YouSaid · the spoken record

Kridelka

lines on the record: 66
first: 2020-08-20
most recent: 2023-10-24
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“The contributing factors are well known and have been the subject of many Council resolutions. Our responsibility is collective. We must redouble our efforts accordingly, facilitate exchanges, lay the groundwork for the resumption of negotiations and firmly reject all hate speech and other unhelpful conflations. That is the goal of the “Peace Day effort” presented by the European Union, Saudi Arabia and the League of Arab States in New York on 18 September with the support of Jordan and Egypt. It is crucial to work together constructively, with the Palestinians and with the Israelis, to find solutions to end the crisis and build a lasting peace.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“A spillover of the conflict would benefit only enemies of peace and, in that regard, we commend the efforts undertaken recently, especially by Egypt. Thirdly, the current situation once again demonstrates the absolute need to define a political horizon aimed at a sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict. The security of Israel and the legitimate claims of the Palestinian people are not mutually exclusive — quite the contrary. Belgium supports the two-State solution, on the basis of international law. However, that solution will only be possible if the good- faith actors are supported in their efforts. Belgium also agrees with Special Coordinator Wennesland’s perspective that perpetual management of the conflict without addressing its root causes is not a sustainable solution.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“To that end, I would like to recall that Belgium does not endorse the attempts at a total blockade, the forced displacements or the use of civilians as human shields — in this context or in any other. International law and the relevant Council resolutions must be respected by all parties. Belgium supports the implementation as soon as possible of a humanitarian truce, which should lead to a humanitarian ceasefire in response to the appeals of the United Nations. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and any obstacles lifted. In that context, Belgium recently increased by €2 million its own financing of United Nations humanitarian operations in the region. Secondly, diplomatic efforts must now focus on rapid de-escalation so as to prevent further human suffering.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Belgium aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union and, in my national capacity, I would like to underscore three points. First, in the light of the complexity of the matter and the emotion triggered by the situation on the ground, our action must be based on compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. As rightly pointed out by Secretary-General, even wars have rules. The protection of civilians — of all civilians — must be our primary concern and the subject of increased efforts on the part of the international community, even though the protection of civilians is the primary responsibility of the parties to the conflict.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Kridelka (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate, and I hope it will make a valuable contribution to finding solutions. I also commend the efforts of the Brazilian presidency of the Security Council on the issue. Belgium condemns in the clearest terms the atrocious terrorist attacks perpetrated in Israel by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Terrorism must be combated under all circumstances. Belgium also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. Belgium unequivocally recognizes the right of Israel to defend itself. It is an inalienable right under international law, but it must be exercised in compliance with international humanitarian law.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The deployment of a Belgian judge to the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic since May 2021 demonstrates this Belgian priority. For peace to be sustainable, it must inevitably establish responsibility for human rights violations and the most serious crimes. That is a crucial aspect of restoring public confidence in institutions. A comprehensive approach is therefore needed to support sustainable peace across the African continent, and Belgium welcomes bilateral, interregional and multilateral collaboration to that end. I will conclude with an expression of gratitude to the Chinese presidency of the Security Council for having given us this opportunity to participate in today’s dialogue on this important topic.”
2022-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9106Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We pay particular attention to several essential principles: first, national ownership of the security sector reform process, with a focus on the involvement of local communities, women, youth and civil society; secondly, democratic control; and thirdly, the essential coordination among humanitarian action, development and security, also referred to at the United Nations as the “nexus”. My third and final point concerns the importance of human rights in our capacity-building efforts. Belgium is particularly committed in that regard, as illustrated by our commitment to the fight against impunity and in the area of transitional justice in particular, an area in which we have worked extensively in the Security Council with our South African friends.”
2022-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9106Resumption1 (2022) · source
“It is essential that collaboration on capacity-building be driven by and for Africans. At the same time, it is our duty to support them in that respect. And Belgium, as a partner committed to Africa’s development, is walking the talk. On that basis, Belgium supports the training of the Nigerien army in the Sahel. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, too, our collaboration in Kindu aims to contribute to the ultimate goal of a lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. My second point concerns security sector reform, which is a crucial aspect in the establishment of sustainable peace in Africa, and Belgium fully supports all efforts to that end.”
