YouSaid · the spoken record

De Klerk

lines on the record: 61
first: 2007-10-15
most recent: 2010-10-26
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“But let us not fool ourselves - there is still a long way to go before the spirit of resolution 1325 (2000) has fully permeated the work of the United Nations, its Member States and civil society. And that is why the Netherlands pleads for strengthened accountability mechanisms for the implementation of our commitments expressed here today. We also believe that defining clear roles and responsibilities for Member States and within the United Nations system would be conducive to stepping up our efforts to reach the goals of resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions. We are on the eve of a new decade of promoting women, peace and security. We now have a shared responsibility to implement our joint commitments.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Netherlands currently has five people at the disposal of the roster of rapidly deployable criminal justice professionals. The Dutch Government has summed up its efforts and results to date in a booklet that will be launched next month, entitled "The Dutch Dos on Women, Peace and Security". Ten years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we can say that more perpetrators of sexual violence are being brought to justice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more women are taking part in decision-making processes in the Sudan, and more Afghan women are demanding support in exchange for their votes. These are results we can take pride in.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In 2011 we will also continue our joint Foreign Affairs/Defence training on women, peace and security for our own staff. Our second commitment is the Dutch support to the originally Canadian Justice Rapid Response initiative to bring perpetrators to justice. This multilateral standby facility gives United Nations entities and Member States access to a roster of rapidly deployable criminal justice professionals. They will perform human rights and international criminal justice investigations, undertake special political and fact-finding missions and form commissions of inquiry, as well as security sector reform assessments. Criminal investigations and forensic inquiries are of great importance to ending impunity and preventing heinous crimes committed against women in armed conflict.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Together, we invested â‚¬23 million in 2009 to support women's organizations in fragile States, to promote female leadership and political participation, and to increase gender capacity. An active role for women is essential in interventions aimed at ending conflicts and increasing security, stability and human security globally. But is not enough. We need the partnership of men: male leaders who speak up about the atrocities of sexual violence, male commanders that instruct their uniformed services on how to protect civilians. The Netherlands and Australia will support a United Nations training module on sexual Violence geared towards peacekeepers. We will furthermore support a human rights training package geared towards the Congolese national army.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“And we must involve women, to build back a more secure and economically viable society. On 4 December 2007 the Netherlands adopted the Dutch National 1325 Action Plan, relying on a broad support base. The signatories - including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Interior, civil society organizations and knowledge institutions - took it upon themselves to jointly make a difference within the field of women, peace and security. As a result of our integrated approach, where diplomacy, defence and development are mutually reinforcing, gender has been fully incorporated in the assessment framework for Dutch contributions to peacekeeping operations.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important debate and for the opportunity to participate in it. My delegation would like to make a few remarks in addition to the European Union statement yet to be delivered. The importance of women's participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and reconstruction is clearly addressed in the landmark Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). Resolution 1325 (2000) has become one of the best-known resolutions the Security Council has adopted. It should become one of the most widely implemented resolutions. Basically, we need to talk to women, to obtain a better understanding and resolution of a conflict. We must protect women, to keep them and their families safe from violence and to keep their communities stable.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Let me conclude by calling upon all Security Council members to adopt a strong, action-oriented resolution that will contribute to a coordinated, systematic and coherent international response to these heinous crimes.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Finally, we take note of the Secretary-General's consideration of the advisability of the appointment of a senior person with responsibility to attend to the prevention of and response to sexual violence across the United Nations system. Indeed, there is a need for structural attention on this issue. The prevention of and response to sexual violence should be an integral part of peacekeeping and peacebuilding. In this respect, we would like to underline the importance of a positive decision by Member States in September to establish a strong, coordinated and coherent United Nations gender entity headed by an under-secretary-general.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We also welcome the recommendation to ensure that the Security Council Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians and the sanctions Committees be duly mandated to address sexual violence. In this respect, we consider the recent adoption of resolution 1882 (2009) to be a crucial step forward, as it ensures that the killing and maiming of children and rape and other sexual violence perpetrated against children in situations of armed conflict, are integrated into the monitoring activities of the Councils' Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. In addition, we look forward to receiving the Secretary-General's proposal for an appropriate mechanism or procedure to consider and act on information concerning measures taken by parties to armed conflict to comply with their obligations and to prosecute perpetrators of sexual violence.