Mr. President,

1. Peru welcomes the present Japanese initiative that gives us the opportunity to consider different national perspectives on the current challenges facing the international community. This in a context of reform of the United Nations Organization that can make an important difference for the Member States.

2. We also thank the Secretary General for his presentation on this important topic.

3. It is broadly accepted that new challenges have been added to the traditional threats to international peace and security; challenges of increasingly complex global scope that affect the security of our citizens, erode the social fabric, undermine and delegitimize institutionalism, and exacerbate conflict.

4. Challenges like the impact of climate change, which lately has been frequently felt in different parts of the world, in the generation of natural disasters, as well as in the scarcity of essential resources, such as water; these challenges carry the potential to generate conflicts and subsequent humanitarian crises. These new challenges appeared due to different factors, such as migration, food insecurity and overpopulation in certain territories.

5. Another new challenge is the transnational organized crime, in its many facets: the illicit trafficking of arms, drugs and cultural goods; illegal mining and logging; trafficking in persons; cyber-attacks, among other crimes, many of them linked to terrorist groups.

6. In that context, there is no other solution than to strengthen our commitment to multilateralism, and to rethink the best ways to face these new threats.

7. Addressing the traditional causes of violence required a broad consensus on the need to sustain peace in economic growth, respect for human rights, the rule of law, access to justice, and policies addressing social inclusion and reconciliation. And we are aware of the constant need to prevent the resilience of conflict in innovative ways.

8. It is clear that the action to be taken against these threats should not be one of denial instead we should adopt a new approach, a multidimensional, participatory, cooperative and integrated one, that identifies them, explores their influence in a given conflict and attacks them from different fronts, the Security Council being a fundamental one.

9. We support in this regard the reforms that Secretary General António Guterres has been promoting with a view to having a more coherent, effective, efficient and coordinated Organization that responds flexibly to the security and development needs of the States.

10. Reforms that promote prevention as a central element, which is a primary responsibility determined by the Charter of the Organization, based on adequate tools to generate timely action. But this must be complemented by coordination among the various agencies and programs throughout the system to make the organization's response more efficient, and with cooperation aimed at strengthening greater capacities and a solid institutional structure of the States.

11. I conclude, Mister President, by noting that Peru will assign a high priority to the due attention to these challenges in its next capacity as a non-permanent member of the Security Council during the 2018-2019 biennium.

Thank you.

Mr. President,

• I would like to thank you for convening a new open debate on "Trafficking in people in conflict settings," which gives us the opportunity to keep this issue alive on the agenda of this Council and continue to share perspectives and experiences to combat this terrible crime that is empowered by situations where the vulnerability of people becomes more acute.

• I would also like to thank the Secretary General for his presentation and his report that despite the advances and commitment in the fight against trafficking, it shows that there are still many challenges to face and efforts to redouble.

• We also appreciate the clear presentations by Mr. Yuri Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), of Ms. Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and Mrs. Roseline Eguabor, Cultural Mediator of the International Organization of Migration.

Mr. President,

• Human trafficking is a phenomenon as complex as the horrors that it generates, in which the individual, besides being coerced in his freedom, is deprived of his humanity: exploited as a commodity in prostitution networks, carrying out forced labor or being a victim of the sale of his organs sold to the highest bidder.

• That is why we welcome the unanimous adoption of a new resolution to respond in a more effective, efficient, coherent and coordinated manner, in accordance with the Palermo Convention and its protocols, to this problem. In this regard, we would like to highlight some elements of this new collective effort that we consider of crucial importance.

• First, the increasingly clear and complex links between transnational organized crime, and terrorism. Indeed, terrorist groups benefit from the lucrative transnational crimes, including trafficking in persons, and use them to reinforce their power and control over individuals who are vulnerable, and these are aggravated in conflict settings.

• Second, the almost intrinsic relationship between human trafficking and the trafficking of migrants; crimes that should not be confused under any circumstance with the natural migratory processes. In search of better opportunities or fleeing from humanitarian emergencies, migrants and refugees are usually easy targets of the networks of traffickers who take advantage of this vulnerability, which is, in certain circumstances, made stronger by the lack of institutional capacities.

• Third, the adoption of a necessary differentiated approach that takes into account the specifics of the circumstances of which women and children are victims. From the identification of vulnerabilities with a view to prevention, to the assistance to the victims. Particularly, the gender perspective must be adopted from the conception to the application of the law.

