World leaders are speaking at the UN peacekeeping summit.
Here are the highlights:
US President Barack Obama:
Here are the highlights:
US President Barack Obama:
- We are here today, together, to strengthen and reform UN peacekeeping because our common security demands it.
- We know peace operations are not the solution to all problems, but is one of the most. important tools to counter armed conflict.
- As a consequence, peacekeepers have gone to more dangerous conflict.
- The supply of well trained peacekeepers can't keep up with the demand.
- Today we are here to together reform the peacekeeping body.
- As the largest contributor to peacekeeping operations, I am issuing new US directives.
- Double US officers, undertake engineering projects.
- Together there is much more we need to do.
- More nations need to contribute more forces.
- At the summit of more than 50 countries are committing 30 thousand new troops and police
- They are stepping up with helicopters and medical units. This represents significant progress
- Second, we need to improve protection of civilians
- Current UN guidelines are implemented unevenly
- At the same time we have to candidly acknowledge, abuse by peacekeepers has to end.
- We have seen some appalling cases of peacekeepers abusing force,
including rape and sexual assault. This erodes trust and peace. - We have to ask for zero tolerance on this issue.