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Secondly, we welcome the efforts of the United Nations system to ensure that peace negotiations and agreements contribute to preventing and responding to sexual Violence. We would strongly encourage increasing efforts in this regard. We also would like to stress the role the Council and the Secretariat can play in ensuring the explicit integration of commitments made in resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) into the mandates of United Nations appointed mediators, special envoys and special representatives, and in monitoring the implementation of these commitments. Let me now briefly address some of the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report. We welcome the recommendation that the Council establish a commission of inquiry to investigate and report on violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Let me highlight some concrete steps which we consider crucial to ensuring follow-up to the commitments of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008). First, the Netherlands would like to underline the responsibility of all parties to a conflict, including State agents, to protect civilians in accordance with international, humanitarian and human rights law. This implies commitment and action from civilian and military leaders to use their authority to prevent sexual crimes and to report and punish all perpetrators who commit these crimes. In this context, we consider the vetting of armed and security forces, joint patrols to protect civilians, a duty to investigate for commanders, and enforceable codes of conducts to be measures that could significantly strengthen prevention policies.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“However, there is a need to enhance coordination, whether it be in the field of the rule of law, the provision of assistance to survivors of sexual violence or the collection of accurate data. While we are fully aware of the challenges to data collection and reporting in the midst of fragile and often volatile post-conflict and conflict situations, we consider the collection of accurate information in a safe, confidential environment very important, in order to ensure an adequate and coherent response of States and the United Nations system. In this respect, I also would like to underline the important role that civil society organizations play in the field and the need to involve them in the work of States and the United Nations system.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“After finalizing a national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000) one and a half years ago, the Dutch Ministries for Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Interior and 15 civil society organizations are working, nationally and internationally, to achieve our common goals, such as ensuring that a gender perspective is well integrated in the work of the armed forces, improving access to justice for victims of sexual violence, creating zero-tolerance communities and increasing the active role of women in State-building in countries such as Afghanistan, Burundi, the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We commend the important work of United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict in the field and recognize the ongoing efforts of the United Nations system as a whole to improve coordination of activities on the ground.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“During that open debate (see S/PV.5916), I expressed our hope that a report of the Secretary- General would initiate a process to ensure adequate follow-up by the Council and would address ways to improve coordination of United Nations activities on the ground. I also emphasized the importance of finding ways to monitor the actions taken by parties to a conflict to fulfil their responsibilities. One year after the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) and almost nine years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we have to conclude that we need to intensify our efforts to end sexual violence by ensuring real, concrete follow-up to these resolutions. The Secretary-General's report (S/2009/362) rightly states that it is up to Member States, the United Nations system and civil society to rise to the challenge.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Let me express our sincere appreciation to the United Kingdom for marking this first anniversary of the adoption by the Council of resolution 1820 (2008), on sexual violence in conflict, by holding an open debate in which the United Nations membership has the opportunity to address a subject which deserves the full attention of all States Members of the United Nations. I would first like to align myself with the statement made earlier by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. The Netherlands applauded the unanimous adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) by the Council last year.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source
“This is what we are trying to do already; of our assistance for Afghanistan of approximately â‚¬200 million since 2006, about one third is spent directly in Uruzgan, in full transparency towards the central authorities in Kabul and UNAMA, while about two thirds are spent through multilateral channels in support of the central Government.