YouSaid · the spoken record

Gregoire-Van-Haaren

lines on the record: 470
first: 2017-03-10
most recent: 2019-07-09
sittings or episodes: 75
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

“I would like to thank both Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Special Envoy De Mistura for their respective briefings. Let me also express our thanks to all those United Nations and other humanitarian aid workers who are providing life-saving aid to those most in need. We salute their selfless and brave work in dire circumstances. I would also like to join others in offering our condolences to Russia and the families of those who lost their lives in the downing of a military plane. It adds to the long list of casualties that this conflict has caused and underscores the need for a political solution. Despite the relative calm of the past few days, the situation in and around Idlib remains extremely tense. Everything needs to be done to prevent an all-out offensive.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“Galvanizing the momentum of the Afghan-owned peace process is our collective responsibility. The briefings by the Special Representative and Ramiz gave us important food for thought in that regard, including by reminding us of the significance of investing in Afghanistan's youth on the road to peace and stability. Finally, I want to thank the Special Representative and his team for their tremendous efforts in assisting Afghanistan, often in difficult circumstances. They deserve our full support.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Allow me to zoom in on the importance ofinvolving youth in the discussions that fundamentally shape their future. Ramiz and so many of his Afghan peers are determined to contribute to the future of Afghanistan. That sends a very hopeful and powerful message. In a country where more than 63 per cent of the population is under 25, the ambition and commitment of young people represent one of Afghanistan's greatest opportunities. Their active involvement in addressing the challenges that Afghanistan faces is key. In conclusion, the voice of Afghanistan's people, including its youth, is clear 4 we need a workable peace deal. That will require political courage. It will require perseverance. On the Council's side, it will require continued unity in its support.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Afghanistan's transformation decade will soon reach its halfway mark, and the upcoming Geneva Ministerial Conference will provide the opportunity to assess progress and to align priorities for the coming period. To achieve the agreed objectives, the Afghan Government will need to step up its efforts to end corruption, strengthen governance and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for human rights, with an important support role for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), of course. Such reforms will provide a new generation with the opportunity to contribute to a more just, stable and unified Afghanistan. We look forward to the participation of all interested countries in the Geneva Conference, expressing their full solidarity and support for Afghanistan.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Threats of disengagement or boycotts are not in the interest of the Afghan people. For successful elections, it is also indispensable to have a secure environment. We are deeply concerned by the recent spike in violence, following the score of tragic terrorist attacks and the unjustifiable offensives of the Taliban. The displayed contempt for the lives of innocent civilians is unacceptable, and we condemn it in the strongest terms. We urge the Taliban to reciprocate the offer of the Afghan Government to engage in direct peace negotiations. There is no alternative to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. My second point concerns Afghanistan's long-term reform agenda. If Afghanistan is to enjoy durable peace and prosperity, reliable and resilient public institutions need to be in place.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Allow me to focus on three issues today: the upcoming elections, Afghanistan's long-term reform agenda and the importance of youth. The importance of the Afghan parliamentary elections on 20 October and presidential elections on 20 April next year cannot be overstated. It is absolutely critical that the elections be free, transparent and inclusive, and that they include the active involvement of youth and women, both as voters and as candidates. Afghanistan and the Independent Election Commission will have to do their utmost to ensure that the elections take place in an orderly and credible way. Political actors from across the political spectrum have to remain engaged with the political process in a constructive and peaceful manner, while they uphold the highest democratic standards.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Special Representative Yamamoto for his briefing and Ambassador Saikal for his statement. We also warmly welcome Ramiz Bakhtiar as the first youth representative for Afghanistan, and thank the United States presidency for inviting him. Ramiz was elected in June as part of a joint initiative by Afghanistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We are very pleased to see Ramiz here today to give Afghan youth a voice and have it be heard on a global stage. It is important that the Council fully take the youth perspective into account, as we agreed in resolution 2419 (2018), on youth, peace and security. Let the briefing of Ramiz be the start ofa new normal in which we do not only talk about the future generation, but also let the future generation participate in the talking.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Let the disruptive consequences of corruption that all our countries face unite us in our efforts to tackle that evil phenomenon once and for all.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“Tackling corruption is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 16, on peace, justice and strong institutions. Tackling corruption is vital to sustainable development, and thus to global security. In conclusion, today the Security Council has taken a first and important step to address corruption and its link to conflict. For the Council to take further steps, we call on the Secretary-General to highlight the issue more explicitly in his future reports and briefings. In his foreword to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime publication of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the late former Secretary-General Kofi Annan wrote that corruption "is found in all countries - big and small, rich and poor".”