YouSaid · the spoken record

Karen Van Vlierberge

lines on the record: 115
first: 2020-04-24
most recent: 2020-12-21
sittings or episodes: 21
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

“We encourage all relevant actors to seize this opportunity to work actively towards a just, viable and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The only way forward is the resumption of a dialogue in good faith between the parties, with the active support of the international community. For its part, Belgium will continue to be a partner for peace to both Israelis and Palestinians.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“We call for thorough and transparent investigations. It is also essential that the victims and their families be well informed about the progress of the investigations and their findings. Children must never be the target of violence, and neither should they be exposed to the risk of violence or encouraged to participate in it. In all such cases, the perpetrators must be held accountable. Belgium will continue to support the mandate and the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The Agency’s work is of vital importance to its beneficiaries and is also crucial to maintaining stability in the region. We welcomed the normalization agreements concluded in recent weeks, as they provide opportunities to foster peace and stability in the region.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“In that context, we also recall the obligation of all States under international law to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. Otherwise, the illegal settlement policy will be further strengthened. Resolution 2334 (2016) calls for immediate measures to be taken to prevent all acts of violence against civilians. However, that obligation is not being met. Human rights defenders, peace activists and journalists, in particular, continue to suffer violations of their civil and political rights and even arbitrary arrests. Today I would also like to particularly focus on violence against children. In recent weeks, we have noted with concern the use of several rounds of live ammunition against Palestinian children, even causing the death of one of them.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“Despite the outbreak of the coronavirus disease pandemic last year, the Israeli settlement policy has continued not only through settlement expansion but also through demolitions and evictions, as we just heard from the Special Coordinator. That policy is illegal under international law, including resolution 2334 (2016). Settlements are likely to undermine any prospect and viability of a future Palestinian State. In that regard, I would like to reiterate Belgium’s concerns over any plans that threaten the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian State and the future of Jerusalem as a shared capital. In keeping with the consistent position of the European Union, we will not recognize any changes to the lines of 4 June 1967, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties in negotiations.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, the most recent report of the Secretary- General (S/2020/1234) demonstrates that it is not the lack of a legal framework but the lack of implementation that is hindering the resolution of this conflict. We therefore call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including resolution 2334 (2016), and recall in particular Israel’s obligations as the occupying Power. We also call on the Palestinian political parties to work in good faith for the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single legitimate and democratic authority. We strongly encourage the Palestinian Authority to engage in a democratic and inclusive electoral process based on the rule of law.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his very comprehensive briefing. I would also like to thank him for his tireless efforts in pursuit of a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian question. Throughout its term on the Security Council, Belgium’s position has always been guided by respect for international law, including with regard to the Israeli- Palestinian question. We remain firmly convinced that respect for international law is the only way to achieve the aspirations of both parties in a just and lasting manner. The legal framework for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian question is well known and has been endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the international community.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“At the United Nations, in the European Union (EU) and at the bilateral level, they can count on our support. Over the past five years, we have contributed more than $60 million to the Afghan national army trust fund and, this year, $8.4 million have been earmarked for the acquisition of vaccines and medical equipment for the Afghan army. As the EU made clear at the Geneva Conference last month, our future support will depend on progress in the areas of transparency, good governance, anti-corruption and gender equality. Lastly, I would like to thank the Permanent Missions of Germany and Indonesia, in particular their experts Friedrich Schröder and Kartika Handaruningrum, for their exemplary work as co-penholders over the past two years. We wish the best to their successors, Norway and Estonia.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“We condemn the high level of violence against civilians, in particular children. In the third quarter of 2020, the United Nations counted among the victims 773 children — 773 in three months. We also specifically condemn the recent attacks against human rights defenders and journalists and call for the perpetrators to be swiftly brought to justice. In that regard, I stress the importance of combating impunity and the need for transitional justice in Afghanistan. We welcome the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on victim-centred justice. As this is our last statement on Afghanistan within the framework of our current mandate in the Security Council, I would like to assure the people and the Government of Afghanistan of Belgium’s firm commitment as they take the path towards peace and prosperity.