Mr. President,

• Peru, respectful of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms, considers it imperative to fight against human trafficking from a complete, comprehensive and coordinated strategy that takes into account the previously mentioned elements.

• Indeed, our National Plan against Trafficking in Persons 2017-2021, the result of a process of reflection and inclusive elaboration, adopts various approaches and levels of analysis and implementation with a view to efficiently respond to this crime.

• Among others, our Plan takes into account the social, structural and institutional factors that exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals, such as insecurity, violence and the weak institutional structure of the state.

• However, due to the transnational nature of the crime, we consider essential the firm action of the international community, which actively promotes international cooperation both regionally and internationally. In this regard, we wish to emphasize the special leadership of the United Nations, in particular through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Mr. President,

• In reaffirming Peru's strong condemnation of trafficking in persons in conflict settings, and in any other circumstance, know that you may count with the strong support of my delegation.

Thank you.

Mr. President:

First of all, I would like to thank the French Presidency of the Security Council of the United Nations for convening this open debate on the topic of "Women, peace and security," which highlights the responsibility that States have to guarantee the participation and the full and significant leadership of women in all efforts to maintain peace and security, including efforts to prevent conflicts.

The Security Council has adopted eight resolutions on the subject since 2000. Despite the progress and good practices that have been developed in the last 17 years, there are still barriers to the effective implementation of this agenda.

As the next non-permanent member of the Security Council as of January 1, 2018, my country is committed to moving forward, not only in the achievement of gender equality in peacekeeping operations, but also in all areas related to the "Women, peace and security" agenda.

As part of this commitment, Peru will co-chair along with Sweden, the informal working group of the Security Council on "Women, peace and security" focused on taking concrete actions to comply with the mandates established by the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Peru is convinced that the participation of women is essential to the resolution of conflicts, and the maintenance and consolidation of peace, since women offer different perspectives that enrich peace negotiations.

In this context, the procedures of conflict resolution and peacebuilding should also be considered as an opportunity to empower women in their communities through the promotion of their active participation at all levels of these practices.

As the Secretary-General has pointed out in his latest report on this issue, improving women's access to meaningful leadership and their participation in peace efforts begins with active collaboration with civil society organizations, especially the ones directed by women.

In this line, we are pleased to see the tendency to systematically incorporate a gender perspective into the mandates of Peacekeeping Operations, as well as the incorporation of women as actors in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, and the importance of providing specialized training on the protection, special needs and human rights of women and girls in situations of conflict around the world.

For this reason, my country has been increasing the participation of female personnel in each of the 6 peacekeeping missions in which we participate, currently representing about 15 percent of our personnel deployed in the field.

Peru has also carried out other measures to implement the "Women, peace and security" agenda, such as the creation, through the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, of the “Registry of Displaced Persons,” which has allowed the adoption of measures to protect human rights of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Similarly, in 2005, the creation of the Comprehensive Reparations Plan was established for victims of violence that occurred between 1980 and 2000, including those who suffered human rights violations such as rape.

Finally, the Ministry of Defense, recognizing the importance of mainstreaming the gender approach, and responding to national regulations on the subject, has created an internal Committee for Gender Equality. This body has the objective of coordinating, articulating and monitoring the incorporation of the gender approach in the policies and institutional management of the defense sector, taking into account the aspects of planning, human resources, education, policies, strategies and communication, in all the spheres, including the peacekeeping missions where Peru participates.

Mr. President:

Peru firmly believes that the agenda of "Women, peace and security" should occupy a central place in the process of reform of peacekeeping operations undertaken by the United Nations, and we will work hard to make this possible.

Likewise, my country believes that gender equality and the empowerment of women are prerequisites for the prevention of conflicts, a powerful tool to maintain peace and are indispensable for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In this regard, we believe that the main challenge that lies ahead of us is to expedite the implementation of measures to achieve full respect for the human rights of women and girls, in line with Security Council resolution 1325, which constitutes a historic instrument for the integration of a gender perspective in the peace and security program.

We urge the international community to join efforts to address the outstanding problems on the matter, in order to achieve a peaceful environment where all women without exception can develop a full life, free from all types of abuse, especially in contexts where there is violence and conflict and they are more vulnerable.

Thank you.

