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

“To start, we would like to echo our Government’s commitment to putting the topic of climate and security on the Security Council’s agenda. The climate crisis, just like the coronavirus disease pandemic, is not only a direct threat to the livelihoods of billions of people; it also aggravates factors that contribute to conflict. Given that fragile States frequently have younger demographics, young people are particularly vulnerable and, sadly, often the first victims of conflict. United Nations Member States need to address this issue, especially since the youth population across the world is set to increase drastically. Our generation will be the first to be heavily impacted by global warming. As such, should we not be the first group to be consulted?”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“I take the floor today on behalf of Belgian youth. Exceptionally, our intervention has been drafted by the Belgian United Nations youth delegates. This programme not only helps to raise young people’s voices within the United Nations but also serves as a channel to get them involved in our national decision-making. We can only recommend it. As youth delegates, we welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/167), especially its call for continuous and meaningful youth participation. The fact that we have the opportunity to address the Security Council shows what shape participation can take. Young people are faced with multiple challenges. For our contribution, we have opted to focus on climate change and hate speech.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Contradictory narratives about Kosovo’s past continue to create division. Only by truthfully facing its past will Kosovo be able to consolidate lasting peace and reconciliation. In their efforts to achieve truth, justice and reparations for past human rights violations, it is important that the authorities consult and engage with civil society and grass-roots organizations. Victims’ needs must be placed at the centre of the process, with special attention to the plight of missing persons and their families.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“We hope that this first positive gesture is the prelude to further confidence-building initiatives and the resumption of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. We call for the implementation of the existing agreements concluded in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue and welcome the recent appointment of Miroslav Lajčák as EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and other Western Balkans regional issues. The EU remains resolved to end the current status quo between Pristina and Belgrade. We invite both parties to engage with the EU Special Representative with a view to reaching a comprehensive normalization of relations in the form of a legally binding agreement. To conclude, I would like to reiterate our engagement in favour of transitional justice.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“We reiterate the call of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on all Kosovo institutions and stakeholders to uphold human rights and to leave no one behind in the fight against COVID-19. The struggle against the virus and its impact benefits from tangible regional cooperation without ulterior motives. We welcome the pragmatic approach taken by the Serbian and Kosovo authorities on health issues during the current crisis, facilitated by prior agreements under the EU dialogue. We encourage the parties to continue and further expand these efforts for the benefit of their populations. Also, the recent decision of the Kosovo Government to lift the customs tariffs on goods imported from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has produced tangible results on the ground as the flow of goods has resumed.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“At the end of March, the European Union (EU) reallocated €37 million for emergency support to its partners in the Western Balkans, and €5 million in COVID-19 emergency support has been awarded to Kosovo. A further €61 million for economic recovery measures and loans are awaiting approval. The efficient allocation of these and other resources is a considerable undertaking. It necessitates a stable political environment that fosters bold and inclusive policymaking, with special attention paid to vulnerable groups. We call on the relevant actors to prioritize services for the prevention of and response to gender- based violence, given the worldwide reported increase in domestic violence, affecting in particular women and girls.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Zahir Tanin, for his briefing and welcome the presence of both Ministers for Foreign Affairs. Let me first turn to the recent political developments in Kosovo. In the interests of its people, we call on political leaders to show unity and cooperation. Political stability is key to keeping the country on the reform track and for Kosovo to pursue its European aspirations. We particularly underline the progress required with regard to the rule of law. The urgency imposed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) should inspire the political leadership to put its political differences aside and to provide Kosovo’s citizens the protection and assistance needed under the current circumstances.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“If put into practice, such provisions would constitute a clear breach of international law, as well as the resolutions of the Security Council, and would risk entailing significant legal, political, security and other consequences. Annexation would undermine any prospect for the start of negotiations. As a friend and close partner of Israel, we therefore strongly advise the Israeli Government against such steps. We also call on the international community to take a clear stance against any steps towards annexation in order to give space to international and multilateral efforts aimed at reaching a fair and durable peace.