YouSaid · the spoken record

Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve

lines on the record: 183
first: 2020-03-31
most recent: 2020-07-29
sittings or episodes: 34
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 continue to see immense value in the humanitarian notification system, and we underline once again that parties that withdraw from this mechanism nevertheless continue to be bound by international humanitarian law.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Finally, a political settlement in line with resolution 2254 (2015) is the only way to put Syria back on track towards peace. There is no justice without accountability. The humanitarian co-penholders fully support the conclusions of the Secretary-Genera’s board of inquiry, the work of 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 Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as justice initiatives on national and international levels.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile, at the recent fourth Brussels conference, together with other European member States, the humanitarian co-penholders have reconfirmed their support for non-politicized humanitarian aid. Sadly, protection issues persist, not only for those in arbitrary detention or who are missing, but also for those who become victims of air or ground offensives. We call on all parties to show maximum restraint and consider the humanitarian repercussions of any military actions. While we condemn the recent attacks by S/2020/758 S/2020/758 terrorist groups, we still wish to emphasize that any response to those attacks should comply with obligations under international law, in particular with obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“The current situation will result in a more costly and riskier humanitarian operation in the north-west and frustrate timely access to the region north of Aleppo. Meanwhile, the gaps in medical access in the north-east that were left after the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point was closed at the beginning of this year are still far from being filled. Mr. Lowcock has just confirmed that many health-care stations do not receive what they urgently need to treat patients and fight the virus. The burden of responsibility therefore lies with those countries that have systematically limited the cross-border modality for humanitarian access. Let us be clear: member States that vetoed the proposed draft resolutions are voluntarily putting human lives at stake out of political motives.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Although there were changes on the ground and cross-line access to certain areas has improved, the cross-border mechanism is as needed today as it was six years ago. Following the recommendations of the Secretary-General, we have worked tirelessly to continue to ensure maximum humanitarian access, both from inside Syria and from across its borders. The closing of Al-Yarubiyah in January defied humanitarian arguments, and now the closing of Bab Al-Salam once again contradicts humanitarian logic. While 13 members of the Security Council supported renewed access through two border crossings in the north-west of the country, two members vetoed such renewal at the beginning of this month, not even accepting a transition period of a mere three months for Bab Al-Salam.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, we are extremely concerned about the spread of coronavirus disease across the country. Over the last week, as Mr. Lowcock mentioned, the number of cases has increased significantly. Across the country, testing capacity remains incredibly low, so most cases may go unnoticed. The destruction of health facilities and the shortage of health workers further endanger any response. It is therefore incredibly frustrating that while growing needs must be met, humanitarian access is increasingly being limited. Since 2014, cross-border operations have offered the Syrian people a lifeline, allowing the United Nations and its implementing partners to ensure life-saving assistance from across the borders.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“I make this statement on behalf of Germany and Belgium, the humanitarian co-penholders of resolution 2533 (2020). We would like to thank Under-Secretary General Lowcock for his briefing. We also thank Ms. Amany Qaddour for describing the challenges a humanitarian non-governmental organization faces on the ground serving people in need in desperate circumstances. Some 11 million Syrians continue to be in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. These needs are growing and becoming more acute. On the one hand, years of war, mismanagement and oppression, as well as the economic crisis in neighbouring Lebanon, have resulted in an economic crisis in Syria. This situation has increased pressure on the humanitarian needs across the country and led to an additional 1.4 million people becoming food insecure over the last six months.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“These sanctions are carefully crafted to avoid any adverse humanitarian effects or unintended consequences for persons who are not targeted. The European Union and its member States have continuously supported the Syrian people and are collectively the largest humanitarian donor to Syria, as was clearly evidenced at the last Brussels Conference at the end of June. Indeed, we have contributed over €17 billion since the beginning of the Syrian war.