Mr. President:

1. My delegation would like to thank the interventions of Youssef Mahmoud and Gert Roshental, as well as the Egyptian delegation for organizing this debate, which allows us to continue the dialogue on the various dimensions of peace keeping; on this occasion, analyzing the contribution of peacekeeping operations.

2. Peru considers that these operations can and should contribute to achieving the general objective of sustainable peace. The Organization, including this Council, is called to foster transitions from conflict and post-conflict situations towards the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, with access to justice for all and effective and responsible institutions. This is in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and with the 2030 Agenda, in particular with SDG16, whose scope is universal.

3. From the traditional perspective of international peace and security, we seek to ensure that peacekeeping operations address the root causes of conflicts and prevent their resilience. For example, efforts to generate basic infrastructure on the ground, as the Peruvian engineering company has done in the Central African Republic, leave a legacy that transcends the work of MINUSCA. The institutionalization of these specific objectives must be systematized from the planning of peacekeeping operations, which in turn requires renewed cooperation and coordination among the many actors called to achieve those objectives, within and outside the United Nations system

4. The contribution of peacekeeping operations to sustaining peace must involve the follow-up of multidimensional processes in the field, which include military and security aspects that need to be adequately financed and supported to face new and complex challenges. The Peacebuilding Commission is called to become an entity whose advice, and within its competence, contributes to achieving more comprehensive, efficient and effective approaches.

Mr. President,

5. My delegation emphasizes the importance of generating a common political vision to allow integrated action by the various entities involved in peacekeeping operations, among others, troop contributors and regional and sub regional organizations. Above all, it is necessary to involve in the transition processes the corresponding governments and other relevant national actors, including women and young people, since ultimately they are the ones called to sustain peace in their respective countries. The principles of responsibility and national appropriation and inclusion cannot be ignored.

6. The Security Council, when establishing mandates in peacekeeping operations, must take into account said political vision, and set the priorities of the mission in realistic, concrete and measurable terms. Its temporality must be established according to the general objective of sustainable peace. The subsequent monitoring should allow the Council to reevaluate the situation in the light of up-to-date information and indicators relevant to the integrality of this objective, which will undoubtedly add value to the process, fostering greater pragmatism, integration and flexibility on the part of the missions, and will empower the actors effectively deployed in the field.

7. To conclude, Mister President, we want to state that Peru, a country that contributes to peacekeeping operations and is currently preparing to serve the international community as a non-permanent member of this Council, renews in the current context of definition of new paradigms of collective security, its commitment to the ongoing efforts to achieve more rational and effective responses from the United Nations, in accordance with the purposes and principles enshrined in its founding Charter.

Thank you.

Mr. President,

1. My delegation is grateful to the People's Republic of China for the organization of this open debate, which provides an opportunity to discuss the important and necessary strengthening of African regional capacities in the area of peace and security.

2. Despite advances in the consolidation of democracy and the great potential of the African continent, its security is threatened by the presence of violent extremist groups, terrorism and transnational organized crime.

3. In this context, the United Nations has been establishing regional offices and peacekeeping missions for many years to address these threats. Peru is pleased to participate in this objective through the presence of military observers, administrative staff and troop officers in five peacekeeping operations in Africa.

4. In addition, the Organization has generated strategic alliances with a number of regional and sub-regional initiatives on the continent that participate in this joint effort, such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the G-5 Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Mano River Union.

5. Peru recognizes and encourages the leadership shown by the countries of Africa leading these initiatives, which generate a virtuous circle of cooperation and positive synergies at the global, regional, sub-regional and between the respective States involved.

Mr. President,

6. Since its establishment in 2002, the African Union has played a key role in the maintenance of peace and security on the continent. Through the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, it works on the implementation of the Common African Defense and Security Policy and on the implementation of the continental architecture of peace and development.

7. In this regard, Peru welcomes the rapprochement and complementarity reached between the African Union and the United Nations, particularly with the signing in April 2017 of a Joint Framework aimed at strengthening this partnership for peace and security. This instrument seeks to strengthen shared areas of action in the areas of prevention, peacekeeping and overcoming the root causes of conflict.

8. My country also considers it important that the Security Council firmly intend to continue to support African countries in the fight against radical groups, as referred to in resolution 2359/2017 authorizing the deployment of the Joint Forces of the G5 Sahel to restore peace and security in the region. This measure seeks to address the terrorist threat, transnational crime, illicit trafficking in arms and drugs, and trafficking in persons. Peru believes that schemes of this nature could replicate in other African sub-regions.

