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. “Twenty years ago, we were full of hope and confidence that we had turned a new page, that impunity would be targeted successfully and that this international approach of accountability would set a universal norm. Today, however, the picture is more grim. There are still many situations outside the Court's jurisdiction, with Syria being the most visible, and the Council is all too often paralysed and does not take adequate action. We appreciate the efforts of the Prosecutor to make full use of the options she has at her disposal, including requests to the ICC for the exercise of jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of people to neighbouring countries. If the Court has the ability to scrutinize situations all around the world, justice can be brought to those who are in need of it.”

   2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source

2. “This shows that lack of accountability encourages the repetition of crimes, as perpetrators feel free to commit further offences without fear of punishment. We find it alarming that Mr. Al-Werfalli was reportedly released after just one day in custody. That he remains at large shows disregard for the Council and for the international community as a whole. We urge all relevant entities to fully cooperate with the Court to ensure the immediate arrest and swift surrender of all those against whom an arrest warrant has been issued. Moreover, it is essential that the Council abide by its financial obligations and facilitate adequate United Nations financial funding for the Office's work in Libya. Thirdly, on combating impunity, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Rome Statute.”

   2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source

3. “In this respect, we would like to commend the successful cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor and the Libyan Prosecutor-General's Office, which has resulted in the Office's first mission to Libya in more than five years. However, greater cooperation is needed from all States and the Council, especially in relation to the surrender of suspects to the Court. In particular, like others, we regret that Mr. Al-Werfalli, commander of the Libyan National Army's Al-Saiqa Brigade, and other suspects have not been arrested and brought to The Hague, especially considering that Mr. Al-Werfalli has allegedly committed more murders since the last report on the situation in Libya (see S/PV.8091).”

   2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source

4. “We welcome the work of the Prosecutor in relation to alleged crimes against migrants. We welcome in particular her collaborative efforts with States and organizations, in conformity with strategic goal 9, as well as her efforts to determine whether these crimes fall within the jurisdiction of the Court. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains ready to employ all means available to combat abuses against migrants and stabilize Libya, including through targeted sanctions, which can complement and strengthen criminal prosecution. Secondly, on cooperation with the Court, for the Office of the Prosecutor to fulfil its mandate, the full cooperation and assistance of the Libyan authorities is essential.”

   2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source

5. “I would like to echo the words that she just spoke - thatjustice, peace and stability form a trinity - and to thank her and her Office for their unwavering commitment to bringing justice to the victims of atrocities in Libya, and also, as a part of this trinity, to working towards the achievement of peace and stability in the country. Allow me to focus on three important aspects: the security and human rights situation in Libya; cooperation with the Court; and combating impunity. First, we are deeply worried by the volatile security and human rights situation in Libya. Civilians continue to be the main victims of the ongoing conflict. The situation of internally displaced persons and migrants, especially those held in detention centres, gives particular cause for concern.”

   2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source

6. “On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her fifteenth report and comprehensive briefing on the situation in Libya. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has long been a firm supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is a key institution when it comes to accountability for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern, and we have found the Prosecutor to be a key ally in this endeavour.”

   2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8250 (2018) · source

7. “The European Union is currently devising its own agenda in support of youth, peace and security, and we encourage other regions to follow suit. As the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we are contributing as well, for example by assisting programmes in support of youth participation in northern Mali, supporting training on democracy and human rights in different countries or, closer to home, establishing community-level programmes in cities such as The Hague to provide opportunities for youth and prevent radicalization. The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes that the issue of youth, peace and security merits structural debate and the attention of the Council. We therefore join Peru and Sweden in supporting the recommendation to request an annual report by the Secretary-General.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

8. “I am proud to say that my statement today integrates the valuable input of our youth representatives to the United Nations. We strongly encourage those members that have not done so yet to appoint youth representatives as well. My final point concerns translating the resolution into contextualized actions. For 1.8 billion young people across the world, there is no one size fits all. Resolution 2250 (2015) therefore needs to be translated into the different contexts and needs of young people, grounded in a thorough analysis of root causes. These joined-up analyses should be part of our comprehensive response in implementing the agenda for sustaining peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our implementation efforts should be made more explicit in order to make resolution 2250 (2015) operational.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

