YouSaid · the spoken record

Buffin

lines on the record: 110
first: 2014-07-21
most recent: 2017-06-28
sittings or episodes: 15
sources: un-security-council

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“However, given the amount of uncontrolled material at risk of proliferation and the limited amount of available public resources, we should favour an approach that involves all sectors of society in combating proliferation.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“However, such multilateral and State-centred initiatives are not sufficient. Regional approaches, both formal and informal, can also play a fundamental role in the fight against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear proliferation. Approaches such as those supported by Council Decision 2017/809 of the Council of the European Union in support of resolution 1540 (2004) can indeed help to strengthen cooperation, build trust and transparency, foster the strengthening of expertise and disseminate best practices. In conclusion, Belgium would like to stress that the role of economics in the implementation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear safety and security norms is key to non-proliferation. State regulation and voluntary standards and certification by commercial entities can be mutually strengthening.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Belgium takes this opportunity to pay tribute to Morocco, which successfully organized a peer review in May this year, with financial support from the European Union. We should also note the development of industrial standards in the biotechnology sector, as well as codes of conduct - developments that can strengthen that sector against the unwanted proliferation of biological resources. Belgium believes that the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction into the hands of non-State actors can be effective only if it combines various approaches and includes a higher number of actors. Where multilateral initiatives exist and have proved to be effective, they must be strongly supported, and we must continue to adapt them to future challenges, in particular technological challenges.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Our experts are also heavily involved in research that is geared towards the development of nuclear fuel that has a lower risk of proliferation than traditional fuel. Belgium remains vigilant in its control of medical and industrial radioactive sources and works to reduce the risk of proliferation around the world, particularly through its support for scientific research. Despite the difficulties involved in implementing the Biological Weapons Convention, progress is possible in combating the proliferation of biological resources. The peer-review approach, to which Belgium contributed through the Benelux countries' peer review in 2015, has proved useful both in strengthening mutual trust in implementing the Convention and in building the capacity of the various States and experts participating in such reviews.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“In that regard, it is essential that the Fact-finding Mission and the United Nations-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism be able to continue their work without external interference so as to shed light on all of the chemical incidents that have occurred in Syria and determine who was responsible. We firmly believe that the Security Council should be unanimous in its condemnation of each chemical-weapons attack in Syria, both by the so-called Islamic State and by the Syrian regime. As regards the fight against nuclear proliferation, Belgium has taken measures to secure existing sensitive materials and to reduce their quantities, often thanks to the support of new technologies. It is also acting to raise awareness among industry professionals.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“With regard to chemical weapons, Belgium, which is preparing to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first large-scale use of mustard gas in the Ypres region in 1917 during World War I, strongly supports the work carried out by the OPCW. The multilateral approach to the control of chemical substances must be preserved, as it has demonstrated throughout the OPCW's 20-year lifespan that it is able to considerably reduce exposure to chemical weapons. Belgium supports the work of the OPCW and regularly reviews its own chemical facilities. The use ofchemical weapons cannot go unpunished, whether carried out by States or by non-State groups.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“The allure and accessibility of certain weapons of mass destruction and of related chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear technologies and resources have increased among non-State actors in their quest for the means to carry out large-scale and indiscriminate attacks. It is therefore essential to continue to work towards the most effective implementation of existing provisions and instruments used to combat the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear resources. The comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) (see S/2016/1038), carried out in 2016 under the Spanish chairmanship of the 1540 Committee, is an excellent starting point. Everyone's vigilance and the proper collaboration and transparency between States are necessary.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium shares the views expressed in the statements made on behalf of the European Union and on behalf of the Group of Friends of resolution 1540 (2004). Belgium would also like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. First, let me thank the Bolivian presidency of the Security Council and Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for convening today's debate. As mentioned in my country's statement to the Council in December 2016 on this very topic (see S/PV.7758), the risk of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors is no longer a working hypothesis but rather a reality in various countries and regions.