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

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“At the same time, I would like to welcome all the progress made since 2015, including the most recent, such as the establishment of the accelerated disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and the redeployment of part of the territorial administration in the north of the country. I also welcome the establishment of a working group on the participation of women in the peace process, under the leadership of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which is a step towards more inclusive implementation of the agreement. It is also essential to ensure that the measures taken in implementation of the peace agreement are sustainable and receive the necessary funding to ensure their sustainability.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“That commitment undertaken by Malian parties, supported by the international community, must lead to a comprehensive, good- faith implementation of the various provisions of the agreement. Belgium is greatly concerned about the delays in its implementation, which undermines peace, stability, development and reconciliation in Mali. Worse still, it allows violence to spread, be it in central Mali or the subregion. In accordance with their own commitment in the road map of last March, I therefore solemnly call on the three Malian parties to the agreement, but also all stakeholders, to redouble their efforts and show courage to ensure that the provisions of the agreement become a reality, despite the difficulties and obstacles, which, I am aware, are sometimes significant.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I wish to thank Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for her briefing, all the more valuable as it was informed by her recent visit to Mali. I would also like to welcome the Malian Foreign Minister, Ms. Kamissa Camara, who is participating in a Security Council meeting for the first time. I would like to begin by paying tribute to the memory of Malian and foreign staff and soldiers who lost their lives in Mali, whether they were civilian victims or died while deployed on mission. The implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, signed in Bamako in May and June 2015, is the cornerstone for a sustainable solution to the crisis in Mali.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“Given the very high level of political tension and the increase in the activities of armed groups, we must all be alive to our responsibility, as members of the Security Council, to ensure that MONUSCO can fully play the role conferred upon it.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“They include the fight against armed groups, myriad humanitarian challenges, the fight against impunity, health challenges such as Ebola and cholera, and the fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources. The challenges are many, and Belgium will remain committed to helping the Congolese people overcome them. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is mandated to ensure the protection of civilians and to support the implementation of the 31 December 2016 agreement and the electoral process. We encourage MONUSCO to fully play that role in the evolving context in the country.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“The current situation is tense, and there is a palpable atmosphere of confrontation. Belgium joins the call of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the main players to refrain from acts of violence and to resolve any electoral dispute through the institutional mechanisms established under the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in line with the relevant electoral legislation. Thirdly, today's briefings should not obscure the other ongoing challenges facing the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, most of which are listed in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/6).”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“The Security Council must remain attentive to the remarkable people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who, calmly but with determination, continue to insist that their voice be heard so as to claim their right to vote and to a better future. We must remain attentive also to civil-society organizations and to those that have since the very outset supported the electoral process, such as CENCO - a key player in the context of the 2016 Saint-Sylvestre agreement, which created the framework within which the long-awaited elections were finally able to take place. Let us also remain attentive to the countries of the region, which, through their political commitment, have expressed their determination to uphold regional peace and stability, and which might need our support in the days and weeks to come.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“The parties also have the option of requesting a recount. We would suggest that national observation missions as well as those of the AU and SADC continue with their work during this crucial stage. We deplore also the fact that the elections took place in an atmosphere in which public space was clamped down on, which does not promote transparency. During the campaign we heard appeals for greater openness; it is regrettable that they have not yet been heeded. We therefore remain deeply concerned by the repeated interruptions of Internet capabilities and other means of communication, as well as by the decision of the Congolese authorities to withdraw the reporting permit previously granted to Radio France Internationale.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“In order to guarantee that the democratic choice of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is respected, a discussion based on facts and figures is crucial. Transparency could provide answers to the questions that have been raised from certain quarters and at the same time set minds at ease and forestall any violence. We thus encourage CENCO to share its findings and figures. The Commission should publish the results, disaggregated by polling station, as well as the minutes of each local counting centre, and, ideally, also provide neutral observers access to the central server, in keeping with the electoral law. Mr. Nangaa Yobeluo spoke of a climate of total mistrust, and I think that, against that backdrop, it is all the more important to ensure the maximum degree of transparency.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Belgium has already echoed the various appeals made, particularly that of the AU electoral observation mission and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission calling for official results to accord with the votes cast by the Congolese people. Against that backdrop, we have taken note of the statement issued on 10 January by the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo (CENCO), which monitored the electoral process through a mass deployment of observers across the country, to the effect that the data collected by its observation mission at polling stations and counting offices did not correspond with the data compiled by the Independent National Election Commission. This morning we heard Monseigneur Utembi reiterate this observation. This message is of importance.