YouSaid · the spoken record

Pecsteen De Buytswerve

lines on the record: 949
first: 2016-08-23
most recent: 2020-07-28
sittings or episodes: 176
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The humanitarian and socioeconomic situation in Gaza is a continuing concern for us. Free access to humanitarian actors and unconditional access to medical care are essential. In that regard, we would like to commend the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), whose mandate and action we fully support. Despite a precarious financial situation and a difficult working environment, UNRWA is doing a remarkable job, thanks in part to the tireless efforts and professionalism of its staff. Its efforts in the areas of education, health and protection, to mention just a few, enable Palestinian refugees to exercise their human rights and see their dignity respected. And frankly, I do not believe that closing schools in Gaza is the best way to combat radicalization and violent extremism.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Special CoordinatorNickolay Mladenov and Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbiihl for their insightful briefings. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has been the most intense of any in recent years, bringing both sides to the brink of a new conflict. This kind of escalation comes with considerable human cost and jeopardizes any prospects for peace. We firmly condemn the firing of rockets into Israeli territory and reaffirm our support for the mediation efforts undertaken by the United Nations and Egypt to reduce tensions. We call on all the parties to exercise restraint and remind them of the vital importance of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law, including its principles of proportionality and distinction.”
2019-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8532 (2019) · source
“Lastly, we support Iraq's efforts to open up to neighbouring countries, with a view to strengthening bilateral and regional relations based on the fundamental principles of respect for sovereign equality and territorial integrity.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“That can be achieved only by including all sectors of Iraqi society and the various communities. We support UNAMI's important mission to promote justice, the protection of human rights and judicial and legal reforms and strengthen the protection of children. We encourage the Government to make greater efforts to address the issue of the right of every detainee to a fair trial, particularly children and minors. We also encourage the Iraqi Government to develop an action plan on children and armed conflict, with the support of UNAMI and the United Nations country team, which is already working towards that goal, together with the Government.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“In that particular context, the establishment of strong State institutions is essential to meet the challenges. We support the Iraqi Government in its reconstruction, economic development and reform efforts with a view to fostering the private sector's participation. We also welcome the Iraqi Government's strong commitment to the fight against corruption. However, economic reconstruction alone will not be enough. We commend the Government's efforts, together with the international community, to clear explosive ordnance in order for the stabilization and reconstruction operations to continue, as well as to enable families to return to their communities and resume their lives. Moreover, at a time when Iraq must look to the future, reconciliation is of paramount importance.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert for her briefing. We are pleased that the Security Council has unanimously adopted resolution 2470 (2019), on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which we fully support. Iraq is at a critical juncture. Much progress has been made, as our British colleague mentioned, but there are still many challenges, in a context that remains difficult at the security level, given the significant threat that Da'esh continues to pose. At the outset, Belgium supports the speedy formation a federal Government. We encourage the various parties to support a common vision for the country and to find compromise.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8531 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium was compelled to vote against the adoption of the agenda today. We have called several times for today's meeting to be postponed for a few days, for two reasons. First, there is a lack of information on the law in question and we wanted delegations to be able to prepare as well as possible. Secondly, as has been noted, the new President of Ukraine took office today. We do not feel that holding a briefing on the very day he takes office creates an environment conducive to resuming dialogue. We regret that such considerations were not taken into account, which is what led us to vote against holding a briefing today.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8529 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, aware that the terrorist threat has not diminished and that terrorists seem to be constantly adapting to the new realities, let us remain vigilant and pursue international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Belgium will continue to support the work of the 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees and its support structures. We remain committed to multilateral efforts to combat the global terrorist threat.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“We encourage CTED to continue to study and to define the phenomenon and to report on that to the 1373 Committee. Belgium also appreciated and supported the 26 April joint meeting ofthe 1988, 1267 and 1373 Committees on the link between terrorism and organized crime. With regard to that link, Belgium supports the holding of the debate and advocates a better exchange of information and good practices. Belgium also welcomes the work of the 1267 Committee's Ombudsperson and reiterates its full support for his work. The establishment ofthe Office of the Ombudspersonin2009 was animportant steptowards improving transparency and strengthening respect for the procedural safeguards necessary for effective and legitimate sanctions in the 1267 Committee.