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

“Organizations like Medecins Sans Frontieres have had to cease operations in some parts of the country, and the Central African Republic is today one of the most dangerous countries in the world for aid workers. Through today's resolution, the Council honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in providing indispensable support to the people of the Central African Republic. Those who have perpetrated acts of violence against humanitarian workers cannot go unpunished. Sanctions alone will not resolve the crisis in the Central African Republic, and we call on all parties involved to commit to the peace process within the framework of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African.”
2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8169 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2399 (2018). While the Central African Republic remains engulfed in crisis, the Security Council today has sent a strong message to those violating human rights and international humanitarian law that the world is watching them. In particular, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about religious and ethnic leaders and politicians in the Central African Republic who are using their power to incite violence and hatred among the people of that country. We call on them to end all forms ofhate speech and to use their influence to build peace. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is also concerned about the increase in violence against humanitarian workers.”
2018-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8169 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, with the launch of the action plan in September the Libyan parties have been presented with a new opportunity to direct their country towards a future of stability and prosperity. It is now up to them to show the courage and leadership to make the necessary compromises.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“This brings me to my third point, namely, that of the coordination of international efforts in Libya. We welcome the progress made in the return of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to Libya. The Mission's partial relocation to Tripoli is an important step forward. We look forward to the further return to other parts of Libya, to the extent that the security situation will allow it. The expansion of UNSMIL's presence in Libya will also benefit its coordinating role in the fields of humanitarian aid, security and human rights, which remains vital. We welcome the progress made by the joint police and security programme of UNSMIL and the United Nations Development Programme in improving the security situation in Tripoli, though Monday's clashes show that no progress can be taken for granted.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“In 2014, Salwa Bugaighis, a leading women's right advocate in Libya, was brutally murdered. Her case is just one example among many that have yet to be investigated and prosecuted. We urge all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law and reiterate that all those responsible for violations and abuses must be brought to justice. It is essential that we answer the calls for accountability in line with resolutions 1970 (2011) and 2174 (2014). Their prosecution will help prevent further atrocities and thereby contribute to sustaining peace. In that regard, we welcome the efforts of the International Criminal Court and call upon the Libyan Government, and in fact all concerned, to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“Dismantling the criminal trafficking networks that exploit migrants and refugees and destabilize Libya requires our specific attention. During our membership of the Council, including through the Libya sanctions regime, we will explore new avenues in combating these inhumane practices. We welcome the resolute action taken by the International Organization for Migration, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, countries of origin and local authorities to facilitate the safe return home of a growing number of migrants who were facing dire conditions in Libya. This shows the importance of our strengthened cooperation. Joint efforts can lead to concrete and humane solutions in the very complex field of migration. Impunity in Libya remains a grave problem.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“To thoroughly prepare for elections, the sequencing of the steps of the action plan will be of key importance. Concrete results from the negotiations on amendments will give the necessary boost to its implementation and will provide the foundations for the next stage of convening a national conference. My second point concerns the human rights situation and the prevailing culture of impunity in Libya. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains deeply concerned about serious human rights Violations and abuses that continue throughout Libya. The human rights situation of migrants and refugees remains ofparticular concern. Immediate steps need to be taken to improve their plight, and the international community, including the Council, should do more.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“We express our deep concern about Monday's clashes at Mitiga Airport, which regrettably are symptomatic of the fragile security context in which Libya's transition is taking place. The Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salame's action plan. Its success will depend, above all, on the political will and courage of the Libyan parties to take the required steps. We call on all parties to continue to work within the framework of the Libyan Political Agreement. This Agreement remains the only viable framework to end the Libyan political crisis. In this context, we urge the delegations of the House of Representatives and the High State Council to swiftly finalize their negotiations on the limited amending of the Libyan Political Agreement.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to express its sincere thanks to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame, Ambassador Schoulgin Nyoni and Ms. Hajer Sharief for their clear statements. We welcome the call of Ms. Sharief for an inclusive approach, including the perspective of civil society, particularly women and youth. Please allow me to focus on three important aspects: ending the political crisis, the human rights situation and combating impunity, and coordinating international efforts. My first point concerns the political process. The year 2018 will be crucial for Libya. The Libyan people have long awaited an end to their country's political transition. The current window of opportunity to achieve this, through the successful implementation of the action plan, should not be missed.”