9. “Therefore, we welcome the contributions of today's young briefers and encourage the Security Council to be open to hearing youth speak on the regular items on its agenda as well. We appreciate the attention that youth have received from the Peacebuilding Commission and would welcome a structural inclusion in its future work. We also welcome the active participation of youth in this week's high-level event on sustaining peace. As the progress study recommends, the role of youth should be more strongly referenced in the mandates and reporting of peacekeeping and political missions. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia is a recent example of the inclusion of relevant language on the meaningful inclusion of youth, which deserves more systematic following.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

10. “This is not a threat but provides an opportunity to strengthen a diverse and inclusive society. History has demonstrated that in places such as Prague, Indonesia or, more recently, Tunisia and Egypt. It is no coincidence that human rights defenders are often young people, underscoring the need for their protection, particularly in times when the space for civil society is increasingly under pressure. That brings me to my second point, on involving youth in the work of the United Nations. It is imperative that we integrate the thoughts and views of young people more structurally in the practice of the Council, as part of the wider United Nations. Young people are a major force when it comes to preventing violence and sustaining peace. As a whole-of-United Nations approach is needed, the Security Council should not be excluded.”

    2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

11. “In that connection, allow me to focus on three issues for this debate: first, the importance of youth participation; secondly, involving youth in the work of the United Nations; and, thirdly, translating the resolution into contextualized actions. First, concerning the importance of youth participation, the progress study makes clear how young people often feel unrepresented or excluded by the very institutions that are supposed to serve them. Young people are indeed "the missing peace". We believe young women and men to be enormously important contributors to conflict prevention and resolution and to sustaining peace. They have a legitimate desire to participate in decision-making on their own future. Youth have the potential to act as a transformative force in peacefully bringing about change.”

    2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

12. “I join others in thanking the three inspiring and courageous young women who briefed us today: Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth; and the youth representatives, Ms. Sophia Pierre-Antoine and Ms. Kessy Ekomo-Soignet. I was very inspired by what they shared with us. I believe that, if the future depends on them, everything will be alright. We congratulate Mr. Graeme Simpson, the lead author of the independent progress study (see S/2018/86), and the United Nations entities involved in it for their valuable work. Today we recommit ourselves to resolution 2250 (2015), on youth, peace and security.”

    2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

13. “Let me reiterate our thanks to Special Representative Zarif, UNMIL and the United Nations country team for their great effort and leadership. I would also like to reiterate our support to the Government of Liberia along its path towards a peaceful and inclusive Liberia that offers plenty of opportunities for its people, in particular the children in their school uniforms that Mr. Liberty spoke about.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

14. “In that light, we welcome today's presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/8), and would also welcome a broader report on the lessons learned in that regard. Today will hopefully be the last time that we discuss the situation in Liberia on the agenda of the Council in this context. In conclusion, I would like to stress the importance of the good offices role of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel in Liberia and the role of a strengthened country team in Liberia in view of the sustaining peace agenda. Additionally, I would like to highlight once again that the Liberian Government can count on the continued engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission country- specific configuration for Liberia as a tool to support the transition from UNMIL to a United Nations country team and beyond.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

15. “The Liberia peacebuilding plan provides a solid basis for a common vision and direction for the country, which in turn makes it easier to determine the priorities of a United Nations country team. In addition to the preparation of a peacebuilding plan, we also learned that we must carefully time the exit of peacekeeping and special political missions. Lastly, in the case of Liberia, we learned more with regard to the important interlinkage between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. One cannot occur without the other. We have to ensure that the host country's Government has the capacity and the authority to support both the peacekeeping and the peacebuilding process. And, as I said, it is important to reflect upon the lessons learned.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

16. “In the light of that, the Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the necessary strengthening of the United Nations country team and the Office of the Resident Coordinator. Those offices will be crucial to guaranteeing the active engagement of the United Nations in protecting human rights, ensuring the full and meaningful participation of women and girls, addressing the root causes of the initial conflict and building strong institutions to sustain peace in Liberia. Moving on to my third point, the lessons learned from UNMIL and the importance of building on those lessons when considering exit strategies in other contexts are essential. The Liberia peacebuilding plan is the first ofits kind requested by the Security Council. We consider such longer-term planning crucial when looking at exit strategies.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

