 million people had been displaced and 8.5 million were in need of assistance — abductions, forced marriage and the use of women as suicide bombers had taken a terrible toll. Sexual exploitation in the camps — including the “sex-for-food” variant — was an alarming new trend, while, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both State and non‑State armed actors continued to perpetrate violence.
Emphasizing that the joint mission had been intended to “put life into” Council resolutions on women, peace and security, she said “we’re working to change the narrative” as the mission represented a new effort to address the most vulnerable segments of the population. Going forward, such missions would be conducted not just in Africa, but in many regions. Noting that the distribution of food in camps for displaced persons should be carried out by women, not men, she urged the United Nations to take real action to impact people’s lives.
Tété António, Permanent Observer for the African Union, said the “solidarity mission” had enabled the African Union and the United Nations to better assess the positive role that women could play in advancing peace, security and development. Emphasizing the need to support the social and economic empowerment of women in order to prevent marginalization that could lead to exclusion and radicalization, he added that more joint humanitarian assistance was needed in conflict-affected regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Citing some of the mission’s recommendations, he stressed the need for a greater focus on enabling the return and empowerment of the internally displaced, as well as refugees and on stabilizing countries facing peace and security changes.
Bolivia’s representative, speaking as Council members took the floor, said “this trip could be the first of many” of its kind, not only in Africa, but around the world. The crime of conflict-related sexual violence — one of the most inhumane possible — was no longer being perpetrated in the shadows, and now was the time for the international community to tackle it at both the global and national levels. Noting that the violent extremism perpetrated by Boko Haram in Nigeria was leaving deep scars in the country’s female population, he warned against any attempts to legitimize profits obtained through forced prostitution or allow the use of tax havens by terrorists. He also voiced concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reports of sexual violence and cases of executions and arbitrary detentions.
The United Kingdom’s representative, meanwhile, said the mission had brought home to the Council the “horrific and disproportionate” impact of the conflicts in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on women and girls. The reports coming out of the latter’s Kasaï region, in particular, “should make us all sick to our stomachs”, he said, pointing to rampant sexual and gender-based violence and the 400,000 children currently at risk of severe acute malnutrition. “We need to break the cycle” of violence in both countries, he stressed, noting that the Governments bore the primary responsibility in that regard and must respect both human rights and humanitarian law in doing so.
Likewise, France’s representative said the violence in Kasai had reached an untenable level and urged the Congolese authorities to cooperate fully with the panel of experts that the Human Rights Council set up in June. The Secretary-General must meanwhile establish a special inquiry to shed light on the death of two experts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions committee, she said.
Senegal’s representative said the mission’s composition, beyond just being symbolic, was an excellent example of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. “This concerted model of action is undoubtedly one more step in implementing resolution 2242 (2015),” he said, referring to the text intended to improve the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. The joint mission had gathered critical information and convened important meetings with senior Government officials, as well as women and girls on the ground, which would enable the Council to bolster its work in support of that agenda, he said, adding that an African Union meeting to be held next month would provide another opportunity to follow up on it.
Nigeria’s representative described a range of national laws and programmes aimed at addressing the crises facing his country, including a revised action plan for the implementation of Council resolution 1325 (2000) and related resolutions, the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission and initiatives to re‑radicalize convicted terrorists and secure the release of the remaining abducted Chibok girls. In addition, it had established on 5 August the Judicial Commission to investigate human rights abuses committed by military personnel in the country. While the perpetrators of sexual violence must be held accountable, the State’s capacity to do so — and the prevalence of weak structures and institutions — must also be addressed. “Dealing with the political economy of conflicts in a more holistic manner is crucial to finding potential remedies,” he said.
Also speaking were representatives of the United States, Russian Federation, Italy, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Uruguay, Japan, Sweden, Kazakhstan, China and Egypt.
US STATE DEPT. PRESS RELEASE: Remarks on the 2016 International Religious Freedom Annual Report
RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 15/ 17
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Morning, all. We are releasing today the 2016 International Religious Freedom Report. This report is a requirement pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 – legislation that upholds religious freedom as a core American value under the Constitution’s First Amendment, as well as a universal human right. This law calls for the government to, quote, “[Stand] for liberty and [stand] with the persecuted, to use and implement appropriate tools in the United States foreign policy apparatus, including diplomatic, political, commercial, charitable, educational, and cultural channels, to promote respect for religious freedom by all governments and peoples.”
Almost 20 years after the law’s passage, conditions in many parts of the world are far from ideal. Religious persecution and intolerance remains far too prevalent. Almost 80 percent of the global population live with restrictions on or hostilities to limit their freedom of religion. Where religious freedom is not protected, we know that instability, human rights abuses, and violent extremism have a greater opportunity to take root.
We cannot ignore these conditions. The Trump administration has committed to addressing these conditions in part by advancing international religious freedom around the world. The State Department will continue to advocate on behalf of those seeking to live their lives according to their faith.
The release of the 2016 International Religious Freedom Report details the status of religious freedom in 199 countries and territories, and provides insights as to significant and growing challenges. Today I want to call out a few of the more egregious and troubling examples.
As we make progress in defeating ISIS and denying them their caliphate, their terrorist members have and continue to target multiple religions and ethnic groups for rape, kidnapping, enslavement, and even death.
To remove any ambiguity from previous statements or reports by the State Department, the crime of genocide requires three elements: specific acts with specific intent to destroy in whole or in part specific people, members of national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups. Specific act, specific intent, specific people.
Application of the law to the facts at hand leads to the conclusion ISIS is clearly responsible for genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims in areas it controls or has controlled.
