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

“Despite the still very worrying security and humanitarian situation, there is good news, such as the increase in security operations under the aegis of the Joint Force in recent months and the revised concept of operations. We also recognize the support role played by France in that regard. The good news includes the inauguration just a few days ago of the Joint Force headquarters in Bamako, built by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and funded by the EU. We hope it will be used and will contribute to the effectiveness of future operations. The achievements also include the increased capacity and autonomy of the G-5 executive secretariat. More equipment has been delivered and more is on its way.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“I thank the briefers for their statements. Belgium remains a committed partner of the five countries of the Sahel and of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and its Joint Force. We share their determination to fight insecurity and promote development. Belgium’s initiative is also part of the many efforts of the European Union (EU) in the region, as demonstrated by a new edition of the annual meeting of the EU and the G-5 at the level of Foreign Ministers on 12 June, following the EU-G-5 summit in April. We are also partnering in the launch of the Coalition for the Sahel and the Partnership for Stability and Security in the Sahel, and the Belgian defence forces are engaged in several missions in the region, in partnership with the G-5 national forces.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“How can the Security Council better help them to be fit for purpose for that challenge? In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our support to the peace missions in those difficult circumstances.S/2020/514”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Does CPAS serve as a catalyst to improve integrated planning among the military, police and civilian components of the Mission? Going back to MINUSMA, we support the force adaptation plan on the basis of the general principles that have been shared with Member States. Access to a higher level of detail, including on troop availability, could be useful for planning purposes. We hear that some critical assets, including air assets and intelligence capacity, remain unavailable as of yet. These assets are key to the success of the adaptation plan. How do they see the impact on the implementation of the plan? I would like to finish with a more open, maybe even philosophical question to our three guests from the field. What is, from their perspective, the main challenge that peacekeeping will have to face in the next few years?”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Given the COVID-19-related restrictions on mobility, what are the consequences for the “hub and spoke” approach, and therefore on the protection of civilians in more remote areas? Let me turn to other peacekeeping-related challenges. Unfortunately, those are not going away at this time of COVID-19, and we recognize the efforts of all, both at Headquarters and in the missions, to ensure business continuity. Performance is at the heart of their action, and we know how critical the integration of the various components is to the success of a mission. Could Lieutenant General Tinaikar, of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), update us on the implementation of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment System (CPAS) within UNMISS? What are, in his opinion, the biggest benefits of that tool?”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“First, with respect to the impact of the pandemic on the operations that they command, engagement with local communities is critical to the protection of civilians and the prevention of attacks. The events of last week in the centre of Mali are worrisome, and so are the number of COVID-19 cases in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). What is the impact of social distancing on that engagement? How is it impacting their situational awareness, and how do they adapt their working methods to this new reality? Both Lieutenant General Tinaikar and Special Representative of the Secretary- General Shearer have promoted the “hub and spoke” model to project the capacity to protect civilians also outside protection-of-civilians sites and near established bases.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank Jean-Pierre Lacroix as well as the three Force Commanders for their insights into the additional challenges that peacekeeping is facing during these unusual times. I would like to begin by honouring the peacekeepers on the ground for their courage and resilience as they face this pandemic. Today our sincere thoughts are with the victims in the missions, including the victims of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Belgium contributes troops to three missions. Together with the other States members of the European Union, we committed at the beginning of the crisis to continuing to support peacekeeping by not withdrawing our troops because of COVID-19. I would like to ask the Force Commanders several questions.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Hopefully, the long-standing collaboration among the EU, the United Nations and the African Union can be further expanded in future.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“The importance the EU and its member States attach to multilateral cooperation and the United Nations is reflected by their financial backing: they are the single- largest contributor to the United Nations system, making up around 30 per cent of the peacekeeping budget. The EU is also the largest donor in terms of development and humanitarian assistance. In addition, in collaboration with the United Nations, the EU is pioneering the fight against climate change. Next to its own mitigation efforts, the EU is the largest provider of international climate financing. Looking ahead, it is important to pursue further partnerships, such as with the African Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“I would like to underline the role being played by the EU-led Operation Althea for the provision of a secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the contribution of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo to the rule of law there. Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, including the protection of children, is an important cornerstone of the partnership between the United Nations and the EU. Currently, it is more crucial than ever for warring parties to comply with international humanitarian law and guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. I would also like to highlight the importance of upholding the women and peace and security agenda, in particular with regard to the meaningful participation of women in peace operations at all levels and in all areas of expertise.