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“The developments on the ground once again underline the need to reach a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict that is in line with international law and the internationally agreed parameters. The international community needs to exert all possible efforts to get the parties around the table and to take a clear stance against any unilateral measure that undermines the viability of the two-State solution. I would like to express our deepest concern about provisions regarding the prospect of the annexation by Israel of parts of the occupied Palestinian territories in the political agreement that has opened the way for the formation of a national emergency Government in Israel.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“We are deeply concerned about the wider effects of the pandemic on the most vulnerable, including women and children. We call on all duty bearers to take immediate action to release all Palestinian child detainees in order to ensure their safety and health amid this pandemic. The current COVID-19 pandemic only further exacerbates an already fragile situation on the ground, where security incidents and human rights violations occur every day. In that regard, we note with concern the sharp increase in settler violence in the past few weeks. We urge Israel, as an occupying Power, to protect the population and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“We call on the Israeli authorities to immediately lift the blockade of Gaza and call on all duty bearers to enable the entry of essential medical supplies and humanitarian workers into Gaza to provide relief. We welcome the efforts deployed by the United Nations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in the fight against COVID-19. We remain concerned about UNRWA’s lack of funding. The COVID-19 crisis will have dire socioeconomic consequences for an already weakened Palestinian economy and for the budget of the Palestinian Authority. We welcome the initial intentions of Israel to release the withheld clearance revenues, in line with its commitments under the Paris Protocol, and call for the smooth regular transfer of funds to the Palestinian Authority.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“The situation in East Jerusalem is a cause for concern owing to both the lack of information as well as the lack of access to testing and appropriate medical care. The forced closure of a testing facility in Silwan is of particular concern. In addition, with regard to the West Bank, we call for an end to the destruction and seizure of health, water and sanitation facilities, which not only constitutes a breach of international humanitarian law but also undermines efforts to contain the spread of the virus. The coronavirus disease pandemic has a significant impact on the Palestinian health system, already strained by long-standing challenges, particularly in Gaza.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his statement. Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. Let me first turn to the recent developments regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. We echo the appeal of the United Nations Middle East envoys made in line with the Secretary-General’s recent call for a global ceasefire during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage cooperation and coordination between the Israeli and the Palestinian authorities and stress Israel’s responsibility as an occupying Power in that regard. Measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus should be in line with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“Let us work proactively on a new regional strategy, looking at the full spectrum of the framework agreement. Such a strategy should look not only at economic development, which is undoubtedly of crucial importance, but also — and foremost — at the root causes of conflict, including human rights violations and the illegal exploitation of natural resources. Thirdly, the COVID-19 crisis will make working in and reporting on the Great Lakes region more challenging. The current report contains an impressive overview of activities undertaken by the Special Envoy in implementation of the road map. We hope that the Office of the Special Envoy will be able to sustain its efforts, despite COVID-19 restrictions, by focusing, as we have been doing in the Council, on further videoconference meetings to pursue business.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“In Burundi, the modalities and outcome of upcoming elections also remain crucial for the region’s stability. At the same time, the humanitarian situation and the human rights context remain dire. Secondly, in the light of the foregoing, we reiterate our strong support for the Secretary-General’s request in 2019 for a new peace and security strategy for the Great Lakes region. We are keen to support and participate in the open and transparent development of such a strategy, which should be sped up. The recent creation of a new contact coordination group is proof of continued momentum. As the COVID crisis has already led to the postponement of a session of the Regional Oversight Mechanism in Kinshasa and the Great Lakes Trade and Investment Conference in Kigali, we should be cautious not to lose momentum.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Huang Xia for this insightful briefing. We also want to take this opportunity to table a few comments. First of all, the regional dynamics have shown certain positive developments, but there is a risk of losing momentum. As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is not sparing the region, widespread contagion, coupled with weak health infrastructure, will certainly adversely affect the region’s development as well as the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. There are other challenges, too. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the presidential coalition has seen increased tension, with a potential impact on needed reforms.