2022-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9106Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Mr. Kridelka (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Chinese presidency of the Security Council for organizing this open debate dedicated to peace and security in Africa, an important theme on which Belgium advocates increased cooperation, in line with the joint declaration of the Heads of State and Government that punctuated the European Union (EU)/African Union Summit in February. Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of the European Union, which rightly emphasizes that any peacekeeping effort is futile if the root causes of conflict are not addressed. I would like to mention three points in particular. First, ownership over peacekeeping efforts by African countries and their regional organizations has been growing steadily of late. That should not be underestimated.”
2022-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9106Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Enhanced support to the most vulnerable, including through cash assistance, will also be instrumental in enhancing social protection and social cohesion and alleviating hardship. Finally, it is important to stress that access to food is a human right. Belgium calls on all to raise awareness of this issue by supporting the work of civil society and social movements, including small-scale farmers, in claiming the right to food. These are all emergency solutions to alleviate the crisis, but none will bring about robust and sustainable change if the international community does not start by putting a halt to Russia’s illegal and unjustified war on Ukraine for the benefit of the millions of civilians on the verge of starvation today.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036Resumption1 (2022) · source
“A coordinated and robust global response, under the leadership of the Global Crisis Response Group and relevant partners organizations, such as the World Food Programme and FAO, will be essential to stabilizing markets and avoiding further degradation of livelihoods and development gains. The humanitarian, development and peace dimensions of the food and nutrition crisis will need to be addressed to enhance the sustainability of food systems. Advancing the triple-nexus approach and strengthening coordination at the United Nations and country levels will also be key to ensuring resilient and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, a renewed focus on anticipatory action will be critical, along with the diversification of stock concentration and production sources.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Nothing other than the immediate cessation of that aggression will make it possible to avoid famine and restore hope for the millions of people on the brink of starvation in many parts of the world, including in Afghanistan, Somalia. Yemen, South Sudan and Ethiopia. In that context, Belgium is grateful to the Secretary- General for putting together the Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance. We welcome the recommendations issued by the Group and its comprehensive reports on the global impact of the war in Ukraine. The international community needs to act without delay to break the cycle of conflict-induced food insecurity and make global food markets more resilient to crisis and systemic shocks.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036Resumption1 (2022) · source
“On the other hand, a sharp increase in global insecurity threatens to destabilize fragile societies and further exacerbate armed conflicts and regional instability. In an environment that is still recovering from the stress caused by the pandemic, Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine has further disrupted tight food, energy and financial markets, with a long-lasting and adverse impact on global food security. As stressed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on 8 April, nothing other than the immediate cessation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine will make it possible for markets to stabilize.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Belgium thanks the United States of America for organizing this important debate at a time when the world is facing its most serious food security challenge in decades. I would also like to thank Mr. Beasley and Mr. Qu Dongyu, as well as Ms. Menker, for their compelling briefings this morning. Resolution 2417 (2018) recognizes the link between armed conflicts and food insecurity — a link that, in the current context, cannot be understated. On the one hand, we are seeing food prices reach all-time highs in many parts of the world. Sixty per cent of the world’s hungry people live in areas of conflict, and armed conflict has exacerbated hunger in many parts of the world, including in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Syria and South Sudan.”
