YouSaid · the spoken record

Gregoire-Van-Haaren

lines on the record

470

first

2017-03-10

most recent

2019-07-09

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75

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un-security-council

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1. “For that reason, the Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly believes that the Security Council should increase the relative percentage of United Nations police officers in peacekeeping operations. In order to strengthen the support of the United Nations in peace operations, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and C6te d'Ivoire want to work together with Council members to adopt a draft resolution on police, justice and corrections. Secondly, with regard to the need to address organized crime in conflict, we often talk about the need to address the root causes of conflict. Financial gains from organized crime are a source of income that funds insurgent groups and terrorists, and thereby perpetuate the cycle of conflict.”

   2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

2. “The effective deployment of United Nations police will have a positive impact on trust, inclusiveness and sustaining peace, which strengthens the sovereignty of the host country. Therefore, United Nations police have a vital role to play during transitions and in exit strategies. United Nations police also have a connecting role between the mission and the population. They help increase trust between the mission and the population, but also among the warring parties. We see that, for example, in the role United Nations police play during the elections-related activities in big cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The role of the United Nations police is essential in a people-centred approach.”

   2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

3. “Police officers are key players in the security architecture and the integrated approach, and they focus on other security aspects than the military does. Please allow me to focus on three important aspects of policing in United Nations peacekeeping operations: first, the need to strengthen the rule of law through policing; secondly, the role of United Nations police in preventing and addressing serious organized crime; and, thirdly, the importance of gender-responsive policing. First, strengthening the rule of law through police reform is one of the key tasks of United Nations police in post-conflict situations. Individual police officers play a vital role in capacity-building and contributing to reforms of the judicial chain.”

   2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

4. “On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the briefers - Assistant Secretary-General Zouev, Ms. Reitano and the Police Commissioners of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) i for their excellent and very concrete briefings. I think they have all highlighted different aspects of United Nations policing that are quite relevant to the discussion today. I realize that there are other Police Commissioners in the Chamber who did not speak, and therefore please allow me to thank them all and their teams for the very important work they do. They have our full support.”

   2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

5. “The fact that he remains at large constitutes complete disregard of the Council and the international community as a whole. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands firmly by Prosecutor Bensouda in her fight, and ours, against impunity. But only if we are all fully committed to that goal can we make accountability a reality in Libya and around the world.”

   2018-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8388 (2018) · source

6. “But when the Council makes referrals, we should continue to work together to follow up on their implementation and should help the ICC to achieve its goals. With regard to my third point, which is about accountability, we welcome the ICC's efforts to investigate whether crimes against migrants fall within its jurisdiction, and we are keen to see progress in that area. We deeply regret that Mr. Al-Werfalli and other suspects have not been arrested and brought to The Hague, especially considering the recent murders that Mr. Al-Werfalli has allegedly committed, showing that a lack of accountability encourages the repetition of crimes. Without fear of punishment, perpetrators will feel free to commit further offences. We find it even more alarming that Mr. Al-Werfalli was reportedly released after just one day in custody.”

   2018-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8388 (2018) · source

7. “We also encourage the Libyan authorities to ensure that the domestic case against Abdullah Al-Senussi continues without undue delay. In that regard, we applaud the statement of the representative of Libya on Monday in the General Assembly (see A/73/PV.27) in which he said that Libya is committed to the fight against impunity. However, because of the security situation, justice at the national level is often delayed. Until the Libyan authorities can prosecute all international crimes at the national level, the ICC must ensure accountability for the international crimes committed in Libya. That was the mandate that the Council entrusted to the ICC many years ago, and that the Council must help the ICC to achieve. I hear criticisms that the investigation is not advancing quickly enough.”

   2018-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8388 (2018) · source

8. “The situation of internally displaced persons and migrants is a particular cause for concern. The Prosecutor is often the only hope that the victims have for ensuring accountability for the crimes committed. But she cannot do it alone. That brings me to my second point, which is on international cooperation. The full cooperation and assistance of the Council's member States is essential for the Office of the Prosecutor to fulfil its mandate. We welcome the successful cooperation between the Libyan Prosecutor-General's Office and the Office of the Prosecutor, and we urge all States, including the Libyan authorities, to cooperate with the Court and to arrest and surrender all those against whom an arrest warrant has been issued.”

