natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Unfortunately, all too often we also see that lack of agreement within the international community as to how to deal with such situations is interpreted by some as a “carte blanche” to continue committing atrocities against civilians.
Unfortunately, all too often we also see that lack of agreement within the international community as to how to deal with such situations is interpreted by some as a “carte blanche” to continue committing atrocities against civilians.
This has to be stopped.
This has to be stopped.
We need to both strengthen existing measures and explore new possibilities in order to change the behaviour of such actors.
We need to both strengthen existing measures and explore new possibilities in order to change the behaviour of such actors.
Increased dialogue is an important tool in this regard.
Increased dialogue is an important tool in this regard.
At the same time, it should be stressed that most states are trying their best to abide by the law.
At the same time, it should be stressed that most states are trying their best to abide by the law.
Indeed, it is my impression that most states agree, not only that protecting civilians during military operations is a legal obligation, and not only that it is the morally right thing to do.
Indeed, it is my impression that most states agree, not only that protecting civilians during military operations is a legal obligation, and not only that it is the morally right thing to do.
There is also a growing recognition – including among the military, that an increased focus on the protection of civilians during military operations is also the smart thing to do.
There is also a growing recognition – including among the military, that an increased focus on the protection of civilians during military operations is also the smart thing to do.
Today’s armed conflicts are not won by military means alone, and experience has clearly shown that widespread harm to civilians undermines the political goals that the use of military force was intended to achieve.
Today’s armed conflicts are not won by military means alone, and experience has clearly shown that widespread harm to civilians undermines the political goals that the use of military force was intended to achieve.
However, the fact remains that military actors often struggle to see how they are to apply the law in the complex combat situations they often face in modern armed conflicts.
However, the fact remains that military actors often struggle to see how they are to apply the law in the complex combat situations they often face in modern armed conflicts.
We no longer live in a time when war is fought by the armies of two countries, as in the Napoleonic wars; lined up on a battlefield, far removed from the civilian populations.
We no longer live in a time when war is fought by the armies of two countries, as in the Napoleonic wars; lined up on a battlefield, far removed from the civilian populations.
The conflicts of today are quite different, often involving a myriad of actors – both state and non-state actors and, often with one or more of the parties not acting in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The conflicts of today are quite different, often involving a myriad of actors – both state and non-state actors and, often with one or more of the parties not acting in accordance with international humanitarian law.
In too many cases, we see such actors hiding among or not separating themselves from the civilian population.
In too many cases, we see such actors hiding among or not separating themselves from the civilian population.
This makes it very difficult for other actors both to defend themselves and to distinguish between those who are taking part in the fighting and those who are not.
This makes it very difficult for other actors both to defend themselves and to distinguish between those who are taking part in the fighting and those who are not.
In such situations, it is absolutely essential that states recognise the fact that even if their adversaries do not follow the rules, this does not relieve them of their obligation to do so.
In such situations, it is absolutely essential that states recognise the fact that even if their adversaries do not follow the rules, this does not relieve them of their obligation to do so.
In many situations, to avoid risking the lives of one’s own personnel, it may seem tempting to use types of weapons that are delivered from far away from the combat scene, such as air-delivered bombs or heavy artillery.
In many situations, to avoid risking the lives of one’s own personnel, it may seem tempting to use types of weapons that are delivered from far away from the combat scene, such as air-delivered bombs or heavy artillery.
As most modern conflicts tend to take place within urban areas, this vastly increases the risk for the civilians in the area.
As most modern conflicts tend to take place within urban areas, this vastly increases the risk for the civilians in the area.
The use of drones to carry out attacks – often operated by personnel situated far away from the strike site, with more or less accurate information regarding the possibility of the presence of civilians in the vicinity of the attack, has also caused the loss of a great number of civilian lives.
The use of drones to carry out attacks – often operated by personnel situated far away from the strike site, with more or less accurate information regarding the possibility of the presence of civilians in the vicinity of the attack, has also caused the loss of a great number of civilian lives.
At the same time, there is also good news.
At the same time, there is also good news.
In the course of the last decades, the increased international focus and continuous media reporting from conflict areas by humanitarian organisations, civil society and the media has also drastically reduced the overall tolerance for civilian losses.
In the course of the last decades, the increased international focus and continuous media reporting from conflict areas by humanitarian organisations, civil society and the media has also drastically reduced the overall tolerance for civilian losses.
The development of more precise weapons has also led to a growing expectation that such weapons are to be used, and to an increased condemnation of the use of less accurate weapons.
The development of more precise weapons has also led to a growing expectation that such weapons are to be used, and to an increased condemnation of the use of less accurate weapons.
This can be illustrated by comparing the NATO military campaign in Kosovo in 1999 with the international military operation in Libya in 2011.