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“We welcome the fact that resolution 2462 (2019), adopted in March, requests CTED and the Monitoring Team to prepare a report on actions taken by Member States in the fight against terrorist financing. Belgium welcomes the fact that the threat stemming from the entire spectrum of violent extremism, including extreme right-wing terrorism, is now on the Security Council's agenda. The increasing polarization within and between our countries strengthens the growth of such phenomena, which seem to encourage individual actions. In addition, we face growing internationalization in terms of financial and tactical support. However, we recognize that in particular the issue of the extreme right remains difficult. Member States have very different approaches and the phenomenon is complicated to define and demarcate.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“We must therefore remain vigilant, and we therefore strongly encourage the work carried out by the three Committees in recent months. In that regard, we welcome the open briefing on the addendum to the Madrid Guiding Principles. We believe it to be an important first step towards the implementation of that addendum, making it possible to strengthen Member States' understanding and knowledge of the Principles and thereby promoting the implementation of resolution 2396 (2017). CTED, the 1267 Monitoring Team and the Expert Group of the 1540 Committee have a crucial role as international entities in the fight against terrorism. We are committed to giving our full support to their respective mandates.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“Such cooperation among the three Committees can indeed strengthen the One United Nations approach towards Member States and ensure better implementation of the relevant resolutions. We share the assessment of the three Committees: the terrorist threat from Da'esh has not disappeared but has evolved. Indeed, the destruction of Da'esh as a terrorist organization with a territorial base does not mean the end of the threat it represents. Da'esh continues to act as an international spoiler through its influence on individuals and groups around the world. We saw that once again in the 21 April attacks in Sri Lanka, with more than 250 regrettable deaths. And that is without forgetting that Al-Qaida and its affiliated groups are also maintaining their position, in particular in the Sahel.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, for your briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I also thank Ambassador Meza- Cuadra for his briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. We welcome the good cooperation among the Committees, which is reflected in the joint visits, joint meetings and exchanges of views. We also welcome the collaboration between the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Monitoring Team, as well as their quarterly coordination meetings.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“Finally, as we, the co-penholders, continue to follow the situation in the north-west of Syria closely, we reiterate our support for Special Envoy Pedersen in his efforts to reach a political solution in Syria on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique of 2012 (S/2012/522, annex).”
2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source
“We urge all parties to avoid further escalation and to use their influence to that end. Humanitarian access must be provided in an unconditional, safe, timely, unhindered and sustained manner. We would like to salute the heroic work of humanitarian workers in these particularly difficult circumstances. The United Nations and its partners continue to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance based on humanitarian principles, including through cross-border assistance in accordance with resolution 2449 (2018), which is a lifeline to millions of people in the north-western part of Syria.”
2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source
“We are particularly alarmed and shocked by reports of attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as medical facilities whose location has been notified under the de-confliction mechanism. That seriously undermines the very purpose of such notification as a tool to increase the security and acceptance of humanitarian actors in the field. The Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding signedinSeptember2018was significantinde-escalating the situation in north-west Syria. We reiterate our call for the continuous and full implementation of the ceasefire arrangements of the memorandum. We recall that 3 million people, including 1 million children, live in that area. A wide-scale offensive would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe for Syria and the region. We, as the Council, must not let this happen. A lasting ceasefire in Idlib is paramount.”
2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source
“The use of barrel bombs, in any place but especially in populated areas, is completely unacceptable, as it demonstrates complete disregard for human life and represents a strategy of collective punishment. We, the co-penholders, remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, based on the Geneva Convention and its Protocols, including the humanitarian principles to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Accountability must be ensured for those who have committed violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We stand firm in our commitment to fight impunity. We also recall resolutions 2286 (2016) and 2427 (2018), which condemn attacks on hospitals and schools, respectively.”