2018-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8159 (2018) · source
“Through its scope and its mission, UNOWAS is a key enabler in West Africa and one that can early on direct the Council's attention to emerging challenges for the region's stability. Let us make the best possible use of it and make sure it has the financial means to do so. Let me reiterate our gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Chambas, personally, and UNOWAS, generally, for their sustained efforts and leadership.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“It can be a success only if the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali provides indispensable operational and logistical support; if key financial contributions are provided through a well-coordinated international mechanism; if the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights can properly support the human rights compliance framework of the Force; and if the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime enables strengthened cooperation between the Force, police and the criminal justice sector. Those are just a few of the necessary conditions. In conclusion, conflict prevention, regional cooperation and enhanced coordination are critical conditions to addressing the root causes of instability and bringing about peaceful and inclusive development.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“I would note, for example, its role in advancing the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. It reduces duplications, it links the field with Headquarters and it brings stakeholders together. That is exactly what needs to be done as actors and initiatives multiply. Another example is the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel).”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the reaffirmation by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of the need for a comprehensive approach and calls for a regionally coordinated strategy for the promotion of peace, security and development. Initiatives by the region that promote such a holistic approach deserve the Council's support. We would welcome special attention and separate reporting, including early warning analyses, on the situation of the Lake Chad basin in the next report of the Secretary-General. That brings me to the third C of coordination. In West Africa and the Sahel, we will not achieve much if we do not effectively coordinate, both with our partners and within the United Nations system. UNOWAS embodies this very idea.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“Secondly, I would like to emphasize the importance of the C of cross-border security cooperation, whether it is about countering terrorism, organized crime or trafficking and illegal migration flows. Also there, the Lake Chad region is a case in point. The countries of the region have established the Multinational Joint Task Force to tackle the challenges of Boko Haram. However, the threat continues to loom large and the resource challenge is difficult to overcome. I commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General's efforts to support diplomatic, security and humanitarian responses to the violence perpetrated against civilians by Boko Haram. The affected countries must be in the driving seat, however.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“Providing creative solutions to assist the farmers on the Niger border with the water they need to farm and provide for their livelihood will go a long way in addressing the fragility of the region. But as long as we are not there yet, early warning, rapid reaction, the use of good offices and peacebuilding - such as what is offered by UNOWAS - will remain of critical importance in these and other country situations. We therefore encourage the Special Representative to continue his important early warning activities and would support, for instance, the organization of joint early warning missions with the Economic Community of West African States.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“A year after a turbulent change of power, the Gambia is on the right track. In Togo, the Special Representative has collaborated with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States to encourage national stakeholders to engage in a much- needed dialogue on constitutional reform. In Liberia, UNOWAS played an important role in ensuring that the elections were peaceful. Sierra Leone will be the next test case for West Africa's encouraging track record on democracy. The multi-pronged approach of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitutes the ultimate prevention tool. In the Lake Chad region, for example, the effects of water scarcity and climate change are some of the root causes of conflict. Achieving the SDGs, and particularly SDG 6, would secure access to safe water and sanitation.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“Like others before me, I would like to warmly thank Special Representative Chambas for making a difference in West Africa. His good offices, whether in the Gambia, Liberia or Togo, have helped to ease tensions and stabilize countries and the region. Today he noted several positive developments, but considerable challenges remain. Sustained international support in promoting stability is needed, and we see the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) as an essential enabler of such support. Today I would like to to focus on three important aspects of the added value that UNOWAS brings to security and stability in the region - the three Cs of conflict prevention, cross- border cooperation and coordination. The first C is that of conflict prevention. The Security Council has set it as a priority for UNOWAS, and rightly.”
