YouSaid · the spoken record

Blok

lines on the record: 61
first: 2018-03-27
most recent: 2019-05-23
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Without that final link, justice is not served. ISIS perpetrators of mass atrocity crimes should be prosecuted, preferably in the region, and if feasible, under the jurisdiction of an ad hoc or hybrid international criminal tribunal. I am fully aware of the complex obstacles on the road towards that goal, but we have to keep in mind that justice is a prerequisite of lasting peace and security. We must join forces and take it step by step. The Netherlands will do all in its power to help bring us closer to and reach that goal. At the opening of the next session of the General Assembly in September, the Netherlands will initiate a ministerial meeting on the prosecution of ISIS fighters. Today, I invite Security Council members and others to join us on that road towards justice. We owe it to the victims.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Violations should be subject to independent investigations, mandated by the international community. And yes, perpetrators should be afraid, aware that they will be called to account. They should be lying awake at night in the knowledge that one day they will face justice. Today, I want to focus on the sheer number and gravity of the horrible crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS). We all know the facts and have seen the images. We should all work to ensure that the perpetrators of those heinous crimes are brought to justice and to enable the Security Council to state this fact clearly: ISIS committed genocide against the Yazidis. After fact-finding, evidence gathering, investigation and attribution, prosecution is the final and most important link in the accountability chain.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Civilian protection is not some last-minute add- on to peacekeeping. It should be a core goal of each mandate. It has to be funded and part of the standard operating procedures of the force. We should support it also in our discussions in the Fifth Committee. In 1999, the Council emphasized the responsibility of States to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocides, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law. That brings me to the following vital point - the importance of accountability. As I have said before in this Chamber, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law should not go unchallenged. Humanitarian law is not optional. It is not a luxury. It is the bedrock of what defines our humanity. Upholding humanitarian law is crucial to our very credibility.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Our aim is to root out the crime of starving civilians by banning it and punishing the perpetrators. The protection of women against sexual Violence also became an important theme. Yet, as we are gathered here to commemorate 20 years of our efforts to protect civilians, we have to be frank enough to ask ourselves inconvenient questions. Is there a real reason to celebrate? Translating lofty words and good intentions into day-to-day realities in highly complex conflict environments is not easy. If civilians expect to be protected by incoming missions, and they are not, this may lead to frustration and a loss of credibility. It undermines the legitimacy of peacekeeping missions, of the United Nations and the Council and, in the end, their ability to prevent human suffering. And that is the last thing we want.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“It expressed "its willingness to respond to situations of armed conflict where civilians are being targeted or humanitarian assistance to civilians is obstructed" (resolution 1265 (1999), para. 10). Indeed, this shows that the Council is guided by civilians as its rationale for action. Since the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999), a lot has happened. We have seen a paradigm shift in our thinking; a mission with civilian protection in its mandate is now the norm. The 18 Kigali Principles were established. They are aimed at improving the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As endorser, we join the Secretary-General in its call for more signatories. Last year, with South Sudan and Yemen in mind, we added the issue of conflict and hunger to outlaw the use of starvation as a tool of war.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“It should be self-evident that a Government's first duty is to protect its citizens. And the first duty for the Governments united in the Council is to protect civilians under threat from war, violence and suffering. After all, if we are not here to protect people, what are we doing? I would like to thank Indonesia for putting this important theme at the centre of today's discussion, and you, Madam President, for inviting me here. I am also grateful for the informative briefings provided by Mr. Maurer, Mr. Borello and the Secretary-General, for whom improving peacekeeping operations is rightly a priority. Twenty years ago, in this very Chamber, my country joined those voting in favour of resolution 1265 (1999). Then, as now, it was our conviction that, in conflict, civilians must be protected. The Council made a promise.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands will soon end its term on the Security Council. On a more personal note, ifI may, it has been an honour to speak on behalf of my country in this seat and in this Chamber. I know that discussions, debates and decisions in the Council are not always easy. However, that is no reason to despair. According to the writings of Tolstoy, for every situation, no matter how difficult, there will be a solution. It all comes down to making a decision.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Its aim is simple and clear: to ensure that information about serious crimes is collected, analysed and preserved for the future. I call on all Council members to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Finally, ISIS fighters have committed gruesome crimes that, in the case of the crimes against Yazidis, may amount to genocide. I call on all members of the Council to work together to achieve recognition by the Council of those grave crimes, including genocide, so that we can make sure such heinous crimes are not repeated. This will be the last time I speak about Syria here, but I am sure that I will not be the last person to speak about Syria. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to fight for justice, peace and accountability for Syria and others 4 at the Council, in The Hague and beyond.