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

“On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to address three points today: first, the electoral process; secondly, the current humanitarian and security situation; and thirdly, the crucial role of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the coming months. Concerning the electoral process, last week the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council urged the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to guarantee the holding of elections on 23 December. Progress is certainly being made in legislative and technical preparations, but the confidence of many stakeholders in the process is low. A year and a half has passed since the New Year's Eve agreement.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I thank the three briefers for their statements highlighting the many facets of the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am especially proud to see Ms. Jutsine Masika Bihamba among us today. She was the first winner of our national human rights champions prize. Her presence here highlights yet again the gratitude of the international community for her important work in the fight against sexual violence and on behalf of the protection of civilians, women and children in particular.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, today's complex security challenges require an efficient relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union. A good example is the Secretary- General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Regional organizations will play a central role in tackling the existing challenges to peacekeeping. I would like to underscore that the AU will find a constructive partner in us on efforts that take the strategic partnership with the United Nations forward.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“Resolution 2320 (2016) clearly indicates the need for increased support for AU peacekeeping, which includes discussions on a different mode of financing between the United Nations and the AU. We must translate words into action. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, the AU has made important steps forward, including through the African Peace Fund. Such steps must be recognized. Sustainable, predictable and flexible financing would enhance the effectiveness of AU peacekeeping, as would its required compliance to the relevant agreed standards on human rights and strategic and financial oversight and accountability. We support the Secretary-General's intention to explore financing options in greater technical detail with the General Assembly.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“On the other hand, the report of the Secretary- General on strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union on issues of peace and security in Africa, including on the work of the United Nations Office to the African Union (S/2018/678), rightly observes that regional interests and proximity can also complicate matters. Cooperation between the United Nations and the AU must rest on comparative advantage and complementarity. An organization's willingness to act should be decisive in that regard. Thirdly, I would like to address the importance of increased financial support for AU peacekeeping. The role of the AU in peace operations in Africa is essential. However, the AU cannot do it alone. We must step up our efforts.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“Secondly, concerning complementarity between the two organizations, we should do all in our power to ensure that United Nations and AU approaches to peacekeeping and conflict resolution are mutually reinforcing. The AU's ability to act as first responder and move in much more quickly than the United Nations is widely recognized and should be facilitated. Similarly, political processes being positively fuelled or facilitated by the AU or regional economic organizations deserve the Council's full support.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“In addition, we encourage more joint AU- United Nations analysis, early warning, planning and decision-making and increased issuance of joint statements. To that end, we would welcome closer alignment between the agendas of the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council, especially when addressing African issues. In that same vein, we believe that joint meetings between the Peacebuilding Commission and the AU Peace and Security Council, such as the one taking place today, are important. Lastly, we strongly support the intention, as expressed by members of the two Councils, to conduct joint field missions so as to facilitate the formulation of common positions and recommendations.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“As we look for ways to further strengthen the partnership between the United Nations and the AU, we would like to highlight the following three important aspects: practical cooperation, complementarity and financial support. First, with regard to practical cooperation between the AU and the United Nations, the Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the practical progress made, in particular the increase in the number of joint briefings by Special Representatives and Envoys. It also welcomes the enhanced collaboration between the United Nations Secretariat and the AU Commission, as well as the joint field visits by senior officials. We welcome in particular the joint Visit of Commissioner Chergui and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix in April to Darfur and the Central African Republic.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zewde and African Union Commissioner Chergui for their briefings. I would also like to join African colleagues in congratulating Ms. Zewde on her recent appointment as Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union. I wish her every success in her new endeavours. The Kingdom of the Netherlands attaches great value to closer collaboration between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations. We are a staunch supporter of the intentions enshrined in resolution 2320 (2016). A strong partnership enables both the United Nations and the AU to respond more swiftly and decisively to threats of international peace and security.