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

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

“The project has been positively assessed by the European Commission and will be expanded to several European cities. Secondly, as part of a broad prevention and safety programme, 19 Belgian cities and municipalities have added the fight against violent radicalization to their prevention and security plans, supported by a significant supplement to their budgets allocated by the federal Government. In that regard, the Belgian Ministry of the Interior is also organizing quarterly coordination meetings at which cities and municipalities are kept informed about developments in radicalization and share their local experiences. Belgium, in cooperation with the United Kingdom, has launched a project open to all European Union member States and financed by the European Commission: the Syria Strategic Communications Advisory Team.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Such counter-narratives generally rely on those close to such young people 4 their families, friends and religious leaders. They are also the hardest to implement, because they require resources and expertise. The United Nations undoubtedly has a role to play in that regard in capacity-building and in providing and promoting the exchange of experiences. Belgium has established several instruments aimed at combating violent radicalization that I will describe briefly. First, scientific research has shown that building resilience during the early stages of exposure to radical ideas has a protective effect against radicalization, which is what Belgium has sought to do through a project named BOUNCE, aimed at young people and those close to them. More than 100 local representatives have been trained in the use of BOUNCE resilience tools.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“They are lying and it will not be what you think it is." A positive message should convey through very concrete examples that young people can play an active role in society that is rewarding both for them and for the community as a whole. In short, they can imagine a positive future for themselves. That assumes, however, that all the key actors around them - the public authorities, school, the local community, businesses, culture and the media - have the means to ensure that this hope can become reality. Lastly, and most importantly, the counter-narrative most likely to change the direction an individual has taken is face-to-face dialogue that makes it possible to work with potential terrorists, giving them time and personal attention.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Its section on strategic communication, the Internet and social media (see paragraph 55), details the importance of adapting narratives to the local context, encouraging research on Internet use in a context of violent extremism, promoting values of tolerance and freedom of opinion, working with victims and protecting journalists. Secondly, an effective counter-narrative must also be based on knowledgeable analysis of the motives of potential terrorists, which often vary greatly. In that regard, the results of projects such as the returnees interview programme developed by the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force could prove very useful. Thirdly, it seems probable that the most effective type of narrative will be those with a positive message; too often, the messages are negative, saying, for example, "Do not go to Syria.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“I would like to share some thoughts about the conditions that can enable us to produce effective counter-narratives. First, it is important to adapt a narrative to its target audience. Every culture, population sector and social group has its own sensitivities, which is why it is so important for each State to design its own strategy for countering the radicalization that leads to terrorism and terrorist recruitment. That is exactly what the Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674) is promoting in its call for the adoption of national plans.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Besides this widespread propaganda, what makes Da'esh particularly effective is the investment in time and resources dedicated to each of the individuals they hope to recruit. Recruiters are trained for this purpose and, by following a specific procedure, they find the type of narrative that is most likely to lead that particular individual to join their ranks. We will never be able to thwart this extremely effective machine by using only standardized, banal and negative discourse. We cannot simply produce counter-narratives. We have to convince people that there are better things to do than to give aid to Da'esh and commit terrorist acts. We have to coordinate our efforts at the international, regional, national and local levels, right down to single neighbourhoods, and we have to ensure the participation of civil society.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate on countering narratives, as this is one way to counteract the phenomenon of terrorism. This scourge is particularly worrisome to Belgium, which was a target of horrific attacks on 22 March, following those in France, Lebanon, Pakistan, C6te d'Ivoire, Turkey and many other countries in the recent past. I would like to align in spirit with our debate all the victims of these atrocities. These attacks are attacks against the international community and against our values. We know how a terrorist group like Da'esh makes harmful use of social media and radical discourse. They spread broad-based propaganda and they adapt it to their audience by adopting the codes of youth and of the regions concerned.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Many steps have thus already been taken in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, and it is now our duty to focus on implementing them and to remain vigilant in order to ensure that they can help us deal with these constantly evolving threats.