Mr. President,

9. While the above initiatives are examples of how joint efforts can be made to combat threats to peace and security, there are still many challenges ahead.

10. The establishment and renewal of the mandates of peacekeeping missions also constitute opportunities for partnership with African countries and regional and sub-regional organizations, which must be carefully analyzed and endowed with the necessary resources. In addition, bearing in mind that peace and development are directly connected, it is necessary for the international community to participate in building the capacities of Governments to address threats to peace and security in Of the so-called sustainable peace. In this regard, Peru emphasizes that various countries in the region are adopting constitutional, institutional and political reforms.

11. In conclusion, Mr. President, Peru recognizes that African states and organizations are called upon to assume greater responsibilities in the shared work of promoting peace and security on the continent. This will only be possible through close cooperation between the Security Council and agencies of the United Nations system with the various African sub-regional and regional bodies, in order to take advantage of the comparative advantages they have from knowledge of Threats and particularities

Mr. President:

1. My delegation subscribes to the statement made by the Permanent Representation of Spain on behalf of the Group of Friends of resolution 1540.

2. My delegation appreciates this opportunity to discuss the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the efforts being made by the Chairman of the 1540 Committee of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, with a view to strengthening international cooperation in such an important affair.

3. For Peru, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. This situation has been aggravated in recent years by the possibility that non-State actors, in particular terrorist groups, can develop or acquire, and use such weapons and their means of delivery, or traffic with them. The risk is real and facilitated by rapid advances in science and technology as well as the expansion of international trade.

4. In response, Peru co-sponsored Security Council resolutions 1540 (2004) and 2325 (2016). We consider them to be essential instruments to promote an urgent universalization and comprehensive implementation of multilateral treaties to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Moreover, we consider it imperative to develop and implement national legislation to effectively control illegal transfers of this type of weapon, its components and delivery systems.

5. In this connection, we note that Peru has made significant efforts to comply with its obligations regarding nuclear safety, radiological safety and physical protection of nuclear material, derived from the above-mentioned Security Council resolutions. As detailed in the reports submitted, we have adapted our regulations and adopted various criminal and administrative measures for effective immigration and customs control in the air and maritime areas.

6. Peru further considers that efforts to address the threats of access to these weapons by non-State actors should be complemented by enhanced cooperation at the subregional and regional levels, aimed at prevention and transfer of technology for Peaceful. This was the position recently taken by Peru to the "Regional Conference of rapprochement with industry on resolution 1540 for the countries of the Pacific Alliance and Brazil," organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in the city Of Mexico last June.

7. It is also essential to achieve unequivocal, predictable and consistent action on the part of the bodies responsible for implementing the non-proliferation regime, in particular the Security Council. Another important challenge for such an international legal regime is the necessary elimination of weapons of mass destruction held by various States. This is a continuing aspiration of the international community whose realization requires greater involvement of civil society and the scientific community, including specialized non-governmental organizations.

8. In conclusion, Mr. President, Peru reaffirms its firm commitment to complying with international regulations aimed at the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and with the corresponding efforts of international cooperation and coordination, with the ultimate aim of freeing the World of the enormous risk involved.

Thank you, Madam President,

Allow me to congratulate the Council Presidency's decision to deepen the promising concept of "sustainable peace", through this debate centered on one of its essential components, conflict prevention.

We have taken careful note of the important initiatives that will be developed by the Secretary General António Guterres in this matter, which Peru thanks and appreciates; And of the proposals and ideas put forward by the delegations that preceded us.

Madam President,

My delegation takes this opportunity to highlight three key aspects for more efficient and effective prevention work: optimizing the flow and quality of information on emerging conflicts, the integrated and cross-cutting approach to addressing the structural causes of conflict, and Seeking a renewed political commitment.

On the subject of information, Peru welcomed the recent steps taken by the Secretary-General after taking office. One of them, which we estimate will be of special use, is the strengthening and improvement of the Operations and Crisis Center.

Peru understands that this instrument should serve to develop a higher level of processing and analysis of information from reliable sources. To this end, we must strengthen the study and evaluation units of the Organization both in the field and in the headquarters, providing them with adequate human capital, providing them with the necessary logistical resources, and making a much more intensive use of information technologies.