   2018-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8388 (2018) · source

9. “Not only did we establish the first permanent International Criminal Court 20 years ago, we introduced the Rome Statute system. States parties have taken on the responsibility to end impunity and prosecute international crimes at the national level. Only when States were unable, or unwilling, would the ICC come into play. The Council acted unanimously in 2011 in referring the situation in Libya to the ICC so as to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes. We commend Prosecutor Bensouda for her unwavering commitment to bringing justice to the victims of atrocities in Libya since 2011. Even today, the volatile security and human rights situation in Libya is extremely worrisome. Civilians continue to bear the brunt ofthe fighting and the ongoing conflict.”

   2018-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8388 (2018) · source

10. “Allow me to start by thanking Bolivia for its stewardship of the Security Council during the month of October. I wish you, Mr. President, and your team all the best for the month of November; you can count on the support of the entire Dutch delegation. On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her sixteenth report and comprehensive briefing on the situation in Libya. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains a firm supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Please allow me to focus on three important aspects: the Rome Statute system, international cooperation and accountability. As noted by others, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Rome Statute.”

    2018-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8388 (2018) · source

11. “We cannot allow Myanmar to play for time while the fate of the Rohingya remains unchanged. The international community cannot rely on the generous hospitality of Bangladesh forever. The findings of the fact-finding mission demand action not only from the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly or the Special Envoy. It is time that the Council shoulder its responsibility. We need to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court and use all tools available to us to create meaningful change on the ground, including targeted sanctions and an arms embargo. Much remains to be done to ensure that the Rohingya can safely return to their country and continue to live their lives in safety and freedom in Myanmar, as they deserve. Myanmar needs to show progress. The time to act is now.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

12. “Preserving evidence is key, and we strongly urge the Myanmar authorities to cooperate with the independent mechanism and all other human rights mechanisms. Still, holding the perpetrators accountable for the most serious crimes is beyond their mandate. The International Criminal Court was created exactly for that purpose. That brings me to my final point - the urgent need to respond. Coordinated action by the Security Council, including through presidential statement S/PRST/2017/22 of November 2017 and our visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh in April, have resulted in incremental change for the better. However, the pace has been slow. The Council has engaged constructively with the Myanmar Government but needs to conclude that this approach has yielded minimal results.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

13. “A meaningful effort towards ensuring accountability can also be a means to ensure that the Rohingya feel safe enough to voluntarily return to their places of origin in Myanmar. We would like to be hopeful about the national commission of inquiry. The Myanmar Government, however, in the past has repeatedly failed to genuinely prosecute the perpetrators of human right violations. We recall the fact-finding mission's conclusion that it is unlikely that Myanmar's judiciary can deliver on a fair and independent trial. In order to make that happen, we need to step up international involvement. The creation of the independent mechanism by the Human Rights Council is a crucial first step to enable future prosecutions.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

14. “The fact- finding mission's report highlights the urgent need for prosecutions for the gravest crimes under international law and to hold those responsible to account. Justice for the victims is an end in and of itself, but it is also an essential prerequisite to prevent it from happening again. Decades of discrimination against the Rohingya, followed by complete inaction, have brought us to this point. We cannot afford to respond with inaction once again and allow the repetition of those gruesome acts, either in Rakhine state or across other parts of Myanmar where the same perpetrators are targeting other minorities. We can see that happening now in Kachin and Shan states.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

15. “It has based its findings on 875 in-depth interviews with victims and eyewitnesses that show the same clear pattern of conduct by the military, border guard police and vigilantes. Its analysis shows convincingly that the gravest crimes under international law have been committed in Rakhine state. The mission furthermore concludes that, on reasonable grounds, the factors allowing the inference of genocidal intent are present and that the crimes committed against the Rohingya may even amount to genocide. The report stresses the need for a competent court of law to determine whether specific individuals are guilty of those crimes. Those findings cannot simply be taken note of and then set aside. They implore the international community to act. That brings me to my second point - the need to ensure accountability for those crimes.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

16. “Many issues deserve our urgent attention, such as the lack of access to Rakhine state, the need to create an environment conducive to repatriation through the implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, formerly led by Kofi Annan, and the fate of the detained Reuters journalists. Today, however, I will focus on accountability and make three points: first, on the findings of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar established by the Human Rights Council; secondly, on the road to accountability; and, thirdly, onthe urgent need to respond. The report of the fact-finding mission (A/HRC/39/64) is deeply worrying.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

17. “"I was eight months pregnant. They stomped me and kicked my stomach with their boots, and then they stripped me naked. I was blindfolded and hung by my wrists from a tree. I was raped nine times, and they left me tied to the tree. That is but one of the many horrendous accounts of Rohingya survivors, as reported by the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar. Those stories shock our collective conscience and implore us to act. Let me take this opportunity to thank Mr. Darusman for his impressing and sobering briefing to us today, as well as for his efforts in delivering a substantive report. It is important that the Council hear directly from relevant human rights bodies, as the Security Council has the authority to refer situations to the International Criminal Court.”

