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

“We welcome the signing of the joint communique on the prevention of conflict- related sexual violence and call on the Government to implement the commitments it has undertaken. I would also like to stress the importance of the freedom of expression and call for the release of the two Reuters journalists. Belgium will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground. We encourage the Myanmar authorities to take the actions expected of them to facilitate peaceful coexistence in Myanmar. (spoke in Spanish) Before I conclude, I would also like to congratulate and thank you, Mr. President, for your excellent presidency of the Security Council this month.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“How can we expect refugees to return to a region where criminals hold on to their positions and enjoy total impunity? Thirdly, Belgium stresses the need to tackle the deep roots of the conflict so that refugees can return in a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable manner. The recommendations of Kofi Annan's report provide clear guidance in that regard. We call for their urgent implementation. A peaceful and fair situation is one in which human rights are protected, without discrimination, including the freedom of movement. It is also a situation where access to basic services is guaranteed. Finally, it is also a situation where equal access to full citizenship is upheld.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the fight against impunity, just a few months ago, the Chairperson of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar mission in this Chamber described the situation in Rakhine state as ongoing "genocide" (see S/PV.8381). The disproportionate actions of the Tatmadaw in August 2017 could constitute the most serious crimes under international law. Those crimes cannot go unpunished. These events took place in a climate of extreme discrimination against the Rohingya and should be credibly investigated and prosecuted without delay by the competent authorities of Myanmar. I wish to recall the fact that the Council has the authority to refer these events to the International Criminal Court. If justice is not delivered, then sooner or later the matter will be on our table.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We call on the United Nations and other humanitarian partners to pay particular attention to the specific needs of women and girls in all assessments and in the planning and delivery of humanitarian assistance and to make specialized medical and psychosocial services available to victims of sexual violence. We commend the region for the initiatives undertaken. Belgium congratulates the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in particular for establishing the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance. That comprehensive mechanism builds upon multilateral efforts, in particular those of the Council and the specialized United Nations agencies. I would also like to express my gratitude for the solidarity shown by Bangladesh to the Rohingya refugees.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Envoy, Ms. Schraner Burgener, for the information she provided and assure her of our full support for her work. I would like to convey three messages: first, the urgency of full humanitarian access; secondly, the crucial importance of justice for lasting peace; and, thirdly, the need to tackle the root causes ofthe conflict. First, we urge the Myanmar authorities to grant full humanitarian access to the relevant United Nations agencies. Almost a year has passed since the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the progress unfortunately remains too slow.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We also express our reservations with regard to paragraph 3 of the draft resolution and stress the importance of humanitarian assistance in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. It is unacceptable for irregular armed groups to intimidate civilians and members of the National Assembly who have mobilized in order to distribute aid.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Belgium also supported the draft resolution because nothing in its text justifies the use of force and it advocates for seeking a peaceful solution. We regret that some have blocked prospects for this. As the Security Council prepares to vote on a competing draft resolution (8/2019/190), I wish to express the intention of my delegation to vote against it. Indeed, the text lacks a critical element. For Belgium, as well as for the European Union, the solution to the Venezuelan crisis is through the organization of free, fair and credible presidential elections. The Venezuelan people have already suffered too much. It is high time to let them decide their own future.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium voted in favour of the draft resolution (S/2019/186) on the situation in Venezuela presented by the United States. We did so because, in the View of both Belgium and the European Union, the draft resolution includes the essential elements for a way out of the crisis, namely, a peaceful political process; free, fair and credible presidential elections, with international electoral observation, in line with the Venezuelan Constitution; the encouragement of peaceful, inclusive and credible initiatives; the security of Venezuelan citizens and political actors; and, finally, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, in accordance with humanitarian principles.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Ultimately, it is only if there is a minimum of trust between the parties and if the sense of urgency is shared by all of us that we can really make progress towards the essential settlement ofthe conflict.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we call for a national cessation of hostilities. As this is my first statement to the Council on the political situation in Syria, allow me to end with this reflection. In order to continue this difficult mission, the Special Envoy will need the support of the international community, the parties to the conflict and the countries of the region, and he will also need the members of the Security Council to work together. The success of his mission will also depend largely on the political will of the parties to the conflict and we urge all those who have influence on the parties to use it to support Mr. Pedersen's efforts.