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“using the good offices of the Secretary-General, they The President: There are no more names inscribed all contribute to peace and stability. UNOWAS deserves 0" the "St "f speakers. the full support of the Council in its activities. The I now invite Council members to informal Kingdom of the Netherlands expresses its gratitude consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. to Special Representative of the Seei'ctarnyeneral The meeting rose at 4.05 pm.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“We commend Special Representative of the Secretary- General Chambas for his crucial role in facilitating political dialogue and ensuring peaceful transitions of power. We welcome the continued use ofthe good offices of the regional Office in view of the sustaining peace agenda, in particular following the exit of country- specific United Nations missions. Furthermore, we support the Secretary-General's recommendations to enhance political dialogue between communities through national peace architectures. Facilitating political dialogue is particularly important given the several upcoming elections in the region. In conclusion, whether it is regional cooperation Chambas for his leadership and efforts and to his staff and the rule of law, early warning and early action, or for the" outstanding work.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“We encourage the United Nations to develop the necessary risk analysis and assessment capacity on climate-related security risks at Headquarters and on the ground in order to provide to timely warnings to the Security Council and adapt stabilization, humanitarian and development programmes if necessary. Thirdly and lastly, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Chambas plays a crucial role in using the good offices of the Secretary-General in the region. We commend his efforts and those ofUNOWAS as a whole, often in cooperation with ECOWAS. In January, we discussed the importance of peaceful and inclusive elections in Liberia and Sierra Leone (see S/PV.8156). Six months later, we have witnessed positive developments in terms of peaceful democratic elections and transitions in both countries.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“The attention UNOWAS is paying to conflicts between pastoralists and farmers is particularly valuable, especially against the backdrop of terrorist groups and criminal networks increasing their cooperation in the region. As the Secretary-General states, those are becoming multidimensional threats affecting the entire subregion. We support his call on ECOWAS and its member States to find sustainable solutions to that challenge. As a threat multiplier, climate change intensifies tensions between farmers and herders. It should be taken into account as a root cause, as Ms. Hindou Ibrahim of the International Indigenous People Forum on Climate Change so passionately argued last week in the Council (see S/PV.8307).”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“In addition to enhanced regional cooperation, we applaud the efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and UNOWAS to strengthen collaboration beyond their mandates, connecting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States. We look forward to a successful summit at the end of this month. Secondly, with regard to early warning and early action, we congratulate Special Representative of the Secretary-General Chambas on the handbook on conflict analysis and welcome the cross-sectoral conflict analyses of UNOWAS. Those are important tools in signalling threats to stability and security.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“To sustain security, properly addressing governance deficits and justice is equally important. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for putting an emphasis on the rule of law in his briefing earlier today. Accountability, participation and inclusive dialogue are also imperative in paving the way to sustainable peace. The efficiency and legitimacy of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force depends not only on its swift ability to respond, but also on the implementation of its compliance framework. Moreover, as the European Union recently highlighted, there is great need to step up support to the national justice sector, as well as for regional judicial cooperation. That alone will allow for the transfer of suspects and evidence between jurisdictions and ensure due process.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“Please allow me to highlight three aspects that the Kingdom of the Netherlands considers particularly critical: regional cooperation; early warning and early action; and the good offices role of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General Chambas. First, with regard to regional cooperation, security risks transcend borders and so should cooperation to curb them. We applaud the work of UNOWAS in ensuring that conflicts are approached from a regional perspective. We also welcome the positive steps taken to strengthen security cooperation in the region, and we join the Secretary-General in commending in particular the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) in that regard. Regional and national efforts are essential to peace and security, yet they should not be limited to a military approach.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“Putting prevention up front is one of the main priorities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, because in sustaining peace, conflict prevention is key, and with regard to conflict prevention, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) is playing a crucial role in the region. The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to thank the Secretary-General for his most recent report on UNOWAS (S/2018/649), in which the activities were described and recommendations were presented. We would also like to warmly thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Chambas for briefing the Security Council today. UNOWAS is contributing to conflict prevention in many ways.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“We are alarmed, as is the Secretary-General, by the increase in intercommunal violence. A few weeks ago, a young Central African woman working for peace showed us the threats she receives every day on social networks. No one should fear for their lives because of their ethnic origin or religion. We must prevent this conflict from escalating. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my thanks to the Special Representative, Mr. Onanga-Anyanga, for his considerable efforts and leadership.”