    2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source

18. “As the warring parties prepare to meet soon at the negotiating table, we remind them that they hold the key to a better future for the people of the Central African Republic.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8378 (2018) · source

19. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General's letter (S/2018/463) on the logistical support of MINUSCA to the Forces armees centrafricaines (FACA). The first deployments of the FACA have yielded encouraging results. However, it lacks essential means, including basic equipment. MINUSCA has a vital role to play in preparing the FACA to resume the paramount task of protecting civilians. That support must be in accordance with the due diligence policy on human rights. I will conclude by underlining that the moment is critical for the people of the Central African Republic. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly. Half of the population has been displaced. Mistrust prevails, including towards the Mission.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8378 (2018) · source

20. “That task remains a challenge and will be particularly difficult if we do not give the Mission the equipment and the means to increase its mobility. At the same time, the Council needs to learn from its experience, positive or negative, in the area of operations. We committed to doing so in the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. My third point concerns security sector reform. The Kingdom of the Netherlands commends the work of the European Union Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic and other partners that have contributed to the rehabilitation of the security forces. Sharing the same goal, all partners must cooperate in a coordinated and transparent way. We call on the authorities of the Central African Republic to contribute to that approach.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8378 (2018) · source

21. “The various stakeholders must now step up their efforts. We call on the armed groups to lay down their arms. We remind them that the Council can apply sanctions against those who undermine peace. With a view to establishing lasting peace, we call on the Government to ensure the substantial participation of women in the negotiations. The commitment of the countries of the region is indispensable. We welcome the Sudan's efforts for peace in the Central African Republic, which are an integral part of the African Initiative. We encourage MINUSCA to strengthen its coordinating role in support of the political process, in line with the report of the Secretary-General. My second point concerns the protection of civilians. This is a key task of MINUSCA in support of the Central African authorities.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8378 (2018) · source

22. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. As President Touadera said before the General Assembly (see A/73/PV.9), it remains the only framework for peace negotiations in the Central African Republic. In recent months, we have considered how the United Nations could strengthen its support for the African Initiative. The invitation to join the panel of facilitators extended to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, Mr. Onanga-Anyanga, and the announcement of the appointment of a Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the African Union mark important milestones. That encouraging development can only strengthen the momentum of the peace negotiations.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8378 (2018) · source

23. “Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): Let me first thank the speakers for the clarity of their statements. Their suggestions are valuable in view of the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the recommendations ofthe report ofthe Secretary-General (S/2018/922). I should like to join in the congratulations offered by the Ambassador of France on yesterday's inaugural session of the Special Criminal Court. The Court is essential to the fight against impunity. Today, I would like to address three points: first, the peace process; secondly, the protection of civilians; and thirdly, security sector reform.”

    2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8378 (2018) · source

24. “If Governments do not shoulder their responsibility, the Council has a responsibility to act. We know that the development of the responsible sourcing of and trading in natural resources contributes to creating decent jobs and, ultimately, to social and economic growth. In conclusion, when looking at the role of natural resources in conflicts, it is imperative to do so throughout the conflict cycle. We call on the Council to call for appropriate risk assessments and analyses; to urge Member States to work with all the relevant stakeholders to address the issue; to take up the responsibility to act when required in combating the threat; and to make use of the tools at its disposal to continue to build sustainable peace.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

25. “The Council must also continue to evaluate and build on experiences from peacekeeping operations, such as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, both of which play roles in combating the illegal exploitation of resources. Natural resources are key to building sustainable peace. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the sustaining peace agenda underline the importance of adopting an integrated approach and of creating more inclusive societies. Governments need to take responsibility, be equipped to combat the illicit trade in and trafficking of natural resources and be able to manage their related industries.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

26. “Governments must choose to dismantle war economies and economies of predation in which the trade of natural resources is used to finance the interests of a few rather than the interests of many. The gains of ending the conflict and dismantling networks should be seen as more important than utilizing the networks of ivory traffickers, gold and diamond smugglers and mineral dealers to earn a profit. We must change the cost-benefit equation. In that context, what can the Council do? It can act with regard to dismantling those networks. Tools such as adequate reporting and political pressure must be utilized. The illegal trade in natural resources should be grounds for sanctions, as revenues from illegal exploitation and trade are used to destabilize countries. Political will, however, is absolutely necessary to do that.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