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Together with our international partners, we are awaiting clarification on questions that have been raised by some segments of the opposition and civil society concerning the vote count. Electoral transparency is therefore vital. A milestone was reached with the announcement of the provisional outcome. It now falls to stakeholders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region, who have followed the elections closely, to speak up and to indicate whether the results reported reflect what was observed and if the count was done correctly. We commend the work done by the observation missions dispatched by regional organizations, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and Congolese civil society.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Despite the many shortcomings that marred the inclusive, equitable and transparent character of the presidential, legislative and provincial elections of 30 December 2018, the high rate of turnout of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the elections reflected their unshakeable determination to ensure that their voice was heard. They sometimes used creative means to that end, including in Beni and Butembo, where the elections were postponed. We hail this democratic commitment on the part of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who voted in an atmosphere of calm. The voice of an entire people must be heard and respected. Secondly, we have taken note of the provisional outcomes announced by the Commission electorale nationale independante on 10 January.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Since November 2016 and the signing of the Saint-Sylvestre agreement of 31 December 2016, the entire Congolese people, from the Atlantic coast to Virunga, from Gbadolite to Lubumbashi, had been awaiting the holding of inclusive, transparent, credible and peaceful elections. The holding of such elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was crucial, as this represents an important stage in the process of peacebuilding and promoting security and lasting, inclusive development not only in the country, but also in the broader region. The elections promised to be a historic opportunity for the peaceful handover of power for the first time in the country's history.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Representative Leila Zerrougui, Mr. Nangaa Yobeluo, representing the Commission electorale nationale independante, Ms. Mohammed, the Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU), Mr. Malanji, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zambia, representing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Monseigneur Utembi, representing the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo (CENCO). I would like to focus my statement this morning on three key points. First, Belgium is and will remain a staunch partner of the Congolese people, in a spirit of solidarity with them.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“While everyone agrees that a changing climate is one of the causes of conflicts in the Sahel, UNOWAS is implementing the will of the Council by studying the impact of climate change in the context of a conflict- prevention approach. That is critical work and I encourage the Special Representative to continue it. In conclusion, I would also like to stress the primary role played by regional and subregional organizations. I encourage them to maintain their close coordination with UNOWAS. Experience and history show us that it is by joining forces that we obtain the most convincing results.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“The political will to entrench good governance, democracy and human rights will be decisive ifthey are to make their gains last and participate in sustainable development. I want to underline the important role played by the Peacebuilding Commission in supporting these countries by maintaining a dialogue among all partiesconcerned.AndtheactivitiesofthePeacebuilding Fund remain crucial to addressing specific needs. Belgium welcomes its prevention-focused approach. These efforts should build on the new structure of Resident Coordinators in a delivering-as-one approach. UNOWAS also has another pioneering role to play.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“Finally, the proliferation of conflicts between pastoralists and farmers, which Mr. Chambas has reported on to the Council in the past, deserves special attention because these tensions are currently a major factor for insecurity in the subregion and even beyond. I commend the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) for its recent launch of a study of the causes of these conflicts. I encourage UNOWAS to ensure the implementation of its recommendations and thank it in advance for continuing to keep the Council informed in the future. The efforts of the Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone deserve our support. National reconciliation, post-conflict reconstruction and security-sector reform are major challenges for those States, which are in the process of strengthening their democratic institutions.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“These terrorist attacks jeopardize development and threaten regional stability. In Nigeria, the resurgence of Violent attacks by Boko Haram is also very worrisome. Belgium commends the courage and sacrifices of the security forces in their fight against terrorists. At the same time, we will not be able to end this conflict by ignoring human rights. If we do, the successes of the security forces will be merely ephemeral and will jeopardize reconciliation and a lasting end to the crisis. Moreover, as the report emphasizes, the response to the challenges facing West Africa cannot focus exclusively on security. A holistic approach is needed to deal with Violent extremism, with an emphasis on good governance, dialogue and mediation, as well as sustainable and inclusive development.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Chambas for his very comprehensive briefing. Belgium salutes his daily work on behalf of prevention, reconciliation, lasting peace and the promotion of the rule oflaw in West Africa. The precarious security situation continues to worry us. I am thinking in particular of the intensification of intercommunal violence in several countries in the region, such as the Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. In Burkina Faso, the increasing and spreading terrorist attacks on the people and the Government of Burkina Faso in the north, east and even south of the country are a particularly alarming development. In that regard, we note President Kabore's declaration on 31 December of a state of emergency in the 14 provinces affected.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“It is essential that all parties facilitate access to humanitarian aid throughout the country, and the bureaucratic obstacles to such access must be removed. Finally, we hope that the Stockholm Agreement can serve as a basis for building an agreement on a negotiating framework for future talks and for launching an inclusive political process.