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“I have in mind, for instance, links to organized crime, the use of simple chemicals for making bombs, the use of new, unregulated virtual spaces such as the Darknet or the trafficking of illegal weapons. It is therefore vital to work together to adapt and react instantly. In that regard, implementing the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects will help to counter the acquisition of such weapons by criminal gangs or terrorists. Many initiatives aimed at promoting better data and information exchange have been undertaken, particularly by the European Union and INTERPOL.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Finally, with regard to the security response, in an integrated approach, such a response is crucial. That is why we must continue to unstintingly fight against the pseudo-States of the Islamic State and Al-Qaida. Belgium is therefore actively participating in the international coalition against Da'esh. It is also the reason why Belgium is firmly committed to strengthening its own means for responding to the threat and continue working towards for closer cooperation with its partners. Such international cooperation becomes increasingly necessary as the threat of foreign terrorist fighters returning to their countries of origin evolves and continues to pose new challenges.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“It is essential for international community to stay united to resolve conflicts peacefully and politically, particularly those conflicts that create the chaos that allows terrorist groups to come in. Syria is the first hotbed of crisis to be extinguished. In that context, we pay tribute to the tireless work being carried out by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. De Mistura. But the work does not stop there. Unfortunately, other regions of the world are experiencing significant problems that do not cease to provide terrorist groups with opportunities to expand their networks. Belgium supports the United Nations, which, by its mandate, legitimacy and capacity, has a role to play that is more crucial than ever in the fight against this new world disorder.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Besides calling for each State and region to shoulder its responsibility, the Plan of Action pertinently emphasizes the linkages to be made with the Sustainable Development Goals (General Assembly resolution 70/ 1) and the upholding of human rights, rule oflaw, good governance, the fight against impunity and the promotion of tolerance. In this regard, we are convinced that young people, women, education and access to decent employment will play a key role in the success of this strategy. The all-of- United Nations approach is, in this regard, key. Secondly, with regard to prevention and political resolution of international conflicts, we cannot defeat the scourge of terrorism if we allow terrorists to take control of territories from which they can develop their capacities, spread their ideology and prepare their attacks.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“First, with respect to the defence of our societies' shared values and resilience, if we do not address the root causes we will be condemned to see resurgent violent extremism elsewhere, wherever chaos allows it to settle. Security and respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and individual freedoms are complementary and mutually reinforcing. This is a message that we express with force, be it within the United Nations, the European Union or the Council of Europe. The holistic approach that Belgium is committed to is underscored in the Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674), published in January. We welcome this and support it.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The complexity of the phenomenon requires us to treat it in a preventive, punitive and remedial manner. Having become aware of the problem of radicalization at an early stage, my country drafted its first action plan against radicalism in 2005. In April 2013, the my country's Government adopted its first national programme for preventing radicalization, which was based on improved understanding of radicalization processes, the promotion of preventive social measures, strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable groups and raising awareness at the local and regional levels. Addressing terrorism and violent extremism on a global scale requires multiple responses. I would like to discuss three in the context of today's debate.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The attacks showed us that we have to continue pursuing our efforts with determination and in close collaboration with our partners. For several years now, many measures have been taken to strengthen our capabilities, be they legal, judicial, police, military or in terms of intelligence. Belgium, which, like many others, has been affected by the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon, is giving priority attention to implementing resolution 2178 (2014) and has taken the steps needed to vigorously fight against it. The Belgian penal code specifically criminalizes trips for the purposes of training in conflict areas and for participation in conflicts abroad. In tackling terrorism and violent extremism, the response must be integrated, comprehensive and coordinated.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Mr. President, Belgium thanks you for organizing today's debate, which is on a subject that concerns the entire international community and which hit Belgium with full force on 22 March, as it did recently in France, Lebanon, Pakistan, Cote d'Ivoire, Turkey and many other countries as well. I would like to associate our debate in spirit with all the victims of these atrocities. I would also like to thank the many States and regional and international organizations that offered their moral or practical support in those difficult times. These gestures are a sign of the commitment of the international community as a whole to keep a united front against international terrorism. Belgium was not waiting for these tragic events to occur on its territory before shouldering its responsibility.