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“In Idlib, the agreement between Turkey and Russia, which was signed in September 2018, has helped to avert the prospect of a humanitarian disaster but the situation remains particularly fragile. It is imperative that all parties remain fully committed to the agreement. In Deir ez-Zor, the last fights against Da'esh are taking place. The end of Da'esh as a terrorist organization with a territorial base does not mean the end of the threat it poses. It is essential that the international community continue its efforts to prevent its resurgence and capacity to cause harm. While neutralizing andjudging those responsible for Da'esh's crimes, parallel work is needed to avoid reproducing the causes that led to its creation and development. We must do everything we can to ensure the protection of civilians.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“In order to ensure a dignified return, there must be an end to looting, expropriation and arbitrary enforcement of the rules. Syrians aspire to a country based on the rule of law. Security goes far beyond the absence of armed conflict; it also includes the protection of fundamental rights and the absence of repression and the forced recruitment into the armed forces. Thousands of Syrians continue to be illegally arrested and arbitrarily detained. We call on all actors to continue their efforts to put an end to those practices. Secondly, with regard to the situation on the ground, violence continues and is causing the displacement of thousands of people, particularly in the north.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“On the one hand, lasting peace is not possible without a reconciliation process and reconciliation is not possible without justice. We attach particular importance to the fight against impunity and, in that regard, we support the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, the commission of inquiry mandated by the Human Rights Council and the accountability mechanism set up within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. On the other hand, the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees will take place only if life in a safe and dignified context is guaranteed.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Nevertheless, if we want that committee to be a real instrument that works effectively, we must ensure that its composition is credible, balanced, inclusive and representative of all components of Syrian society and that each agreement on its composition is accompanied by procedures and working methods. Significant work was done last year and extensive consultations have taken place. Unfortunately, that work hasnotyetbeencompleted,neitherintermsoftheformation of the committee nor in terms of working procedures. It is now up to the new Special Envoy to put in place his own strategy and we encourage him to explore the various possible avenues, within the framework of resolution 2254 (2015), in order to achieve concrete progress. That peaceful, inclusive and sustainable transition must take place in a safe, stable and calm environment.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Resolution 2254 (2015) contains all the ingredients necessary for a political solution - a political process, a revision of the Constitution and free elections with the participation of the Syrian diaspora in an environment that protects the rights of Syrians. A Syrian-owned, Syrian-led constitutional committee, facilitated by the United Nations, has the potential to serve as an entry point or a key that opens the door to other aspects of the political process. We support the important role that the Special Envoy must play in its establishment.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his first briefing to the Security Council and reassure him of our full support. I will focus on two points - the political situation and the situation on the ground. First, with respect to the political situation, in 2015 - four years ago already - the Council mandated the United Nations to facilitate the intra-Syrian political process for the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). In Belgium's view, the Syrian conflict can be resolved only through a negotiated political process, in accordance with that resolution and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/20l2/522, annex).”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The current crisis in Venezuela is political in nature; the solution must therefore also be political. The presidential elections held in May last year were not free, fair or credible, and therefore deprived the Government of Nicolas Maduro of its democratic legitimacy. We support Juan Guaido in his constitutional duty to organize free, fair and democratic presidential elections. The European Union established a contact group during the transition period to support the process. The Venezuelan people have already suffered enough. It is high time to let them decide their own future. Belgium calls for a peaceful democratic transition, restraint, de-escalation by all parties and respect for political and human rights, in the broader sense. Those are the essential tools for moving towards lasting reconciliation in Venezuelan society.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Belgium calls on all actors to authorize the entry of aid and facilitate the movement of humanitarian workers. We underscore the importance of humanitarian aid that seeks to ease the suffering of the most vulnerable, under the supervision of the competent agencies of the United Nations and in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. It is unacceptable for irregular armed groups to intimidate civilians and members of the National Assembly who have come together to distribute aid. Thirdly, Belgium calls for the rapid launch of a peaceful political process, which would pave the way for free and transparent elections, enable the people to freely express themselves and lead to reconciliation in Venezuela.