YouSaid · the spoken record

Koenders

lines on the record: 182
first: 2007-04-17
most recent: 2017-01-10
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“In conclusion, allow me to reaffirm the continued support of my country in the implementation of the agenda for prevention. In today's volatile world, our global orchestra is not short of tour dates. We should be better prepared to play the full symphony together. Although it will not be easy, we should start rehearsing to achieve the true sound of lasting peace, in concert. We will only get there if we all start putting prevention up front. The Netherlands stands ready to do its part.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“In our view, greater use could also be made of the advice of the Peacebuilding Commission. That could include inviting them to brief on specific situations. The same goes for the instrument of international contact groups, which is useful in the event that a country is identified as a potential site of crisis. That could be supported further, if possible, by benign neighbouring countries and the relevant regional organizations. Lastly, there is deterrence. Much of conflict prevention focuses on dialogue. However, prevention is not only about carrots. Sometimes, as Theodore Roosevelt advised, it is a question of speaking softly but carrying a big stick. It is part of the toolbox. The Security Council has seldom made use of the most coercive measures to prevent conflict; but we cannot completely avoid it.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Now, however, the Council needs to maintain its engagement in order to secure a positive outcome. That also requires the proactive use by the Secretary-General and others of Article 99 of the Charter. Visits to countries and missions allow the Council to gather first-hand information and to support peace, mediation and peacebuilding processes. We welcome the Council's more frequent use of visits. The recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a case in point. In our view, a stronger compact is needed in that orchestra between the Security Council and the Secretary-General when it comes to sustaining peace. They can combine their respective responsibilities and act more in unison - in joint approaches or consultations, including with regional actors.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Ibelieve that the new Secretary-General can build on that and continue to play that important role using his vast experience. The Secretary-General needs our support in that respect. We should strengthen the Mediation Support Office and United Nations early-warning capacity at the local level as well. The United Nations regional offices have done essential work behind the scenes to prevent conflicts. The work of Said Djinnit is a case in point; I believe that, to a large extent, he prevented a civil war in Conakry, Guinea, two years ago. Preventive diplomacy up front means the Security Council should also play its part. It has done so successfully in the past, as is illustrated by the situation in many countries. In that respect the Council's early engagement was helpful.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“The Office of the Secretary- General catalysed global efforts to prevent violent extremism. The Global Counter-Terrorism Forum is a case in point. We kindly ask our new Secretary-General to continue to remind us that the prevention of violent extremism is the only truly strategic answer to the horrors of worldwide terrorism working in the social fabric of our societies. Fourthly, a deadlocked Council does not mean the United Nations has to be broken winged. In situations where the Council does not act, the Secretary-General can still employ his good offices and other tools to foster mediation and dialogue between the parties in emerging crises. This has happened in the past. The often discrete and behind-closed-doors efforts of the Secretariat made a huge contribution in countries like Nigeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso and Nepal.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“An empowered core group of United Nations decision makers across the system will help guide the system as a whole, develop strategies to deal more effectively with imminent crises, and play a coordinating role in the prevention of violent conflict. It could help bring preventive diplomacy back up front, where it should be, based on objective norms - as was mentioned by a number of representatives - and build trust in the key role of the Council and the Secretary- General. And of course, the responsibility to protect and to end impunity, as norms that we have put forward, should obviously be analysed in an objective manner. Thirdly, the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism of the former Secretary-General successfully generated national strategies and United-Nations-led capacity-building support.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Here also, the silo mentality is hindering us. It is up to all of us - Member States, donors and the Secretary-General alike e to hold these parts of the system accountable and to give the Secretary-General the time necessary to carry out those reforms. Only one criterion remains: results on the ground in each country, for the people. Secondly, the proposed strengthening of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General as a centre for effective strategic conflict analysis and planning is an important step, especially in a time of regionalization and internationalization of internal conflicts in a very violent way.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“First, we are glad to see that the most recent quadrennial comprehensive policy review gave the Secretary-General the mandate to shake up the development section of the orchestra. That will be vital for the concrete implementation by countries of essential agendas set out by his predecessor - the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the Secretary-General said, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is a key prevention tool, and we could not agree more. The Sustainable Development Goals are instruments not only for inclusion but also ofpeace, making it possible to address structural weaknesses well before people see no other alternative but violence. And in my view, that requires looking much more precisely at country-specific analysis and conflict dynamics and bottlenecks.