17. “While the situation in Liberia is relatively stable, a stagnant economy, youth unemployment, human rights violations and a lack of land reform and reconciliation policies could pose threats to peace in the country, particularly now that UNMIL is no longer present. In the light of the high-level event on sustaining peace next week, I want to highlight that the departure of UNMIL and the situation in Liberia provide an opportunity for the whole United Nations system to put the sustaining peace agenda into practice. We must seize that opportunity. Moving forward, the role of the United Nations country team and the active engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission will be crucial.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

18. “We hope that President Weah continues to build on the work of the previous Administration, working towards a Liberia that is both peaceful and inclusive. Entrepreneurs and young professionals are the future of Liberia. Mr. Liberty, who addressed the Security Council today, is a part ofa new generation and of the engine that will be essential to Liberia's future. Although we all acknowledge that it has come a long way, Liberia still has a few hurdles to overcome on the way ahead. That brings me to my second point: addressing the root causes of the conflict and sustaining peace. We must consider that Liberia is a country that has seen violence. It is still a new democracy with young institutions.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

19. “The essence of today's briefing is to reflect on the successes and lessons learned from UNMIL and to look forward to a peaceful and inclusive Liberia. We can be proud that UNMIL has left a Liberia that looks very different to where it started. Allow me to focus on three important aspects with regard to the departure of UNMIL and the situation in Liberia: first, the successes of UNMIL and the progress in Liberia; secondly, the remaining challenges; and, thirdly, the lessons learned from UNMIL. UNMIL was present in Liberia for 14 years. In those 14 years, the country made significant progress leading up to the elections in 2017 and 2018 and the peaceful transfer of power from President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to President George Weah.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

20. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to start by thanking the briefers - Assistant Secretary- General Zouev, Ambassador Schoulgin Nyoni and Mr. Liberty - for their very informative briefings. I think that the picture that Mr. Liberty painted before our eyes of the children in their school uniforms shows them as a real symbol of not only the hope and but also the opportunities that lie ahead for Liberia. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Farid Zarif, who is here with us today, the preceding Special Representatives of the Secretary-General for Liberia for their leadership and all the staff of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for their outstanding work in the country and for bringing it to where it is today.”

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8239 (2018) · source

21. “In conclusion, any use of chemical weapons constitutes a threat to international law, peace and security that is unacceptable. I reiterate our call for full accountability for that horrific crime.”

    2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

22. “In that light, it is not helpful that the authorities of the Russian Federation continue to disseminate alternative, implausible versions of the events in Salisbury. Nor do we approve of attempts by the Russian Federation, at the OPCW and elsewhere, to create procedural hurdles for the United Kingdom's authorities to carry out their follow-up to that chemical attack on their sovereign soil. We urge the Russian Federation to change its course and cooperate fully. We urge the Russian Federation to provide the United Kingdom with all information relating to unanswered questions about the course of events in Salisbury on 4 March. We call on the Russian Federation to cooperate with efforts to bring those responsible to justice and to provide full disclosure of its Novichok programme to the OPCW.”

    2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

23. “In doing so, the United Kingdom has acted in full accordance with OPCW procedures, as has been confirmed by the Director-General of the OPCW. We appreciate the transparency observed by the United Kingdom in the process. The OPCW's independent analysis confirmed the findings of the United Kingdom's authorities that the attack on Yulia and Sergei Skripal was carried out with the use of a specific type of Novichok. That fact is now beyond dispute. We welcome the clarity that the OPCW report has provided. Thirdly, there is a need for Russian cooperation. The findings of the OPCW report have made it even more evident than before that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation bears responsibility for the attack. There is no plausible alternative explanation.”

    2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

24. “At both the previous meetings on the matter (see S/PV.8203 and S/PV.8224), we expressed our shock about the reckless attack with a military-grade nerve agent on British soil. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has strongly condemned that attack in the Security Council and on many other occasions. We stand in full solidarity with the United Kingdom and fully subscribe to the conclusions of the European Council on 22 March. Secondly, last Thursday, at the specific request of the United Kingdom, the full report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was shared with all member States of the OPCW. That report, containing the analysis of environmental and biomedical samples, was carried out at the request of the United Kingdom.”

    2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

25. “I would like to begin by thanking the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her briefing. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the update provided by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom on the latest developments in the follow-up to the shocking chemical-weapon attack that took place in Salisbury last month. I will make three points. First, I will reiterate our condemnation of the attack and reaffirm our solidarity with the United Kingdom. Secondly, I will welcome the clarity provided by the independent findings of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Thirdly, I will urge the Russian Federation to change its course and cooperate fully. First, on the unacceptable nature of the attack.”