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“The EITI gives an informed voice to the people, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands has been a proud supporter of the Initiative since its inception because it is clear to us that internal oversight mechanisms, as well as external oversight mechanisms run by civil society, businesses and independent auditors, are key to holding State institutions to account. Lastly, with regard to my third point, sustainable development, the sustaining peace agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are our most comprehensive responses to conflict prevention. Corruption, however, undermines their implementation. It deprives those who are most marginalized ofaccess to vital services. Corruption diminishes tax revenues and fuels grievances and discontent. Corruption raises the cost of sustainable development.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“Prendergast for his concrete suggestions in that regard, which are worth looking into. It requiresnot only the separation of powers, checks and balances and judicial follow-up; it also requires transparency. For that reason, the Kingdom of the Netherlands supports Transparency International. The annual Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International shows that corruption and conflict correlate. It also shows that corruption diminishes when there are structures in place for citizens to hold their Government to account. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is worth mentioning as well. The EITI standard requires Governments to publish information on their natural resources management, including on where related tax money ends up.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“The report of the United Nations Development Programme, entitled Journey to Extremism in Africa, tells us how corrupt and ill-performing Governments push people into the hands of violent extremists, and Mr. Prendergast's organization has highlighted how actors engaged in illegal economic activities driven by corruption have an interest in perpetuating conflict. At the same time, reliable, corrupt-free Governments have proven to be a source of resilience. Let us therefore step up our efforts to strengthen the rule of law, build capacity and create strong State institutions that truly serve citizens. This brings me to my second point - accountability. Accountable State institutions are strong State institutions. Accountability requires the separation of powers, checks and balances and judicial follow-up. I would like to thank Mr.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General and Mr. Prendergast for their briefings. The United Nations Convention against Corruption stresses that corruption undermines the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice. Given those undermining effects, it is remarkable that the Security Council has never discussed corruption before. I therefore commend you, Madam President, for putting this issue on the agenda today. In my intervention, I would like to focus on three aspects: the rule of law, accountability and sustainable development. The rule of law forms the basis of stable societies, democracy and the trust that citizens place in their Government. If the rule of law is the medicine for stability, then corruption is the virus that breeds conflict.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“That assessment has now been confirmed by the criminal investigation, which has led to criminal charges filed against two Russian individuals. During our previous meeting, on 18 April (see S/PV.8237), the Kingdom of the Netherlands urged the Russian Federation to change its course from denial to cooperation. We reiterate our call for the Russian authorities to provide the United Kingdom with all information to unanswered questions and to cooperate with efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8343 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands has full confidence in the investigation carried out by the British authorities and in the fairness and impartiality of the British justice system. Thirdly, now that the perpetrators of this horrendous act have been identified, they must be brought to justice. Therefore, we call on all States to cooperate to ensure that the two suspects have their day in court in the United Kingdom and to bring the full truth to light about how the attack was carried out. Those who bear responsibility must be held to account. I would like to recall that, on 22 March, the European Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the attack in Salisbury. European leaders unanimously agreed with the assessment of the British Government about the responsibility of the Russian Federation.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8343 (2018) · source
“Let me reiterate our full support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the important work it does for us. As the United Kingdom is faced with the reckless use of chemical weapons on its own soil, the Netherlands stands in firm solidarity with our neighbour, ally and friend. Secondly, during previous meetings, the Kingdom of the Netherlands expressed its shock about the reckless attack with a military grade nerve agent on British soil, which exposed innocent civilians to great risks. Since then, we learned that the attack resulted in even more victims, one of whom, Ms. Dawn Sturgess, did not survive. We express our sincere condolences to her loved ones. Issuing criminal charges is an important step that brings us closer to establishing the full truth so that justice can be served.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8343 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the update provided by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom on the investigation into the chemical-weapon attack that took place in Salisbury and the subsequent poisoning in Amesbury last month. I will make three points. First, the Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns the use of chemical weapons and stands in solidarity with the United Kingdom. Secondly, issuing criminal charges is a significant new development that supports and strengthens our earlier conclusions. Thirdly, the Russian Federation should cooperate to establish the full truth and ensure accountability. First of all, I would like to repeat, clearly and unequivocally, that the Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns the use of chemical weapons anytime, anywhere and under any circumstances.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8343 (2018) · source
