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. “All the while, the Russian Federation has made clear to the world its readiness to stand by Al-Assad every step of the way. It has blocked draft resolutions in the Council that could have stopped the violence. I call upon all members of the Security Council to support a collective, meaningful response to the use of chemical weapons. But even if the Council fails to act, it should be clear to the world that the use of chemical weapons is never permissible. Against the background of past horrors and the unabated risk of recurrence, the response by France, the United Kingdom and the United States is understandable. The response was measured in targeting a limited number of military facilities that were used by the Syrian regime in the context of its illegal chemical-weapons arsenal.”

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

2. “I would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his briefing today. Both yesterday and today, he spoke of the litany horrors that the Syrian population has experienced in the past seven years, of which the chemical-weapons attacks are among the most gruesome. The world hardly needs reminding of the unspeakable suffering that countless Syrian men, women and children have endured. It is a suffering that comes at the hands of Al-Assad and his allies. The Syrian regime has left the world no doubt as to its willingness to unleash terror on its own population. The repeated use of chemical weapons counts as the most cynical expression of that campaign. Just a week ago, the world was yet again confronted with reports of chemical-weapons use - that time in Douma.”

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

3. “We look forward to the Secretary-General's report on the new strategy to fight cholera. We emphasize the need for the effective implementation of the strategy. We must turn the page on cholera. I would like to conclude by expressing the wish that 18 months from now, the parliamentary elections will mark the beginning of a new era in Haiti. In the meantime, let us use this time to build a strong and sustainable foundation for political stability, security and inclusive development by promoting the meaningful participation, involvement and representation of women at all levels and to allow the people of Haiti, with the steadfast support of the United Nations and the international community, to take back the reins of their future.”

   2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

4. “That brings me to my third point - the prospects for the future. In the end, we have the same objective: to make Haiti a prosperous and safe society. Strengthening the rule of law is rightly the cornerstone of that objective. The rule of law is the bedrock of any just, prosperous and peaceful society, which is an element of trust for both the population and the investors. We encourage Haiti to seize this opportunity and to take full advantage of its partnership with the Mission. Such a partnership must be based on the credibility, legitimacy and integrity ofthe United Nations presence in Haiti. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. We underscore the importance of the previous mission, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, being held accountable for past acts.”

   2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

5. “However, only through close cooperation will the Mission and the Haitian State succeed in building and strengthening the country's public institutions. Priorities and efforts must be matched. Through its good offices and its advocacy role, the Mission is fundamental to ensuring political ownership of the shared goals. In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the Mission, it is necessary to accelerate progress and to strengthen cooperation. In that regard, it is essential to develop as soon as possible, in close cooperation with the United Nations country team, a comprehensive joint strategy to lay the groundwork for the completion of the peacekeeping phase. In that way, the progress made in fulfilling the Mission's mandate can be measured so as to ensure a responsible withdrawal that meets the conditions identified.”

   2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

6. “There are worrying reports about the length of pretrial detention, the overcrowding of prisons and insufficient access to justice. That can be resolved only by adopting the relevant legislation and by enhancing the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the security and rule of law institutions. The unacceptable cases of human rights violations by the Haitian National Police underscore the need to put in place strengthened oversight and accountability mechanisms in the public sector. That brings me to my second point - the role of the Mission. Haiti cannot meet such challenges alone. MINUJUSTH was established to support the Government and the people of Haiti in their efforts to build a better future.”

   2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

7. “Today, I would like to address the following three points: the current situation, the role of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and the prospects for the future. With regard to the current situation, in recent years Haiti has embarked on an impressive journey towards change. The country has made major progress in stabilizing the political situation and security conditions. With the support of the United Nations, including through the global focal point for police, justice and corrections, the Haitian National Police has been professionalized and has recruited a considerable number of women. The terrible epidemic of cholera that ravaged the country for more than eight years finally seems to be under control. However, there are still challenges to overcome.”

   2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

8. “Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your kind words for our presidency, which I will convey with great pleasure to Ambassador Van Oosterom and the entire team. Allow me in turn to congratulate you, sir, on assuming the presidency for the month of April. I wish you every success. My thanks also go to Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is following the developments in Haiti with the greatest interest, as three of our four constituent countries - Aruba, Curacao and Saint Martin - are located in the Caribbean.”

   2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

9. “1 now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 11.10 am.”

   2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source

10. “I wish to again remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of Libya.”

    2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source

11. “I thank Ambassador Orrenius Skau for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members wishing to make statements.”