2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source
“Leila Zerrougui, who succeeds him, and we are committed to working with her for peace and stability for the Congolese people.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands advocates an integrated approach that includes humanitarian aid. In conclusion, the current crisis is enormous. The Security Council cannot resolve it alone. It must listen to the countries and organizations of the region, promote their involvement and engage with them. While those countries and organizations are affected by the crisis, they also have the means and the duty to mobilize the political will for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All the that requires unwavering determination and tremendous efforts, as demonstrated by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. At the end of his term, we would like to thank Mr. Sidikou for his outstanding work at the Head of MONUSCO, which today is the largest peacekeeping operation. We extend our full support to Ms.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“The special investigation will make it possible to assess the level of overall readiness and response of MONUSCO, as well as to identify and to prosecute the perpetrators. More generally, in the context of the strategic review, the Security Council should consider how to ensure that the reform of MONUSCO strengthens its capacity to protect civilians. With regard to the third aspect, on the humanitarian crisis, the suffering of the Congolese people has reached unimaginable levels. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee has classified the new conflict as a level 3 emergency. Approximately 7.7 million people face a severe food shortage, and nearly 2 million children suffer from malnutrition, which will affect them for life. The famine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is man-made - civilians must be protected from it.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“The failure to implement the agreed confidence-building measures undermines the credibility of the electoral process. It is essential to put an immediate end to the harassment of civil society. All parties to the New Year's Eve agreement must reaffirm their commitment to the spirit of that agreement and to the electoral calendar, which is the only viable solution to that toxic political climate. The second aspect is the protection of the civilian population. The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the establishment of a special investigation into the recent attacks on peacekeepers in North Kivu. I take this opportunity to reiterate our condolences over the deaths of the MONUSCO peacekeepers.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“With regard to the first aspect, on the political climate, we welcome the publication of the electoral calendar and the concrete measures taken with regard to holding the elections. Congolese citizens hope to have an opportunity to express themselves at the polls in 2018. However, that hope is continually threatened. Following the violent incidents of 31 December 2017, the African Union and the European Union called for respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Congolese people, for when peaceful political protests are met with the use of lethal force and when religious services are interrupted by tear gas, the goal of free and fair elections becomes a mirage. We wish to express our strong condemnation of the violence committed by the security forces, and we call for respect for human rights.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gregoire Van Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing. The picture that he describes is bleak. A year ago, faced with the threat of a crisis in the Kasai region and in eastern Congo, the New Year's Eve agreement brought about a glimmer of hope. Today the challenge is to revive hope for a way out of the crisis. At a time when the Security Council will soon have to consider the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), three aspects have priority: the political climate, the protection of the civilian population and the serious humanitarian crisis.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“Let me conclude by reaffirming, once again, our continued support for Afghanistan and our readiness to contribute to the work of the Council on supporting peace, security and development in Afghanistan during our membership in 2018.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“In particular, we call on UNAMA to redouble its efforts to increase the number of female local staff in the Mission. Thirdly, allow me to turn to our lasting commitment to Afghanistan. Sixteen years ago, Afghanistan became one of the Kingdom of the Netherlands' closest partners in security and development cooperation. The position ofAfghan women has been and will remain a major focus of our partnership in a decade of increasing Afghan ownership and leadership. To support the Afghan national action plan on women, peace and security, we have contributed to its local implementation through the â‚¬2 million Safhe-Jaded programme, which contributes to increased security and justice for women and girls.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Secondly, I would like to address the role of the United Nations. The Kingdom of the Netherlands agrees with the Secretary-General that the international community's support to Afghanistan should remain focused onpeace and stability, as he outlined in his report (S/2017/1056). Here, the role ofwomen is again of great importance - their voices should be heard and will add value to the process. An Afghan-led and Afghan- owned peace process can achieve lasting results only when women and youth can participate in a meaningful way. In that respect, the United Nations should lead and inspire by example. We encourage UNAMA and the Council to follow up on the recommendations of the Council's Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security, which met on 5 December.