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Whether there is an imminent crisis to be contained, fragile peace to be sustained, or preventive action has to be taken - for lasting peace, it is necessary that all the United Nations organizations work in concert. When they work together with one goal in mind there are results on the ground. They can each have their own comparative advantage and yet still deliver as one. I am glad, therefore, that the Secretary- General has put forward a concrete agenda for the implementation of the sustaining peace resolutions. We support him wholeheartedly in his efforts to streamline and de-silo the United Nations peace architecture. I would like to stress four points here.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Let us consider Liberia, where the United Nations mission and the development and peacebuilding organizations work together seamlessly under the strong vision and leadership of the country itself. But United Nations organizations do not always coordinate as closely as they should. I did not come here to point fingers. My own experience has shown me how complicated it can be. We have seen different degrees of success in Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and elsewhere. But let us make one thing clear - we have to be explicit about what we want, our goals and ours means, and we must translate our words into action. We should also learn from these cases. The different pillars of the United Nations system can work better together. We have said that for many years.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“It is certainly not because the United Nations is just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. On the contrary, the professionalism of the United Nations workforce is beyond any doubt. That includes, first and foremost, our new top-level conductor - the new Secretary- General, whose credentials and dedication are beyond any doubt. Neither is it because the necessary elements for a perfect performance are not there. On the contrary, the potential of the unique and rich United Nations toolbox, all United Nations organizations, funds and programmes combined, working globally and across the entire spectrum of issues - from climate to development, disarmament, peace and security - is enormous. Together they can truly perform miracles, and they have on many occasions. The examples are there.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“At this moment in time, it is up to us all to lay the groundwork for a reinvigorated multilateralism, for a coalition of States from all regions that can effectively relink effectiveness and legitimacy, thereby enabling the United Nations to be "fit for purpose" for this new era again. That means an Organization equipped and ready for action at all stages of a conflict, as the Secretary-General mentioned in his briefing. It also means putting prevention up front. The entire United Nations system, as well as Member States, should develop a prevention-up-front mindset and action mode. Previously, I have likened the United Nations to an orchestra which, at times, sounds shrill and somewhat out of tune. Indeed, we have not always been able to play the music the way it was meant in the original score, that is the Charter. Why is that so?”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“It comes at a pivotal moment in time, a moment of major geopolitical upheaval and competition, dubbed a "tipping point". It is a moment when history seems to cast doubt over the Charter's promise of peace just when it is needed more than ever before, for instance, in Syria, Yemen and South Sudan. It is a moment when I think the citizens of all those countries feel forgotten and do not understand why more action is not undertaken to assist them and promote their interests in the Council as well. Moreover, in countries like my own, people want to see concrete results.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“First of all, allow me to congratulate you, Madam President, and Sweden on its membership in the Security Council and for immediately taking the initiative to hold this important debate on conflict prevention and sustaining peace. I also congratulate the other newly elected members of the Council: Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan and Italy. I am happy to be here together with my colleague Mr. Alfano, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy, who has already made reference to the Italian-Dutch cooperation in the context of our split term in the Council. I fully support the statement delivered by Mr. Alfano on behalf of Italy, and we also do so in the spirit of European cooperation. We welcome Sweden's initiative to organize this debate.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“The only way to make our strategy work is to teach young people to be critical thinkers, make up their own minds and take control of their own lives without hurting others. They are the agents of change.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“I prefer to use terms such as "positive" or "inclusive" narrative. My second observation is that working with our young people should be our top priority for preventing violent extremism. They are our first line of defence, the people who can build bridges between countries and prevent their friends from becoming terrorists. But they need our help, at the national, local and international levels. In order to enable them to be the voice of reason, we must ensure that we put in place appropriate international frameworks and policies for upholding the standards of international human rights, the rule of law and the freedoms that distinguish us from barbaric terrorist groups.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Last year, our association of journalists organized a road show on press freedom and taught young people how to question the opinions that they encounter. We should reach out to children at an early age to familiarize them with alternatives to violent narratives. In Jordan and Lebanon, we are working with local partners to build bridges between refugee communities and host communities, with education for children on values like tolerance, diversity and respect for others. In conclusion, let me make two final observations. First, the Council has not heard me use the word "counternarrative". I don't actually care much for that word because, to me, it sounds defensive and reactive. There are no general counternarratives that can do justice to an individual's life in all its brilliance and confusion and with all its challenges and rewards.