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“We urge all parties to ensure the meaningful participation of women in the negotiations. We must listen to the voices of young people, such as Ms. Zadran. Violence must be reduced. We therefore call on all parties, in particular the Taliban, to take immediate steps towards a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, which is all the more necessary in view of the current pandemic. In that regard, I reiterate our position on sanctions against the Taliban: the delisting of members from the regime under resolution 1988 (2011) is not automatic but depends on the conditions set out in resolution 2513 (2020), including progress in intra-Afghan negotiations and a reduction in violence. The brutality of the Taliban’s attacks is in stark contrast to their stated commitment to peace and their participation in peace talks.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank the various speakers for their statements. As participants in the Doha peace talks take a pause following the conclusion of a code of conduct, we call on all parties to take stock of their actions, present and future. Afghanistan is at a crossroads, and we sincerely hope that those talks will bring peace to the Afghan people. In that process, the gains of the past two decades must be preserved and even strengthened, especially with regard to human rights and the strengthening of the position of women. The protection of children must also be at the heart of the negotiations, including confidence-building measures such as the release of detained children and rehabilitation programmes for children associated with armed groups.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“Belgium therefore supports the Panel’s recommendation that UNMISS be asked to report on areas of insecurity and investigate violent incidents against civilians related to the illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“The right to receive assistance is a humanitarian imperative and an absolute right for all South Sudanese citizens. Lastly, I would like to touch briefly on the exploitation of natural resources in Southern Sudan. In its most recent progress report, the Panel of Experts believes that there is a high probability that the mining sector, which is increasingly mechanized, will attract the greed of armed groups. The Panel is already reporting that armed groups are blocking access to mining and gold-panning sites. The lack of access makes it difficult to investigate either the activities of groups at those sites or their impact on the local community.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“Belgium is deeply concerned about the sharp increase in the number of violations of the cooperation agreement between the authorities and the Mission. Denying access to UNMISS patrols is totally unacceptable. We call on the Government of South Sudan to guarantee unimpeded access to UNMISS to enable it to conduct all its mandated duties, in line with its international obligations. We are also extremely concerned about the continuing high levels of violence against humanitarian actors and the obstacles being created to humanitarian assistance. In 2020 alone, nine humanitarian workers were murdered. The Panel has been able to determine that the South Sudanese Army and the National Security Service have regularly denied humanitarian access to conflict areas, for example to Warrap in August of this year. That is unacceptable.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“The section on the security situation is once again a long one, thanks to many appalling incidents and despite the fact that major flooding has reduced the level of violence. And it is civilians who continue to pay a heavy price for the violence. The continued increase in the number of kidnappings of civilians, including women, girls and boys, in particular by the National Salvation Front and other armed elements, is just one example. We urge all parties to recommit to the full and inclusive implementation of the peace agreement. We encourage UNMISS to continue to support the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and the peace process, and call on it to continue to protect civilians, including by establishing temporary operational bases.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“The most recent report of the Panel of Experts on South Sudan (see S/2020/342) confirms that security arrangements remain at a standstill. No Governor of Upper Nile has yet been appointed. We hope that the conference to be held in Juba from 16 to 19 December on peace, reconciliation, healing and unity among the people of Upper Nile can contribute to progress in that regard. Political momentum has eroded, owing to party fragmentation, political exclusion and defections. In addition, very little progress has been made on the issue of accountability mechanisms. The hybrid court for South Sudan has still not been established. This is very disappointing and also deeply worrisome. In his report, the Secretary-General rightly states that there is a clear link between the delay in implementing the peace agreement and the violence in the country.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Shearer and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for their very informative briefings. I will talk about three issues: first, the political and security situation; secondly, the worrisome increase in violations of the cooperation agreement with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and thirdly, the exploitation of natural resources. In his most recent report (S/2020/1180), the Secretary-General acknowledges the gradual progress that has been made in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, but overall, we have witnessed a deadlock on many fronts.”
