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Security Council says 'climate of impunity' must end in post-conflict nations

Security Council says 'climate of impunity' must end in post-conflict nations

Council President Amb. Jones Parry
Seeking to foster adherence to the rule of law in States either still facing or just emerging from conflict, the Security Council today stressed that such countries must make certain there is no "climate of impunity" for individuals who have committed human rights abuses.

In a statement read out after a day-long debate on the issue, Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry of the United Kingdom - which holds the Council's rotating presidency this month - said national or international criminal tribunals and truth and reconciliation commissions are useful options for nations looking to punish past violations and prevent future abuses.

"Ending the climate of impunity is essential," Mr. Jones Parry said, adding that any tribunals or truth commissions should also focus on the need to have national reconciliation.

Last month Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who briefed the Council today, told the General Assembly that re-introducing the rule of law impartially and rapidly is necessary if the world is "to resuscitate societies shattered by conflict."

The Council statement said peace and reconciliation processes must be inclusive and gender-sensitive to succeed and, equally importantly, tailored to meet the nature of each country's legal system, institutions and traditions.

Mr. Jones Parry said the Council urged the UN Secretariat to examine how to implement some of the recommendations contained in Mr. Annan's report on the rule of law and transitional justice in post-conflict countries, which was released in August.

There were 45 speakers in today's debate, including Mr. Annan, his Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Juan Méndez, and the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Mark Malloch Brown.

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Video:

Morning session - [2hrs 18mins]

Afternoon session - [3hrs 35mins]