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“But attacks on schools not only claim the lives ofinnocent children and young people, they also jeopardize the education and the future of those who survive. Therefore, Belgium has endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration and invites other Member States to do the same. In that regard, we would like to call on the members of the Security Council to consider the possibility of drafting and adopting, along the lines of resolution 2286 (2016), a resolution with a specific focus on attacks on the education sector. In conclusion, I would like to commend Human Rights Watch, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross, on their professionalism, courage and the tireless efforts of their staff, and all local health-care workers who undertake remarkable work, despite the risks and challenges they face.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“In that regard, Belgium fully supports the initiative of the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism for Syria, both politically and financially. We encourage Member States to do the same. Investigating, prosecuting and punishing serious violations of international humanitarian law - in short, combating impunity - is crucial to deterrence and to preventing the commission of new crimes, which is essential to sustaining peace. States have a central role to play in that regard. Thirdly, I would like to recall the plight of children and young people and on the devastating impact of conflict on their education. It is estimated that 246 million children live in conflict zones. Like attacks on health services and personnel, attacks on schools are on the rise in many conflict situations.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“It is our shared responsibility to reverse that trend, by making tangible commitments and by taking concrete action. I would like to make the following three points on resolution 2286 (2016). First, although the adoption ofresolution 2286 (2016) is a good starting point, it is by no means the end result. More must be done, starting with the implementation of the resolution itself. We call on the States Members of the United Nations to work individually and collectively to implement the Secretary-General's recommendations in a consensual manner. Secondly, we must make better use of existing instruments to monitor, document and investigate serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“The Coalition has compiled a list of attacks perpetrated on health care personnel and facilities in no fewer than 23 countries. We must all support this vital effort to list and document such incidents. Attacks on health services are not just an ethical or moral issue; their scope is much broader. We must not forget the doubly devastating effect of such attacks on already fragile health-care systems and, by extension, their effect on vulnerable people such as the elderly, the sick, the pregnant women and the children who depend on those systems. There is also an adverse effect on international law, which we have all pledged to uphold. International humanitarian law is slowly being eroded because of serious repeated and often unpunished violations of the obligations it imposes on all parties to armed conflict.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“But that intolerable practice of targeting those who put themselves at risk to come to the aid of victims is not limited to that country; on the contrary, the phenomenon is much more widespread. We welcome the project undertaken by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - Health Care in Danger - to combat the problem of violence against patients, health workers, medical facilities and vehicles, and to make access to health care and the provision of health care in armed conflict and other emergency situations safer. The Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition - a group comprising of more than 30 NGOs - has published a report on the subject, which was recently presented to the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations at a seminar on Syria and Yemen.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium supports the statement made by the observer of the European Union, as well as the statement made by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. I would like to address more specifically the implementation of resolution 2286 (2016), on the protection of health services in armed conflict. First, on behalf of my country, I would like to express my indignation at the number and intensity of attacks on health services around the world. We are all familiar with the situation in Syria, where, according to various United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) reports, there is a sustained and targeted campaign against medical facilities and personnel.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“With the renewal of the UNAMA mandate in the near future, the United Nations will once again reiterate its commitment to Afghanistan and its people.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“However, deep economic reforms are also needed to create an environment conducive to the return of investment and the reappropriation of their future by the Afghans. The commitments made by the Afghan authorities at the Brussels conference with respect to their reform programme show that they are determined to do so. We encourage them to move forward in order to create the conditions to give the younger generations of Afghans, who are increasingly educated and harbour legitimate aspirations, the prospect of a better future in their own country. Allow me to conclude by welcoming the action of United Nations personnel in Afghanistan. They do outstanding work under particularly difficult conditions. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) illustrates the international community's resolve to partner with the Afghans.