    2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

26. “Finally, let me conclude by again stressing the importance of the immediate implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) throughout Syria. Humanitarian access, as well as the protection of civilians, remains a necessity, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

27. “On that basis, a coordinated humanitarian response can be deployed. The clearance of improvised explosive devices is a priority. Demining is essential so that internally displaced persons can safely return home. The Kingdom of the Netherlands contributes to demining activities in and around Raqqa and calls on other Council members to do the same. My third point relates to Rukban, the so-called berm. The situation in Rukban, where more than 50,000 displaced people remain, is worrisome. The last food distribution took place in January. Apart from food, medical aid is also a necessity and should be made available to all those trapped in that area. It is important that aid reach those people through the fastest and easiest route.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

28. “We also call the attention of the Council to the plight of more than 180,000 people who have been displaced by hostilities in Afrin district. The massive influx of internally displaced persons puts a strain on host communities that are already overwhelmed. We call on all parties to allow for humanitarian access and for the freedom of movement of the internally displaced. Secondly, the liberation of Raqqa from Da'esh has been a positive and decisive step in the fight against Da'esh in Syria. It is now important to contribute to the stabilization of Raqqa and to promote inclusive governance. The protection of civilians and of humanitarian organizations and other non-governmental organizations must be respected at all times. We welcome the fact that OCHA has been able to conduct a humanitarian needs assessment mission.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

29. “Access for that aid, as well as access to Douma for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic, is urgently needed. We call for the independent monitoring of the collective shelters for internally displaced persons in rural Damascus. Families should not be torn apart by separating men from their wives and children. Where that has happened, the process of family reunification is needed. The urgent needs of internally displaced persons throughout Syria call for a humanitarian surge. To that end, the United Nations requests entry into the country to help the Syrian population. We call on the Syrian regime to provide the additional staff from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with visas as soon as possible.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

30. “Women, girls and others voicing concerns about gender-based violence should be heard and helped. At the beginning of the year, we held frequent discussions about the growing list of medical evacuees. There were 1,000 people on the list. We were appalled to learn that many of the severely sick and injured were on evacuation buses to Idlib for many hours. Such a trip is medically irresponsible. Those are not the kind of medical evacuations that resolution 2401 (2018) called for. Furthermore, those who remain in Douma need aid. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about the fact that no facilitation letters have been provided by the regime for aid convoys into Douma. I recall resolution 2401 (2018), which demands unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

31. “Both are urgently needed. As the Syrian war enters its eighth year, we hope for the continued solidarity of the international community with the more than 13 million Syrians now in need of humanitarian assistance. In my statement I will focus on three areas: the situation in Ghouta, Idlib and Afrin, the situation in Raqqa and the situation in Rukban. First, with regard to Ghouta, Idlib and Afrin, the military offensive by the regime in eastern Ghouta has led to an additional 150,000 internally displaced civilians. After fleeing the violence, they are now hosted in Idlib and immediate surroundings in rural Damascus. Urgent shelter, food and medical care are needed for those who were forced out of their homes in Ghouta. Reports of sexual violence against women are cause for great concern.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

32. “Let me thank Under-Secretary-General Mr. Lowcock for his informative briefing. We welcome the opportunity to address the humanitarian situation in Syria and again call for the immediate implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) throughout the country. The dire humanitarian needs of those inside Syria should be the focus of our attention, irrespective of the location of those in need. Humanitarian access and the protection of civilians remain our main priorities. As many have mentioned, the European Union and the United Nations will co-chair the second Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which will take place in Brussels on 24 and 25 April. It is hoped that it will help raise funds to address urgent humanitarian needs in Syria, as well as garner political support for the United Nations-led peace process.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

33. “In conclusion, the following steps need to be taken by all parties to the conflict. Further escalation must be prevented. Parties must engage with the new Special Envoy without preconditions. Full and sustained humanitarian and commercial access into and throughout Yemen must be allowed. Urgent steps must be taken to resume the payment of salaries and restore public services. After more than three years of conflict, the Yemeni people deserve nothing less than our maximum efforts.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