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Today, Afghan women can, and indeed do, become engineers, police officers, judges, politicians, civil- society activists and teachers. But the potential of Afghan women is far from fulfilled. Increasing women's participation in all aspects of Afghan society will contribute significantly to a more stable and prosperous Afghanistan. We therefore welcome the personal leadership of both President Ghani and First Lady Rula Ghani, who made women's empowerment a top priority. We particularly welcome the national action plan on women, peace and security, and the national priority programme for women's economic empowerment. We call on the Afghan Government to continue to fund and implement those programmes with much vigour and determination and to continue to consult civil-society organizations in that process.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“First of all, I want to focus on the leadership of the Afghan Government with regard to the empowerment of women. Secondly, I want to focus on the role of the United Nations, including the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in strengthening the position of women in Afghanistan. Thirdly, I want to focus on the commitment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, with a special focus on women's rights. Two months ago, a team of six Afghan girls visited the Netherlands to participate in the artificial intelligence summit, where they presented a self-built solar-powered robot that can help farmers in the field. The difference couldn't be greater between now and the era defined by the Taliban's rule, when women were marginalized to the point of complete invisibility.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Wazhma Frogh for their valuable briefing. We also thank Ms. Frogh for her meaningful contributions to the High Peace Council. We appreciate the thorough report of the Secretary- General on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2017/1056). Many people have spoken today of the developments described in that report, such as the continued threat of terrorism, the steep increase of the cultivation of drugs and the lack of meaningful progress on the peace process, all of which underline the need to stay focused on supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan. I will not repeat what has been said by many already, but I would like to focus today on three issues for today's debate, in the spirit of the important work carried out by Ms. Wazma Frogh on women, peace and security.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for Japan's excellent contribution as the penholder in our discussion on Afghanistan. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is honoured to be the new penholder, starting in January 2018. We are looking forward to working closely with Security Council members, Afghanistan, regional countries, donors and others in order to ensure that our contribution will be meaningful, and we hope to build on the excellent work of Japan. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Fedotov, for their dedicated work, as well as Mr. Umarov, the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan, and Ms.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“In that respect, I am pleased to be able to inform the Council that in two days' time the Secretary-General will officially open the new United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague. By collecting, sharing and standardizing data, OCHA and its partners are working together to improve the lives of millions of people affected by conflict and disaster and thereby avoid renewed conflict. In conclusion, we are well aware of the fact that not all the elements relevant to this topic fall within the Council's mandate, but the Kingdom of the Netherlands wants to underline the importance of prevention and early warning when addressing complex security challenges and will continue to do so during its Security Council membership in 2018.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“Given the growing risk that climate change may increase tensions within and between nations, it is important to ensure that there is an institutional home for this topic at the United Nations, a place where such risks can be assessed and addressed. During Italy's Arria Formula meeting on 15 December, the Netherlands, together with Sweden and other countries, called for the establishment of such an institutional home, and does so again today. A final example of the importance of early-warning tools can be seen when efforts are being made to prevent humanitarian crises from lapsing into wider instability and conflict. In such circumstances, reliable, real-time data is needed to feed into early-warning and early- action capabilities.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“Hassan Janabi, the Iraqi Minister of Water Resources, said that his country, which is now beginning a process of stabilization, was going through additional painful cultural change. That change has the potential to form the basis for new tensions, despite the fact that it has little to do with conventional threats from armed groups or terrorist organizations. Dwindling water resources, due to climate change-driven drought and related changes in rainfall patterns, will become a major challenge. Mr. Janabi said that the more than 100,000 Iraqis who had been fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant are now out of work. They will go back to their farms, but the water shortage will make it hard.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“The Council's involvement in the situation in the Gambia earlier this year was timely and successful, and helped to preserve the country's sovereignty. Proper prevention also requires proper early- warning tools for identifying emerging threats, as well as the instruments needed to take action. Depending on the specific situation, the Secretary-General can rely on various parts of the United Nations system in New York and Geneva, and in the field, to inform the Council about what is going on. For some issues, however, a clear focal point is still lacking. One example is climate and security. At the Planetary Security Conference 2017 held last week in The Hague, Mr.