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Women also have a crucial role to play in achieving lasting peace. They must be fully involved in the peace and reconciliation process. Thirdly, the role of regional partners in the success of the peace and reconciliation process must be emphasized. In that regard, Belgium calls on all regional actors to use their influence to promote the resumption of peace talks and an end to the fighting, while leaving Afghans to take charge of their own destiny and complete the process of peace and reconciliation on their own. Finally, economic development is another priority, as it will make the country less dependent on international aid, on the one hand, and illegal trade, on the other. The ongoing conflict profoundly affects the opportunities for growth; resources allotted to war are not used for development purposes.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“I would like to mention four points that seem key to giving peace every chance to be restored. First, it is important for the National Unity Government to continue to make every effort to gain the trust of the Afghan people through the implementation of policies aimed at ensuring the security of the population, eradicating corruption and impunity, promoting human rights - in particular those of women - and addressing shortcomings in the area of justice and good governance. Secondly, it is important that the process of reconciliation and reconciliation encompass all components of Afghan society, including those that are currently opposed to the National Unity Government. Failing that, peace will remain elusive. In other words, we must ensure that the process is taken in hand and run by Afghans themselves.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Regrettably, the report of the Secretary-General also reminds us that civilians continue to pay a very high price in the conflict. The increase in the number of children killed or injured is particularly unbearable. We support the Secretary-General's call for an end to attacks on civilians and to ensure that impunity does not triumph and that schools, hospitals, teachers and health workers are no longer targeted. Paradoxically, despite those serious security problems, peace in Afghanistan is not a pipe dream. First, the current military impasse demonstrates that a military solution to the conflict simply does not exist. Secondly, the Afghan population, as a whole, exhausted by so many years of war, longs for stability and development. Finally, the restoration of peace will benefit both Afghans and their neighbours.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium thanks the Secretary-General for his quarterly report (S/2017/189) on the situation in Afghanistan. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, for his clear and enlightening briefing. Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. First and foremost, on behalf of my country, I would like to strongly condemn the reprehensible attack on the military hospital in Kabul. Targeting a hospital is a particularly vile, cowardly and barbaric act. Our condolences and sympathy go to the families of the victims and to the people of Afghanistan. Belgium, along with the international community, will continue to support Afghanistan in the fight against such acts of terror.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“These bodies can work usefully to raise Member State awareness on the issue of protecting critical infrastructure against the terrorist threat by promoting the exchange of good practices in the operational framework. Such awareness- raising may include, for example, the organization of meetings in which States share lessons learned from their own experience and present best practices that have proven successful. The United Nations is a vital forum for developing the exchange of information and best practices and helping to identify gaps in the protection of critical infrastructure. For that reason, Belgium sponsored resolution 2341 (2017) adopted at the beginning of this meeting.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Strengthening international cooperation, including through information exchange, joint drills and the development of scenarios and contingency plans, should be encouraged. With this in view, the European Union (EU) has developed, together with its member States, a number of tools to deal with the threat, notably the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection and the European Directive of 6 July 2016 on network security and information systems within the EU. Because those tools, as well as others, were detailed in the statement made by the representative of the EU, I will not revisit them. The important role of the United Nations, in particular through the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Executive Directorate - which assists the Committee-andtheCounter-TerrorismImplementation Task Force, bears mentioning.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“In Belgium, for example, the Belgian Centre for Cyber Security, created in 2014, has developed a national plan that describes the roles and tasks of the various authorities in the event of a national incident or national cyber security crisis. Effective public-private cooperation is another important area of prevention and response to threats, as it is not uncommon for parts of critical infrastructure to belong to the private sector. There is therefore a need to increase opportunities for the public and private sectors to meet, in particular through conferences, drills or trainings. Establishing an information network among private companies and public authorities against terrorist threats is an extremely important tool in that respect.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“In that respect, modern methods of prevention, based on adequate training of security officers and law enforcement officials, should be developed. Belgium attaches great importance to these aspects, in particular through the organization of drills and the introduction of specific training programmes for its security forces. The critical infrastructure security plan must contain both physical measures, such as the installation of security barriers or surveillance cameras, as well as cybermeasures such as firewalls or detection systems. In addition, authorities should ensure the development of digital emergency planning, and crisis and alert management for populations directly affected by an emergency.