2018-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8291 (2018) · source
“My third point concerns the importance of strengthening State authority, which is necessary for achieving a lasting solution. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the contribution of the European Union Military Training Mission (EUTM) to the training of the Central African Armed Forces. We recognize, however, that more support is needed to redeploy the EUTM-trained forces. We welcome the recent letter from the Secretary-General describing the conditions under which MINUSCA could play a role in that regard (S/2018/463). We believe that in the current circumstances it is crucial that the Council take a decision on this matter as soon as possible. We call on all international partners contributing to the redeployment of security forces to strengthen their coordination efforts.”
2018-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8291 (2018) · source
“They continue to be the first targets in the relentless violence. The protection of civilians must remain MINUSCA's priority. We encourage the Mission to further strengthen its early-warning mechanisms, but it alone cannot stop the threat of hateful rhetoric, which is toxic to peace in the Central African Republic. The Government of the Netherlands calls on the Central African Government, as well as political and religious leaders, to act to end incitement to violence. We welcome the recent declaration issued by the High Council for Communication and encourage the operationalization of its Office. There can be no peace without justice. In that regard, the progress of the Special Criminal Court is commendable, in particular the adoption of the rules of procedure and evidence.”
2018-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8291 (2018) · source
“We firmly condemn such acts and call on armed groups to lay down their weapons. The security of the people in Central Africa must improve so that an inclusive dialogue to achieve peace can begin. We encourage the African Union and MINUSCA to continue working in close cooperation in complementarity. We welcome MINUSCA's efforts to arrive at local agreements and support local initiatives to promote peace. Moreover, the Netherlands welcomes the initiative of President Touadera to reactivate the three bilateral joint commissions between the Central African Republic and Cameroon, Chad and the Sudan. We call on the countries of the region to constructively commit to aggressively confronting the cross- border roots underlying the conflict in the Central African Republic. Secondly, I underscore the urgent need to protect civilians.”
2018-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8291 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about and condemns the escalation of intercommunal violence and attacks against civilians, MINUSCA and humanitarian workers. Today I will focus on three aspects of how to respond to the crisis: first, the need to strengthen our support for the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation; secondly, the need to protect civilians and prevent incitement to violence; and, thirdly, the imperative redeployment of the Central African Armed Forces. My first point concerns the peace process conducted under the African Initiative. The Netherlands welcomes the work of Mr. Nebie and the panel of facilitators. In particular, we welcome the holding of consultations with armed groups. However, the increase in violence is undermining the peace process.”
2018-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8291 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I thank the three briefers for the clarity of their statements this morning. I believe that they demonstrated how the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union are working together in close cooperation for peace in the Central African Republic. I also thank their teams, which are made up of people who devote all their efforts and energy in the service of achieving lasting peace. I join other delegations in conveying our condolences to the families and Governments of the Blue Helmets of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) who lost their lives. I would like to say that today their work is more necessary than ever.”
2018-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8291 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, the Netherlands remains committed to the development and stability of the people of Burundi, while recognizing that only Burundi's stakeholders have the power to bring about lasting peace. We fully support the East African Community and the guarantors of the Arusha Accords in their efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the current crisis.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We call on all stakeholders to refrain from violence and fully respect human rights. The Arusha Accords, signed in 2000 after three decades of conflict, remain the cornerstone of stability in Burundi. All dialogue, political reform and action undertaken in Burundi should be based on the principles and spirit of the solid foundations laid by Presidents Nyerere and Mandela. They created a system of constitutional provisions to discourage the concentration of power in a single party or group and to form a unified army. We fear that the proposed constitutional amendments will undermine the achievements of the Accords. We recognize and stress the importance and primary responsibility of the guarantors of the Arusha Accords in safeguarding the spirit that reigned at their adoption.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Despite the current impasse, the Netherlands continues to give its full support to the inter-Burundian dialogue led by the East African Community. A political solution developed through constructive and inclusive dialogue remains the most sustainable and viable way out of the political crisis in the country. We call on the Burundian Government to allow the political arena to be opened up in the post-referendum phase by ensuring circumstances that are more conducive to peaceful dialogue and contributing to positive efforts aimed at helping Burundi and its partners combat the country's persistent poverty. The Kingdom of the Netherlands fears that the risk of violence in Burundi continues. In that regard, we condemn the attack in Cibitoke province that claimed the lives of 24 civilians, including 11 children.