2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source
“We are particularly concerned about the attacks on civilian infrastructure, as we have just heard, including on 18 health facilities caring for 170,000 people, and at least 17 schools, which are now unable to provide their services, thereby impacting 480,000 students. We acknowledge that there is a considerable presence of members of United Nations-designated terrorist organizations in Idlib. We clearly condemn the violent attacks they have carried out. But the fight against terrorism can in no way justify indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Counter-terrorism operations do not override the responsibility of parties to protect civilians, nor should they impede impartial humanitarian action.”
2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source
“I deliver this statement on behalf of the three co-penholders, namely, Belgium, Germany and Kuwait, which have called for this meeting, following last week's consultations, to follow up on the concerning military escalation in the north-western de-escalation zone in Syria. We would like to thank both Under-Secretaries- General, Mr. Mark Lowcock and Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, for keeping us up to date on the different aspects of this crisis. We would like to start by expressing our deep concern about the escalation of violence in north- west Syria over the past few weeks, including aerial bombardment, heavy shelling and the reported use of barrel bombs. That has led to the loss of life of many innocent civilians, including health workers, and has forced more than 180 000 people to leave their homes.”
2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source
“With regard to the situation in Burkina Faso, Belgium is closely following the efforts of the Secretary-General to redouble United Nations support, notably as penholders with our partner from Cote d'Ivoire, for the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel. Belgium supports the tripartite arrangement among the G-5 Sahel, the European Union and the United Nations. We regret the underutilization of resources due not only to the absence of operations, but also to the overly restrictive framework of conditionality imposed on MINUSMA. To echo the plea heard during our Council's mission to the country, Belgium urges the pragmatic adaptation of MINUSMA's support for the Joint Force. The enemies ofpeace recognize no borders.”
2019-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8526 (2019) · source
“But the profound aspirations of the people and the various communities also deserve to be heard in order to avoid sliding into situations of violence. There is no magic formula, but there is a whole range of measures to be stepped up in terms of governance, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and impunity, respect for human rights, the fight against all forms of stigmatization of certain ethnic groups or communities, the provision of basic services and even adaptation to climate change. In that respect, we must shed light on the events that took place in Boulekessi and draw all the necessary conclusions from them on the judicial level.”
2019-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8526 (2019) · source
“The further implementation of the compliance framework; the development of the police component; the functioning of the permanent secretariat and the Defence and Security Committee; the updating of the concept of operations; and the establishment of a mechanism to coordinate international support, such as the follow-up group, are examples of areas where the G-5 Sahel can fully pursue its operationalization with the means already available. Belgium is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the Sahel. As in all crises, the solution is primarily a political one, and the steps to be taken are manifold. A strong security response is, of course, essential to the dismantling of terrorist networks, the drying up of their sources of funding and the thwarting of their deadly narrative.”
2019-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8526 (2019) · source
“In that regard, in the context of Mali, we support the Secretary-General's call for comprehensive security sector reform. In recent months, the Joint Force has undergone two positive developments that we must welcome: first, the relaunch of the Force's operations in January, and secondly, the gradual implementation of the compliance framework for human rights and international humanitarian law. We strongly encourage the G-5 Sahel States to pursue their efforts on both tracks. Some equipment promised to the Force, however, has not yet been delivered, which has had an impact on operational planning. But other means exist, and they can be used now.”
2019-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8526 (2019) · source
“That is why we also support, under well- defined conditions, funding the Force from mandatory United Nations contributions. In the meantime, my country supports the operationalization of the Joint Force through the European Union, of course, but also bilaterally. Last year, Belgium contributed â‚¬1 million to ensure that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) could provide logistical support to the Joint Force. Belgium also supports the G-5 Sahel Defence College, to which it makes trainers available. In Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger, Belgian soldiers provide training to their Sahelian comrades. I would like to underscore the following point. The success of a regional security operation depends, to a large extent, on the existence of strong national armies.”
2019-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8526 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to welcome Mr. Alpha Barry, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Burkina Faso, to the Security Council. I would also like to thank all briefers for their very interesting contributions. I, too, would like to add my voice to the condolences extended to the Niger, Burkina Faso and France. In 2014, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Niger and Chad decided to join forces against common challenges. Five years later, that ground-breaking initiative remains more relevant than ever. Belgium is in favour of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) being mandated under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. In addition, the Force must be able to rely on adequate and sustainable funding.”