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“We are pleased that the Security Council Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict adopted conclusions on Yemen by consensus, after more than seven months of negotiations. We call on all parties to implement the Council’s recommendations and in particular to take measures to end and prevent all grave violations of children’s rights through the adoption and implementation of an action plan with the United Nations and, in the case of the coalition, a memorandum of understanding and a programme of time-bound activities, as well as ensuring accountability for violations. In conclusion, we urge the Houthi to allow access to the FSO SAFER tanker in order to evaluate the situation and avoid an ecological catastrophe.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“Yemen is exceptionally vulnerable to the coronavirus disease, and recent reports of cases are cause for grave concern. That could overwhelm the country’s already fragile health-care system. Humanitarian aid and medical supplies must continue to reach those in need. Authorities should facilitate the movement of essential humanitarian personnel and goods, and ensure that cargo flights and humanitarian and commercial supplies coming through the seaports continue to be granted entry and can be transported across the country We are 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. Children are the most vulnerable group in Yemen and bear no responsibility for the crisis.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire by the coalition as well as the positive reaction by the Yemeni Government. We call on the Houthi to make similar commitments without delay. All parties must immediately cease hostilities and engage in good faith in talks under the auspices of the United Nations. We are especially worried about the situation in Ma’rib. The efforts of the Special Envoy to reach a nationwide ceasefire enjoy our full support. The de-escalation talks also provide an opportunity and should lead to political talks to identify a way out of the conflict. We encourage the parties to fully engage and refrain from any actions that may undermine these efforts. We emphasize the importance of an inclusive political process with the full and meaningful participation of women and youth.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“To meet the high expectations of victims, it is important that all actors fully contribute to the various components of the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition. In conclusion, we welcome the continued efforts aimed at bringing about peace in Colombia, despite the difficult environment. Belgium is strongly committed to supporting Colombia in addressing the remaining challenges in the implementation of the final peace agreement.S/2020/305”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“We also welcome the agreement to make progress in humanitarian mine clearance through a collaboration among the Government, the United Nations and Humanicemos DH, a civil society organization that employs former combatants. We also remain concerned about the precarious situation of the children of former combatants, the recent cases of recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups in some departments, and the situation of children still living in areas affected by violence. Belgium pays particular attention to the process of transitional justice in Colombia and welcomes the progress in the cases launched by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“We call for further progress in operationalizing the comprehensive security and protection programme for communities and organizations in the territories. The launch of the action plan for the implementation of the Comprehensive Programme of Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders is an important step, yet resources sufficient for its implementation will be needed. We urge armed groups to refrain from violence. We welcome the efforts aimed at reintegrating former combatants, in particular the progress made in financing and implementing the development programmes with a territorial focus. Rural reform and access to land remain key challenges, as does the shift in focus to the large majority of former combatants now living outside the concentration zones.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“Authorities have shown a strong initial response and are working to prevent the spread of the virus in vulnerable areas where former combatants are reintegrating into society. We welcome the announcement by the Ejército de Liberación Nacional of a unilateral ceasefire, which has added to the growing momentum of the Secretary-General’s global appeal. We remain very concerned about the consistently high level of violence against human rights defenders, social leaders and former combatants, as highlighted in the recent report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The safety needs of these individuals is to be guaranteed, and the peace agreement sets up mechanisms to this end.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his insightful briefing and Mr. David Santiago Cano Salazar for sharing his inspiring efforts aimed at supporting the reintegration of former combatants. I welcome the participation of Colombian Foreign Minister Blum in today’s meeting. The comprehensive implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace remains the way forward. The commitment demonstrated by the new subnational authorities is a welcome development. We encourage both parties to make full use of the mechanisms for dispute resolution created by the agreement. While the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic raises an additional challenge to the peace process, we are encouraged by the parties’ joint efforts to ensure continued implementation.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“While this situation will inevitably complicate the achievement of meaningful progress in the short term, it could also be an opportunity to build the large front needed to pass the necessary reforms and curb insecurity. Fighting the coronavirus is of course a top priority for all of us, but that certainly does not mean that the implementation of the peace agreement and the consolidation of Malian democracy should be put on hold.