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Secondly, the civilian capacities of the Afghan authorities in Uruzgan are growing. We used to liaise mainly with the Governor, but these days we are linking our activities more and more to the executive branches of line ministries in Uruzgan and thereby strengthening the institutional structures and policies of the Afghan Government. Thirdly, all those developments, both on the civilian and on the military side, are contributing to strengthening the zone of stability and development in Uruzgan, and this will help us and our international partners to gradually shift towards a more national and a less single-province-oriented approach. We share Special Representative Eide's view that such a shift will help reduce the current level of aid 09-38734 fragmentation in Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We say this with modesty because we fully realize that situations in different provinces have been and are different. Nevertheless, we feel a few developments are noteworthy. First, the civilian footprint of the Dutch- led multilateral provincial reconstruction team in Uruzgan is growing. In fact, the team operates under civilian leadership. We feel that investments in civilian-military cooperation are paying off. UNAMA opened an office in May, and we feel that this is very useful. Moreover, the presence in Uruzgan of civilian actors has risen to 50 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and companies, as opposed to 6 NGOs in Uruzgan just three years ago. At the same time, Afghan authorities have increased their security and military presence in Uruzgan, and we expect this trend to continue.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“A third issue relates to what is sometimes referred to as the civilian and military surges which are under way and which we believe are necessary, particularly given the volatile security situation. We attach particular importance to the growing consensus regarding the importance of civilian assistance. In that regard, we share the view of others that international civilian efforts should be geared towards supporting and consolidating Afghan civilian capabilities, in line with the priorities identified by the Afghan authorities themselves. Pooling international civilian assistance capabilities would increase the efficiency of aid efforts and reduce the risk of duplication or, even worse, miscommunications between donors and the Afghan authorities. This brings me to a fourth and final observation - the Dutch experience in Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We believe that there is merit in discussing some sort of agreement between the international community and the new Afghan Government, following the formation of such a Government. That will enable both sides to express their expectations towards each other. From our side, we would wish to focus on the areas of good governance and human rights, values which are cherished not only by the international community, but also and more importantly by the Afghan population. In particular, more emphasis on clear targets in the area of the rule of law will help to establish the credibility of a new Government that will be trusted by the people of Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“First, on the upcoming elections, many speakers around the table have rightfully emphasized the importance of fair elections and, in this regard, the need to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. But let us not forget that these are the first elections organized by the Afghan authorities themselves, and that is no small development. It is an important sign that the spirit of democracy is gradually finding its place in Afghan society, and we congratulate the Afghan people on this. Secondly, it is time for the international community, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), to start thinking of the period after the elections.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for allowing the Netherlands to take the floor at this important debate on the situation in Afghanistan. We fully align ourselves with the statement made earlier by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic. Before offering a few remarks regarding the future, allow me to express the gratitude of the Dutch Government for the exemplary leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Eide in the run-up to and during the International Conference on Afghanistan in The Hague earlier this year. We are also grateful for the overwhelming support and constructive attitude of the approximately 100 delegations that attended the Conference. Regarding the future, the Netherlands would like to make a few observations.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We therefore stress the role of the International Criminal Court in the investigation and prosecution of such crimes falling within its jurisdiction. Where national systems of justice fail, either because of the unwillingness or because of the inability to genuinely prosecute such violations against children in armed conflict, the situation should be referred to the Court.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“My second point: In most cases, the Security Council has not taken strong steps to address accountability and end impunity for perpetrators of violations against children, especially with regard to persistent violators. As stated before in this Council, abuse really stops only when perpetrators have been brought to justice. Anything short of that means a continuation of the violation of victims' integrity. That is why ending impunity is a critical element in ending violations and abuses against children. The Member States concerned should take effective action to bring to justice individuals responsible for violations of children's rights. Those who recruit or use child soldiers, those who rape or commit other grave sexual violence against children - all should be held to account.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Think, for instance, about the situation of children born as a result of rape and about their traumas, which may damage them - and, again, others - for life. In its resolution 1820 (2008), the Council has already stressed that sexual violence can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict and may impede the restoration of international peace and security, and has expressed its readiness to adopt appropriate steps to address widespread or systematic sexual violence. The expansion of the trigger mechanism to cover the crime of rape and other forms of grave sexual violence against children should be seen as an appropriate step.