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 believe that prevention is the only lasting solution to the problem of children's participation in armed conflict. The Secretary-General's report (S/2018/465) stresses that preventing violations against children affected by conflict should be one of the main concerns of the international community. We must therefore do more to address the problem by ensuring the inclusion of child protection as an integral part of any comprehensive strategy to prevent and resolve conflict with a view to achieving sustainable peace and by encouraging the active participation of children in the development of such strategies. It is also very important to enable children affected by armed conflict to undertake the journey from victim to child in a peaceful society.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium fully associates itself with the statements made by the observer of the European Union, by the representative of Canada, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, and by the representative of Aregentina on behalf of the countries that have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration. At the outset, I would like to thank the speakers for their stimulating statements, and Sweden for organizing this debate and for giving Belgium the opportunity to participate. We also reiterate our support for resolution 2427 (2018), adopted this morning, which we co-sponsored. In that regard, I would like to commend Sweden's leadership on this issue, which has led, after lengthy discussions, to a robust text that brings new elements to the mandate.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Such attacks remind us that the efforts of all parties concerned to implement resolution 2286 (2016), on conflict and health care, must be intensified. In conclusion, Belgium commends President Ghani and his Government on their unwavering commitment to peace despite myriad challenges. The ball is indeed in the Taliban's court.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“We welcome the offer of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to assist the Government in the practical operationalization of the commitments set out in the Protocol. Belgium deplores the increase in the recruitment and use of children by parties to the conflict and supports the Secretary-General's call on all parties to put an immediate stop to such grave violations. They cannot go unpunished. We call on the Government to bring the perpetrators to justice and to assess how return and rehabilitation mechanisms can be strengthened. Attacks on schools and medical centres continue. We thank UNAMA for the careful monitoring of those gross violations of international humanitarian law.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Belgium welcomes the fact that the effectiveness of the law to combat violence against women is being strengthened and encourages the Afghan Government to redouble its efforts in the fight against impunity. In that context, the implementation of the existing legal framework is key. The anti-harassment of women and children law, enacted on 31 December 2017, is a step forward in improving complaints procedures and clarifying what constitutes harassment in public spaces. Since the beginning of the year, Belgium has been working alongside Afghanistan in the Human Rights Council. We welcome Afghanistan's accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, which is a strong sign of its commitment to human rights. I believe that we should underscore that fact as we mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Another essential contribution to peace was made on 14 May with the agreement on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity between those two countries. Belgium notes with satisfaction the announcement that parliamentary and district council elections will be held on 20 October. It is important that that date be kept. Belgium notes the significant efforts of the Government, as well as the courage ofthe population, to register for the elections. It is also essential that women have an opportunity to participate in the elections both as voters and as candidates. The process leading to the holding of elections must be inclusive, transparent and credible. It is also very important to underscore that necessary reforms must continue in Afghanistan, as outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/539).”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium associates itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto not only for his briefing but also for his tireless efforts towards lasting peace in Afghanistan. In the most recent debate on Afghanistan in the Security Council (see S/PV.8199), Belgium welcomed and supported the historic peace offer made by President Ghani and his National Unity Government. That offer was supported by the countries of the region, as well as the international community, including at the Tashkent conference on 27 March. Despite the annual launch of the Taliban's spring offensive, the offer has found deep resonance across the country in a civic movement for peace and reconciliation.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“In the light ofthe Council's inaction, we welcome the role played by the General Assembly in establishing the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic. Belgium is proud to have been able to contribute effectively to that collective effort, alongside Liechtenstein and Qatar.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“In addition, the rule-of-law components of the mandates of United Nations political and peacekeeping missions should be strengthened and systematized by taking into account the specific circumstances of each mission. There can indeed be no lasting peace without justice and solid institutions. Finally, when it takes note of mass atrocities, the Security Council must not allow disagreements among its permanent members to lead to inaction. Its credibility as a key player in the maintenance of international peace and security is at stake. That is why Belgium supports the Franco-Mexican initiative to regulate the right of veto in the case of crimes of atrocity and why we signed the code of conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“If elected on 8 June, Belgium will be committed to consistently and concretely promoting those essential objectives. The following four main principles define Belgium's vision of the role of the Security Council in this area. First and foremost, we must remember that respecting international law is not only the business of international tribunals, it is above all the responsibility of each State. With regard to the most serious crimes, that implies the obligation to prosecute perpetrators so that they cannot escape justice, wherever they may be. Next, the actions of the Council must primarily form part of a preventive approach. The Council must first intervene to support States. The peaceful settlement of disputes must be the favoured approach. In that respect, we consider mediation to be an essential instrument.