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Belgium fully supports all accountability initiatives, including the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and its support for criminal proceedings in national and international courts Finally, the current state of the Syrian economy is a consequence of nine years of war, corruption, mismanagement and oppression. European Union sanctions are targeted at those who ordered or carried out attacks and acts of torture against S/2020/743 S/2020/743 their own people, made or used chemical weapons, or built their personal fortune on the war economy.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“It is high time to move beyond one-for-one prisoner exchanges. It is high time for the Syrian authorities to release those arbitrarily detained and to share information on all missing persons. Access to detainees must be ensured in line with international regulations. As Ms. Mustafa has said, families of the disappeared continue to suffer from the lack of information about their missing loved ones. They grieve emotionally, but they also have to face the consequences of continuous administrative and judicial restrictions that affect their lives on a daily basis. We therefore encourage the sustained engagement of the Special Envoy in this regard. We also salute Ms. Mustafa’s courage and actions with respect to accountability. In order to break the cycle of violence, justice must take place.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“The United Nations should play a central role in the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, as well as in its monitoring. The recent protests in the south and elsewhere in the country are a symptom of a far greater crisis. Little progress has been made on the political level. However, after nine years of violence and brutal suppression, the long road to peace can only pass through an inclusive political process. We therefore encourage all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, to fully engage in the upcoming planned meeting of the Constitutional Committee. The political track must urgently be reinvigorated, in line with an immediate and full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). Tangible progress must also urgently be made with regard to political prisoners and missing persons.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“The prevention of this spread must be an absolute priority for Syria, as the virus may not only entail a health crisis, but it could also lead to a further worsening of the dire socioeconomic conditions that Syrians across the country are facing. We are relieved about the relative calm in the north-west of the country since the Russian-Turkish ceasefire arrangement was implemented at the beginning of March. However, recent attacks illustrate the fragility of the situation. We repeat that any counter-terrorism activity should respect human rights and international humanitarian law. The risks for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable civilians in this region are enormous. We therefore urge all parties to refrain from violence, reduce tension and exercise maximum restraint.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Mr. Pedersen for his briefing and Ms. Mustafa for her moving briefing. At the end of March, Mr. Pedersen made a call that comprised three main elements: the need for an immediate nationwide ceasefire, the need for the large-scale release of detainees, and the need for full humanitarian access (see S/2020/254). These elements are indeed essential — also in the fight against coronavirus disease — and we continue our support with a view to fully implementing efforts on those elements. Let us be clear: during the last month, infections have doubled in Syria. Although the numbers are low, the fact that the pandemic has been spreading throughout the country is worrying, especially as testing capacity remains limited.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“It is therefore necessary that the international community redouble its efforts with a view to achieving a just and durable peace that is rooted in international law, including the resolutions of the Security Council. Belgium will support all efforts in this regard, including in the framework of the Middle East Quartet. Allow me, in conclusion, to voice Belgium’s strong support for the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the crucial role the Agency plays in the absence of a durable political solution to the conflict.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“If put into practice, these plans would further detach East Jerusalem from the West Bank and jeopardize the future of Jerusalem as the shared capital of both Israel and Palestine. We call on Israel to abandon these plans. It is more than ever time for the parties to turn away from unilateral actions and declarations and engage in direct and meaningful negotiations. In this regard, we stress the importance of intra-Palestinian reconciliation and the necessity of holding elections once conditions permit. The peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be an important driver for peace and stability in a volatile region.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We therefore urge Israel once more to refrain from any unilateral decision that would imply a de jure or a de facto annexation of any part of the occupied West Bank, and we call on the international community to take a strong stance against any such a decision. At the moment, the threat of annexation is already exacerbated by the destruction of Palestinian-owned residential, livelihood-related or essential- service structures in Area C of the West Bank, while humanitarian aid is also being destroyed for similar arbitrary or unlawful reasons. We are deeply concerned about this destruction, as well as the recent announcements of construction plans in Har Homa and Givat Hamatos.