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“In that connection, Syria is the clearest tragic example, but is unfortunately not the only conflict. Other regions are embroiled in war and instability that are conducive to the growing influence of terrorist groups. In that regard, we highlight the Security Council's particular responsibility to unite the international community in efforts to find peaceful and political resolutions to those conflicts. Additionally, it is clear that we must directly confront Da'esh, Al-Qaida and affiliated groups. In that regard, Belgium is an active participant in the international coalition against Da'esh. With particular regard to the protection of critical infrastructure, I would like to make the following comments. In this area, as in others, the importance of prevention is paramount.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): We thank the Ukrainian presidency of the Security Council for having convened this public debate on the important topic of the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. We also thank the briefers for their statements. Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Multiple responses are needed to counter terrorism and violent extremism. First, we must tackle the root causes of the phenomenon by collectively protecting our fundamental values: respect for human rights, the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development, the fight against impunity and the promotion of tolerance. The international community must also join forces to promote the peaceful and political resolution of the far too many conflicts ravaging our planet.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to invite all participants to attend an event tomorrow morning entitled "From Local Action to Global Change - Bottom-up Approaches on Resolution 1325 (2000) from Iraq, Libya and Kenya", co-chaired by Costa Rica and my country, Belgium, and organized by the WO=MEN, Women Peacemakers Programme, PAX and Cordaid associations, It will provide an important opportunity to illustrate the important role of civil society in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Thirdly and finally, the women and peace and security agenda should be integrated into the thematic work of the Security Council on counter-terrorism, even when it comes to countries where groups such as Boko Haram or the so-called Islamic State are active, and into country strategies in line with commitments made in resolution 2242 (2015).”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“In the outcome document of that international symposium, held in June 2006, participants committed themselves to "intensify international, regional and national efforts to end impunity for perpetrators by strengthening the legal and judicial systems and by enacting and enforcing legislation, and provide national justice systems with the necessary resources to prosecute cases of sexual and gender- based violence". Belgium supports that appeal with determination and actively contributes to current efforts to pursue the so-called Islamic State - also known as Da'esh - for its crimes, especially those committed against the Yazidi community.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“I would like to make three very concrete recommendations: First, we urgently need to increase the active participation and representation of women in all political, justice and peace processes. Indeed, many studies have shown that women's participation increases the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, the credibility and quality of peacekeeping operations, the speed of economic recovery in post-conflict situations and the sustainability of peace agreements. Secondly, in the fight against sexual violence in conflict situations, the fight against impunity is of paramount importance. This year is the tenth anniversary of the Brussels Call to Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belgium has contributed â‚¬2 million for the implementation of the UN-Women programme entitled "Support for the law and the participation of Congolese women in the context of resolution 1325 (2000)". At the invitation of Spain, Belgium became a founding member of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network. We thank that country for its initiative in that regard. We also wish to salute Spain and the United Kingdom as co-chairs of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security for their invaluable contributions, and we are pleased to see that group of experts pursue its work on a consolidated basis. The Russian presidency has also asked us to think about next steps in promoting the women and peace and security agenda.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“At the international level, Belgium works closely with multilateral organizations, such as UN-Women, to strengthen national capacities for the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. In our current National Action Plan, we have identified three priority partner countries - Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali - to which we provide financial assistance for the financing of specific projects. In Mali, together with UN-Women, Belgium co-chairs the donor group devoted to the issue of gender equality and has contributed â‚¬1.5 million to the programme to support the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in the peace process. In Afghanistan, Belgium has supported the UN-Women country programme with a contribution of â‚¬3 million.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Today's debate focuses quite rightly on progress achieved in implementing the commitments undertaken by Member States, regional organizations and the United Nations in the high-level review of women and peace and security in October 2015. Since the outset, Belgium has strongly endorsed the women and peace and security agenda. Currently, at the national level, all Belgian stakeholders are focusing their efforts on implementing our second national plan of action for the agenda. We are also in the process of drafting our third plan, in which we will give particular attention to women's key role in preventing violent extremism. We are ready to share our experience in this field and welcome with interest all the experiences and best practices that our partners are willing to share.