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“We continue to work to consolidate the existing legal framework, and we welcome the fact that three amendments to add three war crimes to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court were adopted last December. We are pleased that the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute decided at the same session to trigger the jurisdiction of the Court with respect to the crime of aggression. All those amendments contribute to creating a world in which such atrocities become less likely. We therefore call for their ratification by each of the States parties. Within the context of its mandate related to the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council clearly has a special role to play both in promoting respect for international law and in fighting impunity.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“We therefore call on the Secretary-General to appoint an Ombudsperson with the necessary qualifications specified in resolution 1904 (2009) as soon as possible and to take all the necessary measures to further strengthen the independence and impartiality of the Office of the Ombudsperson, as decided in resolution 2368 (2017). We also call on the Secretary-General to take measures to guarantee that the important work of the Ombudsperson can continue until the new Ombudsperson is appointed and to avoid the recurrence of a similar situation. (spoke in French) I will now make some remarks in my national capacity. The fight against impunity is at the heart of our actions, and Belgium has been a pioneer in the development of international criminal law.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“The longer that vacancy continues, the more likely it is to undermine Members States' trust and confidence in Security Council sanctions and to jeopardize the progress made over many years in establishing and implementing fair and clear procedures to place and remove individuals and entities on Security Council sanctions lists. We are particularly concerned about the pending cases. Delays in those cases are a direct result of the vacancy. In other words, the vacancy is directly affecting the rights of individuals to due process.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“The rights of due process and fair and clear procedures, which are also rules of customary international law and have been recognized as general principles of international law, are part of that important cause. In that regard, we would like to recall that the position of the Ombudsperson for the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, has remained vacant since 8 August 2017.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Poland for convening this debate, which is important for all of us. (spoke in English) If the President will allow me, I would first like to address the Security Council on behalf of the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions, which is made up of Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and my own country, Belgium. As a principal organ of the United Nations, the Security Council has an obligation to comply with the rules of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for human rights and the fundamental freedoms of individuals.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Lastly, in the event that we are elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period from 2019 to 2020, we pledge to continue to support and actively promote the women and peace and security agenda and its mandate, including the struggle against sexual violence in conflict situations within the framework of the decision-making process of the Council.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Belgium is deeply concerned about the instances of sexual violence met with impunity mentioned in the report (S/2018/250) of the Secretary- General, and urges all parties concerned to follow his recommendations so as to bring justice the perpetrators, rehabilitate the victims of sexual violence and ensure that such violence is not repeated. In conclusion, I underscore that Belgium will remain committed to this issue both at the national level and vis-a-vis the international community, thereby giving political and operational priority to the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008) and its follow-up resolutions. My country will also continue to support the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“In that regard, Belgium welcomes the fact that the topic of women and peace and security is an integral part of the new joint proposals made by the European Union and NATO, announced in December 2017, and we encourage other regional initiatives to explicitly include that theme in their mandates, as well as in their efforts on the ground. Despite the significant work that has been done, the struggle against sexual violence is far from over. As we speak, sexual violence against women and girls and men and boys continues in conflict zones throughout the world, and those responsible for such acts often go unpunished.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Exactly as was the case with its precursors, the plan is to be implemented at the national level and within the framework of Belgium's foreign policy involving partner countries of the Belgian Development Cooperation, international organizations of which Belgium is a member and countries in which the Belgian armed forces are active, as well as countries with which we enjoy bilateral relations. Our policy is not solely limited to the area of Government. A report resuming the progress made in every goal set out in the plan of action is submitted annually to Parliament. Beyond the national level, it is essential that we continue to work so that the women and peace and security agenda inform any new initiative involving conflict prevention, conflict management or peacekeeping.