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Some of the darkest crimes of modern time have taken place during the Syrian conflict - and are still taking place. There will be no stability until the perpetrators of those crimes are brought to justice. To me it is clear that accountability is about upholding our human dignity, but what we see is impunity becoming the new normal. That must end. We must not allow this immense human tragedy to become a travesty of international law. It would be a terrible crisis of credibility for the international community. The perpetrators of shocking crimes, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and AI-Qaida, will be found. I urge all States to increase their support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross and UNHCR we have to uncover the fate of all those Syrians who have disappeared, list the names of those detained and investigate and prosecute human rights violators. Finally, we fully support the Special Envoy's convening of a constitutional committee before the end of the year. The United Nations has a central role to play in that process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Sochi communique. Let me also underline that the European Union will not begin development and reconstruction efforts before a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition is firmly under way. For my Government, it is inconceivable to finance a regime responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Let me say something about those crimes.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“It is clear that the situation must not be allowed to continue. Syrians are in dire need of progress. There are four points I would like to make. First, humanitarian actors should have unimpeded access to all civilians in need, all over Syria. I that regard, I welcome the renewal of the mandate of the cross-border aid mechanism for 12 months so that no one is left behind. I commend Sweden and Kuwait, as co-penholders, for their excellent work. It is also imperative that access from within Syria to areas under control of the regime be granted without delay. Secondly, we need a sustainable solution for the fragile ceasefire in Idlib. I call on all parties involved to refrain from hostilities, which would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe with grave international implications.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Instead, they are faced with discriminatory legislation that undermines their housing, land and property rights. After seven years of war, countless Syrians have had no news of the whereabouts of their loved ones. Is there still hope, or were their family members, neighbours and friends arrested, detained and tortured - or even killed - in regime-run prisons? We have held a seat on the Security Council for one year. Many times, the situation in Syria has been on the agenda. Many times, progress has been blocked by the lack of implementation of Security Council resolutions. For how many more years will Syria remain on the agenda of the Security Council? For how many more years should we allow the Syrian regime's systematic human rights abuse and institutionalized violence to continue?”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Many refugees and internally displaced persons cannot go back; they fear for their safety. The conditions set for their safe return by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have not been met. After years of terror and starvation, children, women and men in former opposition-held territory still lack access to food, medical care and schooling. Access to those basic necessities is being blocked. Furthermore, those people now live in fear of retribution, persecution and detention by Al-Assad's security services. There is a complete lack of security. After seven years of war, more than 6 million Syrians are internally displaced, including the incredible number of 2.5 million children. After seven years of war, those people should be free to choose to go back to their homes.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Lowcock for his sobering briefing. In March, I had the honour to speak in this Chamber for the first time (see S/PV.8217). The same topic was on the agenda: the humanitarian crisis in Syria. I am addressing the Security Council today in the knowledge that this situation will remain on the agenda for the foreseeable future. Millions of Syrians continue to suffer. Back in March, the Syrian regime and their allies were bombing civilians in eastern Ghouta. The delivery of humanitarian aid was obstructed and long- established norms of international humanitarian law were gravely violated. Today, nine months later, the air strikes on eastern Ghouta have stopped. But as we all know, that did not mean an end to the horror for Syrians. Humanitarian workers continue to have very limited access.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We are pleased that the Mission's role in the political process and the mandate for the protection of civilians have been significantly strengthened by comparison to last year's mandate. We are also satisfied with MINUSCA's newly assigned task extending limited logistical support to the country's armed forces that have been trained by the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic, which is essential to strengthening the State's authority. MINUSCA also has an important role in coordinating international security-sector reform initiatives, which should be undertaken transparently and coherently. For these reasons, we regret that the mandate was not adopted unanimously. We urge all Council members to work to restore unity in their support to the people of the Central African Republic.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source
“As we gather in this Chamber this afternoon, more than half of the people of the Central African Republic are fleeing the ongoing violence there. The attacks on civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian workers continue, despite the peace process led by the African Union Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. It is clear that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has a vital role to play to support and protect the people of the Central African Republic. We therefore thank France for its work and leadership in facilitating the discussion on MINUSCA's mandate by making extensive efforts to find a compromise among all members of the Council. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the mandate's renewal for a period of one year.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source