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“Only if we succeed in working across these pillars and avoiding isolated actions will we be able to address conflicts effectively. That requires a comprehensive approach encompassing peace, human rights and development. Formulating an integrated response to conflicts is not enough. The Security Council should also devote more attention to preventing conflicts both from occurring in the first place and from recurring in post- conflict situations. That means addressing some of the underlying causes of conflict, even if it is not the sole or even primary responsibility of the Security Council to deal with issues such as poverty reduction, human rights and climate change. Where it is appropriate and needed, the Security Council has a role to play in raising awareness and a responsibility to call for integrated action.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“Such compounded conflicts demand an integrated approach on the part of the United Nations, other international and regional organizations, and Governments. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has first-hand experience with integrated approaches, whether in Afghanistan, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or elsewhere. We have learned, sometimes the hard way, about the connection between root causes and ensuing conflict. We value the importance of partners working together while appreciating one another's comparative advantages and recognizing the importance of working within their given mandates. We therefore support the Secretary-General's vision for enhancing the performance of the Secretariat's pillars in an interconnected way.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the initiative of the Japanese presidency in convening this open debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his excellent briefing earlier today. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. I would like to make one important point today, which is about our firm belief that only through an integrated approach and prompt action will we be able to prevent conflict and sustain peace. The challenges of the twenty-first century transcend borders. Conflicts are compounded and the causes of conflict are plentiful, as the President explained in his concept note (see S/2017/1016, annex).”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“And it is also because ending the plight of children in armed conflict is impossible if we accept impunity. The Security Council remains seized ofthis matter, and we shall all remained seized on the matter until it is no longer a problem. We owe it to ourselves, but mostly to future generations, which count on us, to provide them with a safe, secure and peaceful childhood that lets them be children.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with a core group of sponsors, played an active part in the discussions that resulted in the consensus resolution formulating that request. It was a breakthrough with direct relevance for today's debate. Why is that? It is because ending the plight of children in armed conflict is by no means the responsibility of the Security Council alone. The Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF, regional organizations and civil society all have a crucial role to play. It is also because ending the plight of children in armed conflict in Yemen, Syria or South Sudan, and all too many other countries, starts with establishing the facts and identifying perpetrators.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“As staunch supporters of her mandate, we appreciate the efforts that she has made in the context of proactive engagement with the parties listed in her report. We applaud the fact that the new format of the differentiated listing is designed to have a preventive effect. At the same time, we call for maximum transparency on how the lists are compiled. Completeness, accuracy and credibility can be ensured only through an evidence-based and impartial process. My third and last point concerns the fact that in September, the Human Rights Council decided to establish a group of eminent experts to examine alleged violations of international human rights committed by all parties to the conflict in Yemen.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Secondly, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General is key to our framework for action. The monitoring and reporting mechanism is a powerful instrument for positive change, as is the listing in the Secretary-General's report. If curtailed by political influence or a shortage of resources, these instruments risk losing their current value. The reports we are discussing today are highly dependent on a direct presence in the field. Indeed, peacekeepers, child-protection advisers and civilian personnel across the board make a critical difference on the ground. We welcome the strong engagement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the past months.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“First, international humanitarian law provides the very core of the clear legal obligations binding on all parties to armed conflict. Respect for these obligations is key, but the trend of eroding respect for international humanitarian law is alarming. If we do not act now, this erosion will become an unstoppable landslide. The Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child are further instruments binding on States parties. Non-legally-binding commitments such as the Paris Principles and the Declaration on Safe Schools are proven incentives for positive change. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will therefore endorse the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, to be launched next month. We strongly encourage others to do the same.