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Secondly, pursuant to our obligations under international law and EU law, annexation would have an impact on the bilateral relations between Belgium and Israel. It would also inevitably have significant consequences for the relationship between Israel and the European Union. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that annexation would lead to the intensification of human rights violations and a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the occupied territory, including through the potential imposition of a two-tiered system of unequal political, social and economic rights based on ethnicity. Finally, annexation would undermine all efforts aimed at restarting negotiations and would mean the end of the two-State solution.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Such an act would be considered null and void and could not change the status of the West Bank, which will remain occupied territory; nor will it change Israel’s obligations as an occupying Power under international humanitarian law, and, more specifically, the Fourth Geneva Convention. In line with the EU’s position, we will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including Jerusalem, other than those agreed upon by the parties through direct negotiations. We will also continue to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. Annexation would have far-reaching consequences. First, it would risk gravely imperilling the security situation on the ground, including Israel’s security, which is not negotiable for us.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Belgium aligns itself with the written statement submitted on behalf of the European Union (EU) (annex 28). I would like first to thank Special Coordinator Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. I also thank Mr. Daniel Levy and Mr. Khalil Shikaki for sharing their insights with us today. Last month, an overwhelming majority of the Security Council took a clear stance against the stated intention of the Government of Israel to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, considering that to do so would be an illegal act. Indeed, a unilateral decision formalizing an annexation, regardless of its size, would constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter strictly prohibits the acquisition of territory by force.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The decision we have taken today allows for Bab Al-Hawa to stay open for 12 months, which will allow for better planning and greater predictability for the many non-governmental organizations that, under difficult circumstances, guarantee the survival of the people suffering in and around Idlib. This is today’s only good news. It is the reason that Germany and Belgium put forward draft resolution S/2020/684. We would like to thank the overwhelming majority of Council members for their active support throughout the process. Finally, in this context, we once again urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate without reserve with the United Nations and its implementing partners in the cross- line delivery of aid, fully in line with the needs on the ground, in the interests of the Syrian people.”
2020-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/702 (2020) · source
“Some 1.3 million people, including 800,000 internally displaced persons, live in the Aleppo area, among whom 500,000 are children, received the necessary humanitarian aid through the Bab Al-Salam border crossing. Today is yet another sad day. It is a sad day not only for the Security Council, but also — and mostly — for the Syrian people living in those areas. Both Al-Yarubiyah and Bab Al-Salam were vital crossings for delivering, in the most efficient way possible, the humanitarian assistance those people deserve. Yet, in the interest of the almost 3 million civilians who depend on the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing, the Council had to make the decision to compromise.”
2020-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/702 (2020) · source
“Three crossings are at the very heart of this mandate and were an absolute necessity from a humanitarian perspective, particularly in the context of a pandemic. As the Secretary-General has repeatedly pointed out, the gap left by closing the border crossing at Al-Yarubiyah, in the north-east, earlier this year is still a long way from being filled, and the population remains in dire need of medical aid. After many rounds of discussion — and votes — and given the divergent positions among the members of the Council, the Security Council had no choice but to make yet another decision that does not reflect the humanitarian needs on the ground, in order to find compromise.”
2020-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/702 (2020) · source
“Some 11 million Syrians continue to be in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. The needs are critical: food, water, shelter, medical assistance and care. Since 2014, cross-border operations have offered them a true lifeline, allowing the United Nations and its implementing partners to ensure life-saving assistance from across the border upon simple notification to the Syrian authorities. Throughout the last months, the co-penholders of the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/684 — now resolution 2533 (2000) — did their utmost to find agreement on a resolution to renew the mechanism. We worked in good faith and in an inclusive, transparent and thorough manner with all members of the Security Council. Our sole guideline was the humanitarian imperative of improving the fate of the people on the ground.”