“We are proud that today, near the end of our term as a Security Council member, resolution 2447 (2018) has been adopted unanimously. It delivers perfectly on our three main priorities - prevention, better peacekeeping and accountability, and the rule of law. Indeed, it seems to embody a slogan that my country has been heard to use several times in the Council and that I will repeat again today - there can be no peace without justice.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8420 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, the resolution stresses the importance of sound cooperation and coordination among the broad range of actors working on the rule of law in the context of peacekeeping operations, making use of joint analyses, programming and planning, as well as data, benchmarks and other evaluation tools to improve the United Nations performance and effectiveness in consolidating peace. Lastly, it underlines the importance of gender in United Nations missions and of better prevention and responses to gender-based violence. It cites the aim of doubling the number ofwomen in the police contingents of United Nations peacekeeping operations by 2020. It will thus contribute to a goal shared by all of us around this table, that of making peacekeeping operations more effective by addressing elements across the conflict spectrum.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8420 (2018) · source
“Without their assistance, serious crimes, including sexual violence, would have gone unpunished. I would also point to the Justice and Corrections Section of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, which helped improve conditions of detention in Mali, reducing human rights violations and preventing further radicalization. With the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, we also pushed for a stronger focus on accountability in the mandate, increasing the chances for sustainable peace and stability. Secondly, the resolution very clearly assigns responsibilities where they belong. It not only invites the Security Council to adequately include tasks related to the rule of law as part of the mandate, but also urges host countries to combat impunity and promote accountability.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8420 (2018) · source
“I should like to cite our main reasons for pushing for the resolution, which so perfectly reflects the priorities of our Council membership this year, in the course of which we have constantly stressed the importance of the rule of law in preventing conflict and sustaining peace and underlined the responsibility of the Security Council in that regard. The resolution is a major step forward. First, it recognizes that there can be no lasting peace withoutjustice. It gives the Security Council a practical tool to focus on this issue in mandates of peacekeeping operations - learning, of course, from good examples from the past, such as the special Prosecution Support Cells established by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8420 (2018) · source
“Let me start by thanking Cote d'Ivoire for its excellent partnership on resolution 2447 (2018), as well as on resolution 2417 (2018), on conflict and hunger, which was adopted earlier this year, and on the draft resolution on improving peacekeeping mandates, which is still being negotiated. I would also like to express my gratitude to all Council members for bringing about this resolution, which is an important text that underlines the Council's responsibility in the area of police, justice and corrections.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8420 (2018) · source
“The Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to evade sanctions in order to advance its nuclear- weapon programme, often with the possibly unwitting assistance of other countries. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea might still be moving towards a deployable nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile. There is still a risk of the further spread of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and delivery-system technology. This would further undermine the global non-proliferation regime. In conclusion, let me say this 4 failure is not an option. Failure benefits no one. If we act in unison and fully implement the Security Council's resolutions, historic breakthroughs are possible. The world is watching, and the Council must act in unity, because unity is strength.”
2018-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8363 (2018) · source
“And a united Council will support diplomatic talks and reassure the Democratic People's Republic of Korea that we are willing to engage with it once it has taken concrete steps towards denuclearization. To achieve that, a well-functioning Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) is essential. It can play a key role in taking action against sanctions Violations and in minimizing the humanitarian impact. As Chair of the Committee, the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to do its utmost to this end. We need a Panel of Experts that can do its job in an effective, independent and secure manner. Last but not least, we need to be persistent. It will not be easy, but no effort should be spared in seeking a peaceful solution. There is simply too much at stake.”
2018-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8363 (2018) · source
“This forced Pyongyang to come back to the negotiating table and created a window of diplomatic opportunity that still exists today. The Republic of Korea and the United States seized this opportunity in 2018 by organizing high-level talks. President Moon, President Trump and you, Secretary of State Pompeo, rose to the occasion, and we are grateful for that. The international community should maintain the pressure until the Democratic People's Republic of Korea meets its international obligations. We should never underestimate the power a united Council can wield. A united Security Council will keep up the pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. A united Council will ensure full and effective implementation of sanctions and pave the way for complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.”
2018-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8363 (2018) · source
“Our show of unity was of course brought about by the gravity of last year's events: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's multiple ballistic-missile tests and nuclear tests and its development of a nuclear and missile programme that posed a threat to regional and global security and to the global non-proliferation regime. These events gave us a shared sense of purpose and highlighted the urgent need to bring the Democratic People's Republic of Korea back to the negotiating table. In response, the Security Council has worked together tirelessly and with clear results. It adopted three far-reaching resolutions - resolutions 2371 (2017), 2375 (2017) and 2397 (2017) - within the space of five months, resulting in the most comprehensive sanctions regime ever.”