2020-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1237 (2020) · source
“We call on States that have not yet done so to ratify the Rome Statute and that amendment. Since our accession to the Security Council, some progress has been made in establishing accountability for the crimes committed in Syria. However, there is still a long way to go. Director-General Arias has a particularly difficult task. Let me assure him of my country’s full commitment to his organization and its goals, and let me also congratulate him on his personal commitment.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, accountability is an important tool in preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons. The fight against impunity has been at the heart of Belgium’s efforts for many years. We welcome the role played by mechanisms and bodies such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The use of chemical weapons in international conflicts has been a war crime under the Rome Statute of the ICC since its inception. In 2010, Belgium also successfully proposed an amendment to the Statute to make the use of chemical weapons a war crime in non-international armed conflicts.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“During our tenure on the Council, however, we have seen efforts to promote a false narrative through disinformation with a view to polarizing the Security Council’s discussions. Time and time again, independent surveys have refuted every attempt to create an alternate reality. It is time to recognize that it is not in the Council’s interest to espouse conspiracy theories, which serve only to weaken the role that the Council can play in the maintenance of international peace and security, undermining its authority and, ultimately, its legitimacy. Both permanent and elected members have an interest in preserving the Council’s mandate, as envisioned by the Charter of the United Nations, including when that means opposing and speaking out against specific actors. Failure to do so is a violation of the Charter.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, the need for the Security Council to discuss this file on a monthly basis has been questioned as a distraction from more pressing issues. However, this meeting is not conducted simply out of habit. The Security Council adopted resolution 2118 (2013) in 2013. Syria is still not respecting that resolution and therefore remains a continuing threat to international peace and security. Belgium was elected to the Security Council under the maxim “Building consensus, acting for peace”, and it is that approach that we are guided by on this dossier. We will always seek to build consensus and, where possible, to create the conditions for a better understanding among the member States of the OPCW. At the same time, we will always assume our responsibilities in defending our values.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Secondly, the Fact-Finding Mission concluded that chemical weapons had been used on numerous occasions, and the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism attributed responsibility for a number of them to the Syrian regime. Faced with the Security Council’s refusal to extend the mandate of the Joint Investigative Mechanism, the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) was established as an instrument of the OPCW to continue to investigate the suspected use of chemical weapons. The IIT’s April report confirms the use of chemical weapons in Ltamenah in 2017 and exposes a broader pattern of behaviour by the Syrian authorities of violence against their own population, including by using chemical weapons, as an integral part of Syria’s military strategy. We fully support the IIT and urge Syria to guarantee access to its territory.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, during the period in which Belgium has been a member of the Security Council, no substantive progress has been made in resolving the gaps and inconsistencies in Syria’s declaration. It is not a mere technicality that Syria’s declaration remains incomplete. That leads us to the inevitable conclusion that, unlike the OPCW in its work, Syria has not undertaken serious efforts to comply with the demands that it voluntarily accepted when it joined the Convention in 2013. There is no excuse for that. Furthermore, the possibility that additional stockpiles of chemical weapons exist in Syria and might again be used against the Syrian population cannot be denied or ignored.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Its full and unconditional implementation is the only way to guarantee a world without chemical weapons. The Convention is a moral declaration concerning the dignity of humankind as well as a legal instrument. Since Syria’s accession to the Convention in 2013, the OPCW has systematically strengthened its engagement with that country. That has been done in full transparency and in consultation with the Syrian Arab Republic, notably through the creation in 2014 of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission. The Declaration Assessment Team was created in the same year with a view to assisting Syria in resolving the gaps and inconsistencies identified in its initial declaration. Numerous meetings have taken place between the OPCW and the Syrian authorities.