    2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source

12. “Salame and Ambassador Carl Orrenius Skau, Charge d'affaires ad interim of Sweden, on behalf of the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues. Briefers are further encouraged to limit initial remarks to 15 minutes or less. I now give the floor to Mr. Salame'.”

    2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source

13. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Ghassan Salame, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. Mr. Salame is joining today's meeting via video- teleconference from Tripoli. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2018/140, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by Mr.”

    2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source

14. “In favour: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), China, C6te D'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, France, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America The President: The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2407 (2018). The meeting rose at10.10 am.”

    2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8210 (2018) · source

15. “The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2018/238, which contains the text ofa draft resolution submitted by the United States of America. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2018/l71, which contains a note by the President of the Security Council. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by Show ofhands.”

    2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8210 (2018) · source

16. “In conclusion, sustained pressure to implement the Conakry Agreement, the maximum possible support to ECOWAS's ongoing efforts and measures and UNIOGBIS's continued support to the political process will be crucial factors in ending the deadlock in Guinea- Bissau, particularly in the light of the constitutionally mandated elections.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

17. “From the report of the Secretary General, it is evident that UNIOGBIS plays a vital role in Guinea- Bissau. With legislative elections scheduled for 2018 and presidential elections in 2019, the role of UNIOGBIS is more crucial than ever. We therefore call for a renewal of its mandate for no less than one year, in addition to allowing for longer-term planning, including setting more concrete priorities for the mission and making adaptations to meet specific needs. UNIOGBIS's convening power in Bissau remains essential, as will be its role in ensuring peaceful, free and democratic elections in Guinea-Bissau, as well as a smooth post- election process. Renewing the mandate for less than 12 months would send the wrong signal.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

18. “We welcome the ECOWAS unified action and believe that the presence ofthe ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau is vital to the stability of Guinea-Bissau. ECOWAS has shown before that, when united, it has the ability to act as the region's power broker, for example as it did in The Gambia. Like it did then, the Council should firmly support ECOWAS in taking up this role and responsibility, as it should in the case of any other regional organization in Africa that takes the lead in maintaining peace and security in the region. My third point is that ECOWAS cannot do this alone. We commend the African Union and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries for their collaboration with the European Union and for the support they have brought and the constructive role they play.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

19. “Secondly, with regard to support for ECOWAS, while the past six months were mainly characterized by the same intransigence as in previous reporting periods, concerted action and increased pressure on the part of the region, and ECOWAS in particular, could actually lead, when given the necessary support, to tangible progress in resolving the Bissau-Guinean crisis. Yesterday's decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council to support the efforts of ECOWAS is a case in point. The Secretary-General rightly observes in his report that the continuing efforts of ECOWAS to resolve the crisis are commendable. The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to clearly point out that it supports and endorses ECOWAS mediation efforts and its imposition of sanctions.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

20. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates the centrality of the Agreement in peacefully resolving the current crisis, and urges the parties to abide by its contents. It is clear that an important roadblock with regard to its implementation is the appointment of a consensus Prime Minister. The need for this appointment has become increasingly urgent. With parliamentary elections on the horizon, it is imperative that these elections be held in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

21. “First, the Conakry Agreement of 2016 and the six- point road map should remain the basis for a political solution in Guinea-Bissau, and its provisions should honoured. Secondly, the diplomatic and political efforts of the region through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deserve the steadfast support of the United Nations, and particularly the Security Council. Thirdly, the role of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) in the country at this critical juncture, with elections around the corner, is as important as ever. It is therefore imperative that its mandate be extended. First, with respect to the Conakry Agreement, almost a year and half has passed since the Agreement was concluded.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

22. “I would like first of all to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Modibo Toure, and the Permanent Representative of Brazil, Mr. Mauro Vieira, who spoke in his capacity as Chair of the Guinea- Bissau country configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), for their briefings. For years now, Guinea-Bissau has been marked by a protracted political crisis. In a region characterized by increasing attention to and respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy, Guinea-Bissau continues to be out of step, as indicated once again in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/110). In the light of this, the Kingdom of the Netherlands wishes to underscore the following three points with regard to the situation in Guinea-Bissau.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

23. “In conclusion, we welcome the progress made in implementing resolution 2341 (2017) and encourage further cooperation between Member States and between multilateral organizations. Only by working together can we increase our national and global security.”