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“We need young people, who can understand the motivations for joining brutal terrorist groups, who speak the right language and who know how to communicate via apps and online tools. We need to promote the positive role played by young people who have fled from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and who are brave enough to speak up. As a Government, the Netherlands can empower them, with you and others to protect them against those who want to stifle their voices. For that we have to work with all the stakeholders - the teachers, the business community, the parents and even the sports clubs. The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes freedom of speech is crucial for stimulating critical thinking, which is one of the strongest weapons against extremist propaganda.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“We have to work in our prisons, with returnees, with youth, with police and with religious leaders. That is the day-to-day work in our societies. The Jordan-led Aqaba Middle East peace process poses an example of an effective exchange of lessons learned, building bridges between countries and increasing our day-to- day collaboration. Even though Governments can be instrumental in delivering a strong and positive narrative, messages are more effective when they are developed and disseminated by our new generations. To young people who question the legitimacy of authority in general, any message disseminated only by a Government could be received with suspicion. So what are our alternatives? We need to acknowledge that we as Governments often try to fight a modern battle with old weapons.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“We need to break the code of silence that sustains networks of foreign terrorist fighters and facilitates suspected terrorists, who operate under the radar. We need to work with the private sector and with civil society to break the silence and stop terrorist financing in a legal and effective framework. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has committed to contributing robustly to the multilateral approach to cooperation, including through the Global Counter- Terrorism Forum, which we currently co-Chair together with the Kingdom of Morocco. In that Forum, we work to streamline our national policies on, for example, the rehabilitation of former terrorists, because that is a second obligation, namely, to achieve a better balance between dissuasive and preventative approaches.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Nobody can go it alone; we are all going through stress tests in our societies, and one of the main lessons we can draw from the recent attacks in the past month is the need to think globally and act very locally. As such, the Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and underlines the importance of building national action plans. Such comprehensive plans should not be perceived as an exercise in finger pointing. No - all of us face the same challenge of violent extremism, and we have to work together to meet it effectively. Sharing information is one key element of cooperation, and frankly we need more trust among ourselves and our nations and among our law-enforcement agencies, our border guards and our intelligence operations.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“My thoughts and sympathies go to the victims of terrorism all over the world and to their families. I would like also to pay my condolences to you, Mr. President, because of the lost policemen in Egypt this weekend. Such attacks try to create fear, panic and the destruction of our ways of life and our freedoms. They try to instil fear and division among us, and they will not succeed because their attacks underline the vital importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, in preventing violent extremism and in offering alternative messaging. Nobody in this Chamber can afford to go it alone, if we want to achieve long-term success. Foreign terrorist fighters, a new term, are in fact not foreign, as they come from among us, from the social fabric of our societies.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Arab Republic of Egypt for organizing this important debate. Today's debate is, in my View, a very timely one, timely because of the upcoming review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and because of the several, very tragic events that have happened recently: terrorist bombs in Ankara and Istanbul and gunmen attacking a hotel in Ouagadougou. Last week I was on the beach in C6te d'Ivoire to pay tribute to those who were killed in Grand-Bassam. The dozens of ordinary men, women and children in a park in Lahore killed by a suicide bomber targeting Christians at Easter; the dozens of lives lost in terrorist strikes at Brussels' airport and metro, and today, the tragic attacks in Baghdad killing at least 85 people underline the urgency of this debate.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“In the face of today's threats, the Council can prove to the world that it does not shy away from its collective responsibility, but rather that it will work together to advance the Middle East peace process and resolve the conflict in Syria once and for all. We, the world, and the people we represent need the leadership of the Council, because we cannot let peace wait.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“In line with the European Union Council conclusions on Syria, we will work with all the relevant stakeholders towards a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process. We also fully support the European Union's reiterated offer to both parties of a package of European political, economic and security support, and of a special, privileged partnership with the European Union, which offers substantial benefits to both parties, in the event of a final peace agreement. In the past, the Council has shown that it could and would unite against threats to international peace and stability.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“And it would be good if the Palestinian Authority could return to Gaza. The third element builds on developments in the region. A new format for negotiations is needed, with substantial roles for Arab partners and the European Union, alongside the United States, based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. I fully support efforts to create a new dynamic and welcome the work of Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and the League of Arab States in the context of the Arab Quartet. I favour a Security Council consensus as a basis for renewed final status negotiations, in which parameters for a peace accord could be incorporated. The Netherlands stands ready to assist where it can. It is close to both parties. We have to find a compromise, and we are working on that together with our EU.