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Belgium, which was a non-permanent member of the Security Council at that time, has always attached great importance to the implementation of that historic resolution and its follow-up resolutions. In July 2017, my country adopted its third national plan of action on women and peace and security. The plan sets forth six major goals intended to improve women' situation in conflict zones before and following conflicts. One of the six major objectives is explicitly intended to combat all forms of violence directed against women and girls, and, more specifically, sexual violence.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium fully aligns itself with the statements delivered by the observer of the European Union and by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. I make the following comments in my national capacity. As well all know, the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) was an important step towards recognizing women's role in conflict prevention, conflict management and peacebuilding. When, building on that initiative, the Security Council adopted resolution 1820 (2008) - almost 10 years ago to the day - it also took a long-awaited step forward in the struggle against sexual violence in conflict.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“Concrete measures have already been proposed by the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions, of which Belgium is an active member. Progress remains to be made and we will continue to lend our attention. In the short-term, I call on the Security Council to appoint a new Ombudsperson as soon as possible to assist the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida. and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, with respect to delisting requests. It is an important post and has been vacant since last year.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“For example, it goes without saying that elected members from a region affected by a crisis or with a specific expertise have an increased role to play. I also welcome the progress made with respect to the involvement of troop- and police-contributing countries in Council debates. The practice of tripartite dialogues among troop-contributing countries, the Security Council and the Secretariat must continue, both formally and informally. We believe that this dialogue needs to be further strengthened in terms of the preparation of meetings, the degree of interaction among participants and transparency of expected outcomes. Finally, I wish to stress the importance of respecting procedural guarantees in the context of the implementation of the various sanctions regimes.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Secondly, with regard to regional partnerships, I believe that the Council would only benefit from strengthening its exchanges with all relevant stakeholders in a crisis or conflict situation. I am thinking primarily about regional actors. The special envoys of a regional organization involved in a peace process should be almost automatically invited to Council debates, whether open or closed. That, of course, goes both ways: clearly, United Nations envoys could also contribute to deliberations at the regional level. Moreover, we support the opening up of the Council to speakers who alert us to mass atrocities, such as the Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and on the Responsibility to Protect. Within the Council, it is necessary to continue to consider how to further promote cooperation on the penholder role.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“First and foremost, with regard to the relationship between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, we encourage all initiatives to galvanize that relationship. The activities of the Commission should contribute to enriching the Council's discussions, which requires well-coordinated programmes of work. That is true not only for meetings of country-specific configurations but also for meetings devited to a region or a topic. The discussions on the strategy for the Sahel are a good example in that regard. In addition, the Council could invite the Chair of a country-specific configuration of the Commission to participate in closed consultations, for example, following a visit by the Commission to the country concerned.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“That is a guarantee of legitimacy for the Council, which is expected to work in the interests of international security. Of course, Belgium does not wish to overhaul the institutional architecture of the United Nations nor do we wish to burden the Council with tasks or missions that duplicate those entrusted to other bodies. We simply want the Council to benefit from all the dynamism, observations and information generated by the United Nations system as a whole in order to improve its effectiveness and the relevance of its action. Coordination, common understanding and partnerships are the triptych that we would like to see take shape. Allow me, inter alia, to put forward some ideas.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to congratulate Kuwait on iits initiative to convene this open debate. It is an important topic, which is dear to us. Moreover, Belgium had the honour of presiding over one of the first open debates on this issue 10 years ago (see S/PV.5968). The review of working methods should take place in the broader context of the cross-cutting considerations that the United Nations is currently undertaking. I am thinking of the Secretary-General's reforms and the concept of sustainable peace, which call on us to address the root causes of conflict. The Security Council cannot function in a vacuum but must act consistently in line with the work of the United Nations and of the region.