    2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source

24. “For example, in the context of the European Union (EU), the Netherlands and the EU, together with public and private partners, organized a tabletop exercise to practice a possible disruption of electricity networks. Like the representatives of Peru, the United States and others who spoke before us, I would also like to highlight the work done by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). Last September, the GCTF launched the Antalya memorandum on the protection of soft targets in a counter-terrorism context. That initiative, led by the United States and Turkey, offers publicly available and ready-to-use good practices to include in national policies. As co-Chair of the GCTF, we are grateful to the various United Nations entities that have contributed to the development of these good practices.”

    2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source

25. “To that end, our national cybersecurity centre facilitates sharing information between critical infrastructure partners, including from the private sector, to mitigate the impact of cyberincidents. My third, and final, point is on multilateral action. Even though protecting critical infrastructure is a national competence, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations have an important supporting role to play. The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate plays a central role in mapping countries' capacities to protect critical infrastructure and identifying possible gaps. The Office of Counter- Terrorism is key for coordinating subsequent capacity- building by the United Nations. Other organizations are equally important.”

    2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source

26. “The Government should play a facilitating role in that, but it is up to the private sector to assume its responsibility as well. That brings me to my second point: in many countries, the majority of critical infrastructure is privately owned. In the Netherlands that figure is as much as 90 per cent, making public-private partnerships essential. We need to involve private partners in sharing knowledge and shaping our policy. In the Netherlands, therefore, we have set up so-called information-sharing and analysis centres across 11 sectors, including finance, energy and cybersecurity. With regard to the latter, the scale of insecurity caused by the proliferation of significant cyberincidents will demand increased action from all stakeholders.”

    2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source

27. “I would like to focus on three important aspects in my intervention, namely, the protection of soft targets, public-private partnerships and further multilateral action. First, protecting our critical infrastructure is vital to enhancing our security. In that regard, protecting soft targets is a specific concern. We have all been shocked by terrorist attacks on concert halls, markets and hotels. Those attacks have a huge impact on our societies. As we will not change our way of life or give in on our freedoms, we have to enhance our resilience. Enhancing resilience starts with appropriate risk assessments based on solid risk analyses. Developing those assessments requires the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders.”

    2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source

28. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Peru, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning Counter-Terrorism, for his briefing on terrorism and critical infrastructure. Today marks exactly one year since the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017). Financial networks, energy facilities and food distribution systems do not only form the pillars of our countries, they are vital to the welfare of our societies. Much of those networks and systems transcend borders. As such, critical infrastructure serves to underline our vulnerability and the close linkages between our countries and our national security.”

    2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source

29. “In conclusion, we welcome the progress made in the fight against ISIS and compliment the United Nations on its valuable contribution to that end. However, we have a long road ahead ofus in order to further diminish the threat and achieve full accountability. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to do its share, including as an active member of the Global Coalition and as a strong supporter of the United Nations.”

    2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source

30. “It is essential that countries lacking the necessary capacities to implement resolutions receive technical assistance. Their security is our security. CTED plays a crucial role in the assessment and analysis of such needs. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the role that Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and his Office play in the subsequent coordination of capacity- building. Prevention is key in the work of all United Nations entities involved. Member States should be provided the tools to create an environment that balances repressive and preventive counter-terrorism measures. To make our fight against terrorism and violent extremism sustainable, we must better understand root causes and involve local communities in addressing them.”

    2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source

31. “To that end, we support the ongoing work and objectives of the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism for Syria, as established by the General Assembly. With regard to Iraq, resolution 2379 (2017) requests the formation of an investigative team to support domestic efforts to hold ISIS fighters accountable for their actions. We call for the swift establishment of the terms of reference of that team, and we underline that domestic efforts should be pursued in accordance with international law and United Nations best practices. We continue to call on both countries to become party to the Rome Statute or accept the exercise of jurisdiction by the International Criminal Court. Let me turn to my third and final point: additional action by the United Nations and its Member States.”

    2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source

32. “In December, the Council adopted resolution 2396 (2017), on returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters. One of the key elements of the resolution is the obligation to collect passenger name records to enhance the detection of foreign terrorist fighters. We encourage Member States to make a top priority of developing the capability for that approach, and we encourage the United Nations to provide assistance where needed. Enhancing detection of terrorists enhances prosecution of terrorists, which brings me to my second point, that is, accountability. For those men and women who commit terrorist acts, our message is clear: accountability is neither optional nor negotiable, and all victims deserve justice.”