2018-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8363 (2018) · source
“I thank the presidency for organizing today's meeting on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a subject that is at the top of our agenda. It is an issue of vital importance to peace and security in the region and to the world at large. We have come a long way in the past year. As Henry Ford once said, "coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success". The Security Council has worked hard to achieve success by optimizing its strengths, striking the right balance between two main ingredients - pressure and dialogue. I think it is safe to say that we have succeeded, thanks to our unity, which is a vital component that should never be underestimated.”
2018-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8363 (2018) · source
“So far, the Russian authorities have not shown the slightest interest in achieving truth, justice and accountability, as demanded by resolution 2166 (2014). I would also like to remind the Council that our efforts to establish an international tribunal through the Council under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations were blocked by a Russian veto. To us, that shows how important it is that Russia enter into bilateral talks with the Netherlands and Australia, since they are the proper forum in which to discuss Russia's responsibility for its part in the downing of Flight MH- 17. We therefore urge the Russian Federation to accept our invitation to engage in such talks in relation to the State's responsibility for its part in the downing of Flight MH-17 on 17 July 2014.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“We have heard the remarks of the representative of the Russian Federation with regard to Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17, but we actually heard nothing new. We are aware that Russia's spokespersons and State-controlled media routinely try to discredit details ofthe investigation, call into question the independence, professionalism and impartiality of the Joint Investigation Team and continue to spread impossible alternative theories about the downing of Flight MH-17. For the relatives of the victims, that is extremely painful. It is very disappointing that even in this Chamber, Russia's representative has not acknowledged the hard facts that the Joint Investigation Team has established based on irrefutable evidence.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“We are grateful for the broad support that we have enjoued throughout from the vast majority of the international community, including from Australia, the United Nations Secretary-General, the NATO Secretary General, all our European partners and countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Ukraine, Malaysia and the United States. In conclusion, the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17 is a stark reminder of how an armed conflict in any part of the world can impact any ofus, at any time. That is another reason why the international community cannot allow this conflict to persist. After four years of devastation, Ukraine deserves peace, lasting peace, on the basis of the Minsk agreements, supported by all of its neighbours and in accordance with international law. So too, do the victims of Flight MH-17 deserve justice.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“I reiterate them yet again today, supported by a massive amount of irrefutable evidence. When it comes to establishing truth and accountability for what happened to Flight MH-17, no State has the right to remain silent. Quite the contrary: all States have a duty to cooperate constructively, to shed light on the truth and not to obscure it with continuous mist. I call on the Russian Federation to take that responsibility. For our part, we have kept the Council informed of our efforts and findings on a regular basis, and we will continue to do so.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“As a consequence, the Netherlands and Australia now call on the Russian Federation to engage seriously and constructively with us in this matter and accept its responsibility. Along with that, the Russian Federation needs to start cooperating fully with the Joint Investigation Team's ongoing criminal investigation. That request is nothing new. Indeed, it is a clear demand set out in resolution 2166 (2014), which I have in front of me and which was unanimously adopted by the Council almost four years ago. By voting for that resolution, all 15 members of the Council, including the Russian Federation, voted for justice. They voted for those responsible to be held to account, and for all States to cooperate fully with efforts to establish accountability. Unfortunately, four years later, those demands need to be repeated.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“Years of painstaking, independent international investigations followed. As a result, it has now been established that the missile that downed Flight MH-l7 was launched by a Buk TELAR that came from the Russian Army. That conclusion was not taken lightly. It is the result of intensive, in-depth study and analysis. Last Thursday, the Joint Investigation Team released additional findings - based on legally sound and compelling evidence - that the Buk missile system that downed Flight MH-l7 belonged to the fifty-third anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Russian Army. On that basis, and motivated by our desire to establish the truth and achieve justice and accountability, Australia and the Netherlands announced last Friday that we hold the Russian Federation accountable for its part in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-l7.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“On that fateful day, a Malaysia Airlines civilian airliner travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down over eastern Ukraine from a location controlled by Russian-backed separatists. One hundred and ninety-six of those victims were citizens of the Netherlands - men, women and children from my country. The Security Council responded immediately, with the unanimous adoption of resolution 2166 (2014), proposed by Australia, which was one of the countries most affected. I also want to remind the Council that our efforts to establish an international tribunal under Chapter VII, through the Council, were blocked by a Russian veto. My Government announced that it would not rest before the truth was established and justice was achieved, together with its international partners.