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“They must also agree on a monitoring mechanism within the framework of the Redeployment Coordination Committee. In order to enable the United Nations to monitor the implementation of the agreement, it is important that the parties issue visas to United Nations personnel in a timely manner and allow the Redeployment Coordination Committee access to the entire territory of Al-Hudaydah governorate. In addition, the security of United Nations personnel must be ensured. Belgium supports the adoption of a resolution as soon as possible in order to provide a legal basis for a United Nations mission, and we will contribute constructively to the adoption of such a resolution. With regard to the humanitarian situation, as we have heard from Mark Lowcock, efforts are still needed to improve it.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“In view of the humanitarian emergency, the agreement on the port of Al-Hudaydah is of particular importance. That port is the lifeline for the rest of the country in terms of access to humanitarian aid and the import of commercial goods. It is essential that the operation of the port be ensured. The situation is fragile and mistrust between the parties remains strong. There have been incidents, but we call on all parties to exercise restraint, to abstain from heated rhetoric in the media and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations, and to focus on the implementation of the agreement in good faith. In addition, the parties should try to reach a common understanding on the implementation of the agreement on Al-Hudaydah, including modalities.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the United Kingdom for requesting this briefing on the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement. I would also like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Martin Griffiths, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Mark Lowcock, for their briefings and their efforts. As this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor in the Security Council on the subject of Yemen, we would first like to welcome the agreement reached in Stockholm. It is a remarkable achievement, and I congratulate Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and assure him of our full support. It is essential that the agreement now be respected and implemented within realistic deadlines.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“Belgium is currently implementing its third national action plan on women and peace and security. An example of concrete action within its framework is our support for a five-year civil-society programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on women's participation in conflict-resolution mechanisms.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“First, the Council itself should listen more carefully to the voices of women, for example by increasing the number of statements by representatives of women's organizations during Council discussions on peacekeeping operations, and by meeting with women's organizations during the Council's country visits. Secondly, we need more women in peacekeeping operations and in security-sector reform. We must also continue to support gender advisers under current mandates. Thirdly, we must encourage women's participation in peace processes and agreements and consider how to involve them at an earlier stage of the process. Belgium hosted a seminar in April devoted to the issue in collaboration with the African Union. Finally, we can all act at the national level.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“It is essential that we continue to translate the Council's resolutions into concrete action. Belgium shares the view of the Secretary-General on the importance of women's active participation in conflict prevention and resolution. That is why we advocate for more women at the negotiating table, in peace processes and mediation efforts - in Syria and Yemen, for example - as well as in elections. Peace agreements and processes that take into account women's voices and examine the impact of conflict on women are more sustainable in the long term, as many speakers before me have said. Women must be more involved so that they can become agents for peace in their communities and countries. In that regard, we would like to recommend some concrete actions.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium of course fully aligns itself with the statement just made by the observer of the the European Union, and I would like to add the following observations in my national capacity. First, we would like to begin by congratulating Dr. Denis Mukwege and Ms. Nadia Murad Basee Taha, who were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their fight against sexual violence as a weapon of war. Belgium has been fortunate enough to work closely with both Dr. Mukwege and Ms. Murad and remains firmly committed to supporting their cause. The women and peace and security agenda has been one of the pillars of our foreign policy for almost 20 years and will therefore also be an important priority during our forthcoming term on the Security Council for the next two years.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, we attach great importance to peace in Afghanistan, its economic prosperity and relations with its neighbours and the rest of the world. Like our European partners, we will follow developments with interest and attention in the coming months.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Recent civil society initiatives demonstrate the willingness and constructive spirit of young Afghans, who are increasingly calling for lasting peace and are ready to assume their responsibility during the elections. I again deplore the recent attacks on schools, which infringe upon the fundamental right of young people to education and demonstrate the importance of the swift and full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration. Belgium welcomes the criminalization of child-related offences in the new penal code. The measure is essential for protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Belgium calls on the Afghan Government to implement the new legislation. We are also very concerned about the use of child soldiers and reports of the sexual abuse ofboys and of violence against women.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Belgium calls on the Taliban not to sabotage the electoral process through violence or other forms of intimidation. With regard to inclusiveness, we note that women account for approximately 15 per cent of the candidates for the lower house of Parliament and 34 per cent of the 9.5 million registered voters. We welcome the approval of the Independent Election Commission's gender policy and hope that it will lead to greater number of women participating in the process. Insecurity, poverty and unemployment continue to have a serious impact on Afghan youth. Drought has affected livelihoods and led to additional population displacements. The impatience of the Afghan people, in particular their youth, for lasting peace is becoming increasingly clear.