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We welcome the efforts made by the Secretary-General in this respect, encourage him to continue in this vein, and call on Member States to provide all necessary assistance.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The fact that the Security Council has mandated the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) to facilitate the operations of the Special Criminal Court, especially in its operational activities, is a very positive development. I call on the Security Council and Member States to continue supporting this instrument and ensuring support by MINUSCA for the day-to-day work of the Special Criminal Court. Finally, we have the issue of the criminal liability of peacekeepers and of United Nations officials and experts on mission. On 6 January, new cases of sexual abuse in the Central African Republic were reported; this time it appears that they were committed by MINUSCA soldiers. The United Nations must lead by example and do its utmost so that this kind of event does not recur.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“I wish to recall the need for the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Like the Secretary- General, Belgium calls on all States Members of the United Nations to ratify the Rome Statute. We also call on them to support the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Court, which is an indispensable tool for the proper functioning of the Court. On the other hand, I believe it necessary to acknowledge the efforts of the Government of the Central African Republic in setting up a Special Criminal Court, supported by the United Nations Development Programme and DPKO.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The United Nations and its Member States must ensure that the necessary means are also made available for these essential tasks. The preventive dimension is multifaceted and calls for the strengthening of many links in the chain of operations of peacekeeping missions so that they can give due attention to the protection of civilians. The joint action plan developed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support provides a solid basis in this regard. We urge the Secretary-General to report regularly on the progress made and the difficulties encountered in the implementation thereof. Thirdly, concerning the fight against impunity, we must ensure that the perpetrators of the most serious crimes against civilians are held accountable for their actions.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“This message was conveyed by Belgium during its presidency of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Donor Support Group in 2015, through support for the Health Care in Danger initiative, and by its sending, in January 2014, a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, endorsed by 28 ministers, reminding all parties to the conflict in Syria of their obligations to respect international humanitarian law concerning access to health care and thereby facilitate the work of humanitarian actors. Secondly, concerning prevention, Blue Helmets have a duty to intervene when civilians are at risk, using force if necessary. Alongside this obligation, a great deal of prevention work must be done within United Nations operations in terms of the training of peacekeepers prior to deployment, and through exchanges with host countries.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“In the meantime, the Syrian authorities have decided to grant humanitarian access to the city, and initial deliveries of humanitarian aid are beginning to reach the endangered populations. We call on the parties to the conflict to ensure humanitarian access to the entire civilian population and under no circumstances to use the practice of siege, in accordance with their obligations under international law. Humanitarian access, as well as the protection of medical infrastructure, must remain a priority of the Security Council.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“92) Secondly, Belgium fully supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General in each of the areas dealt with in his report of 18 June 2015 (S/2015/453), namely, strengthening respect for international law; humanitarian access; the use of explosive devices in populated areas; the identification and registration of civilian casualties; displaced persons; and the role of the Security Council on the protection of civilians. I now wish to address three specific aspects of these recommendations. First, concerning humanitarian access, the appalling images and testimony coming out of Madaya, where hundreds of people are literally starving, are a reminder to us of just how tragic the situation of the civilian population in Syria is.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“As part of the open debate today, I wish to express my country's full and complete support for the work of the Secretary-General in implementing these recommendations, in particular those in relation to the protection of civilians. In this context, I think it useful to quote the following passage of the report of the High- level Independent Panel: "The United Nations must not stand by as civilians are threatened or killed: missions must demonstrate the determination to use every tool available to protect civilians under imminent threat." (S/2015/446, para.