2019-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8526 (2019) · source
“We call on Special Envoy Griffiths to ensure that measures to protect children are at the heart of any peace process. Similarly, we would like to urge all parties to the armed conflict to respect their obligations and commitments under international human rights law and to provide the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen, established by the Human Rights Council, with their full cooperation and all the necessary access to enable an effective and independent investigation.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“We therefore call on all parties to exercise restraint. Efforts to improve the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation remain essential, as we heard this morning from Mr. Lowcock and Ms. Fore. I would like to congratulate the humanitarian agencies for the outstanding work they are carrying out despite the difficulties. It is essential that all parties facilitate access for humanitarian assistance and respect international humanitarian law. UNICEF Executive Director Fore's briefing shows that children are the primary victims of the conflict. As Chair of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, we eagerly await the report on Yemen and will facilitate the negotiation of the conclusions on the basis of the report.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“We welcome the new discussions under the auspices of the United Nations that were held earlier this week between the official Government and the Houthis on the redistribution of revenues from the three ports of Al-Hudaydah, in line with the provisions of the Stockholm Agreement. Although we are only witnessing the beginning of the implementation of the Al-Hudaydah agreement, Belgium believes that the Special Envoy should continue to prepare the next steps in the political process. The Al-Hudaydah agreement is particularly important for the humanitarian situation, but the core of the conflict requires a sustainable and inclusive political solution. Violence in the rest of the country continues and aggravates the lack of trust between the parties. In addition, such violence adversely affects access to humanitarian assistance.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank all the briefers. We welcome the start of the redeployment of Houthi troops from the ports of Al-Hudaydah, Saleef and Ras Isa and call on all parties to fully implement the agreement on withdrawal and resolve the remaining points ofdisagreement. It is now essential that the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement be reinforced with more monitors and that the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism be able to set up in the port. We continue to call on all parties to implement the Stockholm Agreement in its entirety.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“Equally, we applaud the work that has been done with a view to the potential prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against migrants. The fight against impunity for the most serious crimes is a vital part of any lasting, peaceful solution to the crisis in Libya. It is therefore more than ever the duty of the Council and of all States Members of the United Nations to support the Court in the implementation of its mandate.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“It must be firmly recalled that all those who are guilty of grave violations of international humanitarian law and, more broadly, those who would jeopardize peace in Libya will have to answer for their acts. As the Prosecutor underscored in her statement of 16 April last, all leaders, both military and civilian, who have control, authority or effective command over their subordinates are susceptible to criminal prosecution before national courts or the ICC for the crimes the latter have committed. In this respect, Belgium welcomes the fact that the Office of the Prosecutor is currently gathering information on this issue and will determine whether parties to the armed conflict have committed crimes that fall under the jurisdiction of the Court.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“It is also important to encourage the exchange of information between Sanctions Committees and the Court as well as the communication of arrest warrants and mutual assistance in such arrests. My country would also like to recall that, in accordance with article 115(b) of the Rome Statute, there is a provision for the United Nations to cover the expenses incurred due to referrals to the Court by the Security Council. It would be illogical for the financial burden of such investigations to be borne solely by the States parties. We hope that the Council will be able to reach an agreement on this issue. Belgium strongly deplores the resumption of fighting in and around Tripoli in recent weeks and believes that it is now urgent for the Council to be able to express its opinion on the situation in Libya.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“Al-Werfalli, it is up to General Haftar, the Commander of the Libyan National Army, to facilitate his immediate transfer to the Court. The Security Council also has an important responsibility with respect to this situation, which it itself referred to the Court. We invite the other members of the Council to engage in a collective process of reflection on the concrete measures that could be taken to support the Court and its mandate. In this regard, several of the proposals made during the Arria Formula meeting held last July at the initiative of the Netherlands to consider the relationship between the Council and the ICC are particularly relevant. The Council could thus consider allowing the designation on sanctions lists of persons wanted by the Court as soon as an arrest warrant is issued.