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“In that regard, it is critically important that Israel halts all settlement expansion. As the European Union has pointed out time and again, settlements are illegal under international law and a severe threat to the two- State solution. I deplore the planned authorization by the Israeli Government to confiscate 370 acres in the West Bank, south of Jericho. Secondly, while commending the progress made in Palestinian State-building, I believe that it should be enhanced. The Palestinian Authority plays a vital role in keeping the prospect of the two-State solution alive. But it must be capable, accountable and responsive, and it must respond to extremist propaganda. Good governance, effective service delivery and pluralistic and inclusive Government, with space for dissenting views, will strengthen the legitimacy of Palestinian leadership.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Violence against innocent civilians can never be justified. Let me reiterate our long-standing engagement in favour of a two-State solution, with an independent, democratic and viable State of Palestine and the State of Israel living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, based on the borders of 1967. Preserving the viability of the two-State solution is crucial. For that to happen, I believe a new and transformative approach is needed, with three sets of actions. First, we must create a more favourable climate for negotiations. That can be done by stopping violence, building confidence, including continued security cooperation, strengthening the Palestinian economy and improving conditions in Gaza. Both sides must refrain from steps and inflammatory rhetoric that undermine confidence and trigger further escalation.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Nothing has come of that and many other initiatives, and we all know why. The situation cannot go on like this. It has now been 23 years since the Oslo accords were signed, and despite the commendable efforts to negotiate a lasting peace agreement, peace remains elusive. Conditions on the ground have worsened. After decades of negotiations, a final status agreement seems further away than ever. Many have lost all hope. The latest escalation of violence illustrates just how volatile the situation is. For Israelis and Palestinians, peace cannot wait. We cannot afford to look away as the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Innocent lives have been lost on both sides. I urge both sides to show maximum restraint. All responses must be proportionate and comply with international law.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the conference the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Kuwait and the United Nations will host in London on 4 February, where the Netherlands will pledge more humanitarian aid and structural support for Syrians in Syria and abroad. The number one priority of the Council should be to find a lasting solution for Syria. It is not easy, but peace cannot wait. I call upon the Council to set aside its differences and pave the way for a solution that addresses the need for justice and accountability, because there can be no peace withoutjustice. We also urgently need peace between Israel and its neighbours. This has been a matter close to my heart ever since I worked in Gaza for three months in 1999. That was a time of cautious optimism. It was time when there was a ground-breaking ceremony for a Gaza harbour.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We also commend Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Lavrov, whose efforts have shown that great differences can be overcome and Security Council members can effectively collaborate towards the same goal. Diplomacy can still work. Because peace cannot wait, more needs to be done. We also need to step up our humanitarian efforts, assistance and sense of urgency to help the people inside Syria and those who are fleeing, making sure that they will be safe from the Violence and deprivations that they suffer and have a home to go back to where they can live in peace and security. Countries such as Lebanon - represented here today - Jordan, Turkey and Iraq that host the majority of refugees deserve much more assistance.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“It is important for all of us to put our money where our mouth is in implementing Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1325 (2000). In addition, we have been supporting the political process with training and capacity-building for the opposition groups involved in the talks and in supporting diplomacy. We have deep respect for United Nations Special Envoy De Mistura and other partners who are working hard towards that end. I myself have worked as Special Representative, and I have often had the opportunity to brief the Council on other situations, including in Mali among other places. I can tell the Council how important it is for the Special Envoy to be not only encouraged but also supported by everybody. We have been substantially supporting De Mistura's team.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Thankfully, meaningful steps have been taken in recent months with regard to the political process as well. We have seen the establishment ofthe International Syria Support Group. We have also seen the opposition, to a large degree, joining ranks in Riyadh. Resolution 2254 (2015) provides a framework for transition in Syria - a necessary precondition for peace - and on 29 January talks will start that should ultimately lead to sustainable peace. I think that we should all do our utmost to convince the parties to engage fully and unequivocally, and we need to stand ready to help where we can. In that light, the Netherlands specifically supports a group of Syrian women who will play an advisory role in the talks.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We need to beat terrorism, boost freedom and prioritize the humanitarian needs of all Syrians. One must be accompanied by the other, and that is how the Dutch Government sees it. That is why we have to act intelligently against Daesh, whose ideology and actions against innocent men, women and children - Muslims, Christians and Yazidi - are abhorrent. The international coalition against Daesh consists of more than 60 countries. We are making progress on the battlefield, especially in Iraq, and in undercutting their financial resources and vicious narrative. But prevention is also key worldwide. We must do more to find solutions to the ongoing conflicts in the region by tackling the political and socioeconomic crises and root causes on which Daesh and other terrorist groups feed.