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Diakite opened the way for Mali to recognize the rights of women in every domain - the fight against female genital mutilation, child marriages and gender-based violence. That woman serves as a model who can inspire all of us. An open debate (see S/PV.7533)was held a year ago on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). It was the most well-attended debate in the history of the Security Council, with 113 speakers over a two-day period. The vast majority ofMember States co-sponsored resolution 2242 (2015). That overwhelming participation clearly shows the importance that Member States attach to the women and peace and security agenda. It is indeed a matter that concerns us all. Our priority can now be summed up in three words: implementation, implementation, implementation.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium would like to thank the Russian delegation for convening today's debate. We would also like to thank Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN- Women, and Ms. Rita Lopidia, Executive Director of EVE Organization for Women Development, for their briefings and their presence today. Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to add the following observations in my national capacity. At the outset, I would like to pay tribute to Ms. Fatoumata Sire Diakite, late President and founder of the Association for the Progress and Defence of Women in Mali, who passed away on 14 October. She was recognized as Woman of the Year in Mali in 2015 and was honoured by numerous awards. Ms.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“We strongly support the efforts made to that end in the context of peacekeeping operations, including the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in support of the capacities and initiatives of the Governments concerned to prosecute alleged recruiters of child soldiers. In conclusion, we support the meticulous and courageous work of the personnel of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict, as reflected by the fact that Belgium is one of the main donors to that UNICEF programme. We call on States Members to do the same.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“It is in that spirit that Belgium organized last month in New York, in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Mathilde, an event promoting the sharing of best practices for the psychosocial rehabilitation and social integration of children in conflict. Belgium reiterates its firm support for the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and notes with appreciation the results of her Children, Not Soldiers campaign, which has led all the Governments concerned to sign action plans aimed at ending the recruitment and use of children in national security forces.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“My country also urges States that have not yet ratified the relevant international instruments, especially the conventions banning landmines and cluster munitions, to do so as soon as possible. My country encourages all Member States to strengthen their efforts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. Belgium also wishes to emphasize the importance of the establishment of adequate reintegration and rehabilitation mechanisms for children affected by conflict. The extreme experiences of these children often have a negative influence on their ability to reintegrate, which can also harm term efforts to sustain peace. It is therefore important to work together to ensure that children affected by conflict can benefit from appropriate long-term support.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Our struggle against violent extremism will be successful only if we address its root causes, always in strict compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms. Gravely concerned by the phenomenon of child abductions in situations of armed conflict, my country welcomes the addition of this phenomenon to the list of violations involving inclusion in the lists annexed to the annual reports. Belgium believes that these lists are a valuable tool in the identification and prosecution of perpetrators, and contribute thereby to efforts to stop such violations. Belgium also remains concerned about the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and calls on all parties involved in a conflict to renounce that practice, of which children are the primary victims.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for allowing my delegation to speak in this debate. Belgium fully supports the statements made on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, and should like make the following observations in its to national capacities. We welcome the publication of the new report of the Secretary-General on the situation of children and armed conflict (S/2016/360). Among the developments noted, Belgium regrets the worsening impact of violent extremism on children. We share the view of the Secretary-General that this phenomenon is the result of a context in which it is essential to understand the root causes in order to combat it effectively.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“It is therefore our wish that our debate today helps to lay a new milestone on the path of strengthening the partnership between those two organizations with a View to ending the too many conflicts that still plague Africa and its peoples.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Bineta Diop as Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security by the President of the African Union Commission. I also note the launch in June 2014 of the five-year Gender, Peace and Security programme, which was designed to increase the participation of women in promoting peace and security, while enhancing their protection in conflict and post-conflict situations in Africa. There is a complementarity of action and clear common goals between the African Union and the United Nations in working for the maintenance of international peace and security. Political, operational and logistical cooperation is possible.