    2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source

33. “Although Raqqa has been liberated and ISIS has lost territories in Iraq and Syria, the myth of ISIS has not been unraveled. Less territory does not necessarily mean more security, and in countries such as Yemen, Egypt and Mali, the threat posed by ISIS remains high, as pointed out in the report. And in Afghanistan, ISIS affiliates continue to commit attacks. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about the increasing number of foreign terrorist fighters, and their families, returning from Syria and Iraq and those relocating to other conflict zones. As Mr. Voronkov has just mentioned, through adaptation to a global network of motivated individuals, ISIS remains threat to all of us. That is why we must increase our efforts to prosecute and detain foreign terrorist fighters. However, we can stop terrorists only if we spot terrorists.”

    2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source

34. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the Secretary- General and Under-Secretary-General Voronkov for their leadership. We would also like to thank their staff, as well as the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Monitoring Team for their work in composing the most recent report on the threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) (S/2018/80). As was pointed out by other Council members before me, the report indicates that the threat posed by ISIS and its affiliates remains real. The women, men and children around the world who have fallen victim to atrocious acts by ISIS are a sad reminder of that. I would like to focus on three important elements: the threat, accountability, and additional action. First, the threat.”

    2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source

35. “I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the delegation of Kuwait all the best for its presidency in February. We look forward to working with them.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

36. “In that regard, we welcomed the General Assembly's establishment of an accountability mechanism for the most serious crimes committed in Syria, the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (General Assembly resolution 71/248). Ultimately, the most appropriate path to accountability and justice would be a referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. In conclusion, we thank the Kazakh presidency for its conduct of the Council's business during the month of January and appreciate its efforts to agree on press elements after most consultations as well as to encourage Council members to speak in the Chamber where possible.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

37. “We have now considered a draft resolution to establish a new mechanism, as presented by the Russian Federation last week. The fundamental characteristics of any accountability mechanism are the principles of impartiality and independence. They were still missing in the proposal that was presented. A new mechanism should at least have the mandate to conduct research and identify perpetrators independently of the Council. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is ready to continue to work for justice and accountability for Syria and elsewhere in the world.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

38. “What has become of the hard-won gains in international humanitarian law in the last century? The lack of compliance with the Geneva Conventions by parties to the Syrian conflict erode not only the very norms enshrined in these Conventions, but also the rules-based international order. We cannot let that happen. In 2015, the Council took decisive and credible action to uphold accountability when it established the United Nations Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (see S/PV.7501). It had a strong mandate to investigate and identify perpetrators independently from the politics in the Council. It established the use of chemical weapons in Syria by both the Syrian authorities and Da'esh.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

39. “In our discussions this month on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, we addressed similar serious challenges. The credibility of the Council depends partly on our ability to design and guide effective peacekeeping operations. That is why the Kingdom of the Netherlands is planning to organize an open debate on peacekeeping in March. On accountability and justice, this month we heard reports of the renewed use of chemical weapons in Syria resulting in the killing of more than 20 civilians in eastern Ghouta. In addition, the indiscriminate bombardment of civilian-populated areas in Syria continues, as does the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, through the blocking of desperately needed humanitarian aid, including food aid.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

40. “Violence against United Nations peacekeepers is unacceptable and needs to stop. The people who are supposed to protect others are being themselves mercilessly targeted and killed. On 22 January, Lieutenant-General Cruz published a report that had been requested by the Secretary-General. In the report, Mr. Cruz presents clear recommendations on how to change the way in which the United Nations operates in high-risk peacekeeping operations. Previous reports have included similar recommendations. Missions must be better prepared and more proactive in implementing their mandate and protecting civilians. MONUSCO is one of the missions that operates in an environment where there is barely any peace to keep and where the notion of the primacy of a viable political process is almost absent.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

41. “Members of the Council emphasized the need for inclusive regional development as an important factor in preventing conflict and sustaining peace in Afghanistan. Conflict prevention and attention to root causes were also addressed in the work of the Council. The presidential statement on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel that the Council adopted just yesterday (S/PRST/2018/3) refers to the role of women in prevention and recognizes the adverse effects of climate change and drought on the stability of West Africa and the Sahel. On peacekeeping, last December 15 United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers were killed in North Kivu. Last Saturday, another peacekeeper was killed in South Kivu province.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