“Pending criminal investigations into such crimes, the Council should stand ready to consider additional listings, in order to dismantle destabilizing criminal networks that profit from the climate of impunity in Libya and its bordering region. In conclusion, the human rights situation is not some additional aspect of the crisis in Libya; rather, it is the yardstick for progress and how the human rights of all Libyans can be guaranteed. In that light, we welcome the progress made towards the finalization of the United Nations strategic framework for the period 2019-2020 and the launch of the human rights working group, co-chaired by the Ministry of Justice and UNSMIL, under the coordination framework for international assistance.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“A few examples are: the high number of civilian casualties due to fighting and violence; migrants and refugees who remain vulnerable to the risk of arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, abduction for ransom and unlawful killings; and the forced eviction of displaced Tawerghan families from the Tariq al-Matar Camp. That serves to underline that we need to establish the rule of law in Libya, and we call on all Libyan parties to respect applicable international humanitarian law and human rights law. Moreover, strengthening donor coordination in the areas of humanitarian aid, security and human rights remains vital. In June, the Council took the courageous step of targeting human traffickers and smugglers through sanctions. Implementing the sanctions measures diligently should remain our priority.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“The financial management of the country needs urgent repair. That includes establishing transparency in Libya's economic and financial institutions and the unification of the Central Bank. We therefore thank the Special Representative and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for their timely response to the Security Council's request for financial review and audit options. The Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to support efforts to broaden transparency on a multilateral and bilateral basis. We value the role of UNSMIL in that regard. My third, and final, point is on the humanitarian and human rights situation. We remain deeply concerned by ongoing serious human rights violations across Libya, as documented in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/780).”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“The elected institutions of Libya should work constructively on a new constitutional framework and inclusive Government, and political spoilers should be held accountable for their actions. Secondly, on the economic situation and the need for increased transparency, the present state of the economy contributes negatively to the complexity of the political situation. There are parties benefiting from maintaining the status quo, while the population and country as a whole struggle. Businesses, services and households cannot function normally with only a few hours of electricity a day. The economic crisis, including the depreciation of the national currency, price hikes and a liquidity crisis, has a devastating effect on the livelihoods of Libyan citizens. Therefore, more efforts are needed to improve Libya's economy.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“That serves to highlight the need for an inclusive Libyan- owned and Libyan-led political process. Therefore, we confirm our full support for the efforts of Mr. Salame and his team to that end. That important works needs to continue, including the full implementation of the United Nations action plan. Libya needs a democratic political transition that fosters peace and stability. New elections should be held, if the right conditions are met. Technical, legislative, political and security conditions have to be in place for elections to be credible, peaceful and inclusive. Moreover, the meaningful participation of women as voters and as candidates is crucial.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“In that regard, the current situation in Tripoli, where militias have been fighting at the cost of civilians, is especially concerning. We urge all sides to continue to cooperate with the United Nations and fully adhere to the ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. Differences need to be settled through peaceful dialogue, and the security situation has to improve, as a prerequisite for progress on other tracks as well. I will focus on three elements in more detail: ending the political crisis; the economic situation and the need for transparency and coordinating international efforts; and the humanitarian and human rights situation. On the need for progress on the political process, the Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes Libya's extremely complex political and security situation.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“I join others in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Salame, and Ambassador Skoog for their informative briefings. Seven years ago, the Libyan people initiated change. There was hope - hope for a prosperous, safe and democratic future for Libya. However, the past years have shown the fragility of the situation and the many impediments to real progress towards that aspired future for Libya. That was confirmed once more today by Special Representative Salame in his sobering briefing. Because of the many challenges, and despite spoilers who prevent smooth progress, we need to remain united in supporting United Nations-led efforts in Libya. We need to do that for the Libyan people, because they have had enough of the political crisis and the uncertain and unsafe conditions of daily life.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“It is the Council's responsibility to continue to support Guinea- Bissau at this important time, and we look forward to its continued active engagement.”