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium thanks Uruguay, President of the Security Council, for organizing today's open debate today as well as the various speakers for their contributions. Current events have unfortunately shown the relevance of and need for this debate. Belgium fully supports the statement made by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, as well as the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union. I would like to raise two points in my national capacity. First, Belgium welcomes the recommendations of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Finally, we should not lose sight of the fact that other security issues also directly affect small island developing States and need a prompt solution. Belgium is an active partner in the fight against trafficking in drugs, weapons and human beings. Concrete actions against drug trafficking, such as the patrolling by frigates and helicopters of the Belgian Armed Forces in the Caribbean, have contributed for many years to improving the security of countries in the region. Belgium looks forward to continuing its active engagement with small island developing States on issues of vital importance to all, but whose specific dimension for those countries we need to understand better. Global solidarity unites us, and Belgium is a willing defender thereof.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“We also welcome the fact that the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development contains many references to small island developing States, their specificities and the particular challenges they face. I quote: "SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development in view oftheir small size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, and exposure to global environmental challenges." The Addis Ababa Action Agenda also contains numerous operational references to small island developing States and to climate change, such as investments in enhancing resilience, research on clean energy, services in sustainable energy, adaptation needs through the Green Climate Fund, and marine research.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“In that regard, Belgium welcomes the progress made in the negotiation of a new post-2015 development programme. The inclusion in that programme of Goal 14 and its targets, which highlight the importance of oceans, the protection of marine resources and their sustainable use, is the result of an ongoing and sustained commitment on the part of the small island developing States, for which we are grateful. Indeed, we believe that Goal 14 is an essential component of our future programme. Humankind depends on the oceans for its survival and sustainable development. That requires a holistic approach to the oceans and their resources. Small island developing States have played a pioneering and mobilizing role on those issues.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“In the document, Member States acknowledge "the leadership role of small island developing States in advocating for ambitious global efforts to address climate change, raising awareness of the need for urgent and ambitious action to address climate change at the global level and making efforts to adapt to the intensifying impacts of climate change and to further develop and implement plans, policies, strategies and legislative frameworks with support where necessary". (General Assembly resolution 69/15, annex, para.33) We therefore encourage small island developing States to further strengthen their profile and their position as a group in negotiating the Climate Convention. For small island States, the link between sustainable development and security appears evident.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“In that context, Belgium fully supports the commitment of the European Union to reach a legally binding instrument applicable to all parties within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Conference of the Parties in Paris at the end of this year, taking into account the fact that the European Union will exceed the target for reducing greenhouse gases that it has set for 2020 and that it has embarked on the implementation of its commitment to reduce its emissions by 40 per cent by 2030. The Outcome document adopted by consensus at the International Conference on Small Island Developing States in September 2014, better known as Samoa Pathway, puts particular emphasis on the need for a strong partnership to meet the challenges.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“For some of them, forced emigration becomes the only long-term prospect. The case for review by the Security Council of the implications of climate change, especially for small island developing States, is therefore becoming increasingly compelling. Accordingly, we would like to see the 2009 report of the Secretary-General entitled "Climate change and its possible security implications" (A/64/350) brought up to date.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium thanks New Zealand for its initiative in holding today's meeting, thereby giving the small island developing States and their international partners the opportunity to comment on the major challenges to security faced by those States. We also welcome the holding, last month, of an Arria Formula meeting of the Security Council, which again showed the role of climate change as a threat multiplier for global security. The meeting emphatically reminded us of the existential threat posed by the adverse effects of climate change on low-lying island nations: their land and coastal resources diminish as do their livelihoods, and their fresh water and agricultural resources are reaching their limits, resulting in increased tensions within the affected communities.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the high-level meeting scheduled for September, which will give us an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the action plan against extremism developed during the recent Summit in Washington, DC.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“At the ministerial meeting of 19 May, during which the Belgian chairmanship will end, member States will adopt a new protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, focused on the fight against the phenomenon of foreign fighters. An action plan against the radicalization and extremism that may lead to terrorism will also be adopted on that occasion. Based on our previous initiatives, including the Washington, D.C., Summit organized by President Obama last February, we encourage Member States to strengthen their cooperation so as to address the phenomenon of foreign fighters, ensure the safety of our citizens, address the root causes allowing terrorism to thrive, and deal with recruitment.