27. “The Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights form a basis for collaborating with the private sector to ensure that human rights violations and bribery, for example, are adequately addressed in conflict and high-risk areas. We expect all companies to undertake due diligence to contribute to responsible sourcing and production. The illegal exploitation of and trade in natural resources remain root causes of Violence in ongoing conflicts such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia and Libya. In line with that, there is also an imperative role for Governments to play.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

28. “We must ensure that conflict-, gender- and climate-sensitive mandates take the availability, extraction and governance of natural resources into account. With regard to my second point, concerning accountability and transparency, natural resources are a broad concept, and it would be a mistake to solely focus on extractive industries. There are several lessons learned with regard to accountability and transparency. Like the Secretary-General, I would like to mention the Kimberley Process. The multi-stakeholder approach of the Kimberly Process was successful in reducing the trade in blood diamonds. It facilitates cooperation among Governments, the private sector, producers of rough diamonds, traders, watchdogs and non-governmental organizations.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

29. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands consistently calls for adequate risk assessments and analyses of all root causes and threat multipliers. That is as relevant for natural resources as it is for climate change and water stress. Activists and affected communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have called attention to the links between that country's mineral wealth and its protracted armed conflicts. It is important that such calls find their way to the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission and that our future actions be based on adequate risk assessments and analyses. We commend the Secretary-General for his efforts in that area and look forward to hearing more from the Secretariat during the Arria Formula meeting on water, peace and security to be held later this month.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

30. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to express its sincere thanks to Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. We thank the Bolivian presidency for convening this briefing on a critical topic, which the Security Council has discussed only once since 2013 (see S/PV.6982). Over the decades, we have seen that the control and exploitation of and access to natural resources have contributed to fuelling armed conflict. There are many steps that the Council and the United Nations can take to tackle the issue and to promote the use of natural resources for sustainable peace. Allow me to focus on the role of natural resources in three phases of the conflict cycle: in preventing conflicts through adequate risk assessment; during a conflict through transparency and accountability; and in building sustainable peace.”

    2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source

31. “The immediate steps to be taken are clear. The parties need to respect international humanitarian law, keep the ports open, protect the supply roads and agree once and for all on the modalities for resuming salary payments. The one thing that can permanently end the suffering of the Yemeni population is a sustainable, peaceful political solution to the conflict. We call again on all parties to demonstrate their commitment to peace, to de-escalate - first and foremost around Al-Hudaydah - and to engage without preconditions with the Special Envoy. The children of Yemen deserve protection from violence, hunger and disease. They deserve a future.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source

32. “The parties need to come together and address the issue with the utmost urgency. Thirdly, we just adopted a presidential statement on the protection of civilians (S/PRST/2018/18) The words in that statement will be meaningless if we do not insist on their full implementation in the crises on the Council's agenda. All parties need to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and address its violations. Ending impunity should be a key ingredient in the solution to the conflict in Yemen. The political transition in Yemen in early 2012 was a positive example in the region in many ways, but if it has taught us anything it is that postponing justice only fosters further conflict and feeds the notion that transgressions do not have consequences. In conclusion, the drivers of famine in Yemen are manifold.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source

33. “The warring parties and their supporters have a responsibility to keep the port open and fully functional and to ensure that the desperately needed supplies reach Yemenis in need all throughout the country. My second point concerns another major driver of the increasing food crisis: Yemen's failing economy. The recent devaluation of the Yemeni riyal to its lowest point in history has severely hit the purchasing power of the Yemeni population. That, together with rising food prices and the non-payment of public-sector salaries for more than two years, is proving to be a lethal combination for ordinary Yemenis, including in parts of the country that have been less affected by the fighting. Experts warn that economic collapse has the potential to kill even more Yemenis than the violence underlying it.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source

34. “Access to the Red Sea Mills warehouse has been cut off and the port is under threat now more than ever before. The shutdown of Al-Hudaydah port operations or the disruption of its supply chain to the heavily populated areas behind it would be the tipping point for a full-blown famine. The Council recognized the need to break the vicious circle of armed conflict and food insecurity when it unanimously adopted resolution 2417 (2018), on the 24 May. Now we must take that text to heart and ensure that we prevent any further deterioration. I would like to thank Mr. Lowcock for putting three concrete asks on the table to address the situation. In that context, we also call on OCHA to keep the Council informed about the food security situation.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source