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“First of all, I should like to call on those with influence on developments in the country to demonstrate restraint. We call for calm and encourage all actors to spare no effort to reduce tensions. We firmly condemn the excessive use of force by security forces, as well as by pro-Government factions. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported four deaths and more than 300 injured, in particular among the Pemon indigenous community. Belgium extends its sincere condolences to the families ofthe deceased. We call for an independent investigation and recall the importance of respect for the rights of demonstrators and the freedom of the press. Secondly, the regime's refusal to acknowledge the humanitarian emergency has led to escalating tensions.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing. Belgium is of the view that the situation in Venezuela is a clear threat to the stability of the region. In order to prevent the situation from deteriorating, we call upon all members of the Security Council to work together to promote a peaceful solution to recent events. We call for violence to be avoided at all costs. In that regard, I would like to make three points: first, with regard to an appeal for restraint and de-escalation; secondly, on the importance of complete humanitarian access, in line with humanitarian principles; and, thirdly, about the need to launch as soon as possible a peaceful political process that paves the way for free and transparent elections.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Therefore, we need to advance the political process through a genuine and inclusive political settlement in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) and other relevant Security Council resolutions. We also continue to advocate for the accountability of all those responsible for breaches of international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law. To that end, the co-penholders will continue to support the important role of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria. Without an inclusive political solution in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) and without accountability, no sustainable peace is possible. I should like to conclude by expressing our full support for Special Envoy Pedersen in his engagement to implement resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“The third Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which will take place in Brussels in mid-March, will allow us to renew our focus on the plight of the population affected by the Syrian conflict, as well as Syrian refugees in the region, and renew our commitment to and concrete support for their humanitarian needs. It will offer a forum to discuss the most critical humanitarian issues, such as ensuring access and the provision of life-saving aid and protection, as well as approaches to ensuring livelihoods and resilience. It will also seek new financial pledges to address the needs in Syria and the region. We call on all potential donors to contribute to meeting those needs. The people of Syria deserve to live in peace. Only peace, grounded in strong inclusive foundations, can break the cycle of violence.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Inside Syria, nearly 12 million people - of whom almost half are children - are still in need of humanitarian assistance, ranging from food provisions and medical treatment to water, sanitation and hygiene, protection and psychosocial support services, child protection, protection from gender-based violence and mine action. United Nations humanitarian agencies and partners continue to reach more than 3 million people per month, both from inside Syria and through the cross-border mechanism, as mandated by the Security Council. Among them, 700,000 people - most of them displaced - are in acute need and receive lifesaving assistance.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“We welcome the installation of a transit centre, halfway between Haijn and Al-Hol, to provide urgently needed assistance to IDPs. We support all efforts to allow United Nations humanitarian access in order to alleviate human suffering. Thousands of Syrian men, women and children continue to be arbitrarily arrested and detained. We take note of the recent release of a number of detainees and prisoners. However, more needs to be done, and we call on all actors to continue work on that important issue, towards concrete, tangible progress. We condemn the reported use of torture and sexual violence against those men, women and children. Perpetrators are to be held accountable. The conflict in Syria will soon enter its eighth year. The humanitarian needs, both inside the country and in the region, remain particularly high.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Following weeks of intense fighting in the area of Deir ez-Zor, fighting is subsiding. Over the past weeks, some 25,000 people, especially the most vulnerable - women, children and the elderly - fled the area of Hajin to relocate to the Al-Hol camp. Along the 300-kilometre route, they further encountered harsh conditions - cold temperatures and a lack of food, water, shelter and health services - and serious protection concerns. We deplore the loss of lives amongst those making this journey northwards, in particular the many newborns and young children. The situation at the Al-Hol camp is dire; the camp is overcrowded and its capacity has been overstretched by the numerous new arrivals, pushing the number of people at the camp to almost 47,000.