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“In Ukraine, we find that our international rulebook is in jeopardy. The illegal annexation of Crimea and the active, destabilizing role of Russia in Donbas go directly against Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter of the United Nations: the prohibition of the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any State. Like others, I therefore reiterate our strong commitment to the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine. As the Council is well aware, it is not only the people of Ukraine who have been affected by the conflict. On 17 July 2014, 298 innocent people from 17 different countries were dragged into this conflict and lost their lives.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“In parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, civilian infrastructure has been seriously damaged. The power and water supplies are insecure. Unexploded ordnance and mines are a daily threat. Secondly, a toll is being taken on the young Ukrainian democracy. We admire the steps taken by the current Ukrainian Government towards reform, as well as the positive role played by Ukraine's vibrant civil society. But the conflict has put pressure on that young democracy and its economy. We call on the Government to continue its reforms, and we will continue to support the Ukrainian Government in its efforts bilaterally, through the European Union and in other international institutions. Thirdly, as I said in this same Chamber two weeks ago, this conflict is taking a toll on the international legal order (see S/PV.8262).”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting today. I would also like to thank the three excellent briefers. Their informative presentations highlight the ongoing need for international involvement, even four years since the start of the conflict. We have even seen a surge in violence in recent weeks, with new casualties as a result. That is why, Mr. President, I am so grateful for your timely efforts to spotlight the situation in eastern Ukraine again today. The conflict must not be allowed to persist. Four years of fighting in Donbas has inflicted a heavy toll on many parties. First, it has taken a heavy toll on the people of Ukraine. More than 10,000 lives have been lost in that time. Many innocent civilians have had their daily lives disrupted; some lost their homes or became displaced.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“Today I am proud to announce that we will support the Mechanism with another â‚¬2.5 million, in addition to the â‚¬2.5 million that we contributed earlier. We hope others will follow our lead. The development of international law is a job that is never finished. We must not only work to ensure respect for existing norms, but also to strengthen them by writing the next and very necessary chapters. Standing on the shoulders of great men and women like Hugo Grotius, Fyodor Fyodorovich Martens, Eleanor Roosevelt and others, we must put protection up front. Only in that way will arms be allowed to cede to the law. Only in that way will peoples' expectations for justice and humanity finally be met. The Netherlands stands ready to contribute to attaining that goal, during and after our Security Council membership.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“In the run-up to the next session of the General Assembly, we will consult with the group to explore options to make this principle more concrete. That brings me to my final point, that is, the importance of accountability. There can be no lasting peace without it. Whether in Syria, Libya, Yemen or elsewhere, fact-finding, investigation and attribution are essential elements in the accountability chain. They send a clear message to the victims that justice may not be swift, but it will, in the end, be done. I will therefore not stop calling on the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. When the Council does become paralysed, we have to search for alternatives, such as the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“The Council would force itself into irrelevance. The rules-based international order would break down. Laws would again cede to arms, and we would all lose. We cannot allow that to happen. In the event of mass atrocities, a paralysed Security Council cannot simply be the end of the road. That conviction is widely shared. It forms the basis of initiatives such as the French-Mexican initiative and the code of conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, which are initiatives supported by a large majority of the United Nations membership. Today I want to echo and amplify their message: if and when the Council makes itself irrelevant by inaction, other avenues will have to be explored to make sure fundamental international norms are upheld.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“In that case, says our Charter, the primary responsibility rests with the Security Council, especially with those five permanent members to whom the Charter has granted a special privilege. I am referring to the veto and to the need to use that special privilege with the highest degree of responsibility, That means with maximum restraint. That has certainly not been the case with regard to Syria. In the past seven years, the veto has been used 12 times. Twelve times impunity was allowed to become the new normal. Twelve times innocent Syrian citizens paid the price. What would happen if we allowed this privilege to be used as a licence to kill, as a means to obstruct justice, as a way to prevent the truth from being told, as a means to hold hostage those who want to uphold the principles of the Charter?”