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“The launch of the new European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI is the EU’s latest contribution to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. In the Sahel, the EU has a vibrant partnership with the Group of Five for the Sahel. I would like to flag the unique and innovative arrangement in which the EU reimburses actions performed by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali in support of the Joint Force, even if it is a small part of the vast support the EU is giving to the region. Furthermore, the European Union capacity-building and training missions in the Niger and Mali have been expanded to reach the entire region in order to train security forces and support the national security sector reform agendas.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“With regard to Syria, a conflict that remains high on the Council’s agenda, the EU is the largest donor of humanitarian aid. In that respect, I am pleased to confirm that next month we will host the fourth Brussels donor conference on Syria. We underline that it is critical to find a political solution that is fully in keeping with resolution 2254 (2015). Turning to Iran, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action constitutes a significant and unique achievement of sustained multilateral diplomacy. It is a cornerstone of the global non-proliferation architecture and an example of cooperation between the EU and the United Nations. We stress the importance of keeping this vital agreement in place through direct dialogue. We also regret the recent announcement by the United States of America that nuclear-related waivers will not be renewed.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“Belgium welcomes this discussion in the Council on United Nations and European Union (EU) cooperation. I would like to thank EU High Representative Borrell for his excellent statement. The EU and the United Nations share a goal of achieving an international rules-based order with democracy, the rule of law and human rights at its core. They are therefore natural partners in the search for sustainable solutions to global challenges. Let me highlight some examples of how the United Nations and the EU have joined forces to achieve lasting impact worldwide. Turning first to the coronavirus pandemic, the EU launched Team Europe with a financial package of more than €20 billion to help partner countries in the fight against the coronavirus. The EU also strongly supports the Secretary-General’s appeal for an immediate global ceasefire.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“Finally, in the immediate future, looking towards the elections, we believe that AMISOM should continue to perform its mandate in its current form and, before considering plans for 2021, will seek to renew its mandate with no significant changes, but for a slightly shorter time period. Let me also thank the troop-contributing countries for their commitment.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“There have been successes with joint Somali National Army/ AMISOM operations, but they have not been sufficient to lead us to expect the successful conclusion of the transition plan in the planned time frame. The Federal Government and the federal member states must come together to forge a shared vision for national security. We welcome the Government’s willingness to revise the transition plan. The international community, including the European Union as an important financial donor, will work with Somalia to implement this plan. Coordination should also be ensured among the security partners, under the leadership of the Federal Government.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“Somalia needs this dialogue to overcome challenges not only to the elections but also to the transition plan and to those presented by the current humanitarian crises. This lack of dialogue has gone on long enough. Unfortunately, Somalia has not been spared by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, or by seasonal floods or locust infestations. Belgium stands with the people of Somalia and is contributing to the humanitarian response. We also think it is important for the international community and the Somali authorities not to lose sight of the country’s development and political objectives while responding to these crises. As the Security Council is about to discuss the renewal of the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), we note that Al-Shabaab remains a very significant threat.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“I thank the briefers. While some of the news we have received is encouraging, other news is less so. With regard to the political situation and the preparation for elections in Somalia, the country has shown the capacity to make progress on its priorities. The signing of the electoral law is an important step, yet more efforts are needed to work out its implementation. Among other things, the participation of women must be ensured. Work has also started on other pieces of legislation, such as the political parties law, and will have to resume. Technical preparations, including on electoral security, should stay on track. Elections can still happen in accordance with the planned timetable. We also ask the Federal Government to re-establish the dialogue with the federal member states.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“Politically, the EU-led International Contact Group on Venezuela will continue to support all initiatives in good faith that lead to a peaceful and democratic resolution of the crisis. The political deadlock in Venezuela remains profoundly problematic and has negative impacts on regional stability. We call on all stakeholders to engage in a credible, representative and serious negotiation process such as the one facilitated by Norway. The only way forward resides in political talks.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source
“We hope the pandemic can also serve as an opportunity to focus minds and encourage people to work together in confronting this shared challenge. Thirdly, the politicization of humanitarian aid is unacceptable. We reiterate the importance of respecting humanitarian principles and the need for full and unrestricted access. The threat posed by COVID-19 does not exempt Governments from their obligations under international law, in particular human rights law and refugee law. Finally, we know that the population of Venezuela can rely on the support of the European Union (EU) and its member States. On the humanitarian side, the EU remains the largest donor in Venezuela.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source
“This incident raises many questions, but there a few things we know with certainty. First, we know the population of Venezuela is suffering. We remain very worried about the human rights situation, the absence of the rule of law and the lack of democracy in the country. This situation has led to an exodus of historic proportions. We emphasize the need for transparent, free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and denounce the ongoing intimidation of members of the National Assembly who must be allowed to exercise their parliamentary mandate. Secondly, we know that only a political solution can resolve the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The recent events divert attention from the human-made humanitarian crisis that is further being exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source