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“The Russian-Turkish ceasefire memorandum of understanding has been instrumental in preventing the catastrophic consequences that would be caused by any military offensive. We reiterate our call on all parties to continue to engage in the full implementation of the agreement, as the situation in Idlib remains particularly fragile. We also call for a nation-wide cessation of hostilities, as stipulated in resolution 2401 (2018). Furthermore, we call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as laid out by international humanitarian and international human rights law, as a matter of priority. We strongly condemn all attacks against civilian infrastructure, particularly schools and hospitals, as well as indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Parties to the conflict must allow the humanitarian community to provide protection and assistance based on needs, including gender-specific needs, and in an impartial and non-discriminatory manner. Far too often, constraints of a bureaucratic or security nature, imposed by all parties, remain. Far too often, the United Nations is not able to reach people in need. That considerably affects United Nations access to areas with high needs, particularly during the current winter months. We are closely following the situation in the north of Syria, specifically in Idlib governorate, where 3 million civilians are located - half of them IDPs. After a period of relative calm, the recent surge of violent incidents has resulted in numerous civilian casualties.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“People must be able to relocate to a place of their choosing. United Nations humanitarian staff must be granted access to the population prior to any departure, during movement and after relocation in order to provide protection support, assess needs and deliver assistance. Family unity needs to be safeguarded and children, women, the elderly and people with special needs must be afforded special protection during all phases of the relocation. Regular, free and unfettered access of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to returnees is key to finding and successfully implementing durable solutions for IDPs and voluntary returnees. We continue to urge all parties to grant regular, safe, sustained and unconditional humanitarian access across Syria.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“According to the results of the survey, an overwhelming majority of the inhabitants wish to leave the camp and many of them want to return to their area of origin, although they expressed security and safety concerns, as well as concerns about the lack of civil documentation and about access to their property or housing. Indeed, while the convoy was a much- needed step, and regular, sustained United Nations humanitarian access to Rukban remains a necessity in the short term, a more lasting solution is needed through collective efforts and arrangements, in full coordination with the United Nations. Those relocation efforts, however, must uphold key principles. All returns or relocations must be voluntary, safe, dignified, well-informed and in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law and key protection standards.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“That has put particular strain on the camp's vulnerable population, the vast majority of whom are women and children. After months of inexcusable delays, in early February the United Nations finally got the green light to deploy, together with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, a joint inter-agency convoy consisting of 133 trucks. Humanitarian workers handed out much-needed food, sanitation and hygiene supplies, and provided winterization materials. They also conducted the vaccination campaign for some 7,000 children. Finally, they undertook an intentions survey of the inhabitants of the camp in order to explore a lasting solution to the dire humanitarian situation in Rukban.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“I will present this statement on behalf of the co-penholders on the Syria humanitarian file: Kuwait, Germany and Belgium. I would like to start by thanking Reena Ghelani, Director for Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for her valuable briefing. I would also like to thank, through her, all the humanitarian and medical personnel throughout Syria for their courage and the tireless efforts to alleviate human suffering in Syria. They have been there for eight years, since the start of the conflict, and continue to provide life-saving assistance, including most recently through the humanitarian convoy to more than 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Rukban camp. The situation for IDPs at the Rukban camp has further deteriorated over the winter months.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“In addition, MINUSCA, supported by the European Union Training Mission and other partners, must continue to support security sector reform, the extension of State authority, and the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation programme, which must now accelerate. I cannot conclude without warmly thanking Special Representative Onanga-Anyanga for the outstanding work he has accomplished in his years with MINUSCA.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Sanctions are not an end in themselves, but a means to contribute to the goal of peace in Central Africa. I would like to turn now to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). In this early phase of the implementation of the peace agreement, MINUSCA must continue to fully implement the tasks of its mandate, including the protection of civilians, if necessary through vigorous action, as was the case last month in Bambari, and ensuring favourable conditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Central African population is in great need of it. In the new context after 6 February, the task of supporting the peace process takes on new meaning.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“In particular, the country will need an inclusive Administration and defence and security forces and must move towards greater decentralization. The fight against impunity is an important dimension. We hope that the Special Criminal Court will soon be able to begin its work. Entrenching the culture of peace and reconciling Central Africans are possible. Other countries have done it. It is now the turn of the Central African Republic to put in place a transitional justice system to advance along the path of lasting peace. In addition, the Security Council unanimously decided to renew the sanctions regime on the Central African Republic, including the arms embargo. That is obviously an important signal for those individuals who are responsible for significant impediments to the peace process.