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“In the cases pending before the court following the referral of the situation in Libya by the Council in 2011, three suspects remain at large. As underscored by the Prosecutor in her report, the Court depends entirely on the cooperation of States in carrying out its arrest warrants. Once again, it must be recalled that all States Members of the United Nations, whether they are parties to the Rome Statute or not, are called on to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor under resolution 1970 (2011). This, of course, concerns first and foremost Libya, which must cooperate with the ICC, notably in the framework of the arrest and transfer to the Court of Mr. Al-Tuhamy, Mr. Al-Qadhafi and Mr. Al-Werfalli. We welcome the positive cooperation between the ICC and the authorities of the Government of National Accord. Concerning Mr.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like at the outset to thank the Prosecutor for her written report and also for the very informative briefing that she has just delivered. Belgium would recall its tireless support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an independent and impartial judicial institution and its unswerving support for the work of Ms. Bensouda and her Office. The court embodies the efforts of the international community to develop the rule of law throughout the world and thus participates in the maintenance of international peace and security. I wish to take advantage of the presence of the Prosecutor here in the Council to reiterate my country's commitment to preserve the integrity and independence of the Court and its officials.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“It is not conducive to a climate of reconciliation. In conclusion, we reiterate our firm commitment to the mandate given by the Council to the European Union-led Operation Althea mission, which plays an indispensable role in maintaining a secure and stable environment. We will also continue to offer our support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to Euro- Atlantic integration. As a member of the European Union, Belgium supports the aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina to one day become a member of the European Union, as a united and sovereign country.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of statements that deny the genocide in Srebrenica, glorify war crimes and their perpetrators and spread hatred. Such statements are incompatible with European Union membership and must give way to reconciliation efforts. It is important that the reconciliation process be widely supported in society and include civil society organizations, young people and women. We strongly condemn attacks on journalists. We also recall the need to respect the freedom of assembly, without any discrimination. We are concerned about the adoption at first reading by the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska of a law providing for a police reserve unit. That development is part of a broader framework of secessionist rhetoric and only increases tensions.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We deplore the fact that the implementation of several recommendations made in the past to improve the electoral process in Bosnia and Herzegovina has remained a dead letter. The Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognizes three constituent peoples. At the same time, we reiterate that the principle of equality of all citizens and non-discrimination must be fully guaranteed. Any political or legislative solution concerning the electoral process must be in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. Strengthening the rule of law remains one of the main challenges. It is imperative that the authorities implementurgentreformstostrengthentheindependence and impartiality of the judiciary and intensify the fight against corruption and organized crime. The human rights situation remains at the centre of our focus.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We recall that all authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina are required to cooperate fully with the High Representative, in full compliance with the letter of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative's report illustrates the scant progress made. The reconciliation process has deteriorated in recent years. A change of attitude is apparent in the rhetoric on war crimes. Those are all important signs of a setback, and we must monitor them closely. The process offorming a new Government drags on at the national level and at the level of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We call on the country's political leaders to overcome their differences and assume their responsibilities so that they can continue to implement the many reforms the country needs.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium aligns itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union (EU). First of all, I would like to thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina for his briefing, which paints a bleak picture of the current situation in the country. The implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains incomplete; its work remains essential. In that respect, any refusal to grant access to official information and documents at the Office of the High Representative, as mentioned in his report (S/2019/364, annex), is a matter of concern to us.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend Lieutenant General Martins Filho on the efforts of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the results achieved in that area, which the Force Commander mentioned earlier. In conclusion, Belgium will remain committed to the continuous process of improving the performance of peace operations.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“We are counting on the Secretariat to quickly facilitate the operationalization of a light coordination mechanism. Thirdly, for a soldier, even one who has operational experience, facing an armed child can be overwhelming. In an ideal world, we should not have to train our contingents how to react when confronted by a child. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground is sometimes very far removed from our ideals, and the reality is that some unscrupulous groups continue to arm children. More generally, given the many different situations they have to deal with, the members of peace operations must be made aware of child-protection measures. As mandated by resolution 1612 (2005) and related resolutions, including resolution 2387 (2017), it is important that mission personnel receive sufficient training in that area.