Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2006/28 reads as follows:

“The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which are indispensable foundations of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world.  The Council underscores its conviction that international law plays a critical role in fostering stability and order in international relations and in providing a framework for cooperation among States in addressing common challenges, thus contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security.

“The Security Council is committed to and actively supports the peaceful settlement of disputes, and reiterates its call upon the Member States to settle their disputes by peaceful means, as set forth in Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, including by use of regional preventive mechanisms and the International Court of Justice.  The Council emphasises the important role of the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, in adjudicating disputes among States.

“The Security Council attaches vital importance to promoting justice and the rule of law, including respect for human rights, as an indispensable element for lasting peace.  The Council considers enhancement of the rule-of-law activities as crucial in the peacebuilding strategies in post-conflict societies, and emphasizes the role of the Peacebuilding Commission in this regard.  The Council supports the idea of establishing a rule of law assistance unit within the Secretariat, and looks forward to receiving the Secretariat’s proposals for implementation of the recommendations set out in paragraph 65 of the Secretary General’s report on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies (S/2004/616).  The Council urges Member States that are interested in doing so to contribute national expertise and materials to these developments within their means, and to improve their capacities in these areas.

“The Security Council emphasizes the responsibility of States to comply with their obligations to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law.  The Council reaffirms that ending impunity is essential if a society in conflict or recovering from conflict is to come to terms with past abuses committed against civilians and to prevent future such abuses.  The Council intends to continue forcefully to fight impunity with appropriate means and draws attention to the full range of justice and reconciliation mechanisms to be considered, including national, international and ‘mixed’ criminal courts and tribunals, and truth and reconciliation commissions.

“The Security Council considers sanctions an important tool in the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security.  The Council resolves to ensure that sanctions are carefully targeted in support of clear objectives and are implemented in ways that balance effectiveness against possible adverse consequences.  The Council is committed to ensuring that fair and clear procedures exist for placing individuals and entities on sanctions lists and for removing them, as well as for granting humanitarian exemptions.  The Council reiterates its request to the 1267 Committee to continue its work on the Committee’s guidelines, including on listing and delisting procedures, and on the implementation of its exemption procedures contained in resolution 1452 of 20 December 2002.”