“I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for her briefing. The incident described in the letter from the Permanent Representative of Venezuela and in the Russian request for today’s meeting raises a lot of questions. Where is the line between fact and interpretation? Where is the line between reality and assumptions? Who is benefiting most from this situation? How can we access neutral, non-partisan information? To be clear, Belgium condemns the use of mercenaries in all circumstance, and relevant instruments under international law should be applied to the crime of their use. We condemn the use or threat of use of force and stress the importance of respecting each country’s sovereignty. We also emphasize the importance of respecting human rights, including in anti-insurgency operations.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source
“However, we stress the need for such efforts to be fully in line with international law and the internationally agreed parameters, and to take place on the basis of direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties. Only a solution that is acceptable to both sides will be able to pave the way for sustainable peace, not only for Israel and Palestine, but for the wider region, as a whole.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“The framework for the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been set out in detail in numerous Council resolutions. With a view to ending the conflict, Belgium remains committed to a negotiated two-State solution that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all permanent status issues, including those related to borders, the status of Jerusalem, security and refugees. It is important that the international community increase its efforts to help achieve a just and lasting peace. We stand ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to renew international and multilateral efforts aimed at achieving that goal, be it through existing frameworks, such as the Middle East Quartet, or new ones.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“As stated by European Union High Representative Borrell, “steps towards annexation, if implemented, could not pass unchallenged”. Indeed, annexation would risk entailing significant legal, political, security and other consequences — not only for Israel but also for the wider region. Furthermore, annexation would further undermine any prospect for a just and durable solution and would mean the irreversible end of any prospect of negotiation about any meaningful peace plan. We call on all partners to refrain from unilateral decisions that would undermine or seriously hamper prospects for a return to the negotiation table. We also call on parties to continue implementing all agreements and understandings. In that regard, we note with concern the recent announcement by President Mahmoud Abbas.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“If put into practice, these would constitute a clear breach of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Council. Belgium, together with its European partners, will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed upon by the parties through direct negotiations, including with regard to Jerusalem. We will continue to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. As friends and close partners of Israel, we strongly advise the Israeli Government against taking steps towards annexation. We also call on the international community, especially those States with influence, to spare no effort to prevent any such steps.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his statement. On Sunday 17 May, the new Israeli Government was sworn in, bringing an end to months of political uncertainty. We look forward to working with the new Israeli Government in a constructive and comprehensive way in the spirit of the long- standing friendship that binds us. We hope that this Government will be a partner for the relaunch of the peace process in line with international law and through direct negotiations between the parties. We remain deeply concerned about certain provisions in the coalition agreement regarding the prospect of annexation by Israel of parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“What women-led civil society organizations are achieving is impressive — such as negotiating prisoner releases — often with little means or official recognition. We urge parties to fulfil their commitments for women to fully and meaningfully participate in the peace process, including by implementing the national action plan for women and peace and security, and we are counting on the Special Envoy to promote and facilitate the realization of these goals. In conclusion, I repeat the importance of economic recovery and of access for the United Nations to the FSO SAFER tanker.”
2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source
“Belgium’s humanitarian assistance will reach a record amount of almost €200 million this year, with a strong focus on flexible disbursement mechanisms, such as the Central Emergency Response Fund and country-based pooled funds. I also reiterate the importance of humanitarian access. We remain concerned about the obstruction of humanitarian assistance and remind all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. There must be accountability for violations. Women have been particularly impacted by the crisis in Yemen. We are extremely concerned about reports of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence as well as of intimidation and arbitrary detention, including of women human-rights defenders.”
2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source
“Ramesh Rajasingham, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, remains deeply disturbing. Half of the people in need — approximately 12.24 million people — are children. As more cases of coronavirus disease are confirmed, I commend the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the entire humanitarian community in Yemen for their efforts to save lives and preserve dignity. In response to the call last month for increased financing, Belgium will continue its contribution of €5 million to Yemen’s Country-based Pooled Fund this year. Amid the pandemic, which have brought dire times to us all, our solidarity with the fate of the Yemeni people remains strong.”
2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by addressing the announcement by the Southern Transitional Council: we are concerned and urge all parties to exercise restraint and engage in an inclusive dialogue that addresses the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis, including in the south. We emphasize the importance of implementing the Riyadh and Stockholm agreements and encourage continued political engagement under the auspices of the United Nations. We fully support the efforts of the Special Envoy to secure a nationwide ceasefire, confidence-building measures and the resumption of an inclusive political process. In this regard, we welcome the extension of the coalition’s unilateral ceasefire and urge the Houthis to join the Government of Yemen by immediately following suit. The humanitarian situation described by Mr.”