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“Secondly, with regard to training and related issues on the ground in the theatre of operations, uniformed and non-uniformed personnel should receive theatre-specific information and, where appropriate, should participate in exercises that will enable them to carry out their specific mission more effectively. One post-deployment training tool for continuing training is the use of mobile training teams, which the Secretary-General mentioned earlier. Belgium is currently providing such teams to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali for four six-week periods in order to deliver targeted needs-based training, including primary emergency assistance. The partnership involves the Secretariat, the country providing instructors and the troop-contributing countries, in close cooperation with the Mission.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“In addition to general mandatory training, the specific content of the training package should be determinedbythepersonwhoknowsbestwhatisneeded, namely, the Force Commander. Belgium supports the Secretariat, in particular the Integrated Training Service, in its mission to provide troop-contributors with comprehensive and up-to-date training material. In particular, Belgium assists in translating training manuals into French, as it is aware of the importance of conducting training in the language ofthe contingent or of the duty station.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“I would like to address three points: first, the primary responsibility oftroop- and police-contributing countries for training their contingents; secondly, the importance of pursuing such training through specific and needs-based initiatives; and, thirdly, the importance of adequately training contingents on the specific issue of children in armed conflict. The primary responsibility for training uniformed personnel deployed in peace operations lies with troop- and police-contributing countries. In that regard, it is important for the Secretariat to ensure that contingents are operational following predeployment training. Before taking up their posts in a given peacekeeping operation, Blue Helmets and police officers should be operationally prepared and fully aware of the reality that they must face.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Indonesia for bringing up this important aspect of peacekeeping for discussion in the Security Council. Incident reports have demonstrated the extent to which training and related issues are key to the responses that must be provided. The statement made by the Secretary-General earlier also illustrated the importance of this issue for the Secretariat. The Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative is the matrix on which we must base our work.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“The parties should work diligently and constructively towards a solution. A successful agreement must reflect a real commitment by all parties. We support the Special Envoy in his regular exchanges with the parties to the conflict to deepen dialogue and build trust. In conclusion, Syria and its citizens deserve a peaceful and inclusive future. The path to lasting peace is through reconciliation and justice. Only when the conditions for a safe, dignified, voluntary and well informed return are met will refugees be able to go home. Only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition is firmly under way will Belgium be ready to support the country's reconstruction.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“I would like to ask the Special Envoy what prospects he sees for moving beyond the one-for-one exchange that has existed so far in order to be able to expand the prisoner exchange. Belgium calls for the convening of a constitutional committee as soon as possible, as a first step towards a more in-depth dialogue and genuine negotiations on the implementation of the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) and resolution 2254 (2015) under the auspices of the United Nations. However, the United Nations can confer its seal of legitimacy only if the composition of the committee meets the necessary criteria of credibility, balance and inclusivity. In addition, its procedures and working methods are not just technical details but must also be an integral part of each agreement.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In the current context it is difficult to describe the developments as positive, but it is our duty to keep hope alive and work together as members of the Security Council towards a political solution. We encourage the Special Envoy in the implementation of his five objectives. We support the Special Envoy in pursuing his specific actions in favour of detainees, abductees and missing persons. We note the recent exchange of 18 prisoners, but we still have a long way to go. Much progress remains to be made in that area, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Thousands and thousands of Syrians are waiting for a sign of life from their loved ones. We call on all Member States to use their influence on the parties to the conflict to promote the release of arbitrarily detained persons.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing and his commitment. The situation on the ground in Syria remains worrisome, and we are particularly concerned about the escalation of violence in Idlib. We call on all parties, in particular the Astana guarantors, to strengthen their commitment to the agreement signed in September. A military offensive would lead to a humanitarian crisis with disastrous consequences, not only for the 3 million inhabitants of Idlib but also for the entire region. We call for the ceasefire to be implemented throughout Syria. After eight years of conflict, millions of people are still in need of humanitarian assistance and millions are still displaced. Syrian citizens must remain at the centre of our concerns.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source