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Like the recruitment and use of child soldiers, rape and other forms of sexual violence are intentional acts committed by individual perpetrators. Parties to armed conflict can take action to hold those perpetrators accountable for their actions. Progress in ending such violations can be measured, allowing for de-listing, an incentive for change. In dozens of ongoing armed conflicts, sexual violence continues to threaten the safety of women and girls on a daily basis. In some armed conflicts, boys also become victims of sexual violence, although in smaller numbers than girls. Rape and sexual violence against children may have long-term and long-lasting consequences, and their impact may affect future generations as well.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Effective monitoring and reporting help to reveal the extent and severity of violations, increase the accountability of those who target, abuse or exploit children and, last but not least, strengthen programmes to assist and protect children in situations of armed conflict. One step that the Security Council should take is to extend the applicability of the monitoring and reporting mechanism to other situations in which grave violations against children in armed conflict occur - first and foremost, rape and other grave sexual violence. Why should the Council do so? Over the past 20 years, rape and other forms of sexual violence have been documented in at least 50 conflicts, affecting millions of individuals, predominantly girls and women.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We commend the Security Council for the important progress made on its agenda related to children and armed conflict, in particular with regard to the use and recruitment of child soldiers. However, the Council should take further action to ensure that children caught in armed conflicts are protected from violence and related threats to their security and well- being. To that end, the Council should expand its focus to include the other grave violations against children in armed conflict, as they affect much larger numbers of children and result in terrible and long-lasting consequences. The monitoring and reporting mechanism has shown its value.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Whatever the case, we all have an urgent obligation to do whatever we can to protect children from armed conflict. That is a political and moral imperative for all of us. Along with the integrity of our children, the integrity of the Organization and everything it stands for is at stake. In children we see our future, and in their suffering during armed conflict we see the dark side of humankind. We heard impressive testimony to that effect earlier in the debate. The Netherlands strongly supports the valuable work of Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and that of the Security Council's Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We also thank the Secretary-General for his most recent report on that subject (S/2009/158).”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The Netherlands fully aligns itself with the statement made this morning by the Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. I would like to make a few additional remarks - first, on the expansion of the trigger mechanism for monitoring and reporting; and secondly, on impunity. I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate on children and armed conflict and for the work that Mexico is doing in this area. It is a sad reality that, as we speak, many children around the world are being harmed for life by armed conflicts. Sometimes, they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. More often than not, they are a tool or a target of shameless violence.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It is our hope that the conference will reaffirm the solid and long-term commitment of the international community, as defined during the Bonn, London, and Paris conferences, to shaping a better future for Afghanistan and its people. We share the view of Special Representative Eide that the conference will provide a timely opportunity to take a comprehensive look at the current political, security and development situation in Afghanistan and will thereby give new impetus to our common efforts.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Many speakers have referred to the upcoming elections and the crucial importance of the coming years for Afghanistan. It is against this background that the Netherlands has agreed, after consultations with Afghanistan and the United Nations, to host the "International Conference on Afghanistan: A comprehensive strategy in a regional context", to be held in The Hague on 31 March 2009. We are truly honoured that President Karzai and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will address the conference, together with Prime Minister Balkenende of the Netherlands, and that subsequently Special Representative Eide, Afghan Foreign Minister Spanta and Dutch Foreign Minister Verhagen will co-chair the ensuing ministerial discussions. The Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations are closely involved in the preparations, which are ongoing as we speak.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“In Uruzgan and elsewhere in Afghanistan, the Netherlands is guided by the principle that development, diplomacy and defence must go hand in hand. In our view, the Afghan authorities and the international community, with a central role for the United Nations, are all set in place to make progress towards our common objectives of security and development, increasingly under Afghan ownership and leadership. But we are also mindful that the security situation, economic development, governance, the rule of law and the humanitarian situation all continue to pose challenges. And we recognize that the regional dimension needs to be addressed. In that respect, we welcome the initiative of the Pakistani and Japanese Governments regarding the conference on Pakistan to be held in Tokyo next month.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“We cannot overemphasize our collective responsibility to provide the Special Representative with the support that he needs to enable UNAMA to fulfil its broad mandate as defined by the Security Council. We are particularly pleased that UNAMA has established a presence in Uruzgan province, where the Netherlands, together with other partners, is providing significant assistance and cooperation, both development and military. We see UNAMA's presence in Uruzgan as recognition of the progress achieved by the Afghan authorities together with international partners and hope it will further contribute to the development of stronger civilian structures in the south and to increased capacity of the Afghan authorities in that area.