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The civil war in Syria is about to enter its sixth year. The numbers are staggering. Half the population has been displaced, and more than one out of one hundred Syrians has died, with the overwhelming majority killed by their own Government. Many people, who are internally displaced, flee to neighbouring countries. We all have a responsibility to ensure that people in Syria are able to live their lives free from Violence, free from poverty and free from fear in their own homes, Villages and countries. The Netherlands urges all parties involved to step up efforts to fully implement resolution 2254 (2015), which incorporates two elements: a political process with a calendar oriented towards transition and the fight against Daesh. Both elements are necessary and can strengthen each other.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands currently holds the Presidency of the European Union. Today, I will make a number of comments in my national capacity. A statement on behalf of the European Union (EU) will be delivered later. I am extremely worried about the different crises in the Middle East. It sometimes seems that our common responsibility to protect and our obligations for the protection of civilians have been all but forgotten. International humanitarian law in countries is threatened every day like Yemen and Syria. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Millions have had to flee their homes. Entire populations are afraid of what tomorrow may bring. The Security Council has an enormous responsibility to help put an end to the Violence. We owe it to the people. Peace cannot wait. It is long overdue.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Roosevelt, a President of Dutch descent, as one of the four freedoms in his State of the Union speech of 6 January 1941, this freedom is still too often absent today. Let this be what we collectively strive for. Let us together reduce the vulnerability of our people around the world to terrorism. That is also one of the reasons that the Kingdom of the Netherlands has the ambition to be elected to the Council next June for the period 2017-2018. We look forward to cooperating with the Security Council in the fight against international terrorism. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has the ambition to continue being a partner for peace, justice and development.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“The Council has not acted even though the Syrian regime has been carrying out a gruesome campaign of terror against its own people, even though it has fostered the creation of Daesh, or the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and attracts terrorist recruits from across the region. These actions constitute flagrant human rights violations and abuses against the people of Syria. Let us not forget the obligation we all have to protect civilians and to follow the letter and the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. If we look at what unites us, we do not simply fight terrorism. We must fight for positive things, for things that hold a more universal value. I am reminded of one of the fundamental rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: the freedom from fear. Formulated almost 75 years ago by Mr. Franklin D.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“The Netherlands recently allocated an additional â‚¬43 million for that purpose. Unlike the terrorists we fight, we act in clear recognition of the moral and legal boundaries set by the rule of law and human rights. We take due account of the dilemmas posed by the demands for security and privacy. Finding the proper balance is not easy, but the Netherlands is convinced that the two are not mutually exclusive. First and foremost, terrorists aim to disrupt our daily lives by instilling a sense of constant fear. In the face of those actions, we need to stay true to our own values. It means standing firm behind the guiding principles that unite us here. We know how effective the United Nations can be if the political will is there. Sadly, the Council has so far failed us on Syria.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“We are proud and humble to have assumed the responsibility of co-Chair. We will work closely with the other 29 members of that pioneering body, in particular with the Kingdom of Morocco. In the past year, the GCTF paved the way for resolution 2178 (2014). The resolution was a crucial step against foreign terrorist fighters. Neverthess, the number of foreign terrorist fighters continues to increase. They come from a great variety of backgrounds and countries, including my own. There have been 210 foreign terrorist fighters from the Netherlands to join the ranks of terrorist organizations abroad. The GCTF stands for less talk and more action in close cooperation with other multilateral forums. Through the GCTF, funds are channelled to support those who need it for capacity-building.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“We therefore welcome resolution 2199 (2015), initiated by the Russian Federation. It obliges Member States to take steps to prevent terrorist groups from receiving donations and from benefiting from the trade in oil, antiquities and hostages. We all know this still continues. We still must implement the resolution to the letter with precision. We need to act collectively against those who enslave women and children, behead innocent civilians and destroy our cultural heritage. On Sunday, the Netherlands became a co-Chair of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) following that of the United States. The GCTF aims to reduce the vulnerability of people around the world to terrorism by preventing, combating and prosecuting terrorist acts. Furthermore, it aims to counter incitement and recruitment to terrorism.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. Terrorism and violent extremism are timely issues for the Security Council, so I thank you, Mr. President, for this possibility to debate today. I will address three issues: terrorism, the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the rule of law. The Netherlands firmly condemns all attacks by any terrorist organization. Such attacks are disastrous for peace, justice and development. Propelled into people's lives by the power of social media and the Internet, terrorism has no moral or geographic boundaries. Terrorist organizations are challenging our beliefs and values, including - and maybe especially - those of the peopled of the Maghreb and Mashreq regions.”