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“We commend all those who contributed to the agreement, including the African Union, the United Nations and regional and international partners. We call on them to continue their support for the Central African Republic, in particular in the framework of the follow-up executive committee established by the peace agreement. We also commend the courage of the Government of President Touadera. The agreement of 6 February will be truly historic provided that all the parties invest sincerely, fully and without delay in its implementation. First and foremost, of course, the armed groups must cease hostilities and lay down their weapons. As to the Government, President Touadera has committed to addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative Onanga- Anyanga, Commissioner Chergui, Director General for Africa of the European External Action Service Vervaeke, and my colleagues Ambassador Ipo and Ambassador Hilale. I also want to welcome the presence here today of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Central Africans Abroad of the Central African Republic. The comprehensive Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, signed in Bangui on 6 February, is an opportunity that must be seized. The report (S/2019/147) ofthe Secretary- General reminds us of the urgent need to finally put an end to the violence, restore the presence of the State and create conditions for the return of displaced persons.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Strong leadership within the region is indeed a prerequisite for resolving the current crisis, but the commitment of the Burundian authorities is also vital. We therefore call on them to demonstrate meaningful openness and pursue dialogue without preconditions. Lastly, we remain convinced that the Security Council can and must contribute to this discussion as long as the crisis has yet to be completely resolved. As I said, the situation in Burundi continues to have ramifications for the entire region. In that regard, we commend the Secretary-General's proposal to submit to the Council a list of options as to the role that the United Nations can play in Burundi. The Council must remain seized of this issue.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“The report also references Burundi in the context of the recruitment of fighters and the transfer of weapons, ammunition and fighters. I also refer to reports citing cross-border incidents with Rwanda. Although the reason for such incidents is not always clear, they have the potential to destabilize the region. In addition to cross-border incidents, the ongoing problem of Burundian refugees also requires a lasting regional solution. Thirdly, with regard to the importance of the region, regional problems require regional solutions. It is for that reason that we support strong and increased leadership on the part of the East African Community, as well as the substantial involvement of the African Union and other guarantors of the Arusha Agreement.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“From a socioeconomic perspective and in particular with regard to the national development plan, it is essential to deepen and intensify dialogue with various cooperation partners. Belgium certainly stands ready to do so. I would also like to underscore the participation of all main actors, in particular women, young people and civil society. That is why we are concerned about the measures taken by the Burundian Government to suspend foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which, in turn, has led to the departure of some NGOs. Secondly, at the regional level, we note several spin-off developments that are equally important. The latest report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo (S/2018/1133) appears to indicate that the activities of some Burundian rebel groups in South Kivu are on the rise.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“Regrettably, the human rights situation in Burundi remains a source of concern. We are particularly concerned about the fact that there is still a considerable number of arrests, arbitrary detentions, threats to and restrictions on the freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of movement, as reported by the Commission of Inquiry, as well as in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/1028). In that difficult context, we deplore in particular the decision to close the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. We call on the Government to make progress in the area of human rights and to step up dialogue with a view to resuming close cooperation with the United Nations and the African Union on the issue.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“To that end, we again stress the need to follow a consensus-based and inclusive road map, and the importance of respecting the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. In that regard, we welcome the substantive work conducted by Mr. Mkapa, the former facilitator of the inter-Burundian dialogue initiated by the East African Community. We share that view. It is unfortunate that the Burundian Government refused to participate in the most recent round of the dialogue, despite the fact that many differences of opinion remain as we approach the end of the process. Respect for the freedom of opposition parties will be an essential part ofthe electoral process. We welcome the fact that the new party of the main opponent, Agathon Rwasa, has been officially recognized. That is an undeniably positive development.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi, the Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations for their briefings. I would like to address three main points. First, with regard to the internal situation in Burundi, we welcome President Nkurunziza's repeatedly stated intention not to stand as a candidate in the 2020 presidential elections. At the same time, we remain concerned about a few issues. The region and the international community agree on the goal of holding credible, fair, inclusive and free presidential and legislative elections in 2020.