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“At the request of EU member States and in cooperation with the United Kingdom, Belgium has taken the lead of the Syria Strategic Communications Advisory Team programme, which aims to develop a media strategy to counter the message of hatred sent out by jihadist preachers. I also wish to recall that Belgium, as part of its chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, will organize on 8 May a conference on the theme "Tolerance is stronger than hatred," thereby showing the extent to which the diversity of our societies is an asset, rather than a risk. It aims to identify concrete recommendations, with particular attention to three areas that may play an important role in promoting our ability to live together: formal and informal education, the media, and the worlds of work and social relationships.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Concerning prisons, the Minister of Justice has just launched an action plan against radicalization, which aims, first, to prevent inmates from becoming radicalized while in prison, and, secondly, to develop a specialized coaching programme for those radicalized during their detention. Other levels of Government in Belgium have also launched their own projects, and all of them pay particular attention to the training of those on the front line, including teachers, educators and social workers. Tools have also been developed to train young people themselves and their parents so as to better anchor the moral and civic values of our societies in education and better equip young people against the dangers of ideological indoctrination.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Allow me to conclude my statement by shedding light on what Belgium has or intends to do in order to combat Violent extremism. Our actions could serve as experience to be shared within the framework of the necessary exercise of the exchange of good practices between all the relevant stakeholders. The Belgian federal authorities have adopted a programme to prevent Violent radicalization, with the goal, in particular, of better identifying the processes of radicalization through research projects and incorporating that information into new initiatives that have been or will be further developed in terms of prevention. A pilot project was launched in 2014 in nearly a dozen of the cities most affected by this phenomenon so as to provide better support to local authorities and enable them to combat the phenomenon of violent radicalization.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Thirdly and finally, we need to better understand how the channels of communication used by violent extremists function. Social media and the Internet are undeniably vectors for radicalization. As was pointed out last February during the White House summit on countering violent extremism, in Washington, D.C., it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between actors from all key sectors, including the private sector, while respecting the fundamental principle of the freedom of expression. The Internet has a powerful grip; however, it is not in itself sufficient to radicalize youth in a lasting way. Contact between these young people and local extremist and jihadist networks and cells is the second stage, which draws them more lastingly into those destructive movements. We must fight against them with strength and determination.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Ultimately, such policies should have the result of enabling young people to become the main vectors for solutions and to defend themselves and the values of tolerance and respect for others. Secondly, we need to provide our youth with a future. Socio-professional insertion, particularly for the most disadvantaged, should be a priority of all our Governments. According to the International Labour Organization, 73 million young people worldwide are currently unemployed. The lack of employment and income prevents them from projecting themselves into their future and building a decent adult life. That lack of prospects makes them easy prey for all types of extremists. That issue should be at the core of negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“It is an illusion to think that we can reach the young people concerned, who have often withdrawn from both school and society, without reaching out to them where they live, where their frustrations and failures have taken root and which is the breeding ground for their potential radicalization. That requires human and financial resources, as well as genuine political will. Schools, neighbourhood leaders, social services, families - where women often play a major role i local religious leaders and civil-society associations will be among our best allies. We need to strengthen their ability to act, including by training them to produce a counter-discourse that can really be heard.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“In that regard, I would like to highlight three courses of action that I consider crucial in the fight against this phenomenon. First, there is a need to link the actions at the various levels of power, from the global to the most local, while taking into account the value added and the competencies of each of those levels. Although we must define the major political outlines and acquire the means at the international, regional and national levels to fight this scourge, concrete implementation will primarily take place in cities and neighbourhoods.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“My country was directly affected by the deadly attack almost a year ago, on 24 May 2014, against the Jewish Museum in Brussels, which was likely perpetrated by a young fighter returning from the Middle East. We must of course ensure the safety of our citizens against the risks posed by this phenomenon, but we must also ask ourselves what the causes and remedies are, and ensure that the latter are consistent with the values that we defend. Why do some young people choose to kill innocent people rather than go to school and acquire the tools necessary to become responsible adults who are useful to the society and community to which they belong? While the elements of the analysis of the causes of the phenomenon are well known, the remedies are complex and multifaceted, and need to be fine-tuned. Time is also required for them to take effect.