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the Secretary-General and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict for their detailed briefings. Behind the chilling trends and statistics lie an abundance of personal stories such as Mr. Shaikh's. We owe him gratitude for reminding us of our responsibility. I would like to highlight three elements today: the erosion of international humanitarian law; the strength and resources of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and other relevant United Nations entities; and our joint responsibility to address the issue of children and armed conflict not only here in the Security Council but in other relevant United Nations forums as well.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Ms. Gregoire-Van-Haaren (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened today's important debate. (spoke in English) On my way here, I ran into a parade of very young children out for Halloween. This is a very exciting day to be a kid here in the United States. It was for me a reminder of why we are having this debate: so that all kids can be children and can be innocent in a secure and safe environment. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement of the European Union as well as with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Italy. We also fully support the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We welcome efforts made by other troop-contributing countries to that effect, and we particularly support Canada's efforts to include gender as part of the discussions and pledges at the Vancouver Defence Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference next month. In conclusion, the challenge and responsibility are upon us to integrate resolution 1325 (2000) into a transformative peace agenda - one that is operationalized and funded and on which the United Nations leads the way. Its implementation should enable the likes of Valerie, Alice and Nicole to lead the peace talks in their country. Let me finish by reiterating once again the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for resolution 1325 (2000), as well as our genuine commitment to its implementation.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“111) by including sufficiently strong language on women and peace and security in all of our mission's mandates; by systematically applying a gender lens in strategic reviews and analysing the power dimensions between women, men and youth in conflict dynamics; by consequently requesting troop-contributing countries to train all peacekeepers on gender and subsequently actually deploying women to the field; by showing zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse through transparency, accountability and careful victim care; and, as justly advocated by the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, by upgrading rather than downgrading the role of gender advisers in peacekeeping missions.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands, moreover, is sadly one of just a handful that actually finance their national action plans. More funds should be made available if we are serious about making gender equality a practical reality. Thirdly and lastly, in all of that, as the Secretary- General also states to conclude in his report, the United Nations should "lead and inspire by example" (ibid., para.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“If we do, there is a 35 per cent increase in the probability of a peace agreement lasting more than 15 years. That figure alone speaks for itself. In that respect, I welcome the meeting the visiting mission to the Sahel held with women's organizations in Mali. Ideally, in future missions, that would not be a separate session, but rather the voice of women would be integrated into the other meetings. Secondly, in order to be implemented, resolution 1325 (2000) needs to be translated not just into United Nations languages, but into plans and activities. It needs to be operationalized and, equally important, funded. To date, 68 Members have devised their national action plans. While we applaud those Members that did so, the Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly calls on the remaining two-thirds of the United Nations membership to follow suit.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Today, I wish to emphasize three conditions that need to be met in order to make resolution 1325 (2000) become a reality. It is good to remind ourselves, firstly, that gender mainstreaming is not a goal in itself, but rather an instrument - an instrument to achieve a transformative peace agenda. The meaningful and balanced participation of women and men has the potential to transform conflict prevention and peace processes. Resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted with that transformative intent. We do not tick the box, let alone implement resolution 1325 (2000), by simply having women around the table; it is not simply about the numbers. We have to integrate a women's perspective and let the voice of women's organizations on the ground be heard at mediation tables through their substantive participation.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Women are still not actively engaged in many peace processes, including those that are United Nations-led or assisted, and are therefore not recognized as the powerful agents of peace they are. If we truly want to practice what we preach, we must pressure parties to a peace process to include women, and not leave it as an afterthought, because those that have briefed the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security, or someone like Ms. Mina-Rojas, today are living proof of what the meaningful participation of women could do for peace processes. However, if they cannot, conflicts are often prolonged and women and girls bear the brunt. As the Secretary-General rightfly observes in his report, "Commitments become meaningful accomplishments, changing lives and transforming societies, only upon implementation" (S/2017/861, para. 6).”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source