42. “Just this past week, the Council issued three statements on the terrorist attacks there (SC/13172, SC/13180 and SC/13185). More than 100 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives. Those heinous attacks only strengthen our resolve to stand with the Afghan people. Only an inclusive peace and reconciliation process - one that is Afghan-led and Afghan- owned - can guarantee true stability in Afghanistan, and it is paramount that all countries in the region take up their responsibility by actively contributing to that goal. In this context, the high-level debate held on January 19 (see S/PV.8162) provided a valuable opportunity for discussion, as did the valuable visit of the Council to Afghanistan.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

43. “Let me first thank Kazakhstan for a very successful presidency. January 2018 has been our first month on the Security Council, as part of our split term with Italy. I welcome this opportunity to reflect on what we, as a Council, have accomplished and also where we have made too little progress, or none at all. Let me consider three issues in this regard: concerning Afghanistan, the prevention of conflict by addressing root causes; peacekeeping operations that are fit for purpose; and accountability and justice. On the issue of Afghanistan and prevention, Afghanistan and the Central Asian region have been at the heart of your programme, Mr. President, and the need for the Council's continued support ofAfghanistan is evident.”

    2018-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8173 (2018) · source

44. “We call on Council members to consider steps to be taken collectively in case no progress takes place and on those who have influence on the Syrian authorities to make sure that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need. Let us not forget that lives are at stake.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8171 (2018) · source

45. “In effect, the requests made by the Emergency Relief Coordinator do not differ much from those of his predecessors, effectively highlighting the lack of progress in terms of sustained, principled humanitarian access to those most in need. The message of the humanitarian and international community has been consistent: respect your obligations under international humanitarian law, protect your own citizens - including health workers and humanitarian aid workers - and allow for rapid, safe and sustained humanitarian access. In conclusion, it is crucial that the Security Council unequivocally unite itself behind the concrete and attainable five asks of OCHA. It remains essential to see progress on the rapid, effective and principled implementation in the coming weeks of all five asks of OCHA.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8171 (2018) · source

46. “The consequences of this lack of cross-border aid for the large number of displaced people in north-west Syria are tremendous. There is an urgent need to ensure that all convoys can have safe passage to reach those in need, both in Afrin and beyond. In Afrin, the intensification of the military operation there last Sunday has led to more displaced families that have nowhere to go. We call upon all parties to protect civilians, to facilitate humanitarian access and to allow for the safe passage of all people who wish to leave areas under attack. Turning to the implementation of OCHA's five asks, the recent visit by Mark Lowcock to Syria was in itself a positive step, but it is imperative that the dialogue on aid delivery yield effective results as soon as possible.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8171 (2018) · source

47. “Not a single aid convoy has reached the 400,000 people trapped there in the last three months. Where have we seen this before? In Idlib, because of the continuous intensified aerial bombardments, aid to more than 250,000 internally displaced persons is extremely difficult to deliver. Improvised explosive devices in Raqqa and elsewhere in Syria have caused large numbers of casualties. The Netherlands urges all Council members to continue their contributions to make all of Syria free of mines and explosive devices. Concerning cross-border aid delivery, it is equally disturbing that today, one month after the Council renewed the authorization of cross-border aid, some of these very aid convoys cannot cross the border because of the security situation.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8171 (2018) · source

48. “The outlook for 2018 remains grim, with a worsening humanitarian situation and a continuation of the battle for influence by regional Powers. Allow me to focus on three important aspects: the current situation on the ground, cross-border aid delivery and the implementation of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (OCHA) five asks. On the situation on the ground, the international community has been providing funding for a principled humanitarian response. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has provided amply to the United Nations and to international non-governmental organizations in order to provide relief for the suffering of the Syrian people. But this reliefis hardly reaching those in need. In besieged eastern Ghouta, we are witnessing the use of starvation as a method of warfare.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8171 (2018) · source

49. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands wishes to thank Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Mueller for her briefing. Seven years after the start of the conflict in Syria, the humanitarian situation in the country continues to be a truly heartbreaking drama. While several parties to the conflict are responsible for a wide array of violations of international humanitarian law, it is especially painful to see the horrifying effects of the military actions taken by the Syrian authorities. Instead of protecting their own citizens, the Syrian authorities are bombing them. Instead ofproviding basic services to their people, the authorities are destroying hospitals and schools. Instead of allowing humanitarian aid into the most affected areas, the authorities are starving some of their own people.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8171 (2018) · source

50. “By renewing the sanctions regime through resolution 2399 (2018), which we adopted today, the Security Council is sending a strong message for peace. The meeting rose at10.25 a.m.”

    2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8169 (2018) · source