2020-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/702 (2020) · source
“More broadly, we support the efforts of UNOWAS and the United Nations country teams to promote national reconciliation, post-conflict reconstruction and security sector reform. In various States, the political will to anchor good governance, democracy and human rights will be decisive in consolidating gains and embarking on the path of sustainable development. UNOWAS also plays a leading role in studying the impact of climate change on security within the framework of a conflict-prevention approach. This is vital work, as Ms. Ibrahim explained, and I encourage the Special Representative to continue that effort. In conclusion, I would also like to underline the essential role played by regional and subregional organizations. I commend their close coordination with UNOWAS and encourage them to maintain it in future.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“Belgium supports the efforts of UNOWAS to help in those elections and to consolidate democracy. In particular, the tensions in Guinea have already cost human lives recently, and it is important that there be renewed dialogue and compromise in order to achieve appeased elections. In Burkina Faso and the Niger, the challenge will be to ensure that elections are held all across the country. Finally, in Côte d’Ivoire, where we expect that 2020 will confirm the return to peace and stability, we call on all political actors to rise to the occasion, as the country’s situation also impacts regional stability. Moreover, post-electoral tensions in Mali need to be addressed swiftly, in line with the recommendations of ECOWAS, to avoid a further deterioration of the political situation in the country.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“A holistic approach is needed to deal with violent extremism that also emphasizes good governance, the fight against impunity, the strengthening of democratic institutions and addressing the grievances of marginalized groups, as well as sustainable and inclusive development. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take tangible steps to halt the deterioration of the social fabric. Threats to pacific coexistence need to be resisted by fighting any attempt to divide on the basis of religion or community belonging. Democratic institutions sometimes remain fragile in the region. The various upcoming elections later this year could test them even further. It is therefore paramount that voting occur on a level playing field and that the elections be free, fair, transparent and peaceful.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“It is not weakening the security forces to make them investigate allegations and, if need be, go through a publicly announced criminal or disciplinary procedure. The opposite is true: while a perception of impunity already fuels terrorism, actively fighting impunity is the best way to regain the trust of citizens, gather more intelligence and lay the groundwork for reconciliation. Belgium is committed to continuing to support its partners in the region with that aim. In addition, in line with the Secretary-General and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Belgium believes that the response to the challenges that arise in West Africa cannot be achieved solely through security- related action.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“Belgium is concerned that terrorist attacks, which target not only the State but also civilians, infrastructure and places of worship, threaten not only Burkina Faso but also wider regional stability, with the risk of spreading to coastal countries, as with the attack on the border with Côte d’Ivoire on 11 June. Additionally, community relations are very strained and will take time and work to heal. Across the region, Belgium salutes the courage and sacrifices of the defence and security forces in their fight against terrorists. However, they know that, in order to ultimately defeat terrorism, they have an obligation to set an example through their actions in respect of human rights.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“In addition, parts of Nigeria also face constant terrorist attacks by Boko Haram as well as conflicts between pastoralists and farmers, which are also worrying phenomena and deserve special attention. Moreover, numerous local conflicts, sometimes of an intra- or intercommunal nature, are raging in the region. This deterioration has a direct impact on the humanitarian situation, causing suffering among hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. The coronavirus disease pandemic is dramatically exacerbating this already bleak picture, affecting even more strongly the most vulnerable, including women. Large parts of Burkina Faso are now affected by violence. Recent actions have, hopefully, stopped further geographical spread.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“First of all, allow me to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Chambas, for his intervention. Belgium attaches great importance to the work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in favour of prevention, reconciliation, mediation, sustainable peace and the promotion of the rule of law in West Africa and the Sahel. I would also like to thank Ms. Ibrahim for highlighting an important issue for West Africa and the Sahel. The security situation in the region remains unstable. In Mali, the Niger and Burkina Faso, the situation is deteriorating despite the many efforts made and growing international mobilization.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“Libya’s natural resources belong to all Libyans and their use is vital to the country’s economy, particularly given the need to address the coronavirus disease pandemic. I urge all to respect the civilian nature of the oil infrastructure and encourage further dialogue on how to better share the revenue it generates. In conclusion, allow me to once again commend the courage and determination of the entire staff of UNSMIL and the whole country team. In that context, I would like to emphasize the urgent need for the appointment of a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya.”
2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source
“I welcome the establishment by the Human Rights Council of a fact-finding mission to investigate violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict. The fact-finding mission is also mandated to preserve evidence with a view to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. In doing so, we will have taken an important step towards ending impunity for terrible crimes that took place in Libya, such as those we recently discovered in Tarhouna and have witnessed elsewhere. We are deeply concerned about the continuous blockade of oil production, which has had disastrous consequences for the country’s economy and its population as a whole.”
2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source
“I would also like to tell some of the States participating today that there is no excuse for not respecting the arms embargo. By violating it, they are contributing to the ongoing spiral of violence, exacerbating tensions among Libyans and severely undermining a durable exit from the crisis. More importantly, they are contributing to the loss of life of innocent civilians, Libyans and migrants. I want to reiterate that it is the responsibility of all parties to protect civilians, including the most vulnerable. I renew my country’s commitment to ensuring that the most serious crimes in Libya do not go unpunished, whether tried in the national courts or the International Criminal Court.”