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“From the annexation of Crimea to the slave markets in Libya and the suffering of the people in Myanmar, a quick glance at the Security Council's agenda makes one thing clear - that the world we committed ourselves to building when we all signed the Charter of the United Nations is still a long way off. The situation in Syria has been a stark reminder of a deep crisis, a protection crisis and a crisis of respect for the hard-won gains in international law that we have fought for since the end of the First World War. The Geneva Conventions, the Charter and the Chemical Weapons Convention - in Syria, all of those norms were trampled. Of course, the primary responsibility for the protection of its citizens lies with a country itself. But when it is not able or willing to do so, collective action should be taken.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank President Duda of Poland for devoting today's open debate to a theme so close to our Kingdom's heart. AsthehostcountryofTheHaguePeace Conferences, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and other important international legal institutions, the Netherlands has a proud tradition of championing international law. Today's subject is embedded in our DNA. In fact, it is enshrined in our Constitution, and there are good reasons for that. A dependable, rules-based legal order is a prerequisite for security, stability and economic growth. When adhered to, it is our best guarantee of prosperity and the best conflict-prevention tool available. Today, and in spite of the vast progress that has been made, our international rulebook is under serious pressure.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 1.15 pm.”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“But it is clear who is losing - the ordinary people of Syria. In these most extreme circumstances we commend the incredible courage and perseverance of the humanitarian aid workers. It is up to us to restore credibility to the Council. It is up to us to ensure a negotiated political process, in which all Syrians and other relevant actors are represented. And it is up to us to end the agony and restore dignity and humanity to the people of Syria. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“We urge all States to increase their support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, which aims to ensure that information about serious crimes is collected, analysed and preserved for future prosecutions. The Netherlands again calls on all Council members to support referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. What will become ofthe children in the photographs I mentioned? Will they one day be able to return to Syria? Like all children, they long for a normal life, for stability, for safety. The Syrian regime believes in a military solution. But there is none. There are no winners in this war.”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, with regard to accountability, if there is to be any credible, stable and lasting peace in Syria, the current culture of impunity must end. All those guilty of crimes must be brought to justice. The perpetrators of crimes, including ISIS and Al-Qaida, must know that they are being watched, followed and identified. They must know that files are being compiled with a view to prosecuting them for crimes that may include genocide. They must know that one day they will be held accountable.”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“With all that in mind, we should not forget that the responsibility, and indeed the obligation, to execute the Council's decisions lies with individual Member States. So what should be done? First, we should reaffirm these norms and enforce the relevant resolutions. We call on all parties to the Syrian conflict - including the Syrian regime, Russia, Iran, Turkey and armed opposition groups - to respect and implement the Council's decisions. Secondly, we must strengthen resolution 2401 (2018), with United Nations monitoring of the implementation of the ceasefire and with full access for fact-finding missions to sites and collective shelters housing internally displaced persons. These missions are ready to go; we need their impartial information.”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“I ask Turkey not to extend its military activities to other border regions in Syria or Iraq. Four weeks ago, the Council adopted resolution 2401 (2018). It is telling that in 2018, the Council should need to spell out that warring parties should immediately lift all sieges in Syria and grant unimpeded humanitarian access to those in acute need. Those are by no means exceptional demands. They are basic obligations under international humanitarian law, developed over decades to instil minimum standards of human decency in warfare. Not even the presence ofterrorists is an excuse for disregarding those standards. It is humiliating that the Council is unable to enforce those minimum standards. If the Council is not willing or able to do it, who is?”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“In eastern Ghouta, the Syrian regime and its allies, including Russia, have trapped hundreds of thousands of civilians and are relentlessly continuing their offensive. The United Nations has reported air strikes on densely populated areas, blatant attacks targeting hospitals and medical personnel, the use of starvation as a weapon of war and the use of chemical weapons. Many innocent children, women and men are suffering. They should be protected. Yet instead, families are seeing their homes destroyed, their loved ones killed and their dignity shattered. In Afrin, the effects of the Turkey- led offensive are clear for all to see: a worsening of the already precarious humanitarian situation, with more than 160,000 displaced people and a further obstacle to efforts to fight the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS).”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source
“And where conflict cannot be prevented, we have agreed to regulate the conduct of warfare. One of the very first steps to that end was taken in Russia, almost 150 years ago. In Saint Petersburg, it was decided to forbid weapons that cause unnecessary suffering. Since those first steps, the body ofinternational humanitarian law has grown considerably, including through the adoption of the Hague and Geneva Conventions. The imperative of those laws has always been to protect civilians in conflict, to spare them from disaster, save them from harm and respect their dignity. Sadly, what we see in Syria today is the exact opposite. Every day, many are showing total disregard for civilians.”
2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source