2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source
“We can only add our voice to the calls of various international bodies and urge the relevant authorities to end discrimination and segregation in education. Schools are supposed to promote tolerance and mutual understanding as a basis for well- functioning democratic societies.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“Revision or denial of war crimes and the glorification of war criminals all undermine that process. War criminals must be held accountable. Impunity is not acceptable. Last week, Belgian young people pleaded in favour of having a voice in matters of peace and security. The inclusion of youth in transitional justice processes enhances the effectiveness of those processes. Ms. Hasić stressed the need to invest in education to avoid a repetition of the past. A system created in 2002 to overcome differences in an interim phase has now become symbolic of how Bosnia and Herzegovina’s transition has not materialized. The “two schools under one roof policy” is an impediment to reconciliation. It prevents the development of a shared vision and understanding of the past, instils ethnic prejudice and reinforces mistrust.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“We welcome the appointment of Ms. Angelika Nussberger as international judge at the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order to ensure the full exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, it is important that rulings of the European Court of Human Rights are complied with fully and in a timely manner. We regret that, so far, the Bosnian authorities have failed to comply with the ruling in the Sejdić and Finci v. Bosnia and Herzegovina case. Ms. Hasić’s briefing underlines the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s population, and particularly its political elite, to deal with its past in order to come to a durable peace. We all know that no reconciliation is possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina without sincere recognition of the crimes committed during the war, including the Srebrenica genocide almost 25 years ago.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina does not stand alone. The European Union (EU) has announced over €3.3 billion in financial support to its partners in the Western Balkans. The Union’s commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina is a display of its firm belief that the country’s future lies within the EU. The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina decided on 28 April to start a reform process on key priorities identified in the EU Commission’s opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU membership application. That is a welcome step forward. It is crucial, however, for that intention to translate into policy soon. We underline the need for progress in matters of rule of law and the fight against corruption. The independence of the judiciary has to be guaranteed and strengthened, one of the aims being to reform the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement to be made by the delegation of the European Union. I thank High Representative Valentin Inzko for his briefing and his and his office’s valuable work and welcome Ms. Irena Hasić’s briefing. The recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has shown us how interdependent we are. We encourage political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue cooperating and coordinating their actions in the fight against the pandemic. We also call for full respect at all levels of the constitutional and legal framework, as well as adherence to international human rights law. It is essential that all political leaders practice good governance at a time when it is most needed, including by making the prevention of corruption a part of their response to the pandemic.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“Accordingly, my delegation once again urges all the competent authorities to facilitate the immediate arrest of the three suspects and to surrender them to the Court. We also ask the Security Council to closely follow up on this and to take any appropriate measure in that respect. Belgium still believes that the only long-term solution for Libya is political. In that context, justice for the victims and their loved ones will most certainly be an essential element, and the Council cannot remain silent in the face of persistent impunity in relation to the most serious crimes that continue to be perpetrated in Libya.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“That is why the Security Council decided in paragraph 5 of resolution 1970 (2011) to urge “all States and concerned regional and other international organizations to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor”. Yet, the lack of sufficient cooperation is obvious. We are pleased with the continued engagement of the competent authorities of Libya, the Government of National Accord and some States and organizations. However, we are deeply concerned over the information in the report that other relevant parties still fail to cooperate significantly with the Office of the Prosecutor. That is true especially of the execution of arrest warrants for Court fugitives by Egypt and General Haftar’s Libyan National Army, but also of any request for assistance made by the Prosecutor.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“In that regard, Belgium welcomes the Office of the Prosecutor’s significant progress in the ongoing investigations, including with respect to current hostilities, and takes note that preparations are also moving ahead for possible new applications for arrest warrants. We very much appreciate the close attention given by the Prosecutor to certain crimes, such as the propagation of hate speech, because of the significant impact it can have on the ground in an ongoing armed conflict, and serious alleged crimes against the most vulnerable categories of victims, including children, migrants and refugees. Despite those efforts by the International Criminal Court, we all know that the Court cannot be effective without the cooperation of all stakeholders.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“The continued escalation of violence in Libya resulting in multiple incidents and attacks against the civilian population and infrastructure with total impunity demonstrates why the ICC is needed more than ever to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of international concern. Justice must be brought to the victims and is necessary also to prevent future violations of international humanitarian law. Reports of such attacks are numerous and continue to be published frequently, including reports of attacks against civilian homes, schools and hospitals in Tripoli. Those attacks may constitute war crimes under the Rome Statute and should therefore be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly by national jurisdictions or the International Criminal Court.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“I would like to warmly welcome Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and thank her for her valuable briefing to the Security Council. Let me first reiterate Belgium’s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution. We express our deep concern over recent threats made against Court officials and their families. The ICC and its staff can count on my country to continue to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“We also recall that COVID-19 does not exempt Governments from their obligations under international, human rights and humanitarian law, and call on all Member States to prevent COVID-19-related restrictions from curtailing the ability of humanitarian actors to provide assistance.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source