2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source
“Lastly, I would like to highlight the important role that ECOWAS has played in Guinea-Bissau, especially through the presence of ECOMIB, which is essential to Guinea-Bissau's stability, and while expressing our appreciation we also express the hope that ECOWAS extends its mandate at least until the end of the presidential elections. A longer-term extension of its mandate will give the Bissau-Guinean population security and help to ensure the holding of elections, both in November of this year and in 2019, when presidential elections are scheduled. Guinea-Bissau is at an important crossroads in its history. Its stability depends largely on the organization of free, fair, credible and inclusive legislative elections on 18 November. They are the next step in resolving the country's lingering political impasse.”
2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we want to welcome the establishment of the Bissau-Guinean Council of Women and to request that the Government of Guinea-Bissau, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau and the other international actors on the ground - the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and the European Union - continue to collaborate with that new body to ensure women's full and equal participation in Guinea- Bissau.”
2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source
“An inclusive stability pact is crucial for Guinea-Bissau, laying the foundation for collaboration among the various actors and paving the way for equally important constitutional reform. We therefore urge all the relevant stakeholders to finalize it as soon as possible and before the legislative elections in November. As stipulated in resolution 1325 (2000) and the sustaining peace agenda, the role of women in peacebuilding cannot be overestimated. As Ms. Tavares Pinto indicated, women have played an extremely important part in breaking through the political impasse in Guinea-Bissau. I also want to reiterate the importance of women's continued engagement both in the upcoming elections and in the country's future political life.”
2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source
“Letme startbyreiteratingthatthefullimplementation of the Conakry Agreement and the six-point road map is the only way forward in Guinea-Bissau. As so many people highlighted yesterday, prevention should be our priority, and implementing and abiding by agreements like this one are important steps towards sustainable peace in Guinea-Bissau. We commend the efforts of the newly formed Government to organize legislative elections and reiterate the necessity of organizing free, fair, credible and inclusive elections on 18 November. While we recognize the positive steps taken in Bissau, we are not there yet. A draft of the stability pact, which will be the foundation of the national round-table dialogue, has been circulated among political stakeholders.”
2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Representative Viegas Filho, Ambassadors Vieira and Ndong Mba and Ms. Tavares Pinto for their insightful briefings on the recent developments in Guinea-Bissau. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Prime Minister Gomes to today's important meeting. The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to underscore the following three points. The first is the importance of the full implementation of the Conakry Agreement, particularly regarding the holding of legislative elections on 18 November and the signing of a stability pact. The second is the importance of the inclusion ofwomen in political processes, as highlighted by Ms. Tavares Pinto, and the third is the importance of the continued engagement of the Economic Community of West African States Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB).”
2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source
“It needs to create an environment conducive to return and to sustainable peace, as well as ensure accountability. We expect results. The Security Council will have to continue its engagement, working side by side with other United Nations efforts, including those of the Special Envoy, the Human Rights Council and its Fact-Finding Mission, and funds and programmes to move the situation towards progress. All of us, and Myanmar above all, need to work without delay, using all tools at our disposal, to achieve the same objective - a democratic Myanmar in which all ethnic, minority and religious groups, including the Rohingya, can live together peacefully throughout the territory.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“The Council has constructively engaged with the Myanmar authorities both during and following its visit. We have to conclude, however, that this approach has yielded minimal results. I hear a call for patience, but time is pressing. The international community cannot rely on the generous hospitality of Bangladesh forever. New realities on the ground make it more difficult for people to return to their homes or places of origin. Traces - essential to truth-finding and accountability - are erased. The role of the press is crucial in that regard, as a free press serves the governed instead of the Government. We therefore call for the immediate release of the two Reuters journalists. The Myanmar Government needs to pick up the pace.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“If Myanmar is serious about its willingness to let refugees return safely, the best way to show that is by allowing the United Nations unfettered access to northern Rakhine to assist and fulfil its mandate; by addressing the issue of severely restricted freedom of movement for the Rohingya people in Rakhine state; by making sure that internally displaced persons can return to their places of origin; and by offering a credible path to citizenship for those who are entitled to it by law. Thirdly, I will focus on the Council's engagement. It was in response to a letter from the Secretary-General that the Council decided to give that human tragedy the attention it deserves. We thank the Secretary-General for his leadership and commitment to the Rohingya people from day one.