ISIS is also responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing directed at these same groups, and in some cases against Sunni Muslims, Kurds, and other minorities.
More recently, ISIS has claimed responsibility for attacks on Christian pilgrims and churches in Egypt.
The protection of these groups – and others subject to violent extremism – is a human rights priority for the Trump administration.
We will continue working with our regional partners to protect religious minority communities from terrorist attacks and to preserve their cultural heritage.
As the 2016 report indicates, many governments around the world use discriminatory laws to deny their citizens freedom of religion or belief.
In Iran, Baha’is, Christians, and other minorities are persecuted for their faith. Iran continues to sentence individuals to death under vague apostasy laws – 20 individuals were executed in 2016 on charges that included, quote, “waging war against God.” Members of the Baha’i community are in prison today simply for abiding by their beliefs.
We remain concerned about the state of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia. The government does not recognize the right of non-Muslims to practice their religion in public and applied criminal penalties, including prison sentences, lashings, and fines, for apostasy, atheism, blasphemy, and insulting the state’s interpretation of Islam. Of particular concern are attacks targeting Shia Muslims, and the continued pattern of social prejudice and discrimination against them. We urge Saudi Arabia to embrace greater degrees of religious freedom for all of its citizens.
In Turkey, authorities continued to limit the human rights of members of some religious minority groups, and some communities continue to experience protracted property disputes. Non-Sunni Muslims, such as Alevi Muslims, do not receive the same governmental protections as those enjoyed by recognized non-Muslim minorities and have faced discrimination and violence. Additionally, the United States continues to advocate for the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been wrongfully imprisoned in Turkey.
And in Bahrain, the government continued to question, detain, and arrest Shia clerics, community members, and opposition politicians. Members of the Shia community there continue to report ongoing discrimination in government employment, education, and the justice system. Bahrain must stop discriminating against the Shia communities.
In China, the government tortures, detains, and imprisons thousands for practicing their religious beliefs. Dozens of Falun Gong members have died in detention. Police – policies that restrict Uighur Muslims’ and Tibetan Buddhists’ religious expression and practice have increased.
Religious freedom is under attack in Pakistan, where more than two dozen are on death row or serving a life imprisonment for blasphemy. The government marginalizes Ahmadiyya Muslims, and refuses to recognize them as Muslim. It is my hope that the new prime minister and his government will promote interfaith harmony and protect the rights of religious minorities.
Finally, in Sudan the government arrests, detains, and intimidates clergy and church members. It denies permits for the construction of new churches and is closing or demolishing existing ones.
We encourage the Government of Sudan to engage concretely on the religious freedom action plan provided by the department last year.
Unfortunately, the list goes on.
No one should have to live in fear, worship in secret, or face discrimination because of his or her beliefs. As President Trump has said, we look forward to a day when, quote, “people of all faiths, Christians and Muslims and Jewish and Hindu, can follow their hearts and worship according to their conscience,” end quote.
The State Department will continue its efforts to make that a reality. Recently nominated Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Governor Sam Brownback, will be the highest-ranking official ever to take up this important post. We look forward to his swift confirmation.
I thank my many colleagues at the department and overseas who contributed to this report, and specifically the Office of International Religious Freedom, including Senior Advisor on Global Justice Issues Pam Pryor, Special Advisor for Religious Minorities Knox Thames, and the previous ambassador-at-large, David Saperstein.
We look forward to working with Congress, and the administration, to continue America’s indispensable role as a champion of religious freedom the world over. Thank you very much.
US DEFENSE DEPT: U.S., Chinese Military Leaders Sign Agreement to Increase Communication
Blog posted on 8/ 15/ 17
BEIJING, Aug. 15, 2017 — The top military leaders of the United States and China signed an agreement here today that they said will improve communication between their militaries and reduce the chances of miscalculations.
Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Fang Fenghui of the Chinese army, chief of China's joint staff, signed the joint strategic dialogue mechanism at the Ba Yi, the People's Liberation Army headquarters. Dunford is visiting China to further military-to-military ties between the two Pacific powers.
Crisis Mitigation
The agreement is intended for crisis mitigation, U.S. Joint Staff officials said, noting that direct communication at the three-star level in the Pentagon and the Ba Yi will "enable us to communicate to reduce the risk of miscalculation." Army Lt. Gen. Richard D. Clarke, the Joint Staff's director for strategic plans and policy, will lead the effort for the American military. The first meeting to set up the framework is set for November.
These communications are especially crucial now, as the region and world are facing the dangers of a nuclear-armed North Korea, officials said.
The joint strategic dialogue mechanism grew out of diplomatic and security talks in Washington earlier this year. Those talks grew out of a Florida meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April.
Difficult Issues
The mechanism is a concrete result of the military-to-military discussions the chairman is engaged in. Dunford will spend three days in China and will visit PLA units training, Fang said.
"To be honest, we have many difficult issues where we will not necessarily have the same perspectives," Dunford said at the opening of the military-to-military talks. "But from the meeting we had in Washington, D.C., and the meeting we just had, I know we share one thing: we share a commitment to work through these difficulties. With the guidance from our presidents and the areas of our cooperation, I know we will make progress over the next few days."
Need for Candor
But the two countries must make tangible progress, the chairman said. "As we start these meetings, having the framework for dealing with these difficult issues is different than making progress on them," he said. "I think our collective challenge is to sincerely and with candor attack these issues that we have to address."
The military-to-military contacts between the United States and China are important because there will always be some friction between the two countries, Dunford said, adding that military contacts will lessen the chances of a miscalculation.
The chairman stressed that lessening miscalculation is "the minimum standard" for military-to-military contacts. "We should also try to see areas to cooperate," he said.
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