2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source
“We welcome the timid steps taken in the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and urge the Government and General Haftar to engage more forcefully and in good faith with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in that forum. I would like to take advantage of the wider participation in today’s meeting to directly address directly the States supporting the Libyan actors. I urge them to stop their current actions, which are having a negative impact on the crisis, and instead, to use their influence in a positive way by finally encouraging the path of dialogue. Most importantly, their words should be followed by concrete actions that demonstrate their commitment to the political solution. In that connection, let me thank those States around the table that have taken genuine initiatives for dialogue.”
2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing today and for his commitment to a political solution in Libya. Belgium condemns the logic of war which the Libyan parties seem to be locked into, with the increasing support of external actors. No valid reason exists for not responding positively and immediately to the multiple calls for a ceasefire, including last week in the Council. Military action needs to stop immediately, regardless of the location of the front lines. Dialogue remains the only sustainable solution to the crisis and the parameters are well known: the Libyan Political Agreement, the principles agreed in Berlin, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya’s three-track approach and resolution 2510 (2020).”
2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source
“It is an example of the dedication that United Nations peacekeepers and civilian personnel have shown, for which we are grateful.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“We would like to encourage the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force to strengthen the implementation of the human rights compliance framework supported by the Office of the High Commissioner through the Joint Force’s presence in the relevant States. We would like to take this opportunity to honour the men and women who work tirelessly to advance human rights in the field despite numerous risks, including new challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. For example, in MONUSCO, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office has continued its work in support of national authorities to improve respect for human rights and strengthen the fight against impunity. Its COVID-19 response has entailed attention sufficient to address such issues as domestic violence and overcrowding in prisons.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Consolidation of human rights components in mandates and resource negotiations cannot come at the expense of such capacity. We have learned from experience that mandates, guidance and policy briefs do not automatically translate into operational human rights readiness for military personnel. We must train Blue Helmets before and during deployment with due attention to methodologies applicable in a mission context. Close cooperation between the military, police and civilian components as well as the sharing of best practices between missions could improve human rights readiness. We also advocate adequate regional attention to human rights. The European Union has extensive human rights components in its civilian and military missions. The African Union has its own human rights missions as well.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Human rights are not just add-ons for missions — they are core business — and if we are serious about this business, we must mandate missions accordingly, staff them accordingly and budget accordingly. That is part of our commitment to the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Human rights components are key in engaging communities and local stakeholders to support mandate implementation. They also increase mission credibility across the board. For example, in Afghanistan, the work of the human rights component of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan contributed to building confidence between parties to the conflict, which is a condition for inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations. Dedicated women protection advisers and child protection advisers are indispensable to fulfilling important protection mandates.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, with respect to capacity-building and support for host-country security forces, the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations support to non-United Nations security forces is an essential tool for missions to support security forces in respecting human rights. A few years of practice have taught us that the Due Diligence Policy is also relevant in terms of transition planning and exit strategy. When, for example, the United Nations and the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo define benchmarks for a responsible exit of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), lessons can surely be drawn from the Policy.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“They serve as eyes and ears on the ground, exposing the gravity and scale of threats that escape the attention of other actors. Secondly, with regard to preventing violations and abuses, peace missions also have the ability to make context-sensitive and forward-looking threat assessments, which enables them to prevent atrocities or mitigate their impact, in line with the protection mandate with which most are endowed. However, comprehensive threat assessment is only possible with trained staff and good cooperation among missions, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations country teams.