This can be illustrated by comparing the NATO military campaign in Kosovo in 1999 with the international military operation in Libya in 2011.
Norway took part in both operations.
Norway took part in both operations.
For instance, we have seen that several categories of possible targets – in particular so-called “dual use” facilities (facilities used both for military and civilian purposes) were considered legitimate military targets in 1999 were not approved as such in 2011, as the potential for civilian casualties would be higher for such targets.
For instance, we have seen that several categories of possible targets – in particular so-called “dual use” facilities (facilities used both for military and civilian purposes) were considered legitimate military targets in 1999 were not approved as such in 2011, as the potential for civilian casualties would be higher for such targets.
Furthermore, we have seen how the general acceptance for the use of weapons with a wide area effect, in particular in densely populated areas, has been drastically reduced.
Furthermore, we have seen how the general acceptance for the use of weapons with a wide area effect, in particular in densely populated areas, has been drastically reduced.
I believe this is part of an on-going trend.
I believe this is part of an on-going trend.
A trend we need to capitalize on, and which underlines the need for a structured, sophisticated discussion of what practical measures the military – as well as other actors – need to take during military operations in order to enhance the protection of civilians.
A trend we need to capitalize on, and which underlines the need for a structured, sophisticated discussion of what practical measures the military – as well as other actors – need to take during military operations in order to enhance the protection of civilians.
There are also a number of other challenges we need to address in order to provide civilians with the protection they are entitled to under IHL.
There are also a number of other challenges we need to address in order to provide civilians with the protection they are entitled to under IHL.
To mention one of the most pressing needs, how do we protect the humanitarian workers and health personnel who are there to protect the civilians?
To mention one of the most pressing needs, how do we protect the humanitarian workers and health personnel who are there to protect the civilians?
Every state is responsible for protecting its citizens and providing an environment conducive to proper health care.
Every state is responsible for protecting its citizens and providing an environment conducive to proper health care.
However, in armed conflicts, the state’s ability to fulfil its obligations is often impaired.
However, in armed conflicts, the state’s ability to fulfil its obligations is often impaired.
It may need additional capacity to meet the needs of its people.
It may need additional capacity to meet the needs of its people.
In such situations, the humanitarian community has a clear co-responsibility for providing the necessary and life-saving relief.
In such situations, the humanitarian community has a clear co-responsibility for providing the necessary and life-saving relief.
Far too often, we see threats and attacks against health care workers, facilities and vehicles, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
Far too often, we see threats and attacks against health care workers, facilities and vehicles, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
These threats and attacks directly affect the security of health personnel, with the multiplying effect of fundamentally striking those who need their services the most – the victims of armed violence and conflict.
These threats and attacks directly affect the security of health personnel, with the multiplying effect of fundamentally striking those who need their services the most – the victims of armed violence and conflict.
In Syria, for instance, we are on a daily basis seeing hospitals and ambulances being directly targeted by all sides to the conflict.
In Syria, for instance, we are on a daily basis seeing hospitals and ambulances being directly targeted by all sides to the conflict.
In January 2012, the Secretary-General of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro, was killed.
In January 2012, the Secretary-General of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro, was killed.
According to the Norwegian doctor Dag Horntvedt, who recently spent seven weeks in Syria working for Médecins Sans Frontières, there is a dire need for medical services.
According to the Norwegian doctor Dag Horntvedt, who recently spent seven weeks in Syria working for Médecins Sans Frontières, there is a dire need for medical services.
However, many people are afraid of seeking medical assistance.
However, many people are afraid of seeking medical assistance.
How are we to address this?
How are we to address this?
The ICRC “Health Care in Danger” initiative seeks to find solutions to these challenges – in both armed conflicts and other situations involving widespread armed violence.
The ICRC “Health Care in Danger” initiative seeks to find solutions to these challenges – in both armed conflicts and other situations involving widespread armed violence.
In addition to supporting this initiative, we need to discuss all possible ways of increasing the protection of those whose job it is to protect and alleviate the human suffering caused.
In addition to supporting this initiative, we need to discuss all possible ways of increasing the protection of those whose job it is to protect and alleviate the human suffering caused.
For instance, it may be necessary to remind the parties to a conflict about their obligations under IHL.
For instance, it may be necessary to remind the parties to a conflict about their obligations under IHL.
In the case of Syria, Norway is seeking to secure the engagement of states that may be able to influence the parties to the conflict in Syria and remind them of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law and to protect health workers, hospitals and ambulances.
In the case of Syria, Norway is seeking to secure the engagement of states that may be able to influence the parties to the conflict in Syria and remind them of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law and to protect health workers, hospitals and ambulances.
If we are to prevent further violations of human rights, protect civilians and promote accountability in post-conflict situations, it is essential that all military actors properly document how they conduct their military operations.