34. “has our full support, and we welcome the recent steps taken to address this issue. It is equally important that goods that have entered Yemen reach the people who need them the most. Unimpeded access throughout Yemen is essential, and unnecessary bureaucratic impediments should be removed by all parties. My third point is about the economy. Yemen cannot survive on humanitarian aid alone. Due to inflation and loss of income for many Yemenis, access to commercially available supplies is rapidly decreasing. It is essential that public sector salaries be paid across Yemen - not only to provide income to millions of Yemenis in need but also to enable the resumption of essential public services, especially in the health and sanitation sectors. With summer approaching, the threat of a renewed cholera outbreak makes this issue even more pressing.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

35. “At the same time, pledges mean little if access is not ensured. We call for the full implementation of the presidential statement of 15 March (S/PRST/2018/5), particularly the Council's clear call for the full and sustained opening of all Yemen's ports for both humanitarian and commercial goods. It is deeply worrying that commercial food imports are still not at the level that they were before the blockade was imposed in November 2017. At the start of 2018, 8.4 million people were severely food insecure and at risk of starvation, which represents a 24 per cent increase since 2017. The United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) has a crucial role to play in restoring the confidence of commercial shippers that have stayed away since the start of the blockade. UNVIM.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

36. “Human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law are being reported too often. We once again urgently call for full compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict. As the war drags on, the need for accountability becomes ever more prominent. Without it, a negotiated political settlement has little chance of sustaining itself. Secondly, in the absence of a political settlement, we call the Council's attention to the humanitarian crisis. The pledging of $2 billion at the humanitarian conference in Geneva is a positive step. We welcome the quick disbursement of the generous pledge of almost $1 billion by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We call on all Member States to follow this example and disburse their pledges as soon as possible.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

37. “It is up to all parties to the conflict to seize these opportunities and do so without preconditions. We condemn the continued launching of ballistic missiles by the Houthis and call on all parties to the conflict to refrain from taking steps that would lead to further escalation. We welcome the Special Envoy's extensive and inclusive outreach in his first weeks in office, during which he spoke to Yemenis from all sides of the conflict, as well as countries in the region. I would particularly like to welcome what the Special Envoy said about including women in that outreach. We strongly support that inclusive approach and call on all parties to allow full access to the Special Envoy. In absence of a ceasefire, the impact of hostilities on civilians remains of great concern.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

38. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to start by expressing its sincere thanks to both our briefers, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, for their very clear and comprehensive briefings. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Griffiths to the Security Council and to reiterate our full support for his efforts. Today I would like to focus on three aspects: the peace process, the enduring humanitarian crisis and the need to address Yemen's economic challenges. First, with regard to the political process, 2018 could be a crucial year. The appointment of a new envoy brings with it opportunities for renewed dialogue - dialogue that is so desperately needed as we move into the conflict's fourth year.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

39. “Strengthening the capacity of national institutions is critical to ensuring accountability for past crimes and prevention and deterrence for the future. In that context, we recognize the work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in building national capacities to enhance accountability for conflict-related sexual violence. However, if national governments prove to be unable or unwilling, the Council should revert to other means and channels, such as the International Criminal Court, to make sure that both State and non-State parties comply with their obligations under international law. Let me end by reiterating our strong support for the work of Special Representative Patten and the vision she has articulated since assuming office last year.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

40. “For those conflict-affected countries for which no specific United Nations sanctions regime exists, we urge the Council to consider the adoption of targeted sanctions regimes that would allow for the inclusions of a specific designation criterion on sexual violence. Ultimately, sanctions cannot be an alternative to prosecution for crimes that are punishable under international law. It is first and foremost up to Member States to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators and to facilitate reparations under international humanitarian law. Furthermore, it is up to Member States to guarantee survivor's access to all legal, psychosocial and medical services, including safe abortion, emergency contraception and HIV treatment.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

41. “The very first recommendation that the Secretary- General makes to the Security Council in his report is to include sexual violence as a part of the designation criteria for sanctions. Sanctions are a tool that could be more effectively used to deter sexual violence and to curb and constrain the individuals involved. They have the potential to protect the safety and lives of millions of women and girls, as well as boys and men, living in conflict areas. The recent inclusion of that criterion in the sanctions regime for the Central African Republic is a welcome development that needs to be taken up more consistently. We call on the Council to systematically and explicitly incorporate and apply sexual violence as a designation criterion in sanctions regimes, particularly in those regimes targeting the actors listed in the report.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

42. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirms its total commitment to the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and on sexual harassment - a matter that is rightfully gaining the attention and visibility it deserves. Masculine-dominated cultures often create obstacles to upholding zero-tolerance policies. However, like the Secretary-General, we are determined to remove those obstacles and work towards true gender equality. Moreover, by including women and the gender perspective in prevention, peacekeeping and conflict resolution, we can diminish sexual violence in conflict, as well as sexual exploitation and abuse. My third point is on the course of action to stop impunity. I would like to echo the words of Special Representative Patten: sexual violence is avoidable.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

43. “It is upsetting that now, after Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a State actor has once again been listed as being credibly suspected or responsible for sexual violence in a situation of armed conflict. That demands a concerted response from the international community to bring justice and rehabilitation to the victims of that violence. There is a mosaic on the third floor of this building that reads "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", which brings me to my second point. While the report primarily looks at sexual violence inflicted by armed groups and State actors, we cannot ignore cases of sexual exploitation and abuse or sexual harassment committed by those working for, or associated, with the United Nations.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

44. “The mere fact that the report covers one tenth of the United Nations membership is disturbing in itself. Allow me to focus on three important aspects: first, the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar; secondly, the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse; and, thirdly, the course of action to stop impunity. The Kingdom of the Netherlands adds its voice to that of today's civil society briefer, Ms. Sultana, in condemning in the strongest terms the cruelty that Rohingya women and girls have faced both before and after fleeing their homes in Rakhine state. We cannot remain silent about the injustice done, and the trauma inflicted on, those women and girls and their wider communities.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

45. “I would like to start by thanking the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, and Ms. Razia Sultana for their pertinent briefings. I also wish to express our sincere gratitude to Peru for organizing this important debate. The Kingdom of the Netherlands fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union, as well as that to be delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. The Secretary-General's report (S/2018/250) and today's testimonies from the briefers describe in no uncertain terms the gruesome and widespread prevalence of sexual violence in both conflict-affected and post-conflict settings.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

46. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands voted against the draft resolution proposed by the Russian Federation (S/2018/355) because the text does not provide for the urgent action that the Security Council must take in response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria. It ignores the very essence of the action that must be taken by the Council. It should condemn the use of chemical weapons in Syria, protect its people and hold accountable those responsible. Today's draft resolution does none of the above.”

    2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source

47. “The international norms against the use of chemical weapons must be respected, and the Syrian people must be relieved from the violence, hardship and injustice that has haunted them for so long. To that end, we call for a political solution and an immediate cessation of violence, as agreed upon earlier by the Council, as well as full, unhindered and immediate humanitarian access. We reiterate our determination to achieve justice for the victims. The need to collectively stand up for the fate of the Syrian people is now more apparent than ever.”

    2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source

48. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes every option to establish an independent and impartial mechanism, whether within the framework of the United Nations framework or of other relevant international organizations, as long as it results in a mechanism that can establish who is responsible, so that the perpetrators can subsequently be held to account. Any new mechanism should build upon the important work of the Joint Investigative Mechanism and the ongoing Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-finding Mission. It is therefore crucial that the Mission have complete and unhindered access to all information and sites it deems necessary to conduct its investigations with regard to the attack with chemical weapons in Douma last weekend.”

    2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source

49. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly believes that the international community must fully uphold the standard that the use of chemical weapons is never permissible. Impunity cannot, and will not, prevail. However, should the Council continue to suffer from the paralysis inflicted by a single permanent member, we must not forget that the United Nations is bigger than the Council alone. We have strong leadership at the top of the United Nations Organization, and we have a powerful General Assembly. Both have to consider all instruments to advance accountability for the use of chemical weapons.”

    2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source

50. “The action taken by those three countries made clear that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. Last night's response was aimed at reducing the capabilities to execute future chemical attacks. But do not let the Syrian regime and the Russian Federation think for a moment that we will waver in our pursuit of full accountability for the perpetrators of past chemical attacks. We will not settle for anything less than an independent, impartial attribution mechanism, so that the culprits of those heinous attacks can be identified and held accountable. We call on the Russian Federation to stop opposing that. The use of chemical weapons is a serious violation of international law and may constitute a war crime or crime against humanity.”

    2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source