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Mr. Buffin (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium would like to thank the Jordanian presidency for having organized this debate on a major challenge at the beginning of this new century. My statement is meant to complement the one delivered by the European Union (EU), which we, of course, endorse. We cannot deny that in recent years we have seen an alarming increase in radicalization and Violent extremism involving a great many young people from around the world. The Middle East is probably the region that suffers most from that trend, but many other regions of the world are also affected to varying degrees. Europe is no exception, and neither is Belgium.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Like the rigorous application of principles of international humanitarian law at the heart of the legal obligation to protect civilians in armed conflict, the effective implementation of the responsibility to protect allows us to ensure that children, women and men do not fall prey to unnecessary suffering. Again, it is the responsibility of each ofus, of each State, to ensure that that goal does not fall by the wayside.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“Finally, let me take this opportunity to reiterate the support of my country for France's initiative in favour of a voluntary limitation on the use of the veto in cases of mass crimes and on the implementation of the concept of responsibility to protect. This year is the tenth anniversary of the official acceptance, during the United Nations World Summit, by all Member States of the responsibility of each State to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. In that context, we welcome the launch by the Secretary-General of the Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“By contrast, resolution 2098 (2013), on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which creates a special Intervention Brigade and authorizes it to use force to protect civilians, shows that with a clear and specific mandate, a peacekeeping mission can truly ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. The clarity of mandates is therefore fundamental but not sufficient. There must be three other elements in place - strong operational control of activities of the contingents, clarity among the troop contingents on the tactical approach, and a good working relationship between the peacekeeping operations and the humanitarian actors on the ground.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“Belgium also wishes to emphasize the need to provide peacekeeping missions with clear mandates to protect civilians. The protection of civilians is one of the core missions of the United Nations. However, in a 2014 report, the Office of Internal Oversight Services highlighted the tendency in peacekeeping missions not to use force to defend civilians under attack, despite the fact that the use of force is legal and in accordance with the Security Council's intentions. One explanation for that state of affairs would be a lack of clarity in mandates.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“71) The fight against all forms of Violence against women, especially sexual violence, and the condemnation thereof has been a foreign policy and development-cooperation priority in Belgium for nearly 20 years. Therefore, under the Belgian presidency ofthe Donor Support Group of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Crescent, Belgium has decided to work on that issue. The approach of the ICRC in that area is particularly interesting and worthy of note. As part of its action, the ICRC shifts the burden of proof of the existence of sexual Violence in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Acts of sexual violence are now presumed to have taken place in such cases unless proven otherwise, which enables the ICRC programmes to mainstream that presumption in its response.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“Good internal and external coordination of United Nations action is also required for that purpose. Through the objectives designed to meet those needs, the Secretary-General's Human Rights Up Front initiative makes a significant contribution to the protection of civilians. The same can be said about the recommendation made by the Secretary-General in his 2013 report on the protection of civilians, which called for "work[ing] together to establish a common United Nations system to systematically record civilian casualties as part of broader efforts to monitor and report on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, drawing on good practice and expertise from within the United Nations, Member States and civil society." (S/2013/689, para.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source
“For its part, in 2013, Belgium put in place its second national action plan on women and peace and security for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Consistent with the fundamental goals of the resolution, the plan sets up concrete policies that allow Belgium - at home or abroad, through participation in the activities of the United Nations and other international organizations - to better promote and protect the rights of women and increase their participation in the decision-making process. Better protection of civilians in armed conflict requires better anticipation of the occurrence of conflicts. Similarly, in an armed conflict, every United Nations official should know exactly what his or her responsibilities and obligations are, as well as those of the Organization as a whole.”
2015-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7374 (2015) · source