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“Belgium is convinced that the way forward should include consolidating Mali’s democracy by strengthening the legitimacy of the State and providing public services while strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights. Impunity needs to be effectively tackled by holding trials in order to fight corruption and criminal abuses, including by security forces. The Mission’s adaptation plan is crucial, and my country has already expressed its political support therefor. Belgium is currently assessing if and how it can contribute. Finally, I would like to express my encouragement to Mali and to MINUSMA to continue their efforts as safely as possible in the context of the ongoing pandemic.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“We note with concern the increase in the number of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against the Malian security forces and international peacekeepers. We welcome the counter-IED training already provided by MINUSMA to the national security forces, in cooperation with the European Union. We support additional efforts in this regard. We commend the recent military operations against terrorists in Liptako- Gourma. That fight is an integral aspect of the various efforts, international and national, to stabilize Mali and the region. However, the overall situation continues to be very fragile, and Mali remains a country that is struggling to emerge from crisis.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“The deployment of elements of the reconstituted army in Kidal and other towns in northern Mali is very encouraging. The same is true of the peaceful visit of the Prime Minister there to witness that new reality. The long-overdue workshop on improving the participation of women in the peace process is a first step in the right direction, in line with resolution 2480 (2019). I would like to stress and express my gratitude for the indispensable role that the Mission has played in making all three developments possible; it is probably safe to say that without MINUSMA, this positive evolution might not have happened. Intercommunal tensions in the centre remain of utmost concern. Whereas the situation has certainly improved from a year ago thanks to the efforts of the Government and MINUSMA, regular violence against civilians persists.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your country’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to thank China for its work in March. I would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Annadif for his briefing and for his leadership of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). We pay tribute to his commitment and to all MINUSMA staff for their unwavering efforts in support of peace and stability in Mali. Again, far too many victims have suffered violence, injury or even death since our most recent meeting in January (see S/PV.8703), and I would like to acknowledge their suffering. The implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali has witnessed some positive steps in the past three months.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“Examples of ongoing support include our contributions to the implementation of the national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and to the Afghan National Army trust fund, as well as our participation in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, with approximately 100 military personnel. Finally, I would like to support the press elements proposed by the co-penholders.S/2020/274”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“We will continue to look for consensus on Council conclusions with regard to children and armed conflict and count on members’ support. We need a strong voice and clear leadership for the United Nations in Afghanistan. We welcome the appointment of the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and reiterate our deep gratitude for Mr. Yamamoto’s service. Both bilaterally and as member of the European Union, Belgium will continue to support — on the basis of clear conditions and parameters — the peace process and the Government and the people of Afghanistan.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“We call on the Afghan authorities to display political leadership after the recent announcement of the election results. The Afghan population needs an inclusive Government that enjoys broad support, that is able to confront the pandemic and that seizes the opportunity for peace. We hope the announcement of a diverse and inclusive Government delegation to intra-Afghan negotiations can initiate these talks without delay. An exchange of prisoners can be a way to build trust. We expect that during the negotiations a key role will be assigned to women. It is important that the Council closely follow the process and emphasize the importance of respecting Afghanistan’s Constitution and fundamental rights and freedoms. In the last three months of 2019, 687 grave violations against children were verified.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“Afghanistan was hit by another devastating and deadly terrorist attack last week, another sad event that prolongs the suffering of the country’s civilian population. The 100,000 victims since the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) started counting more than a decade ago testify to the folly of this conflict. The violence adds to the growing concerns over the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country and its impact on the Afghan population, in particular on the most vulnerable. Recent large-scale movements across borders are likely to put further pressure on the country’s health system. In the context of the pandemic, we echo the call of the Secretary-General for a global ceasefire. The period of reduction of violence was a step in that direction. Unfortunately, hostilities are still ongoing.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source