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“We also urge the parties to facilitate access for humanitarian assistance. The reports of the Group of Independent Eminent International and Regional Experts on the recruitment of children in conflict (A/HRC/39/43) are particularly worrying. Children are the primary victims of the conflict in Yemen. Their recruitment must stop. We call on all the parties to respect international humanitarian law and take effective and urgent measures to end the recruitment and use of children in the conflict. We ask Mr. Griffiths to ensure that the protection of children is central to the peace process, and that is something that we must also address in the framework of the sanctions regime.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“The situation is still fragile, however, and we once again urge all the parties to show restraint, refrain from inflammatory rhetoric in the media and from mutual accusations of ceasefire violations and focus on implementing the Agreement in good faith. In that regard, we welcome the initiatives that the parties have taken regarding the exchange of prisoners. The implementation of the redeployment plan will make it even more important to ensure the safety of United Nations personnel. We are ready to support the measures necessary for that. Besides this, the efforts to improve the disastrous humanitarian situation remain crucial. We note that the financial needs are estimated at around $4 billion, half of it for food aid, and we hope to see strong commitments at next week's donor conference in Geneva.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I too would like to thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings. In Belgium's view it is essential that the Stockholm Agreement be respected and implemented in a realistic space of time. In view of the urgency of the humanitarian situation, the agreement on the port of Al-Hudaydah is especially important. We welcome the agreement reached on the first phase of redeployment at the last meeting of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, and we hope that implementing it according to the agreed timetable will help build trust between the parties and enable them to advance the political process. It should also finally allow humanitarian actors access to the Red Sea Mills.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“Those acts are a source of serious concern for Belgium; they should be addressed by establishing appropriate preventive structures, fighting impunity and strengthening other deterrent mechanisms, such as sanctions. Lastly, as the report points out, the risk does not disappear after terrorists and foreign terrorist fighters are prosecuted and convicted. States face the challenge of ensuring the deradicalization of prisoners and preventing them from radicalizing their fellow prisoners. We welcome the capacity-building efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in collaboration with the Executive Directorate, but we also recognize that much remains to be done to fight that phenomenon at the global level.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source
“That is why Belgium supports the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and its Investigation Team in gathering evidence of crimes committed by Da'esh in Iraq. However, there are still problems related to the terrorist threat that are not being sufficiently addressed. We take note of the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/103), which shows that, despite the comprehensive documentation of acts of sexual violence committed by Da'esh members, no prosecution of those crimes has taken place yet.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source
“The recently adopted 2018 addendum to the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles, which guides us in implementing resolution 2396 (2017), is very useful. It proposes a balanced approach to counter-terrorism measures, while emphasizing the importance of prevention. Let us now make its implementation one of our main priorities. We are very much in favour of the new draft resolution on terrorist financing announced by France, to which we will lend our full support. As part of its holistic approach, promoting justice and the fight against impunity are priorities for Belgium. The fight against impunity is not only essential in and of itself, but also as a tool for prevention and stabilization.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source
“Our policy takes into account the risk to public safety but, at the same time, the Belgian Government recognizes its international obligations in the area of humanitarian law and respect for human rights, including the rights of the child. Belgium therefore gives priority to the return of terrorist fighters that are children under 10 years who are still in the conflict zone, and takes measures to ensure their rehabilitation and recovery. Once minors are returned to Belgium, they will be provided with tailored assistance that takes into account their individual situations. To address the global threat posed by Da'esh, and in particular by foreign terrorist fighters, we have the right tools at our disposal.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source
“We note that, although Da'esh as a territorial entity has been virtually defeated, its negative impact on international security remains substantial and it continues to attract some individuals, including from within Europe. The international community remains deeply concerned about managing the return of foreign terrorist fighters and their families from Syria. Diplomatic, legal and logistical difficulties persist in ensuring the prosecution and security of foreign terrorist fighters held in temporary camps and those still at large. Belgium has opted for a holistic approach to fighting radicalization in our country. We believe that the same approach, focusing not only on punishment but also on prevention and reintegration into society, should also apply to foreign terrorist fighters and their families returning to Belgium.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source