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Despite the absence of serious violence, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has taken note of the various incidents reported during the elections, such as denying accredited opposition observers access to polling stations or arresting them, and intimidating Burundian citizens in and around polling stations, including through the presence of members of the ruling party's youth league at some polling stations. We condemn such acts around the referendum process, which may have harmed a climate conducive to free choice. We expect the Burundian Government to ensure that any action based on the referendum, including the process of formalizing constitutional amendments, will be conducted on the basis of a broad consensus on the part of all stakeholders and in line with the relevant provisions of the current Constitution.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks Special Envoy Kafando and Ambassador Lauber for their illuminating briefings. The Netherlands has been closely following the political climate in Burundi, since we are very concerned about the consequences of the potential political tensions for the population of Burundi and, in particular, for the security situation. I would like to draw the Council's attention to three aspects: first, the incidents related to the referendum; secondly, the ongoing need for inter-Burundian dialogue; and thirdly, the importance of the Arusha Accords.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Secondly, on humanitarian assistance, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access must be granted, in line with international humanitarian law. Thirdly, with regard to utilizing its toolkit, the Council can consider sanctioning, as appropriate, those who unlawfully deny humanitarian access or starve civilians. It can also task peacekeeping operations with facilitating humanitarian access. It is truly an encouraging sign that the Council has managed to agree unanimously on some of the basic norms of humanity. We would like to thank all Council members for their genuinely constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process. Today we managed to take another significant step towards making the use of starvation as a method of warfare a crime of the past.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“It also clearly acknowledges the fact that conflict can lead to increased food insecurity, and recognizes the need to break the Vicious cycle between armed conflict and food insecurity. Most important, the text places the most vulnerable people in conflict situations firmly on the agenda of the Council. Innocent civilians suffering from hunger due to the consequences of war are at the heart of the text, as is respect for international humanitarian law and accountability. I would like to highlight three important aspects of the resolution. First, with regard to early warning, the Secretary-General will brief the Council whenever situations occur where people are severely food insecure as a consequence of war.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“I deliver this statement on behalf of the co-penholders that put forward resolution 2417 (2018), on conflict and hunger, that is, C6te d'Ivoire, Kuwait, Sweden and the Netherlands. Tuesday's open debate (see S/PV.8264) on the protection of civilians, which you organized, Madam President, provided ample evidence of the timely nature of our resolution, and of its necessity. As stated in the report (8/2018/462) of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians, the number of food insecure people is increasing, mainly due to armed conflict. Recent reports from the World Food Programme and the United Natiions Food and Agriculture Organization confirm that deeply concerning trend. Today's resolution is a landmark text, wherein the Security Council for the first time unequivocally condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“They can either redouble their efforts to finally bring peace to Libya or bear the responsibility for leaving their country in a prolonged state of instability and disarray. It is up to them to show the courage and leadership necessary to make the necessary compromises. At the same time, they cannot do this alone. The international community, including the Council, should continue to stand ready to help address the Libyan crisis using every tool at its disposal.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, with regard to the economy of predation, the business of human trafficking is only one example of the criminalization of Libya's economy. We need to work urgently on the economic, political and security fronts simultaneously in order to facilitate a political solution and stability for Libya. The Libyan people continue to lose millions of dollars in revenue thanks to fuel smuggling, and the fact that armed militias are sabotaging the increase of oil production is particularly worrying. Such issues can be addressed only by engaging with the armed groups, and we commend the steps taken by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in that regard. In conclusion, the Libyan parties must realize that they are at a crossroads.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“Trafficking networks exploit migrants and are closely linked to the militia and terrorist groups that have been destabilizing the country. The Security Council has stated its resolve on numerous occasions to address the destabilizing practices of those trafficking networks. It is time to turn our words into action. As part of a comprehensive effort to dismantle those networks and improve the human rights situation of migrants, in cooperation with our partners and with the support of many States, including Libya and countries in the region, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has proposed targeted sanctions against six prominent traffickers. We expect the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya to come to a swift agreement on that important issue, which affects the wider region as well as Libya itself.