2015-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7527 (2015) · source
“We expect the world community to continue to cooperate with us in our efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, in accordance with resolution 2166 (2014). The Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Belgium and Ukraine will continue to work together to find the best way of prosecuting those responsible. We will continue working together to ensure justice is served, and we will lose no time in pursuing this.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“The idea to establish a tribunal now was born to ensure an independent and depoliticized procedure, before the results of the investigations would point at certain possible perpetrators. I find it incomprehensible that a member of the Security Council obstructs justice in a tragedy that has affected so many. Impunity will send a very dangerous signal and will threaten the safety of civil aviation - the safety of all of us, the safety of Council members. We, the countries working together on the criminal investigation, will not stop in our endeavour to ensure that those responsible for this violent act are held accountable. We have the support of many in this Chamber and many more outside. My country will not rest until all the facts are known and justice has been been served.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“We listened carefully to the arguments and concerns Russia voiced. We engaged and answered all - and I underline - all its questions. We made very clear that this is the best way forward, giving the demand for accountability by the Security Council itself. The accountability process is duly under way and in line with international standards. It makes no sense at all for the Council to stop it here. As said, the Dutch Safety Board has finished the investigation into the cause, and will publish its report in October. The criminal investigation is well under way, now we should have acted in order to be ready for the follow-up. We have made the case for a prosecution mechanism that transcends politics.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“Our purpose is to create a timely, depoliticized and credible mechanism to ensure that the perpetrators face justice and are held to account. We came to the Council with a desire to see justice done in the most effective, impartial and legitimate way, with the greatest possible chance of success. I would like to thank those Council members who have supported the Malaysian draft resolution and believe that this terrible crime deserves the attention of the Security Council and the best possible prosecution mechanism at our disposal. I express my deep disappointment that Russia has used its veto to stop the Council from actively ensuring that justice is served. My thoughts go out to the families of the victims who had placed their hope on the resolve of the Council to set up this tribunal.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“When the Council called upon all States to act in that way, did the Council not assume that it too had a responsibility? After all, this is the highest political institution representing the international community. When the Council decided to remain actively seized of the matter, did it not foresee a role for itself in guaranteeing compliance with the resolution by all States Members of the United Nations in the interests of all those who lost their lives that afternoon above the skies of the Ukraine? On behalf of the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and Ukraine, Malaysia presented to the Council a thorough and carefully drafted proposal for an international criminal tribunal, to be established under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“Bringing them to justice is not only our duty to the victims of this tragedy; the Council's important resolution 2166 (2014) demands it. In that resolution, the Council acknowledged its authority and responsibility to see this matter through to its logical conclusion in the following ways: by reaffirming the international legal prohibition of acts of violence that pose a threat to international civil aviation; by calling on all States to cooperate fully with the international investigation of the incident; by demanding that, as called for in the resolution 2166 (2014), those responsible for this incident be held to account and that all States cooperate fully with efforts to establish accountability. That imposes an international obligation to prosecute the perpetrators. Let me ask the following question.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“The Netherlands has regularly and thoroughly informed the Security Council of the progress made on those three steps. First, all but two victims - both Dutch citizens - have been identified and repatriated. Secondly, the technical investigations into the cause of the crash are nearly complete, and the completely independent Dutch Safety Board is expected to release its final report in October. And, thirdly, the criminal investigation being carried out by thejoint investigation team set up by Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine is at a very advanced stage. That brings us to our ultimate task, namely, holding to account those directly or indirectly responsible for the downing of Flight MH-l7.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“Their wish, their desire, is forjustice to be done: a cry for accountability, a cry for this important organ to act. In response to the incident, the Security Council adopted the crucial resolution 2166 (2014), which condemns the downing of Flight MH-17 - which resulted in the terrible loss of so many lives - calls upon all the parties involved to facilitate recovery and repatriation and demands that those responsible be held to account. The resolution created hope for those who lost loved ones. My country has abided by the resolution. We set out a three-step approach in close cooperation with other affected countries. That approach includes, first, repatriation and identification of the victims; secondly, a thorough and independent investigation into the cause of the crash; and, thirdly, justice for the victims and for those responsible.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source