If we are to prevent further violations of human rights, protect civilians and promote accountability in post-conflict situations, it is essential that all military actors properly document how they conduct their military operations.
We must also strive for increased transparency, both during armed conflicts and in their aftermath.
We must also strive for increased transparency, both during armed conflicts and in their aftermath.
The role played by the media in reporting from conflict areas must be respected if we are to ensure the proper documentation of military operations.
The role played by the media in reporting from conflict areas must be respected if we are to ensure the proper documentation of military operations.
This role must be respected even if we dislike or disagree with the media coverage.
This role must be respected even if we dislike or disagree with the media coverage.
The tendency we have seen on the part of certain states to limit access for the free press to conflict areas – or even to attack media stations or journalists – is of great concern.
The tendency we have seen on the part of certain states to limit access for the free press to conflict areas – or even to attack media stations or journalists – is of great concern.
Not only because journalists are entitled to the same protection as other civilians, but also because we have seen the atrocities civilians may be subjected to, if the eyes of the world are not watching.
Not only because journalists are entitled to the same protection as other civilians, but also because we have seen the atrocities civilians may be subjected to, if the eyes of the world are not watching.
These are only a few of the current challenges we need to discuss.
These are only a few of the current challenges we need to discuss.
I hope this conference will provide a good opportunity for an in-depth discussion of both these and other questions.
I hope this conference will provide a good opportunity for an in-depth discussion of both these and other questions.
I also hope you will all contribute to identifying practical ways and means of addressing the challenges at hand.
I also hope you will all contribute to identifying practical ways and means of addressing the challenges at hand.
Reclaiming the Protection of Civilians under International Humanitarian Law
Reclaiming the Protection of Civilians under International Humanitarian Law
I wish you all a fruitful seminar.
I wish you all a fruitful seminar.
Norway concerned about prison sentence for homosexuality
Norge reagerer på homofilidom
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza have been in prison since their public engagement in December 2009.
Tiwonge Chimbalanga og Steven Monjeza har vært fengslet siden de forlovet seg offentlig i romjulen 2009.
This week they were convicted for “unnatural acts and gross indecency”.
Denne uken ble de dømt for homofil atferd og «grov uanstendighet».
They were given the maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.
De fikk 14 års fengsel, som er lovens strengeste straff.
The couple has appealed to the Supreme Court, which means that the sentence is not final.
Paret anker til høyesterett, og dommen derfor ikke rettskraftig.
“Norway regrets the conviction of the Malawian couple Tiwonge and Steven.
- Norge beklager domfellelsen av det malawiske paret Tiwonge og Steven.
It is unacceptable that they are being punished for wanting to live together in a loving relationship,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.
Det er kritikkverdig at de to blir straffet fordi de ønsker å leve sammen i kjærlighet, sier miljø- og utviklingsminister Erik Solheim.
Norway and the EU are concerned about homophobia and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in Malawi.
Norge og EU er bekymret for homofobien og diskrimineringen på grunnlag av seksuell orientering i Malawi.
The full text of the declaration is available here.
Les hele uttalelsen her.
“It worries me that Malawi is now reviving a dormant provision of its penal code.
- Jeg er bekymret for at Malawi nå vekker til live en sovende lovparagraf.
This could set a precedent for criminal prosecution on the basis of sexual orientation.
Det kan skape et mønster for å straffeforfølge mennesker på grunn av seksuell orientering.
In Norway’s view, this is not in keeping with human rights,” said Mr Solheim.
Norge mener det ikke er i tråd med menneskerettighetene, sier Solheim.
The Minister of the Environment and International Development raised this matter with the Malawian authorities when he visited the country in March.
Utviklingsministeren tok opp saken med myndighetene i mars da han besøkte Malawi.
The Norwegian Embassy in Malawi has followed the case closely, and is supporting a number of measures aimed at improving the situation for homosexuals in the country.
Den norske ambassaden i Malawi har fulgt saken tett, og støtter en rekke tiltak som bidrar til at homofile får en bedre livssituasjon i landet.
Press contact: Head of Information Trond Viken, mobile phone: +47 992 18 303, email: trv@mfa.no
Pressekontakt: Informasjonssjef Trond Viken, mobil 992 18 303, trv@mfa.no
‘Wednesday’s events show how important the observers’ work is.
- Dagens hendelse viser hvor viktig observatørenes arbeid er.
It is crucial that all parties respect and implement the Minsk agreement,’ said Mr Brende.
Det er helt avgjørende at alle sider respektere og gjennomføre Minsk-avtalen, sier Brende.
‘The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission has established who launched the attack, and the attack by the rebels must be condemned.
- OSSEs observatørstyrke har fastslått hvem som angrep og opprørernes angrep må fordømmes.