2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036Resumption1 (2022) · source
“My country calls on all parties to particularly address the plight of children and calls for the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and the implementation of the Paris and Vancouver Principles.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We call for the systematic recognition of children as a category of victims in their own right within judicial processes so as to strengthen accountability for violations affecting them. Sixthly, my last but not least point is precisely about children and armed conflict. Children are the most vulnerable victims of conflicts and humanitarian disasters. Belgium remains committed to addressing their needs, facilitating access to education and intensifying efforts to prevent and address grave violations against them.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“My country further calls on donors to provide flexible, multi-year funding to humanitarian organizations to ensure longer-term systemic support to civilian populations and to strengthen the resilience of essential service systems. The development of partnerships with relevant actors, in particular local communities and essential service providers, is also key. Fifthly, the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes remains one of Belgium’s priorities. Belgium continues to support international justice and accountability mechanisms for violations of international law, and we urge all States Members of the United Nations to do the same. In that regard, my country is concerned about reports of a lack of accountability for crimes against children in armed conflict.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, concerning explosive weapons in populated areas, additional measures such as the development of urban-warfare-specific policies, the exchange of good practices between armed forces and the training of military personnel on the specific demands of the urban environment could further contribute to improving the implementation of international humanitarian law. In that respect, Belgium welcomes the ongoing consultation process led by Ireland aimed at developing a political declaration to address the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons. Fourthly, turning to humanitarian access, Belgium calls on parties to armed conflict to provide and facilitate rapid and unimpeded access to humanitarian relief, and we urge all parties to facilitate humanitarian access.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The prohibition of direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects is key to ensuring the protection of civilians in conflict settings. Secondly, Belgium calls for the full implementation of the commitments contained in resolution 2573 (2021) to protect access to essential services. Parties to armed conflict should further integrate concrete measures to safeguard the humanitarian space and protect health care and essential civilian facilities, including in counter-terrorism and sanctions contexts.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Belgium supports a multidimensional approach to the protection of civilians, an approach based on prevention, protection and assistance activities adapted to the urban context. That approach would also ensure child protection and child-protection mainstreaming and pay particular attention to the most vulnerable groups and individuals, such as refugees, children, unaccompanied and separated children, girls and women, people with disabilities, the elderly and other communities. What can we do all together? I wish to quickly underline six points. First, Belgium calls on all parties to armed conflict to strictly comply with international humanitarian law and respect its rules and principles, in particular strict compliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Belgium aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and with the statement of the Group of Friends on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. This is a critical time for civilians in conflict settings, a time when respect for international humanitarian law has dropped to an all-time low and at the same time humanitarian needs have increased to an all-time high. The resurgence of urban warfare in the last decades has had a devastating impact on civilian populations, infrastructure and essential services such as schools and hospitals, with civilians now representing close to 90 per cent of the casualties. More recently, the coronavirus disease pandemic has further exacerbated those trends.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We also welcome the Commission’s adequate inclusion in its discussions of local and civil society actors, including women’s rights organizations and young people’s groups. The Secretary-General has called for predictable, flexible and long-term funding for the Peacebuilding Fund, including in his report Our Common Agenda. Belgium supports the Secretary-General’s call in that regard. Ms. Sophie Wilmès, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium, recently agreed to allocate an additional €2 million to the Peacebuilding Fund, bringing our total contributions to the Fund since it was created to $10.5 million. That contribution is testament to the importance that Belgium accords to that instrument, especially in the area of prevention.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We support the initiatives outlined by the Secretary-General in his Action for Peacekeeping framework, which aims to foster coherent cooperation between different actors within the same context. Thirdly, we need to strengthen the early-warning mechanism, in particular through the exchange of information between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), in accordance with their respective mandates. The Commission should fully exercise its advisory role by providing short, focused, specific and actionable recommendations. We encourage dialogue among the PBC and regional organizations, international financial institutions and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Transitional justice must be adapted to local contexts, victim-centred, human rights-based and gender-sensitive. It is important for the Organization to speak with one voice on transitional justice in order to help States to build their capacity, reform their public institutions and, in turn, strengthen the rule of law. Secondly, Belgium encourages cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, including through an ongoing dialogue between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Security Council. Regional organizations such as the European Union can contribute to preventive diplomacy by engaging in joint context analyses and information exchange mechanisms.