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu and the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Mr. Fernando Arias, for their briefings. Today the Security Council is addressing the subject of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, essentially for the last time during my country’s term on the Council. This is an opportune moment to consider how the Syrian dossier has evolved over the past two years. First, all the member States of the Security Council have repeatedly stated that chemical weapons should never be used under any circumstances. The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction is a testament to our collective aversion to the use of such weapons.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“We welcome the commitment of the authorities to taking responsibility for the protection of civilians, including through the deployment of a joint force, and the support of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan for the implementation of the national plan for the protection of civilians. However, these important commitments will take time to materialize on the ground. Belgium therefore calls for caution when discussing the possible closure of UNAMID. The challenge is twofold: to ensure a smooth transfer regarding the protection of civilians from UNAMID to the Sudanese authorities and to avoid losing the gains of so many years of a presence in Darfur.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“These concerns are in line with the priority we accord to the protection of civilians. This month, the Security Council is due to take a decision on how the mission in Darfur should implement its withdrawal. We note the persistence of S/2020/1183 intercommunal conflicts and armed conflicts involving the Sudan Liberation Army- Abdul Wahid faction, a non-signatory to the peace agreement. We hear the concern of the population at the prospect of the departure of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), while the military and police components of the mission are still carrying out regular patrols.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“Displacement caused by tensions between communities is compounded by the impact of severe flooding, the coronavirus pandemic and other infectious diseases. The 45,000 Ethiopian refugees must also be taken into account. Belgium welcomes the work of the humanitarian aid workers who have provided assistance to 8 million people in 2020. Nevertheless, we are appalled by the ongoing serious violations against children in the Sudan, in particular murders and sexual assaults. Moreover, it is unacceptable that groups that signed the peace agreement continue to recruit children. We also call on the Sudanese authorities to stop using schools and hospitals for their military operations. In that regard, we recall the Safe Schools Declaration, which the Sudan endorsed in December 2015.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“We are encouraged by the preparations for the start of operations of this new mission. As an integrated mission, we hope that it can apply a comprehensive approach in its support for political transition. The European Union (EU) will also provide its political support to the Sudan in a dialogue in the coming weeks. The European Union continues to deliver on the commitments it made at the Sudan Partnership Conference last June, reaffirming the Sudan as a long-term priority partner. Last week’s announcement of an additional humanitarian aid package for Ethiopian refugees fleeing the conflict in Tigray, bringing the total amount of EU humanitarian aid to the Sudan to €65.5 million in 2020, is testimony to that. The humanitarian situation in the Sudan remains of great concern.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“Belgium welcomes the fact that the Juba agreement endorses the importance of justice, accountability and reconciliation for the transition. We welcome the commitment of the parties to transitional justice mechanisms, such as the truth and reconciliation commission and the special court for crimes committed in Darfur. We have noted the intention of the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, whose work we support. Land ownership and use are another crucial issue covered by the Juba Agreement for Peace in the Sudan. These issues are closely linked to the challenge of the return of internally displaced persons and peacebuilding. Support for reconciliation is one of the strategic priorities of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretaries-General Ms. DiCarlo, Mr. Khare and Mr. Lacroix for their briefings. I will focus on three aspects: the political context, the humanitarian and human rights situation and the prospects for Darfur. First of all, Belgium would like to welcome the progress made by the Sudan in its democratic transition. The signing of the Juba agreements on 3 October was an important step. Belgium nevertheless calls on the parties to continue their commitment through constructive dialogue and to rapidly implement the agreements reached. We call on the groups that remained absent to return to the negotiating table. That is essential to ensure a lasting peace. The informal talks with Abdelaziz Al-Hilu’s group are a step in the right direction.”