My delegation also believes that the analysis of a chain of events, and the response to it, must always follow a multidisciplinary approach, in which political, economic, sociological, cultural and other elements of the Knowledge are collected and evaluated comprehensively. Only then will we be able to more efficiently address the complexities and particularities of each conflict scenario, and provide timely and appropriate responses.

On the other hand, with regard to the need to prevent conflicts through a more multidimensional and integrated response, the Council should pay attention to and support the efforts of the international community to implement Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and peace and security are at risk without sustainable development. Agenda 2030 also recognizes, among other things, the need to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies, and to this end commits us to achieving the Sustainable Development Objective. 16. Expressively seeks to address the factors that generate violence, insecurity and injustice, such as Inequality, corruption, poor governance, violent extremism and illicit flows of financial resources and weapons.

In reaching this, we must remember that in its last resolution on the policy review of the United Nations development system in December, the General Assembly has recognized that sustainable development can play a positive role in mitigating Conflicts, disaster risks, humanitarian crises and complex emergencies. In this sense, a comprehensive response of the system should encompass greater cooperation and complementarity between development, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian action and peacekeeping. This is essential to respond with the most efficiency and effectiveness to the needs and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Madam President,

Finally, I would like to refer to the political will that needs to be consolidated in order to strengthen conflict prevention efforts around the primacy of the principle of national ownership and the human-centered approach, which have been clearly For example, in the identical resolutions on sustainable peace adopted in April of last year by both the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as in Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

The United Nations, with the legitimacy of its universal membership and the principles of the Charter, is called upon to play a crucial role in conflict prevention by providing assistance, political support and the necessary funding to lay the foundation for a lasting peace.

It is also a renewed role in which the pillars of peace and security, development and human rights are combined for the first time under the prism of sustainable peace. For Peru this is the most convenient approach and the one of greater prospects of success.

Mr. President:

As this is the fifth time that we return to the Security Council, my delegation would like to recall and endorse the words that Ambassador Javier Pérez de Cuellar, then Representative of Peru to the United Nations, delivered 44 years ago when he assumed Peru’s post as a non-permanent member of the Council for the 1973 and 1974 period.

"My delegation will bring here its small amount of experience in the United Nations and will endeavor in the exercise of its mandate to study intensively and seriously the problems it confronts, with the aim of making a thoughtful and dispassionate contribution to their solution, inside the guidelines that have drawn the spirit and letter of the Charter."

Peru thanks the Secretariat for the information provided on the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this regard, first of all, we regret the loss of human lives, we remember that freedom of expression and association are inalienable rights, and we stress that the Iranian authorities

have the responsibility to protect every person and to guarantee the peaceful exercise of their rights and fundamental freedoms.

From the perspective of international peace and security, we would like to share three main points:

First, we consider that the Security Council, the organ with primary responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and security, should always have the ability to contribute to conflict prevention, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The situation in Iran, a country of particular importance for Middle East stability, could certainly escalate. Similar situations in recent times in other countries in the region have had serious consequences.

Secondly, Peru is convinced that in order to be credible, coherent and effective, the Council’s action should reflect the unanimous commitment of its members, based on a rigorous, objective and dispassionate analysis of the facts. The Council showed that unity and rigor when it addressed the Iranian nuclear issue. Its consistent action, including the imposition of sanctions, was key to reaching the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

My country believes that the implementation of that agreement, as endorsed and monitored by the Council, is today essential to the preservation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. That is reflected in its inclusion as a specific item on the agenda. Peru prioritizes the preservation of this regime and stresses the need for the Council to maintain its unity when dealing with issues related to Iran. In that regard, we would like to underline the importance of strengthening multilateralism, cooperation and international law, in order to address the serious challenges faced by the international community.

Thirdly, we note that the situation registered in Iran also reflects the need to tackle the root causes of long-standing conflicts and regional scope, which underline the link between international peace and security, development and human rights. This would imply, among other measures, full respect for international law and for fundamental freedoms and rights; the promotion of confidence-building measures, dialogue processes and credible negotiations. It would also require greater participation of women and young people in the respective national processes, disarmament and investment in the sustainable development of the population; the non-interference in internal affairs; the prevention of the risk of natural disasters (like the earthquake suffered in Iran a few weeks ago); the urgent attention to humanitarian crises; and, certainly, the political accompaniment and cooperation of the international community.

Thank you very much.