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“The Myanmar authorities announced the formation of a commission of inquiry. While we are encouraged that Myanmar is taking a step towards justice, intentions are meaningful only when followed by concrete steps towards full accountability. It is up to the Myanmar Government to show that it meets those standards. If there is no progress at the national level, the international community has to take responsibility and provide alternatives, and then the Council needs to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court. There can be no impunity. Secondly, I will address the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Rakhine state. The memorandum of understanding signed by Myanmar, UNHCR and UNDP was a first step in the right direction, but we have serious concerns about its implementation.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“That was not an isolated incident; sexual violence perpetrated against Rohingya women and girls was used to instil fear in the Rohingya to force them to flee. The effects of those horrendous crimes will last for generations. Justice is not only a means to ensure that the Rohingya feel safe enough to return voluntarily to their homes in Rakhine state. Ensuring accountability is an end in and of itself. The report of the Human Rights Council Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (A/HRC/39/64) highlights the need to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide and to hold those responsible to account. The shocking findings of the Fact-Finding Mission's report need follow-up and should be included in legal procedures to establish accountability.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“I will reflect on the following: first, the urgent need for accountability; secondly, the return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar; and thirdly, the Security Council's further engagement. First, I will speak on accountability. In Kutupalong camp last April, the Council saw the devastating effects of the crisis. I will never forget the large number of persons who had been physically and psychologically wounded. Small children had deep scars on their heads and limbs. They did not play. They did not dream. We met a woman holding a l6-day-old baby. She did not know how to bond with the child. She did not know who the father was. She was raped by Myanmar soldiers on the night her husband was murdered.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“Kofi Annan, who cared deeply about Myanmar, provided us for an inclusive future in Rakhine state. It provided hope for a solution to the complex challenges of Rakhine state - hope that was destroyed by the terrorist attack by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and the violent response of Myanmar's security forces. They were meant to protect the Rohingya. Instead, they violently chased more than 700,000 women, men and children from their homes to neighbouring Bangladesh, where the Government and people have opened their homes and land to those in need. One year later, virtually none of the Rohingya refugees has felt safe to return. That has become one of the largest humanitarian crises of the twenty-first century. It is in that sobering reality that we meet today.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this very important meeting today. Let me start by thanking the Secretary- General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador, Ms. Blanchett, and the Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Gettu, for their strong briefings. This week marks one year since the report of the Annan Advisory Commission on Rakhine State was issued. Last week, we mourned the passing of Mr. Kofi Annan in the Security Council, and we remembered his legacy. Today, we should honour his legacy by encouraging Myanmar to implement all the recommendations of the Annan Commission in full. There is no greater tribute than the implementation of the pathway that Mr.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source
“Mkapa stated, on the margins of the African Leadership Forum, that security and peace in Burundi should be discussed by the East African Community leaders. We support them and call on them to continue their efforts, with the active support of the African Union and the continued attention of the Council, to break the political impasse.”
2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source
“That is why we call on the East African Community to hold the next dialogue session as a matter of urgency. We also call on all parties to participate therein without any preconditions. Once again, we underscore that the inter-Burundian dialogue must be inclusive and abide by the principles and the spirit of the Arusha Accords. The Kingdom of the Netherlands also hails the stated commitment of the African Union to contribute, along with the East African Community, to an inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands maintains its commitment to development and stability for all Burundians. Nonetheless, the stakeholders in Burundi are the only ones who can re-establish a lasting peace, with the support of the region. In his capacity as facilitator, Mr.”
2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source
“We therefore reiterate our call on the Government of Burundi to resume its cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and to fully cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry and the three independent experts mandated by the Human Rights Council. The international community remains willing to engage in a constructive discussion of these issues with the Burundian authorities. My third point relates to the inter-Burundian dialogue. That dialogue, held under the auspices of the East African Community, remains the designated framework for addressing the ongoing political crisis in Burundi. Discussions on modalities for the return of exiled opposition members must also be finalized as soon as possible to elaborate a road map for the 2020 electoral process.”