“Finally, we believe that the Secretary-General has an important role to play in alerting the Security Council when the risk of conflict-induced famine and widespread food insecurity in the context of armed conflict arises, and in providing us with the necessary information during country-specific and protection-of-civilians briefings. Lastly, we would like to underline that populations in armed conflicts, weakened by years of violence, destruction and malnutrition, and pushed to their limits by the adverse effects of climate change, are now once again particularly vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We therefore fully support the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire to ensure adequate response to the pandemic.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source
“We welcome, in this respect, the amendment to the Rome Statute to include as a war crime the intentional starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, including in non-international armed conflicts, and we call on Member States to adhere to the Rome Statute and to ratify this amendment. The Council should also continue to sanction individuals or entities obstructing humanitarian access. Giving appropriate protection-of-civilians mandates to peace operations and having them engage in dialogue on access challenges are other examples.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source
“We believe that there are many actions the Security Council and Member States can take to prevent conflicts from causing or aggravating hunger. I will name just a few, inspired, of course, by resolution 2417 (2018). Those States having influence over parties to conflict should use such influence to incite compliance with international humanitarian law, for example by supporting national investigations and encouraging Member States in whose jurisdiction violations are committed to ensure accountability. If and when national jurisdictions fail to take action, the Security Council has the tools to trigger a range of international investigation and accountability mechanisms.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source
“It is about Governments impeding humanitarian assistance by imposing less visible administrative impediments and restrictions, and about the difficulties humanitarian organizations experience due to adverse effects of counter-terrorism measures and sanctions. It is also about the less visible effects of conflict-induced hunger; when a whole generation suffers from malnutrition, the long-term consequences compromise the prosperity of the whole society, as well as its prospects for sustainable peace. All 15 members of the Security Council recognized these challenges in unanimously adopting resolution 2417 (2018). You have asked, Sir, how a more comprehensive implementation of that resolution could be achieved.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for your leadership on the topic of conflict- induced hunger, illustrated by this timely briefing, as well as for your initiative for a presidential statement, which we support. I thank our briefers for reminding us what this topic is all about. It is about States not protecting their own civilians; about starving civilians; about warring parties denying humanitarian access, attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, destroying livelihoods, cattle and agricultural fields; and about the disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable, especially on children.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source
“Let us turn 2020 — the year when we celebrate the seventy- fifth anniversary of the United Nations — into an example in that regard. Finally, we thank the Dominican presidency for its leadership, and the briefers for their personal engagement.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“We think that the United Nations constitutes the right forum. Allow us to conclude by repeating our call for continuous and meaningful youth participation. The vital role of young people in the making and maintenance of peace has been acknowledged. We note the progress made on the implementation of resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018), but challenges remain. We urge Member States and donors to support the work of young peacebuilders and to protect their S/2020/346 S/2020/346 human rights. We hope that adequate attention will be paid to how climate change and hate speech affect our future security and that Member States stand ready to create, jointly with younger generations, a society that guarantees sustainable peace and security. The challenges that we face require now more than ever a strong and efficient multilateralism.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“In addition, we point to the effectiveness of campaigns such as the Council of Europe’s project “No hate speech movement” and its dedicated national activities. To us, the Internet is a double-edged sword. Wisely used, it allows free access to information and serves as a tool of empowerment. However, without adequate governance, it allows fake news to spread, contributes to radicalization and heightens the risk of the misuse of personal data. We appeal to Governments, at all levels, to cherish individual freedom while ensuring the safety of young users. That requires a coalition among Governments, private businesses and civil society. Platforms gathering relevant material for young people and the attribution of labels that testify to the quality of information are potential tools. The Internet’s global nature requires a global approach.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“It is only natural for the younger population, especially those most affected, to have a seat at the table when far-reaching adaptation and mitigation policies are being detailed. Our worldwide actions of 2019 have proved that we are a considerable and positive force for change. Young people stand ready to be structurally involved through frequent invitations to relevant thematic and country-specific Security Council briefings. Secondly, social exclusion, intolerance and racism all contribute to hate speech, which often addresses the young as victims or as the subjects of indoctrination. Extremism and violent acts following from such discourse could be prevented by more inclusive societies. Young people should be offered opportunities to fulfil their aspirations.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source