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“We deplore the fact that the Taliban leaders have not responded positively to the Government's overtures. We call on them to participate in peace negotiations. In addition, we are also deeply concerned about the lack of humanitarian access. With regard to the elections, Belgium commends the Government on its substantial efforts to organize free, credible and inclusive elections to be held on 20 October. We commend the people of Afghanistan for having the courage to register for the elections despite the major security challenges. We welcome the considerable efforts of the electoral authorities to ensure the transparency of the process and call for close and constructive cooperation among the Government, opposition parties and the Independent Election Commission. Political leaders are responsible for helping to build trust in the process.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“First of all, with regard to the peace process, the Kabul process, supported by the Tashkent conference, must form the basis for a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace process. It is essential that the international community and the countries of the region provide coordinated support to the Government's efforts. In that regard, we also welcome the recent progress made on the Afghanistan- Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity, as well as the support expressed by Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan following his recent election. Despite the recent and courageous peace initiatives taken by President Ghani and his National Unity Government, violence continues unabated. There have never been so many civilian casualties since 2009.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium fully aligns itself with the statement just made on behalf of the European Union. I would like to comment briefly on three points: the peace process, elections and the role of Afghan youth. However, first of all, allow me to thank Special Representative Yamamoto, not only for his briefing, but also for his tireless efforts to bring about peace in Afghanistan. I would also like to express our deepest condolences to the Afghan people and their Government following the recent terrorist attacks. In particular, I condemn the recent wave of horrific attacks on schools and children. Impunity for the perpetrators of such crimes is out of the question.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8354 (2018) · source
“Finally, as stipulated in resolution 2423 (2018), on Mali, would it not be useful in some cases to reach a political pact with the national authorities - a pact that would make it possible to agree on common objectives and lay the foundation for fruitful cooperation with all stakeholders? As can noted, there is no shortage ofideas. Ibelieve that there is positive momentum right now to increase the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, and by the same token make them safer.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Matching up those resources with the mandate should be a concern shared by all of us, at all times. Those resources include intelligence, which is a crucial tool for the safety and security of our peacekeepers and the protection of civilian populations. Integrating the various components of the missions must continue. Lessons must be learned from pilot initiatives, such as joint patrols, and positive experiences must be replicated, especially if that will help to better connect missions with local populations. Our experience in Mali has also shown how much we can increase the effectiveness of an entire mission when the various national contingents are more integrated and complementary. Let us increase the number of those initiatives and work on them even before the deployment of staff.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Their observations can be usefully shared with the parties directly concerned. It would also be useful to take stock - a few months or a year later - of the implementation of the recommendations, the improvements made and, if necessary, the mechanisms for prosecuting those who bear criminal liability. Thirdly, beyond the primary responsibility of the country of origin, there are many initiatives to train staff. We commend the important work of the Secretariat and the mobilization of Member States in that regard. But that work remains incomplete if we do not improve the mapping of those initiatives, as well as follow up with the trained staff. Moreover, we must be realistic. What is the point of adopting a mandate if the human, logistical and financial resources do not follow?”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Belgium has already endorsed it and hopes that many other troop-contributors, financial contributors, host countries and organizations will do the same. In particular, we welcome the absolute priority given to the protection of civilians, as well as the central role given to performance, including in planning. Lastly, what more can be done, beyond reforms and the implementation of mutual commitments? There are some areas that we believe could be prioritized. First, improving the effectiveness of missions requires a better understanding of the challenges. That is why we believe that the findings of the strategic reviews should be made available to Council members and key troop-contributors. Secondly, we welcome the special investigations held following major incidents.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“That is why it is in the interests of all, and in particular those who honour the United Nations flag, that those who commit crimes do not go unpunished. We welcome the important work done in recent years in that area, including the establishment of compacts between the United Nations and Member States that include reciprocal commitments. We now believe that it is necessary to extend those compacts to all troop-contributing countries and ensure that national prosecution practices lead to similar results. The Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, prepared this summer, includes commitments that could effectively lead to the improved performance of peacekeeping operations. We welcome the balanced nature of that document.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, the reforms approved in recent months, at the request of the Secretary-General, are all steps towards more effective peacekeeping, including the reform of the peace and security architecture to increase coherency and the reform of management to increase effectiveness on the ground. All those processes contribute to improving the performance of all peacekeeping stakeholders. But while those projects are now nearing completion, there are others that require even broader support from Member States. As Ms. Blakemore illustrated, that is the case for conduct and discipline issues, and in particular sexual abuse and exploitation. The vast majority of the 100,000 men and women who serve the Blue Flag do so with conviction, a sense of honour and respect for local populations.