35. “With the fighting again flaring up around Al-Hudaydah, an additional 1 million already severely food-insecure children in Yemen risk falling victim to famine. Behind those shocking numbers lies the harsh reality of the daily lives of innocent Yemenis in a man-made crisis waged at their expense. I will address three issues here today: first, the increase of access constraints around Al-Hudaydah; secondly, the effects of the economy on the humanitarian situation and, thirdly, the protection of civilians. First, we are extremely concerned about the consequences of this week's clashes around Al-Hudaydah on the already strained humanitarian access to the millions of Yemenis in need. The main road to Sana'a can no longer be used. I am concerned to hear from Mr. Lowcock that alternative routes are heavily damaged.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source

36. “First, let me thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his sobering briefing today. I would also like to thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the entire international community for their ongoing efforts in Yemen to save lives on a daily basis, under increasingly difficult circumstances. We supported the urgent request for today's briefing because we have seen the situation in Yemen deteriorate rapidly this week. We appreciate the fact that you, Madam President, were able to accommodate the request for today's briefing at such short notice. The images coming out of Yemen of starving children on hospital beds put the international community to shame. They compel us to speak out and take action.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source

37. “Innovative force-generation is a way to improve the performance of operations. Moreover, this resolution pleads for well trained and equipped personnel with the right capabilities to implement the tasks mandated by the Security Council. It includes accountability for underperformance and acts of sexual exploitation and abuse. That includes a wide range of measures that could be taken, including repatriation, and, most important, it requires a culture change in missions. At the same time, excellence should be rewarded. In that regard, we welcome reporting on outstanding performance. We must continue to learn from lessons, positive and negative. It is a positive sign that the Council managed to agree on this resolution unanimously, since peacekeeping is the Council's main and most visible instrument when it comes to conflict management.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8360 (2018) · source

38. “Today the Security Council is sending a strong and clear message in support of wider efforts to improve and strengthen United Nations peacekeeping. Last week's debate on peacekeeping (see S/PV.8349) provided ample evidence for the timely nature and necessity of resolution 2436 (2018). We all know that peacekeeping faces serious challenges, that many United Nations missions are operating in complex and dangerous environments and that the high number of casualties under peacekeepers is worrisome. At the same time, improving performance demands our continuous attention in the broader context of peacekeeping reform. Today's resolution is an important step towards promoting better support for Blue Helmets and ensuring effective protection for civilians. I would like to highlight three important aspects of the resolution.”

    2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8360 (2018) · source

39. “In conclusion, recent developments show a mixed picture. On the one hand, there is disappointment over the progress on the benchmarks, and on the other, there have been encouraging developments towards peace in the region. The Abyei border conflict remains unresolved. In the coming weeks, the Council will decide on the way forward for the mission. In doing so, we should all work towards long-term stability in the region.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source

40. “Thirdly and finally, I would like to stress the importance of the rule of law and accountability for a stable future in Abyei. We support the recommendation of the Secretary-General that the peace/development nexus should be enhanced; in particular, justice and accountability mechanisms need to be strengthened. We see an important role for the United Nations country teams to play in that respect. Criminality is rising in the Abyei region in the absence of domestic security forces. It is Vital to build the rule-of-law capacity in local communities. We therefore support the recommendation of the Secretary-General to increase the police component of the mission; in particular, deploying female officers could serve a crucial role. We encourage the Secretary-General to increase his efforts to do so.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source

41. “It thereby has the potential to improve the enabling environment for the J BVMM. Secondly, I want to emphasize that stability in the region remains our primary objective. The letter of the Secretary-General (S/2018/778) underlines once again the essential role of UNISFA in guaranteeing stability in the Abyei and border areas. The Security Council has a long-standing commitment to peace and security in that region, and it continues to play a role in preventing violence from escalating further. We therefore support the recommendations of the Secretary-General. In particular, we believe that it is important to create a political space as the next step forward. Adding a civilian component to the mission would contribute to that objective.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source

42. “Those are important to facilitating the full freedom of movement for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM). But we are still waiting for a number of important steps, and those include the meetings of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism that are supposed to breathe new life into efforts to find a sustainable solution for the Abyei region. The announcement that the Mechanism will convene later this week is encouraging, but we reiterate the need to see concrete progress on the implementation of the benchmarks from resolution 2412 (2018). The Kingdom of the Netherlands expresses appreciation for the recent efforts of the region towards peace in South Sudan, and we are hopeful that this will be a fundamental step towards peace in the region.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source