Mr. President:

1. My delegation welcomes the timely convening of this high-level debate on the confidence-building measures required to ensure the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, a subject of particular relevance and pertinence.

2. We especially welcome President Nursatan Nazabayev, and we highlight the living example that Kazakhstan, under his leadership, represents for the international community in the field of nuclear disarmament.

3. We appreciate the important presentation of Secretary General António Guterres. From our current capacity as non-permanent members of the Security Council, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our strong support for its management.

4. As expressed in the document entitled “Manifesto: the World. The 21st Century ", endorsed by you, Mr. President, nothing is further from the objectives of peace, security and development than the grave threat of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means delivery.

5. We agree with such visions and, from this, we would like to highlight three main points:

6. First, Peru is a country committed to disarmament and the non-proliferation regimes on weapons of mass destruction.

7. We believe that ensuring international peace and security involves eliminating the risk that such weapons represent. There is no better means to do that than to guarantee their non-existence. As such, we must promote disarmament.

8. Under the Treaty of Tlatelolco for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America, we are part of the first Nuclear Weapon Free Zone inhabited in the world.

9. In line with such commitments, we call for the universalization of international instruments such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty or the recent Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which establishes the illegality of their use and possession.

10. Secondly, Peru considers that the challenges faced by the nuclear non-proliferation regime pose the most serious threat to international peace and security worldwide today. Therefore, to ensure that the Security Council remains united in order to respond effectively and coherently to such challenges constitutes a priority for us.

11. From our perspective, this implies first of all, addressing the challenge posed by the nuclear and ballistic program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

12. The validity of the nuclear non-proliferation regime should also be observed through the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program, which is an example of the application of the confidence-building measures guaranteed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

13. We also want to highlight the importance of preserving the commitment of the Council regarding the unacceptable use of chemical weapons in Syria, with a view to thoroughly investigating the facts and punishing the parties responsible.

14. Thirdly, in this complex context, Peru agrees that we must go beyond the imposition of sanctions. By promoting preventive diplomacy, we must also build the confidence required to safeguard non-proliferation regimes with a more holistic approach.

15. In fact, in many cases, distrust generates a perception of insecurity that, in turn, leads to increasing stockpiling of arms. It is in these perceptions that work must be done to counteract proliferation and arms stockpiling, particularly in the nuclear arena.

16. In order to do so, creating open channels of communication and mutual understanding, devising open and transparent processes, setting up monitoring and verification mechanisms, and crisis management protocols, constitute, among other confidence-building measures, the basis of minimum cooperation that will help mitigate the risk of escalations or accidents that could have serious consequences.

17. It is ultimately crucial to understand these confidence-building efforts as a complex and gradual process that includes political, social and economic cooperation. At the same time, it guarantees the strict observance of international law and the commitments assumed.

18. In this way we will be in a position to combat or minimize those perceptions of insecurity that lead to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

19. Today, as Peru has the privilege of receiving the visit of Pope Francis, we would like to recall the message that His Holiness delivered on September 2015 to the General Assembly with regard to the topic that y brings us here today.

20. He told us on that occasion that “A system of ethics and laws based on the threat of mutual destruction, and possibly the destruction of all humankind, is a contradiction in terms and an affront to the entire edifice of the United Nations, which would become a group of nations united by fear and distrust.”

Thank you very much.

Mister President:

1. My delegation welcomes the convening of this meeting on the working methods of the Security Council and the implementation of Note 507. We also welcome the participation of Mr. Ian Martin, Executive Director of the Security Council Report, and we thank him for his interesting briefing.

2. We express our commitment to the work of the Council in this important area, which we believe should continue to be guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the corresponding provisional rules of procedure.

3. We also believe that it is important to gradually develop and compile working practices on the basis of the principles of coherency, transparency, accountability, inclusion, efficiency and predictability, among others.

4. Peru thanks the members of the Council for unanimously adopting the latest note 507, in August 2017, under the leadership of the delegation of Japan and Ambassador Koro Bessho. We underscore the rigorous approach taken to consider recommendations and contributions from all Members of the Organization.

5. Those contributions include those made by the ACT Group, which Peru integrates and whose statement we endorse. We would like to reiterate our commitment to implementing its Code of Conduct, especially with regard to limiting the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities.

6. The working methods of the Council should ensure timely interaction with the Secretariat, regarding emerging risks and threats to international peace and security. We believe that is vital in preventing the occurrence, escalation and continuation of conflict.

7. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight a number of good practices and identify areas where we believe it is important to continue to make progress.

8. First, it has been particularly useful to observe, three months before taking up our membership, the consultations of the Council and its subsidiary bodies.

9. We consider it is important to build on that practice and extend it to the observation of the process of negotiations on resolutions and presidential statements.

10. Secondly, we emphasize that Note 507 recognizes the capacity of all the members of the Council to propose and draft documents for adoption. We are encouraged by the possibility of establishing co-penholderships, and we stand ready to contribute to those responsibilities

11. We welcome the fact that during the first month of our membership on the Council there has been at least one consultations meeting on documents that have been adopted.

12. We believe it is important to complement the work of the "penholders" with the views of the Chairs of the subsidiary bodies, as appropriate. The reports of Panel of experts and the field visits provide substantive, first-hand information that is vital to consider when drafting resolutions or statements.

13. Third, for the sake of transparency, we consider it is important to share our positions publicly during the Council's informative meeting. We support the good practice initiated by Uruguay and believe it should be extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Council, as appropriate.

14. We also recognize the usefulness of closed consultations to complement open discussions and encourage greater interaction among Council members and with the Secretariat.

15. We believe it would be useful if, at the end of the Council meetings, the Presidency could always provide for the press a summary of the main elements discussed, especially when formal documents have not been adopted.

16. In the same vein, we also consider positive the sessions dedicated to presenting the monthly program of work of the Council to all the members of the Organization, and the so-called "wrap-up" sessions when this monthly program is fulfilled.

17. Furthermore, we consider it is necessary that, when proposing the consideration of an urgent item or under "other business", the interested delegations should provide information on the specific issues they propose for discussions.

18. Finally, my delegation believes that the implementation of sanctions fully respect due process. In this regard, it is urgent to appoint the Ombudsperson of the Sanctions Committee concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities. Likewise, it is convenient to evaluate the relevance of extending this figure to other sanctions committees.

19. Mr. President, I would like to reiterate to the Kuwaiti delegation our support for the success of its work as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. Peru will strongly support all initiatives to improve the working methods of this Council.

Thank you very much.

Mr. President:

1. Peru welcomes the convening to this high-level meeting. We thank the guiding presentation made by the Secretary General António Guterres. We also welcome the former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and we thank him for his valuable briefing.

2. We would like to greet especially the presence of Mr. Shrikh Sabah Khaled, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, and other high authorities.

3. In light of the growing complexity of the global challenges that we face today, Peru considers it is of the utmost importance to strengthen multilateralism and renew the Organization in order to make it more coherent and efficient in its support for the maintenance of peace.

4. We therefore support the reforms promoted by the Secretary General, and we encourage him to persevere in that effort. And we consider it is very opportune to reflect on the validity of the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security.

5. On this occasion, we will focus on the importance of the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes and of a more active Organization in the promotion of peaceful means listed in Chapter VI of the Charter: negotiation, investigation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, organisms or regional agreements.

6. We welcome the Secretary General's initiatives in this area, specifically mediation and good offices in numerous countries with a view to preventing conflicts or their escalation. We are looking forward to the creation of the High Level Consultative Council on Mediation and the Security Council.

7. In line with this, Peru encourages this Council to play a more active role in the framework of its work, promoting and recommending the recourse of the member states to the mentioned peaceful means. We are convinced that this would be a major contribution to international peace and security.

8. In our recent history we have appealed to the International Court of Justice for arbitration and negotiations supported by guarantor countries to resolve sensitive and complex border disputes that we had with our neighbors, with whom after having resolved the controversies, today we maintain the best relations of trust and cooperation.

Mr. President:

9. Peru is committed to international law and its progressive development. That is why we are concerned about the unsystematic way in which the Charter of the United Nations is often interpreted, in order to attribute absolute qualities to certain principles at the expense of others.

10. On the one hand, there is often a contrast between the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference. On the other, those of justice and the fulfillment of the obligations contracted by the States in accordance with the Charter itself, including responsibilities in the area of human rights.

11. The result is usually an impasse, which unfortunately prevents the cooperation required for the collective security system to develop an effective and preventive diplomacy in favor of international peace and security.

12. Given this, we must bear in mind that the principles listed in Article 2 of the Charter are oriented towards collective action, and that in that sense they are complementary. The Charter commits all member States to cooperate, respecting their respective areas of sovereignty, to carry out the purposes listed in Article 1.