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“It is important that they work for credible and tangible results in order to be able to appeal to all Libyans to join the march to peace and stability. We understand the call for elections, but they must be well prepared and can take place only in a secure environment. We strongly condemn the cowardly attack of 2 May on the High Commission for National Elections. In the coming months we will have to pay specific attention to improving the security situation through dialogue with and between the armed groups. My second point concerns the human rights situation of migrants. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains deeply concerned about the serious human rights violations and abuses against migrants that continue throughout Libya.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to express its sincere thanks to Special Representative Salame and Ambassador Olof Skoog for their clear briefings at the beginning of this meeting. I would like to focus on three important aspects with regard to the situation in Libya: first, ending the political crisis: secondly, the human rights situation of migrants; and lastly, the economy of predation. First, with regard to the political process, the Libyan people have been waiting for an end to their country's political transition for a long time, and we commend Mr. Salame for his tireless efforts to revitalize the political process. He continues to have our full support. Our main challenge continues to be the lack of political will among the Libyan parties to make the necessary compromises.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“The new Government is tasked with building a Government programme that supports national unity. It is key that the stakeholders of Guinea-Bissau be able to move past the political impasse. In conclusion, we urge the political actors and the P-5 on the ground to continue to work towards supporting the inclusive Government in Guinea- Bissau, the organization of free and fair presidential elections and the full implementation of the Conakry Agreement and the Bissau six-point road map. The continued engagement of the Security Council will remain essential in moving forward.”
2018-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8261 (2018) · source
“There is no room for complacency on the issue of Guinea-Bissau. The Security Council must remain engaged. While the recent developments in Guinea-Bissau are positive, we must not lose sight of the importance of the full implementation of the Bissau six-point road map and the Conakry Agreement. While welcoming the positive developments, we must also shed light, when necessary, on the issues that concern us, such as the appointment of the new Minister of State Botche Cande by President Vaz. Botche' Cande' is on the ECOWAS sanctions list, and his appointment serves as a reminder that, while the political situation has improved, the situation in Guinea-Bissau is still fragile. Those political improvements may be short-lived if the underlying structural issues are not addressed.”
2018-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8261 (2018) · source
“Five key political organizations - UNIOGBIS, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the European Union, the African Union and particularly ECOWAS, also known as the P-5 - play an important role in Guinea- Bissau. It is important that the Security Council continue to support the active engagement of ECOWAS and the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau, as well as the strong collaboration among ECOWAS, UNIOGBIS and the rest of the P-5 in moving forward. We cannot underestimate the role that ECOWAS played in breaking through the political impasse. It will be vital that the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General continue to support ECOWAS and to stimulate that collaboration in the coming months, particularly in the light of the organization of the elections. I come to my third point.”
2018-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8261 (2018) · source
“We would like to highlight the critical role played by women's organizations in breaking the political impasse in Guinea-Bissau, and to reiterate that their full and equal participation in Guinea-Bissau is key. We encourage the Guinea-Bissau Government to continue to engage with women in all steps and at all levels of the political process. It is important that the Government, the President and the other political actors continue to work towards organizing free and fair legislative elections on 18 November and presidential elections next year. Moving forward, it is essential to restore faith in democratic institutions and work towards national reconciliation in Guinea-Bissau. That brings me to my second point, namely, support for the region.”
2018-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8261 (2018) · source
“Regarding the situation in Guinea-Bissau and the implementation of resolution 2404 (2018), I would like to focus on three aspects: the positive developments on the ground in Guinea-Bissau; the importance of supporting regional efforts, particularly by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); and the importance of the continued engagement of the Security Council. First, we would like once again to welcome the developments on the ground in Guinea-Bissau. The appointment of a consensus Prime Minister, the formation of an inclusive Government and the setting of a concrete date for legislative elections are positive steps. Those steps show the goodwill of the key political actors in Guinea-Bissau and create space for UNIOGBIS to work on its mandate, with a Government and Parliament that are functioning.”
2018-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8261 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to express sincere thanks to Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun, Mr. Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission configuration, Ambassador Vieira, for their briefings on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Special Representative Toure for his hard work in Guinea-Bissau and warmly welcome the incoming Special Representative, Mr. Filho, to the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) team. We also commend the important work of UNODC on the ground, particularly in the light of the new mandate stipulated in resolution 2404 (2018), and we look forward to working closely with UNIOGBIS as the situation in Guinea-Bissau continues to improve.”