2020-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1183 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, as Iraq opens up to neighbouring countries, with a view to strengthening bilateral and regional relations, the fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity must be respected. Lastly, Iraqi children deserve a future. They deserve to live in security and prosperity. My country once again underscores its support for the Government of Iraq in addressing its many remaining challenges.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“The Iraqi people deserve a political consensus to resolve the economic impact of COVID-19.Fourthly, we note with concern that, despite the military defeat of Da’esh in Iraq, the group continues to operate as a clandestine network and to carry out attacks. We renew our commitment to combating terrorism as part of the international coalition against Da’esh in collaboration with the Iraqi Government. We are concerned about the continued violence, including the rocket attacks on the Green Zone last week, for which the Ashab Al-Kahf militia claimed responsibility. We encourage the Iraqi Government to continue security sector reform. Armed non-State actors should not be allowed to operate outside of State control.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“The return of displaced persons should be safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable. We call on the Iraqi Government to work closely with international partners, including the relevant United Nations agencies. The distribution of humanitarian aid should always be carried out in full compliance with humanitarian principles. Thirdly, my country encourages the parties to implement the Sinjar agreement, which was facilitated by UNAMI. Although many questions remain, this will be an important test for building mutual trust. We call on the parties to capitalize on this momentum to resolve other outstanding issues, including the discussions under way on oil revenues.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We support the Iraqi Government in its efforts to diversify and support economic development, increase private-sector engagement, implement administrative reforms and fight corruption. We welcome the recent adoption of the white paper by the Council of Ministers. Secondly, human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected at all times. The Government’s progress on compensating the victims of the violence committed during the demonstrations that began in October 2019 is a positive step. However, we call on the Government to continue to support the most vulnerable people, including internally displaced persons. All camp closures must be preceded by, and carried out with, sufficient notice and in full consultation with the representatives of the displaced persons and humanitarian agencies.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“The holding of fair, free and inclusive elections can pave the way towards achieving a more stable and democratic Iraq. In that regard, Belgium once again stresses the importance of the full, active and meaningful participation of women in this context. When Belgium joined the Security Council two years ago, Iraq was already at a crossroads. The political, economic and security challenges remain enormous. There is an urgent need to make tangible progress in those areas. Continued strong political leadership is required. As a State member of the European Union, Belgium remains committed to helping overcome those multiple challenges. First, the Iraqi economy remains highly dependent on oil exports. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has further exacerbated an already disastrous economic situation.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“First of all, I thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), for her briefing. The new Iraqi Government has made the holding of early elections one of its top priorities. We welcome all efforts by political actors to ensure that the 6 June elections will be credible, fair, free and inclusive. We take note of the progress made in recent months, in particular the recent signing of the electoral framework by President Salih. We welcome UNAMI’s commitment to provide electoral assistance to the Government of Iraq and, in accordance with its mandate, further develop its electoral assistance with the Independent High Electoral Commission.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“But in our view, respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights is an indispensable condition for defeating terrorism and avoiding feeding the breeding ground in which it thrives. Progress on security and development is of course crucial, but if human rights and the rule of law are not respected, this progress will unfortunately remain temporary and terrorism and insecurity will continue to grow. In conclusion, Belgium encourages the five G-5 countries and the Joint Force to strengthen the implementation of the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Compliance Framework, supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as it is one of the main tools that can help prevent possible violations in the future.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“A new political commitment and ownership at the highest level are therefore also needed to entrench the Sahel’s democratic institutions, and new political solutions to counter the deadly discourse of terrorists must be sought. In particular, we believe that institutions must fight any form of stigmatization of ethnic groups or communities and work actively to provide a governance framework to ease tensions among communities. The provision of basic services, including security, helps to strengthen the bonds and trust of the population. Combating impunity and ensuring transitional justice are also crucial in that regard. In this connection, Belgium continues to monitor allegations of extrajudicial executions by G-5 security forces. Belgium understands the enormous challenges and fragilities faced by the security forces of our G-5 partners.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“With regard to the Joint Force, Belgium welcomes the various advances made in its operationalization, as mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/1074), and encourages their continuation. With regard to operational and logistical support to the Joint Force by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, we continue to advocate the implementation of the aspects defined in resolution 2531 (2020) relating to the provision of consumables. For Belgium, military operations and development projects alone will not be enough to defeat terrorism in the Sahel. Terrorist action is fuelled by the political and governance crisis that several States of the Sahel are going through.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“As a result of ongoing conflicts and more recently the pandemic, tens of millions of children no longer have access to school or education. This lack of education and teaching deprives them of prospects and contributes to their search for alternatives, such as those provided by armed groups. They are therefore more exposed to the risks of recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence and exploitation through labour and other forms of exploitation. Governments in the region have committed to ensuring the continuity of education, which Belgium welcomes. There is no doubt, however, that the challenges in this regard remain immense and must be addressed.