13. Mr. President, we would like to recall that the first purpose enshrined in the Charter is precisely to maintain international peace and security (Article 1.1).

14. To that end, the Charter expressly commits us to take effective collective measures to prevent and eliminate threats to peace. Furthermore, to achieve the settlement of disputes or situations that may lead to breaches of the peace by peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of justice and international law.

Mr. President:

15. As you mentioned, this month we commemorate the liberation of your country, which was possible thanks to the response by this Council to flagrant aggression, in application of Chapter VII of the Charter. That was in 1991, 27 years ago.

16. The then General Secretary Javier Pérez de Cuéllar drew some important conclusions from that historical episode, and included them in his last Annual Report. In view of its relevance for a more effective application of Chapter VI of the Charter, I would like to mention some of them:

17. The hostilities in the Gulf have made it agonizingly clear that the devastation of two States, with untold loss of innocent lives, appalling dangers to public health, damage to the environment and immense suffering of millions, represented a startling failure of collective diplomacy.

18. Following the experience of hostilities, I have time and again, dwelt on the need for preventive diplomacy, which presupposes early warning capacity, which, in turn, implies a reliable and independently acquired database.

19. There is complementarity in which the Secretary General being fully equipped with the means presupposed in Article 99 of the Charter and that the Security Council (in conformity with the spirit of Article 34) maintaining a peace agenda not confined to subjects officially inscribed. “[End of quote].

20. More than a quarter of a century later, the challenges and threats to peace and security are perhaps more complex, but it is clear that the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter remain valid and relevant.

Thank you

Madam President:

1. We appreciate the convening of this meeting and the briefing of Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto (Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan - UNAMA) on the situation in Afghanistan.

2. We welcome in particular Mrs. Sigrid Kaag, Minister of Commerce and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

3. We salute all women on International Women's Day, and reiterate our commitment to the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda of this Council. This includes the protection of women in situations of conflict and during humanitarian crises, their empowerment, and the promotion of their participation in peacebuilding and peacekeeping efforts.

4. We appreciate the briefings made by Mrs. Habiba Sarabi (Vice-President of the High Council of Peace) and Mariam Safi (Founding Director of the Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies - DROPS). We express our appreciation for their work in favor of the participation of women, as well as their leadership to achieve a sustainable peace.

5. During the visit of this Council to Afghanistan, last January, we were able to appreciate the commendable efforts of the Government, the First Lady of Afghanistan and women's organizations to promote peace and security.

6. As we renew the mandate of UNAMA, we would like to acknowledge its work in support of Afghan women. We also would like to recognize the work of the Netherlands as a penholder to strengthen its mandate in support of the National Plan on Women, Peace and Security and to highlight the importance of funding its implementation.

7. Peru follows the developments in Afghanistan with close attention and concern. We must condemn the ongoing violence committed by terrorists, in particular the recent attacks in Kabul and Jalalabad, and extend our sympathy and solidarity with the victims.

8. We consider it is essential to investigate and punish according to the rule of law and due process all terrorist acts and activities. The Taliban, including the Haqqani Network, as well as Al-Qaida and Da'esh, must be held accountable for the committed crimes.

9. We also believe it is necessary to persevere and strengthen efforts to address corruption and pay special attention to illicit drug trafficking. In many cases, such scourges benefit terrorist groups, undermine institutions and weaken the social fabric of the country.

10. Given the clear deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan, we highlight the importance of preserving stability in order to make headway in fostering political dialogue and national reconciliation, holding inclusive elections in 2018 and 2019 and achieving lasting peace.

11. Peru supports the Kabul Process, which was developed and led by the Afghans themselves, and we stress the desirability of greater participation of women and young people.

12. We welcome the efforts of the government to begin peace negotiations and we hope that the counterparts will commit themselves in good faith to the reconciliation process.

13. We want to underscore the importance of international, regional and bilateral support and cooperation for the Afghan process. We particularly highlight the work carried out by UNAMA and the support of the Central Asian States, as well as the initiative of the People's Republic of China to establish a trilateral dialogue with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

14. To conclude, Madam President, as we celebrate women and their struggles, we would like to highlight the words of the Secretary General, António Guterres, in which he points out that the participation of women makes peace agreements stronger, societies more resilient and economies more vigorous.

Thank you very much.