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing the Netherlands to take the floor in this important debate on the situation in Afghanistan. We fully align ourselves with the statement made by our colleague from the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. In the light of our longstanding commitment to Afghanistan, allow me to make a few additional remarks, in particular on the international conference on Afghanistan to be held in The Hague on 31 March, to which many have referred in this debate. Before turning to the conference, let me re-emphasize our appreciation of and continued support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) under the able leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kai Eide. We welcome his presence here and his comprehensive and inspiring briefing today.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“We are aware that much more progress in the area of security is needed, not only with a view to the upcoming elections, but also to allow the Afghan Government, with our support, to increasingly provide basic services such as health care, education and improved infrastructure for the Afghan people. Those are the features that will help to strengthen the belief and trust of the Afghan population in their Government and that thus will help rebuild and further stabilize the country.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“We hope and trust that the recent appointments by President Karzai will contribute to strengthening this governance. The elections next year are a vital test which we cannot afford to fail. First and foremost, we have to ensure that the elections are conducted in a safe environment. Here, the international forces have an important role to play, but the Afghan security forces will be at the forefront. Increasingly, those forces are taking responsibility for security in a growing number of zones. By and large the Afghan army is doing a professional job, thereby commanding respect and trust from the population, and we would hope to see similar developments in the Afghan police force. Training efforts to bolster the strength of the Afghan National Police have to be a priority for all those involved.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“There are no easy shortcuts, and we should not trade in our long-term objective of a stable Afghanistan free of terrorism and at peace with the outside world for short-term security gains. The strongest weapon against the Taliban is not a military one. It is a civilian one: it is a competent Afghan Government which is viewed as legitimate and which enjoys growing credibility among the Afghan population. The administration needs to be embodied by officials of personal integrity who are willing to reach out to all tribes and communities under their jurisdiction. We therefore respectfully encourage the Afghan Government to redouble its efforts in fighting corruption and involvement in illicit activities within its ranks and to appoint officials on the basis of their competence, integrity and ability to reach out to all communities.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“We continue to support the consolidation and expansion of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, notwithstanding the difficult circumstances. A stronger United Nations footprint in Afghanistan will help enhance the unity of purpose of the international community in Afghanistan. In his recent report (S/2008/6l7), the Secretary- General refers to the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country. We share his observations and concerns. Indeed, the Taliban is stepping up its attacks on Government representatives and aid workers and has intensified a campaign of violence and intimidation against the local population. This terror and violence should strengthen our resolve to keep working towards our long-term objectives.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing the Netherlands to take the floor. We would like to add a few remarks to this debate in view of our commitment to peace, security and development in Afghanistan. We are offering support as a donor, in line with our commitment made during the Paris Conference and in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, as well as by providing around 2,000 Dutch soldiers as part of the International Security Assistance Force mandated by the Security Council. Let me start by expressing our deep appreciation for the tremendous efforts undertaken by the United Nations family in Afghanistan under the able leadership of Ambassador Eide. We are grateful to Ambassador Eide for his clear and sober introduction this morning and for his tireless efforts.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“The Netherlands very much welcomes this open debate and commends the presidency of the United States for its effort to put this heinous crime so prominently on the agenda of the Council. Sexual violence is linked to peace and security. The adoption of a draft resolution co-sponsored by the Netherlands will be an important step in recognizing that link. We look forward to a report of the Secretary-General which initiates a process to ensure follow-up by the Security Council and to improve coordination of United Nations activities on the ground. Finally, we hope that this process will also include the monitoring of actions taken by parties to implement their responsibilities. We cannot tolerate what is happening to mothers, daughters, wives and grandmothers. Sexual violence in armed conflict has to stop.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In this respect, I would like to highlight the recent report of Save the Children United Kingdom about widespread sexual abuse of children and women by aid workers, and above all, by United Nations peacekeepers. It is intolerable that persons who should be providing assistance or protection on behalf of the international community take advantage of the situation to sexually abuse women and children. Finally, women are not just victims. It cannot be repeated often enough that women and women's organizations have to be included in peace and reconciliation processes. They also need to be involved in formulating justice and reparation programmes, including post-rape care.