Grave concern over renewed fighting in Ukraine
Ser alvorlig på nye kamper i Ukraina
‘The renewed fighting in Ukraine gives cause for grave concern,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
- De fornyede kampene i Ukraina gir grunn til sterk bekymring, sier utenriksminister Børge Brende.
Serbia and Kosovo closer to the EU
Serbia og Kosovo nærmere EU
- The statement of the EU Council marks an important step forward for European cooperation for Serbia and Kosovo.
- Dagens uttalelse fra EUs Råd markerer et viktig skritt videre i det europeisk samarbeidet for Kosovo og Serbia.
I commend the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia for the courage and leadership they have shown in this process, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
Jeg vil berømmer regjeringene i Kosovo og Serbia for deres mot og lederskap i dette arbeidet, sier utenriksminister Espen Barth Eide.
The heads of government in the EU agreed today to open accession negotiations with Serbia.
Regjeringssjefene i EU ble i dag enige om å åpne medlemskapsforhandlinger med Serbia med oppstart senest innen januar 2014.
They also decided to open negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo.
Det ble også enighet om å åpne forhandlinger med Kosovo om en stabiliserings- og assosieringsavtale (SAA).
Closer cooperation with the EU with a view to membership is of key importance for both Kosovo and Serbia.
Tettere samarbeid med EU med sikte på medlemskap er sentralt både for Kosovo og Serbia.
Both countries consider EU membership important in order to advance economic and social progress in their countries and maintain political stability in the region.
Begge ser på medlemskap i EU som viktig for å skape økonomisk og sosial framgang for sine land og politisk stabilitet i regionen.
- I also would like to commend the EU and Catherine Ashton for their active facilitation of the understanding between Kosovo and Serbia and for their support for the two government’s efforts to implement the understanding.
- Jeg vil også gratulere EU og Catherine Ashton med deres tilrettelegging av overenskomsten mellom Kosovo og Serbia og støtte til de to landenes implementering.
This has led to both countries making historic steps towards EU-membership, said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
Dette har bidratt til et historisk skritt i retning av EU-medlemskap for begge land, sier Eide.
Serbia will start negotiations on accession to the EU in January.
Serbia starter forhandlinger om medlemskap i EU i januar.
This was decided at the Council of the European Union meeting on 17 December.
Det ble klart på EUs ministermøte 17. desember.
“This is an important decision, not just for Serbia, but for the whole region and for the EU,” commented Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
- Dette er en viktig beslutning ikke bare for Serbia, men for hele regionen og for EU, sier utenriksminister Børge Brende.
It is expected that Kosovo will enter into a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU in 2014.
Det er ventet at Kosovo vil inngå en stabiliserings- og assosieringsavtale med EU i løpet av 2014.
“Closer integration into the EU for both Serbia and Kosovo will help to normalise relations between these two countries,” said Mr Brende.
- Tettere integrasjon i EU for både Serbia og Kosovo vil gjøre normaliseringen mellom de to landene enklere, sier utenriksminister Brende.
The start of negotiations for Serbia is linked to its efforts to normalise relations with Kosovo.
Forhandlingsstart for Serbia har vært knyttet til normalisering av forholdet mellom Serbia og Kosovo.
Serbia to start negotiations on EU membership
Serbia skal forhandle om EU-medlemskap
Serious explosion in Oslo
Alvorlig eksplosjon i Oslo
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said, “Oslo centre was hit by a very serious explosion today.
- Oslo sentrum er rammet av en svært alvorlig eksplosjon.
“This is a very serious situation, and my thoughts at this time go to all who have been affected.
- Dette er en svært alvorlig situasjon, og mine tanker går nå til alle som er rammet.
I am in constant contact with the affected Ministers and the relevant authorities.
Jeg er i løpende kontakt med de mest berørte statsråder og fagmyndigheter.
The planned response that the police and rescue services have been practising has been put into action.
Planverket som politi og redningsetater har øvd på er satt i verk.
Recommends that Storting says yes to Services Directive
Anbefaler Stortinget å si ja til tjenestedirektivet
The Government has submitted a proposition to the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) on incorporation of the EU Services Directive into the EEA Agreement.
Regjeringen har oversendt proposisjonen om å innlemme EUs tjenestedirektiv i EØS-avtalen til Stortinget.
The ministers from the Socialist Left Party and the Centre Party expressed their dissent when the matter was dealt with in the Council of State.
Statsrådene fra SV og Senterpartiet tok dissens da saken ble behandlet i statsråd.
Today, the Government submitted a proposition to the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) on incorporation of the EU Services Directive into the EEA Agreement.
Regjeringen har i dag oversendt proposisjonen om å innlemme EUs tjenestedirektiv i EØS-avtalen til Stortinget.