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“(spoke in English) During our time on the Council, Belgium tried, together with our South African friends, to bring about the adoption of a draft resolution on transitional justice. Transitional justice is one of the major lessons that Africa has taught the rest of the world. There was a very interesting policy document from the African Union in 2019. We worked very hard with South Africa but, unfortunately, the political context prevented us from adopting the draft resolution. (spoke in French) The Security Council should play a greater role in the area of preventive diplomacy. The entire system of the United Nations, including its peacekeeping operations, special political missions and country teams, should all unite around a comprehensive and common strategy.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Mr. Kridelka (Belgium) (spoke in French): I want to thank you, Mr. President, and your country, Mexico, for giving me this opportunity to speak on the theme of today’s debate, given that conflict prevention was one of the most important priorities for Belgium during our recent Security Council presidency. I would like to focus on three points today. First, I wish to underscore the importance of combating impunity, in particular through transitional justice, which can make a powerful contribution to conflict prevention and peacekeeping. Establishing accountability for human rights violations and the most serious crimes is crucial. That means restoring people’s confidence in inclusive institutions and, in turn, achieving sustainable peace. Transitional justice is also a priority for the African Union.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Those include the presence of foreign proxies on Democratic Republic of the Congo soil, the illegal exploitation of, and trafficking in, natural resources and several humanitarian problems. It is encouraging that the new United Nations Great Lakes region strategy prioritizes preventive diplomacy initiatives, including, when necessary, joint action between the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The action plan for the implementation of the strategy will need to consider relevant aspects of the MONUSCO review processes to ensure unity of purpose and alignment of action by the United Nations in the region.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“That is a process that we could already initiate now. In that regard, I also want to underline the autonomy of the United Nations country team when it benefits from core funding. Belgium is proud to support the United Nations development agencies, funds and programmes mostly through multi-year core funding, as commended in a recent Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development peer review of Belgium’s development policy by the Development Assistance Committee. We are particularly interested in the potential synergy of the United Nations Development Programme with the MONUSCO drawdown strategy. Finally, I would like to underscore once more the importance of the regional context. Many of the problems that MONUSCO is dealing with are regional in nature.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“If the conditions are right, a new bilateral governmental development cooperation programme could be negotiated with our Congolese partners starting in 2021. The nexus requires also a shared vision, reflected in clear benchmarks. Belgium therefore welcomes the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s leadership in the transition process and encourages further progress. The quicker joint benchmarks are elaborated, the sooner new partnerships in terms of capacity-building might be concluded. Moreover, adequate Democratic Republic of the Congo absorption capacity and governance remain absolutely key. The nexus will also require full commitment to the One United Nations approach. A clear delineation between the future roles and competencies of MONUSCO and the United Nations country team in the transition process should therefore be sought.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The success of our joint efforts to ensure the capacity of the country’s authorities to ensure that end state is key. The European Union’s backing of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its determination to continue the security, defence and justice reforms is but one example. Belgium and its European partners welcome even greater involvement by the international financial institutions, not only in the context of peacebuilding but also in terms of their sharing of expertise in terms of governance and transparency. Belgium will also play its role bilaterally. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has remained, since 1960, the largest bilateral beneficiary of Belgium’s public development assistance.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“As such, MONUSCO’s new mandate should fully reflect President Tshilombo Tshisekedi’s new priorities in that regard, and the gradual reconfiguration is beginning to unfold in the Kasais and in Tanganyika. We cannot stress the importance of the benchmarks enough. The desired end state, not an end date, should determine the drawdown. My second point, which is related, is that I want to emphasize the intrinsic link among peace, security, development and human rights, as the joint strategy does. A sustainable transition is viable only if the root causes of conflict and humanitarian challenges are addressed within the framework of the so-called triple humanitarian-development-peace nexus. That requires true partnership between the Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities and the international community.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“First of all, Belgium welcomes the joint strategy of the Secretary-General and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the progressive and phased drawdown. Its vision needs to be adequately integrated into MONUSCO’s new mandate. We strongly support the proposal for the protection of civilians to remain at the core of the Mission. That requires a comprehensive approach, well beyond military operations, including civil society engagement, community reconciliation and continued monitoring and reporting on human rights issues. Such an approach also includes the further stabilization of State institutions through an increased focus on security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kridelka (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative Zerrougui for her very comprehensive and relevant briefing at a time when we are preparing to renew the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). I also thank Ms. Zerrougui for her tireless efforts to implement the important mandate entrusted to her in the service of the Congolese people. I would also like to welcome the presence of the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations, our friend and colleague Paul Empole, here among us at the Security Council today. Since Belgium is a multicultural country, like South Africa moreover, I will deliver my statement in English today. (spoke in English) I will make three points.