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We welcome the energetic efforts taken over the past 12 months, namely, the findings of the report prepared by former United Nations Force Commander Lieutenant General Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers, the action plan to implement its recommendations, the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, a presidential statement of the Security Council in support of the Secretary-General's initiative (S/PRST/2018/10), as well as the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, which reached a consensual outcome on crucial issues, such as performance, which we are addressing today. We also welcome the integrated performance policy framework recently presented by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to Member States.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for giving us the floor in this important debate. I would also like to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his first annual briefing on peacekeeping reform. We are all aware of the challenges to peacekeeping operations in recent years.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Finally, in addition to its support of the Department of Political Affairs, Belgium also finances various projects initiated by non-governmental organizations specializing in mediation and conflict prevention, as well as multiple mediation organizations based in Brussels, each with a different conflict-related specialty. With that institutional body and the availability of many specialists, Brussels has broad expertise that will increase the chances of success of a multifaceted conflict mediation. Those assets are now at the service of peace.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Through its political messages, the Council can contribute to the effective coordination of these various initiatives and promote common goals. The Council must support the Secretary-General's efforts in that regard. Furthermore, it is important to pay particular attention to the root causes that have given rise to conflict. There must be total cooperation between peacekeeping operations and country teams. Work on fundamental issues such as governance, the criminal justice system, elections and transitional justice is essential to sustaining peace and supplements the efforts ofpeacekeeping operations.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“The use of mixed teams is a key tool in that connection, as it allows increased contact with local authorities, traditional and religious leaders and other relevant actors on the ground in order to prevent local tensions from fuelling conflict. Efforts made in that regard within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic should be commended. Special envoys and regional offices can also play a critical role in conflict prevention. The Security Council does indeed have a role to play in this area. The complexity of the contexts in which mediation processes take place requires an integrated approach.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Without it, negotiating teams and groups consulted in conflict resolution will reflect our societies, which still too often do not sufficiently include women. That has also had an impact on the outcome of the mediation process. The same is true for young adults, another group to which the Council has devoted a resolution - resolution 2250 (2015). It is important to encourage local and regional initiatives, such as the African Union FemWise-Africa initiative. I would also like to stress the importance of coordination between mediation and peacekeeping operations. Belgium supports the Secretary-General in his determination to increase mediation expertise within missions and to strengthen partnerships with local and national mediation actors.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“It was noted that there was sometimes a difficulty in merging the objectives of political mediation and those of humanitarian negotiation. Too often, the actors involved in each of those processes operate in isolation. Strategic reflection is therefore necessary in order to make the best choices, while information must also be shared freely, including within the Security Council. The need to promote the active participation of women in mediation processes is another key theme. Together with the African Union and the International Peace Institute, we organized another seminar on that topic with African women mediators. That led us to a clear observation, namely, substantial participation by women will never be the result of wishful thinking, but rather the fruit of a decisive strategy.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium associates itself with the statements made by the observer of the European Union and by the representative of the Group of Friends of Mediation. I would also like to make some observations in my national capacity. Belgium has made conflict prevention one of its priorities, for which mediation is an essential tool. Belgium supports and encourages mediation initiatives. That is why we have organized various conferences on the topic that contribute to sharing experiences, the making of contacts and the development of cooperation between mediation participants. Last February, we organized, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, a seminar in New York on bridges between humanitarian negotiation and political mediation.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, Belgium appreciates the close cooperation with the Special Representative and looks forward to the opening of an office of the Special Representative in Brussels very soon.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We must redouble our efforts to address the impact of conflict on girls. The issue of children in armed conflict is multidimensional and requires a coordinated and comprehensive response involving all the relevant actors. Belgium therefore welcomes the approach of the Special Representative, who has initiated a process to strengthen cooperation with regional and subregional organizations. Belgium intends to engage specifically on this issue during its term on the Security Council in the coming two years. The challenges are enormous, as borne out by the 35 per cent increase in serious violations in 2017 and the worrying trend of denial of humanitarian access for civilians as a new tactic of war.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We welcome the release of more than 10,000 children and their reintegration into their communities in 2017. However, that is just a first step. We share the Secretary-General's View that it is vital to ensure strong and ongoing support for psychosocial and educational reintegration in order to break the cycle of violence and consolidate peace. Unfortunately, the psychosocial well-being of children is often forgotten, even if those invisible wounds are deep and take a very long time to heal. This work is essential as a prevention tool and breaks the vicious cycle of violence. I must underscore that long-term reintegration, including psychosocial support that exceeds the current six-month programmes is crucial. In that regard, I also wish to draw attention to the specific needs of girls.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source