43. “Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Special Envoy Haysom for their excellent briefings. There are three issues that I will raise today that are ofkey concern for the Kingdom ofthe Netherlands: first, the progress on the implementation of the benchmarks, and I was glad that the Under-Secretary-General was so specific about those; secondly, the importance of stability in the region; and thirdly, accountability and the rule of law. First, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is disappointed by the lack of progress on border demarcation. The majority of the measures set out in resolution 2412 (2018) have not been implemented. We welcome the clearances for patrols.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source

44. “There will be no reconstruction aid for Syria until there is a lasting political transition in Syria. It is also inconceivable that we start rebuilding when a massive attack still looms around Idlib. Syria currently is not ready for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees. Contrary to what some want to make us believe, it is not the lack of reconstruction that keeps people from returning. Many Syrians cannot go back for fear of violence, persecution and imprisonment. Those Syrians fear security screenings and forced conscription and, last but not least, they have no homes to return to, due to the potential consequences of laws such as Law Number 10. It is clear that fundamental structural changes are needed in Syria's Administration. An inclusive political transition must be the starting point.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source

45. “The regime makes independent needs assessments, coordination and reporting by the United Nations impossible; however, those are conditions for needs- based financing. We repeat our scepticism about the concept of humanitarian corridors or other evacuations of civilians and moderate fighters from Idlib, as proposed by the regime and Russia. First, there must be clarity on the evacuation process, destinations, monitoring by the United Nations and guaranteed access to satisfactory conditions of shelter, hygiene, health, safety and nutrition. Evacuations should always be voluntary and should never be used for political or demographic purposes. Let me conclude by condemning the current call for reconstruction aid and the call for the return of refugees.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source

46. “On the need to deliver impartial humanitarian aid, unimpeded and unconditional access for principled humanitarian assistance - both cross-border and cross-line - remains an absolute necessity. The 2.9 million citizens in Idlib must be protected and their needs need to be met. We welcome the United Nations action plan. It is of the utmost importance that it now be quickly financed and operationalized. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is willing to do its part. It is essential that the United Nations remains operative and has free access to enable efficient humanitarian aid throughout Syria. We repeat our call to the Syrian authorities, Russia and Iran to immediately improve independent and free access for all humanitarian organizations.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source

47. “One can speak only of a credible political process when the constitutional committee itself is credible. That means there is a need for inclusiveness and representation of all Syrians. We reiterate that the Special Envoy must have the freedom to compile the so- called third list. It should not require negotiation with States. We repeat our support for the Special Envoy's commitment to have 30 per cent female representation in all parts of the constitutional com mittee.The United Nations should set a date for the first meeting of the constitutional committee and move ahead with creating a new constitution. We look forward to hearing back from the United Nations on its progress by 31 October.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source

48. “We support efforts to separate terrorists from civilians, to prevent terrorists from using civilians as human shields. We call on all parties to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law, and to refrain from any attacks on basic services and hospitals. The Syrian army and the Russian air force have the coordinates of the hospitals. All attacks that have already taken place, as well as those that might still take place in the future, fall under their responsibility, and accountability needs to take place. On the need to revive the political process and form the constitutional committee, we welcome the progress with regard to the establishment of the constitutional committee. It is not a goal in itself but is part of the broader political process based on resolution 2254 (2015).”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source

49. “Chances of a military confrontation between the regime and opposition groups have been reduced significantly. Still, some questions remain. What happens until the moment the deal comes into force, supposedly on 15 October? Can Russia and Turkey guarantee that civilians will not be forced to move from their homes? Will there be access for humanitarian aid delivery to people living in the demilitarized zone? We would appreciate clarification from Russia on those questions. There is consensus in the Security Council on the need to counter terrorism of Council-designated terrorist groups. The protection of civilians should be at the core of every possible plan. We reiterate that combating terrorism is no excuse to attack without distinction, proportionality or precaution.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source

50. “The agreement between Russia and Turkey on a demilitarized zone around Idlib seems a step in that direction. I would like to focus on the following points: the need for further de-escalation in Idlib; the need to revive the political process and to form the constitutional committee; the need to deliver impartial humanitarian aid and the reasons why it is not the right time for reconstruction aid at this moment. On the need for de-escalation in Idlib, the Kingdom of the Netherlands once again underlines that further escalation of violence in Idlib could lead to an international confrontation and a humanitarian catastrophe. Some of the 2.9 million civilians inside Idlib have already been on the move in the past few days. Yesterday in Sochi, an agreement was reached on a 15- to 25-kilometre-wide demilitarized zone.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source