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“In Burundi, too, the good understanding between the United Nations and the African Union, via coordinated action between their respective special envoys, is essential to support subregional mediation. A complementary approach could be adopted, as necessary, between the observers of African Union, who are already deployed in the country, and the future United Nations police mission. Furthermore, the United Nations has mediation expertise that can be very useful in such situations and should be shared with the African Union. In conclusion, Belgium welcomes the initiatives of the African Union aimed at implementing resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. I am thinking specifically of the appointment in January 2014 of Ms.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Another area in which the importance of close cooperation between the two organizations is crucial is support for electoral processes. Elections are an area of activity where the African Union and the United Nations must work together in a concerted effort of mediation and conflict prevention. The 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance could be a useful reference point in that regard. In that regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo provides us with a specific situation where the African Union is working to launch a dialogue between the opposition and the Government in order to shape the electoral process, and could benefit from significant support from the United Nations.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“In practical terms, deepening cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union that Belgium would wish to see could advance through the implementation of some simple and practical measures. In terms of information exchange, for example, we would suggest that United Nations representatives and special envoys be regularly invited to speak before the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. Conversely, the various envoys and facilitators of the African Union should also appear regularly to express their views before the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission when crisis situations or matters of mutual interest so require. That would promote the direct exchange of information and good practices and more consistent analyses.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“As a State member of the European Union (EU), Belgium is, moreover, in favour of pursuing a relationship of tripartite cooperation among the European Union, the United Nations and the African Union. I recall that the European Union has played a pioneering role in the area of cooperation with the African Union. To this day, it remains the main financial contributor to the peacekeeping operations of the African Union. The tried-and-tested European Union African Peace Facility should be maintained. For all that, the search for a lasting solution to the issue of financing for African Union peacekeeping operations must continue. In that regard, we welcome the commitment undertaken by States members of the African Union at the January 2015 Summit to shoulder 25 per cent of the cost of those operations by the end of the decade.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“That partnership has resulted in very concrete results, such as the takeover of an African Union mission by a United Nations mission, in Mali and in the Central African Republic, and the logistical support provided by the African Union Mission in Somalia, to name just a two. Those developments are encouraging insofar as they reflect an increasing interaction and a shared vision of peacekeeping. Furthermore, I believe that there is another area of operation to explore with regard to peacekeeping technical capabilities. The Department ofField Support has developed unequalled know-how in that area, especially in organizational and logistical matters. In that regard, the African Union might benefit from a transfer of knowledge for the development of its security architecture.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“This debate is also important because it makes it possible to recall the added value of regional organizations in resolving and preventing conflict thanks to their knowledge of the terrain, the protagonists and mindsets, not to mention their interest in promoting stability in their immediate environment. In short, there is a complementarity of action between the United Nations and regional organizations that should be strengthened, in particular in view of finding African solutions to African problems. I should like to make the following comments on the specific issue of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union on peace and security. First, in recent years we have noted the development of a growing and varied partnership between the United Nations and the African Union.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the President of the Security Council for taking the initiative to organize this debate, which allows us to address the important issue of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union on peace and security. I would also like to express my gratitude for the briefings. Belgium fully endorses the statement just made on behalf of the European Union. I wish to add the following remarks in my national capacity. Today's debate is important because it is on the African continent that cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is the most developed. At the same time, it is there that such cooperation is the most necessary, in view of the numerous challenges to peace and security that arise there.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“It aims to develop and share best practices in the area of strategic communications with the goal of preventing and countering acts of terrorism and violent extremism, especially those linked to foreign terrorist fighters. The project includes a small team of experts from European Union member States who have developed successful communications strategies for dealing with the issue of foreign terrorist fighters.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source