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“This approach and action are reflected in actions at the political and diplomatic, security, including internal security, humanitarian and development cooperation levels. It is in this capacity that we participated in the ministerial round table organized on 20 October on the crisis in the central Sahel. That meeting aimed to identify priority needs such as humanitarian assistance. Our Minister of Development Cooperation announced an additional contribution of €8 million, thereby demonstrating the importance of the region to our country. As has been mentioned, the security and humanitarian situation in the region is of great concern and is well known. I would like to dwell on one particular aspect, which is that half of the population of the Sahel is under the age of 15.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank the various briefers for their statements and their insights. Belgium remains a committed partner of the Sahel countries, the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and its Joint Force. We share their determination to fight insecurity and promote development in the region. Belgium’s action is both bilateral and part of the efforts of the European Union on behalf of the region. The shared objective is to contribute to the security, stabilization and resilience of populations in a context of growing insecurity. That is why Belgium favours a comprehensive approach that seeks to ensure the coherence of actions carried out with a view to contributing to ending the crisis and establishing lasting peace.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“The international community’s continued robust and predictable political and financial support is important, especially in the context of the current pandemic.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“We call on all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single legitimate and democratic authority. We strongly encourage the holding of democratic elections in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza. In that regard, it is important to safeguard the space necessary for Palestinian civil society and the full exercise of civil liberties. In conclusion, let me underscore the important role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in the absence of a lasting solution, not only for the Palestinian refugees but also for the viability of the two-State solution and regional stability and security.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Belgium therefore calls on the Israeli authorities not to carry out orders to demolish schools in Ras Al-Tin, Jinba and Khirbet Al-Fakheit, and safeguard the 52 schools in the West Bank that are at risk of being demolished. We are deeply concerned about the economic and fiscal crisis in Palestine, exacerbated by the suspension of civil and security cooperation with Israel and the current pandemic. We welcome the announcement of the resumption of coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, based on previous agreements, given its impact on the Palestinian population and as a confidence-building measure. We call on Israel to also take steps to underline its commitment to those agreements.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“The destruction of more than 80 structures in the village of Khirbet Hamsa Al-Fawqa is a distressing example of the alarming increase in the number of demolitions and confiscations, including of humanitarian structures and property, in Area C in the West Bank. The trend is all the more worrisome in the context of the current pandemic and its significant humanitarian impact on already vulnerable communities. We call on the Israeli authorities to cease the demolitions, repair the affected property and provide compensation for the damages incurred, in accordance with international humanitarian law. We are particularly concerned about the demolition of schools. Like all children in the world, Palestinian children have the right to education.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Building settlements in certain sensitive areas is likely to destroy the possibility of Jerusalem becoming a shared capital and preclude contiguity between East Jerusalem and the rest of the Palestinian territory. Any initiative of this kind must be condemned in the strongest terms if we are to give achieving a viable and credible two-State solution a chance. In that regard, it is incumbent upon us to recall our shared responsibility to distinguish in our relevant dealings between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967, pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 2334 (2016). Making the distinction also serves as a tool for preventing settlement and annexation regardless of terminology or scope.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Israeli settlement policy and related measures continue unabated. The policy is not only illegal under international law, including resolution 2334 (2016), but is also counterproductive. It undermines all trust necessary for resuming constructive dialogue and credible negotiations. We share the deep concerns expressed by the High Representative of the European Union following the decision of the Israeli authorities to open the bidding process for the construction of housing units in the Givat Hamatos settlement. The Heads of Missions of the European Union and other like-minded countries were able see the reality on the ground once again this week.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“I begin by expressing our deepest condolences on the passing away of Mr. Saeb Erekat, Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization, to the Palestinian people and to his family. Saeb Erekat was a tireless advocate of achieving the two- State solution through negotiations. Belgium shares the vision of a negotiated solution based on the coexistence of two States, with the city of Jerusalem as the future capital of both, in accordance with internationally agreed parameters. We regret to note that the multiplication of faits accomplis runs counter to that goal and risks destroying the possibility of ever achieving it. We once again call on all parties to work towards creating an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations and act accordingly to that end.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“In this respect, the European Union and its member States are assuming their responsibility. Tomorrow, the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office will convene with Sweden a second meeting of humanitarian and development actors on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Following a first meeting in February, it will again address the issue of funding and humanitarian access. I am equally proud to inform the Council that Belgium has contributed more than $30 million this year to the core funding of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning World Food Programme. But what is most needed is to urgently put an end to the fighting and the war. The parties to the conflict and those who support them bear a grave responsibility. We urge them to lay down their arms and finally put the people of Yemen ahead of their own narrow interests.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source