2018-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8261 (2018) · source
“The visit has made it clear to all of us that the continued engagement and support of the international community is needed, including through the newly appointed Special Envoy of the Secretary-General. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to play its part and to support the decisive engagement of the Council through a draft resolution that reflects the large scale of the crisis.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“Without addressing the crimes committed against the Rohinyga, the decades-old cycle of violence and discrimination cannot be broken. We welcome the expressed commitment of the Myanmar authorities to facilitate independent and credible investigations. As a first step, we call on Myanmar to allow access to the fact-finding nission, as well as to the Special Rapporteur. Furthermore, we call on Myanmar to become a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court or to accept the jurisdiction of the Court in accordance with paragraph 3, article 12, of the Rome Statute. We hope for swift and decisive action in that regard. Otherwise, it will be up to the international community to shoulder its responsibility and to consider further steps to bring about accountability, including referral to the International Criminal Court.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“We call on the Myanmar authorities to allow full access to the United Nations and humanitarian organizations. The swift conclusion of talks on a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme would be an encouraging first step. Furthermore, initial efforts to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State - the Annan Commission - need to be followed up with meaningful and concrete steps - steps towards recognition, protection and citizenship for the Rohingya. The third aspect is the need for accountability. For every member of the Rohingya community with whom I spoke, justice featured high on their list of needs for them to feel safe enough to return.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“Swift action is required to prepare the camps for the imminent possibility of floods and landslides. The United Nations joint response plan is seriously underfunded. It is therefore essential that the international community step up its aid. The second aspect is the immediate steps to be taken. Coming back from the visit, we cannot conclude other than that the outlook for a swift solution to the crisis remains bleak. Much needs to be done before the Rohingya can return safely and in a voluntary and dignified manner. The Council's presidential statement of November, which was reaffirmed in a press statement (SC/13331) following the visit, is far from being implemented. Quick steps can be taken to show that Myanmar is truly committed.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“We met an elderly woman who saw members of her family being raped and was then raped herself. We met a girl aged seven or eight with deep scars on her skull inflicted by knives and cuts. Imagine doing that to a child. We met a girl about 12 years old whose upper thigh had been ripped open by a bullet and who was now paralysed and unable to go to school. We met children who had no dreams for the future, just the past to deal with. Several of them had lost their parents and had to cope with that alone. We also witnessed the hospitality of the people and the Government of Bangladesh in hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees. Their generosity deserves our deep appreciation and support. At the same time, with the monsoon season almost upon us, the challenges in the camps should not be underestimated by any of us.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“I would also like to warmly thank all the United Nations staff who were involved in organizing the visit and producing the briefings. I would like to address three aspects of the issue, starting with the impressions we had from the visit; secondly, the immediate steps to be taken; and thirdly, the urgent need for accountability for crimes against the Rohingya. The visit left a deep impression on us all. We were particularly shocked by the scale of the crisis, the number of refugees and the extent of the destruction of their villages. In Cox's Bazar we heard horrifying accounts from survivors of the violence. We met a woman holding a 16-day-old baby who looked as if she did not know what to do with it. She had been raped the night that her husband was killed and did not know who the baby's father was.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“I would like to start by thanking the Permanent Representatives of Kuwait, Peru and the United Kingdom for their briefings on our joint Security Council visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar, and to join others in thanking them for organizing and co-leading the visit. We were also glad to do our part during the March presidency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to facilitate discussions to make the visit to both countries possible. It provided an opportunity to assess the progress made in implementing the Council's November presidential statement (S/PRST/20l7/22) and to inform the Council's further engagement. We are grateful to the Governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar for their hospitality and willingness to engage with the Council.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source
“We therefore urge all States to become State parties to the Rome Statute. Until that is the case, the Security Council needs to take responsibility for referring situations to the Court. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands firmly by the Prosecutor's side in her fight against impunity. Together, if all ofus are fully committed to this common goal, we can make accountability happen for Libya and all around the world.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source