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The report of the Group of Eminent Experts on the situation of human rights in Yemen (A/HRC/45/6) is fundamental to the work of the Security Council. Human rights and accountability for serious human rights violations are inextricably linked to the maintenance of international peace and security. Belgium is particularly concerned about the conclusions of the Group of Eminent Experts regarding children. Over the past year, there has been a high rate of casualties among children in several cases of illegal attacks against civilians, including during air strikes that the Group has been able to investigate. Children account for almost one third of civilians killed or maimed in armed violence in the first half of 2020. Those figures are horrific. The violence must stop. Accountability must be ensured.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“As the American investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe writes in his book Say Nothing: “Perhaps the cruelest feature of forced disappearance as an instrument of war is that it denies the bereaved any closure, relegating them to a permanent limbo of uncertainty.” Belgium urges all parties to the conflict in Yemen to respond to the appeals of the families of the victims, to reveal the fate and whereabouts of those forcibly disappeared and to urgently release all those arbitrarily detained, including journalists. I would like to welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen, as endorsed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva last week.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We commend all those involved in achieving that agreement, in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross. Let me draw attention to a closely related and particularly worrisome aspect of the war in Yemen — the fate of civilians arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared, people who have disappeared because of their political views, profession, activism or religious affiliation. Since 2016, the independent Yemeni organization Mwatana for Human Rights has documented a total of 1,605 cases of arbitrary detention and no less than 770 cases of enforced disappearance.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“The lack of progress on the joint statement leads us to question the true political commitment of the parties. Only dialogue can put an end to the war and resolve the profound differences in the country. We urge all actors to remain engaged in the peace talks under the auspices of the United Nations and to implement the Stockholm Agreement and the Riyadh agreement. Once again, I would like to place particular emphasis on the issue of the oil tanker FSO SAFER. No one can ignore the ecological disaster that would occur in the event of a spill. We urge the Houthis to provide access to the United Nations team as soon as possible. The agreement between the parties to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners is good news. It has the potential to contribute to increased confidence, which is fundamental to progress towards lasting peace.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kridelka (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Under- Secretary-General Lowcock for their relevant briefings, including on the importance of the role of women and the courage of Yemeni children and their teachers. I will focus on three issues today: the rising violence in Al-Hudaydah, the recent prisoner exchange agreement and the findings of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen, particularly with regard to violence against children. Belgium is very concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Al-Hudaydah and the ongoing fighting in Ma’rib. This violence increases the pressure on an already exhausted civilian population. It undermines the efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths. For months, we have been waiting for a joint statement that would put the parties back on the path to peace.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Closer regional cooperation in this context could, while respecting all sensitivities, also lead to the sharing of best practices in the region, and we know that UNICEF has described some of these as model practices in terms of the uses of new technologies for education, including for children and adolescents, refugees and internally displaced persons. Likewise, we welcome the ongoing demobilization efforts specifically focused on children in armed conflict. In this regard, it is essential to facilitate the access of MONUSCO and UNICEF child protection advisers to demobilization centres.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“The recent convictions of soldiers and police officers who committed sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are important steps in the fight against impunity for human rights violations. The adoption of a new national action plan for women, peace and security is another key development towards better protection for and the equal participation of women and girls. Another welcome development is the revitalization of the regional platform for youth engagement. In this regard, let me also refer to our Arria Formula meeting of 2 October, at which we underlined the need for access to education in conflict and post-conflict situations, as well as the importance of new technologies in that regard.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“Belgium also welcomes the continued involvement of several regional institutions, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community. I am also convinced that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s chairmanship of the African Union (AU) next year will give new impetus in this context. Regional problems require regional solutions. In this regard, Belgium and the European Union will play their role as strategic partners of both the AU and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We therefore fully support our Congolese partners in their future efforts. Thirdly and finally, despite the worrying persistence of widespread human rights violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, we can welcome some positive developments in this context.