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Human rights and peace and security are closely intertwined throughout the whole conflict cycle. Indeed, human rights violations and abuses can be both root causes and consequences of conflict. Accordingly, respect for human rights and the guaranteed protection of civilians are cornerstones of sustainable peace. We therefore warmly welcome the German initiative today to underscore the role of peace missions in protecting human rights. Peace missions add important value because they can identify violations and abuses, prevent such violations and abuses, and help build capacity in their operational contexts. First, with respect to identifying violations, human rights components in peacekeeping operations play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting violations of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“These regional concerns must be resolved by proactive dialogue and by negotiation with all actors in the region. All the relevant resolutions of the Security Council must also be observed. Belgium calls on all stakeholders to exercise restraint. Undermining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will not put us in a better position to discuss regional issues, nor will it provide us with a solution to the proliferation risks. Our priority as members of the Security Council should therefore be to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and to make it work.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“Belgium is also worried by the assessments presented in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/531), as we have just heard, that point to the Iranian origin of, first, transfers of conventional arms seized in the territorial sea of Yemen, and secondly, of parts of the cruise missiles and the drones used in the attacks on Saudi Arabia last year. These activities reinforce mistrust and only contribute to the exacerbation of tensions in the region. It is clear that the issues discussed today cannot be addressed in isolation from the regional dynamics at play. If we want long-lasting peace and security in the region, we must focus our attention on the broader regional context. The region urgently needs confidence-building measures between stakeholders, and must work in good faith to solve its protracted conflicts.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“We call on Iran to return to full compliance with the JCPOA as soon as possible in order to prevent irreparable damage. We support the efforts of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to resolve the outstanding issues in the framework of the dispute resolution mechanism under the Plan. Belgium continues to support the professional, objective, independent and impartial work of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It commends the Agency’s efforts to maintain monitoring and verification activities in Iran despite the challenges, including those posed by the coronavirus disease crisis. Belgium is concerned at Iran’s continued ballistic activities and calls on Iran to comply with all provisions of resolution 2231 (2015), including those listed in annex B.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“My country also regrets the reimposition by the United States of unilateral sanctions and their side effects, as well as the recent decision not to extend nuclear waivers. These sanctions prevent not only Iran but also the other Member States of the United Nations from implementing their commitments under resolution 2231 (2015), approved by all the members of the Council and supported by a large majority of the international community. Together with other European countries, Belgium adhered to the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges in 2019 in order to uphold the economic benefits that form part of the Plan. Belgium regrets the increasing non-compliance by Iran with its commitments under the Plan. Like our European partners, we reject any “less for less” approach.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“I am going to speak in my national capacity. As Ms. DiCarlo has just pointed out, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is an important achievement of effective multilateralism. It is the result of 12 years of intense activity, based on dialogue and diplomatic pressure. Belgium is joining forces with its European partners to defend it with conviction. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is our best guarantee to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. However, in order to succeed, all parties need to implement its provisions in full and maintain the spirit of cooperation. Belgium, like the Secretary-General and the majority of the members of the Security Council, regrets the withdrawal of the United States from the Plan.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“We also intend to organize an Arria Formula meeting on this topic in July, in cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States and South Africa. The illegal exploitation of natural resources has been recognized as one of the main underlying causes and effects of conflict in the Great Lakes region. In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the illegal exploitation of gold, coltan and other resources has fuelled conflict for more than 20 years, involving a wide variety of national, regional and international State and non-State actors. We are also convinced that the ongoing development of a new United Nations regional strategy for the Great Lakes would provide a good opportunity for further and deeper exchanges on this topic.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“National ownership of security sector reform and a vision on the implementation thereof will need to be at the heart the process. Moreover, it remains essential that the MONUSCO Force Intervention Brigade have the means and political willingness to complete its respective tasks. The recommendations of the report authored by former United Nations Force Commander, Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers, should therefore be fully and unabatedly implemented. Thirdly, the development of MONUSCO’s progressive exit strategy should go hand in hand with adequate attention to counter the root causes of conflict, including the illegal exploitation of natural resources. We therefore highly welcome Mr. Usseni’s interesting briefing today.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“In that regard, Belgium and its European Union partners, including France, have taken the lead, as attested by our recent humanitarian flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, our short-term concerns should not blur the fact that we, collectively, need to keep working on a realistic, conditions-based and progressive transfer of MONUSCO’s tasks to the Congolese authorities in the years ahead. In that regard, we note that several factors have impeded the development of a joint strategy and that detailed discussions with the Government have yet to begin. However, MONUSCO’s exit benchmarks are due by 20 October. We therefore welcome the report’s repeated recommendations to deal with this issue as a matter of national priority.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source