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Gender training is mandatory and is included in the curriculum of the School for Peace Operations. We believe that all peacekeeping troops and police contingents should be given comprehensive gender training before deployment. Moreover, gender awareness training should be mandatory for all persons in leadership positions in conflict and peace building situations, including civil, military and diplomatic representatives. Additionally, the United Nations should make an extra effort to appoint more women to senior leadership positions in peacekeeping missions. The United Nations should also vigorously implement its zero- tolerance policy. Commanders should shoulder on their responsibility and arrest perpetrators.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“National judicial systems should be strengthened in order to ensure that such criminals are caught, tried and effectively punished. If national systems fail to bring perpetrators to justice, the International Criminal Court comes into play. The Rome Statute clearly defines rape and other forms of sexual violence, when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians, as crimes against humanity. Fighting impunity is also one of the key elements of the resolution on all forms of violence against women that the Netherlands and France present in the General Assembly. Thirdly, acts of violence against women are often committed by soldiers - the very people who are supposed to provide protection. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence invests in promoting gender equality in the armed forces.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Men need to talk to men, and they have to speak openly to militia leaders, gang leaders and sometimes the generals to be better role models. If we want sexual violence to end, we need to raise awareness among men about the consequences of their actions. In situations of conflict, boys and men are constantly confronted with models of violent masculinity. Discussions should also take place between men and women, with boys and girls, within communities, to start the healing process and break the cycle of sexual violence. Secondly, acts of sexual violence should not go unpunished. We owe this first and foremost to the numerous victims. But everyone also should know that if they commit such a crime, they will not and cannot escape justice. Justice is imperative to ending impunity. Governments need to take vigorous action.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Women's rights are everyone's concern. The Netherlands is therefore taking a firm stand against the horrific violations of women's rights and human dignity that are taking place in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan. That is why the Netherlands supports the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. Also, last December, the Netherlands Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Interior and 15 civil society organizations agreed on a national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). An increasing number of Member States are elaborating similar action plans. We now need to focus on implementation. We need to join forces. What should we do? First, we need to target men. Gender equality and women's empowerment cannot be achieved without the involvement of men.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Our thanks go to you, Mr. President, and to Secretary Rice for having organized this important debate and for providing an opportunity for the Netherlands to make some remarks in addition to Slovenia's intervention on behalf of the European Union. In 2000, resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security was adopted unanimously by the Council; in 2002, the Rome Statute entered into force; in 2005, the Peacebuilding Commission was established; and, most recently, the Secretary-General launched the Campaign to End Violence against Women by 2015. Despite all these developments, little has changed on the ground. Sexual Violence against women in conflict continues unabated and is at unacceptable levels. The incidence of rape is on the increase. For the Netherlands Government, women's empowerment is a top priority.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Against this background, we would like to encourage the Security Council and the Secretary-General to pursue as a matter of urgency a strengthened role for the United Nations in all of the country, and especially in the troubled south.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Our goal should be to put our national hobbyhorses out to pasture and replace them with a strong multilateral engagement led by the United Nations. The provincial reconstruction team - a provincial military base used as a platform for aid efforts for lack of an alternative - was, for instance, always intended to be a temporary solution. The Taliban and the drug traffickers are, however, not confined by provincial borders. Nor indeed are poverty and illiteracy. Thus, one of the provincial reconstruction teams' main duties should be to make themselves redundant as quickly as possible, so that UNAMA, the United Nations funds and programmes and, last but not least, the Afghan local governments can take on their role.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Guehenno has attached to cooperation between the United Nations and NATO in Afghanistan, symbolized by the presence of the Secretary-General at the upcoming meeting to be held in Bucharest. We also welcome the consideration of expanding UNAMA's presence in the country. Asking the United Nations to take the lead means that we, the international community, must be prepared to give the United Nations the authority to direct international efforts and that all other actors need to be willing to be coordinated. We are very much looking forward to Ambassador Eide taking up his functions as the new Special Representative for Afghanistan. We trust he will play a pivotal role in better coordinating reconstruction and development programmes on the ground.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source