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“We hope that the strategy will allow us to have an adequate and coherent United Nations footprint in the context of the gradual exit from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and an adaptation of the United Nations approach and presence in Burundi. Secondly, although there have been indications of an improvement in regional dynamics, I note that the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2020/951) and the Special Envoy’s briefing continue to refer to multiple bilateral disputes involving several of the neighbours of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This shows the continued importance of the good offices of the Special Envoy, which also contributed to the convening of the mini-summit in Goma last week.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“First, Belgium welcomes the development of a new strategy for the Great Lakes region. We look forward to continuing to contribute to this actively as the process draws to a close. In that regard, allow me to thank Special Envoy Xia for its multiple and transparent consultations with various stakeholders, including my country, Belgium. This has involved several bilateral contacts, his personal participation in our Arria Formula meeting on 15 July, on illegal exploitation of natural resources, and numerous interactions with the International Contact Group. Our expectations are high. We are convinced that the new strategy will encompass all pillars of the United Nations, including sustainable development and human rights.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kridelka (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Envoy Huang Xia for his very informative briefing. Since this was the first time I have had the pleasure of hearing him speak, I commend his fluent command of French, which makes an outstanding contribution to the linguistic diversity of our Organization, for which I thank him. His briefing once again underscores the usefulness of regular discussions regarding the Great Lakes region. The timing is relevant because, as we know, the United Nations is currently developing a new strategy for the region, as well as a new approach with regard to Burundi. Let me take this opportunity to make three points on the role of the United Nations, the regional dimension of the problem and human rights, including the universal right to high-quality education.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“In that context, I would like to draw attention to the contents of the two events organized last month by the Niger, Belgium and the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office. It is clear from those discussions that climate change exacerbates the plight of the populations in the Sahel. Through those side events and the meeting convened by the presidency of the Niger, we have tried to further raise global public awareness of this disaster and its impact. In conclusion, I would like to stress that Belgium will remain Mali’s friend by supporting it on the path to strengthening its democracy, sustainable development and security.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“In that regard, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of MINUSMA, in cooperation with other actors. That brings me to my fourth point. We regret that few women have been appointed to the new Government despite the fact that Malian legislation provides for a minimum of 30 per cent women Ministers. The meaningful participation of women is crucial to the success of each of the three points I mentioned above and to finding a way out of the crisis and a long- term solution. Finally, I would like to stress the importance of maintaining and strengthening humanitarian access in order to reach those in need. Countless people continue to suffer, particularly due to the lack of access to basic social services, and it is important that such assistance reach them.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“Similarly, I encourage our Malian partners to bring to a successful conclusion the investigations into the alleged abuses committed by the defence and security forces against civilians. That must lead to trials. In that regard, it is deeply regrettable that, to date, no trials have been held against alleged perpetrators of crimes against MINUSMA peacekeepers. Thirdly, the situation in central Mali remains of great concern. We call for a reformed State to redeploy as soon as possible and to perform its statutory role of protecting its weakest citizens. Self-defence militias and terrorists are increasing in number for many reasons — the lack of security, justice, education and, above all, quality jobs, including for young people.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“Secondly, it is crucial that the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali continue. I welcome the Malian statements to that effect. Moreover, the struggle against terrorism and in support of development must not be put on hold. I would like to recall that, in addition to the necessary security measures, combating terrorism also involves strengthening the legitimacy of the State. That could be bolstered by decisively combating impunity and the resolve to respect human rights in all situations. The publication of the report of the International Commission of Inquiry on Mali will certainly serve to initiate both reforms and criminal proceedings.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“Today’s release of the officials detained since 18 August is a step in the same direction. It is a positive gesture. Belgium wishes the transitional authorities every success in their work and hopes that they will be able to meet the expectations of the Malian people. My country is ready to support them in carrying out the tasks set out in the Charter. The organization of credible elections within 18 months and the constitutional and institutional reforms, including the important security sector reform, are in my view a particular priority. In that regard, Belgium, together with its EU partners, is currently looking at the modalities for resuming the operations of the military European Union Training Mission in Mali and the police EUCAP Sahel Mali mission in Mali.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“The fact that Belgian soldiers serve in Mali today under the German flag is a fine example of the unity of our European Union (EU). I will address five points in my statement. First, Belgium has condemned the seizure of power by the military on 18 August. Mali faces an additional challenge as it struggles to emerge from the multidimensional crisis affecting it and the region. It is positive that the Economic Community of West African States reacted immediately and decisively, resulting in the latest welcome developments. The appointment of a civilian President and Prime Minister, as well as the formation at of a Government to implement the Transitional Charter, which has now been published, are important steps on the path back to constitutional order.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source