2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, we are seeing a degradation in the situation of Burundian refugees in the region, with repeated infiltrations by Government agents of refugee camps in Tanzania. The involvement of the Imbonerakure militia and the National Intelligence Service in those actions is particularly concerning. The Government of the Netherlands condemns these violations and urges the Burundian Government to put an end to impunity and to fully respect and guarantee the rights of all Burundians. Given the human rights situation, investigations and independent reports are more important than ever.”
2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source
“We hope that this decision will contribute to opening the political and democratic space to all political actors to prepare free, transparent and inclusive elections. We therefore call on the Burundian Government to exploit that dynamic to create, in consultation with all political movements, conditions conducive to credible elections in 2020, with the full and equal participation of women. We believe that only an inclusive dialogue involving all political actors, women and men can lead to that result. That brings me to my second point. As long as the inter-Burundian dialogue remains at an impasse, human rights violations will continue. Credible sources have reported several cases of assassination, murder, arbitrary arrest and politically motivated kidnapping during the previous month in various parts of the country.”
2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, President Kafando, for his briefing. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains concerned about the political and security situation in Burundi, which is causing unnecessary suffering to the population. I would like to bring the following three points to the attention of the members of the Security Council: the political space for the 2020 elections, the ongoing human rights violations, and the need for continued inter-Burundian dialogue. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has taken note of President Nkurunziza's statement on 7 June of the end of his term in 2020. That is an encouraging announcement and a step towards respecting the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement.”
2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source
“The Secretary-General's letter on emergency planning (S/2018/727) emphasizes that fact once again. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has many partners willing to help, listen and contribute to strengthening the country's security and stability. The situation deserves our full attention. There must be no doubt about our commitment or our willingness to act. Time is pressing.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“The Mission's mandate is to protect civilians and to support the implementation of the New Year's Eve agreement and the electoral process. These two priorities require the full political commitment of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, clarity concerning the demands and the expectations of MONUSCO, as well as the full support ofthe Council. We are concerned that a further deterioration in the security situation would pose a real challenge to the implementation of the mandate. I congratulate the Special Representative and her team for their ongoing adjustments and responses to multiple threats in the most difficult circumstances. The protection through projection approach will require continuous and enormous efforts if it is to bear fruit.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“They terrorize vulnerable communities, attack units of the Forces arme'es de la Republique democratique du Congo, and kill peacekeepers. While security has improved in Ituri and Tanganyika provinces, it has further declined in North and South Kivu provinces. The situation in some parts of Kasai remains serious. It is women and children who pay the highest price, including due to systematic sexual violence, the recruitment of child soldiers, sexual slavery and impediments to humanitarian assistance. The Council cannot remain a passive observer. It must act, including through the sanctions regime, and put an end to the impunity of those whose involvement in these practices has been proven. My third point concerns the role of MONUSCO. The challenges are complex and numerous.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“The Security Council must continue to monitor the situation and remain closely involved, including through a possible visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My second point concerns the current humanitarian and security situation. Elections are just one piece of the puzzle. The humanitarian situation remains extremely worrying. Three months ago, the donor community pledged $500 million for emergency assistance. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced the creation of a humanitarian forum and fund. Millions of Congolese, however, urgently need humanitarian measures right. Hunger, massive internal displacement and health risks are heightening the threats to their security. It is a vicious circle. Armed groups and their ravages are growing.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“The women and men of the Democratic Republic of the Congo aspire to a credible transfer of power, in line with the Constitution, the New Year's Eve agreement and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. We must see significant progress. We take note of the fact that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has postponed the visit of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission that was scheduled for earlier this month. We hope that a new date can be fixed quickly. Cancellation could diminish the confidence of the international community and the Congolese people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's commitment to the New Year's Eve agreement.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“The Council and the regional and international stakeholders have repeatedly called for the full implementation of the confidence-building measures. There is a great deal ofwork left to do. More than 100 political prisoners remain imprisoned. The harassment, intimidation and threats faced by many members of civil society organizations and parties must stop. The total ban on demonstrations has not been lifted. The political space is shrinking. The participation ofwomen in elections is another aspects that requires our attention and support. The Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot afford to hold elections that lack credibility.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source