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, Iwould be remiss were I not to mention the recent visit by the Security Council to Afghanistan. I commend that visit, which sends a message of support from the international community to the Afghan Government. Belgium congratulates the Government for its commitment and renewed energy conducive to peace talks - something that Council members have been able to see for themselves. Peace talks must lead to a lasting solution to the conflict, but can succeed only ifthey are supported by all the parties in the region and by the international community as a whole. The success of those talks would give strong impetus to lasting stabilization in the country, and, beyond that, to the economic development of Afghanistan, its immediate neighbours and the countries of Central Asia.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“We believe that adequate attention must be paid to preventing violent extremism, especially among young people, as that accounts for one ofthe root causes ofterrorism. The Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and UNRCCA must continue to play an important role in that area. Thirdly, concerning the United Nations contribution, that brings me to the matter of cooperation between UNAMA and UNRCCA. Providing cooperation and better coordination on the ground is particularly urgent in the context of combating drug trafficking and trafficking in human beings. As evidenced by the substantial number of participants from the region in today's debate, I welcome the commitment of Central Asian countries to stabilizing and developing Afghanistan.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“That is especially important given that the military advances against Da'esh in Iraq and Syria are now forcing us to focus upon the return of foreign terrorist fighters from those areas. We share that serious concern with Central Asia and with Afghanistan, and we advocate for a strong and active role played by the United Nations in providing cooperation and support in that area. In addition to its financial support, Belgium is also ready to contribute to that work by sharing our experience and best practices. Furthermore, United Nations agencies must continue to support Central Asia through the joint plan of action for the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Afghanistan and Central Asia are situated at a historical crossroads linking the East and the West. It is our belief that Afghanistan and Central Asia have everything to gain from deeper economic cooperation, better market integration and increased interconnectivity. That integration should be open to a broader area, extending from South and East Asia to the Middle East and all the way to Europe so that Central Asia can once again serve as such a crossroads. Secondly, concerning counter-terrorism, regional cooperation is also necessary for combating smuggling, transnational crime and the recruitment by, and the financing of, terrorist organization networks.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Kazakhstan for organizing this important and timely debate. Belgium aligns itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union. In my national capacity, and as a member of the Group of Friends of Afghanistan, I shall focus today on three areas, namely, economic development, counter-terrorism and cooperation between the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). First, concerning economic development, as we all know, among other things, lasting peace depends upon a country's economic development, which itself is closely linked to the level and efforts made in the area of regional cooperation.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Belgium seeks to contribute to this empowerment of women, including in the realm of mediation. In that regard, here in new York next April, we will convene a seminar on the role of women in mediation in Africa, so as to identify ways so to strengthen their involvement. To conclude, I would like to note that, as a candidate for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council, Belgium expects and hopes to continue to actively engage in the women and peace and security agenda.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“A number of studies reflect the fact that women's participation heightens the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance, the credibility and quality of peacekeeping, as well as heightening the speed of economic recovery in post-conflict situations and the sustainability of peace agreements. The role of women - for example, in security sector reform - is often underestimated. A greater presence of women within reformed, mixed security forces strengthens the link between the State and citizens. It contributes to a more peaceful relationship between security forces and civilians, with the view to a lasting end to a crisis. Women are a force for peace, and it is therefore critical for women to be able to fully play their role as political actors in the service of peace and conflict prevention.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“The Secretary-General's report (S/2017/861) rightly mentions the importance of improving technical capacity-building in the area of gender equality as a key strategy for incorporating and bolstering gender equality in conflict prevention initiatives being carried out by the United Nations. This technical competency is also ofgreat importance in peacekeeping operations - and all the more crucial when mandates are revised, contingent levels are reduced or when the financing of peacekeeping operations diminishes. In the event, it is critical that gender adviser posts not be affected.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“To that end, frequent consultations among the Belgian departments concerned, as well as with external actors, including civil society and local women's organizations, is critical. An annual report regarding progress achieved will be submitted to Parliament. Incorporating the gender perspective in peace and security initiatives is among the pillars of our policy. In that regard, concrete initiatives include promoting the incorporation of the gender perspective at the Peacebuilding Commission in developing new integrated peacebuilding strategies as well as in the semi-annual reviews of strategic frameworks. As a member of the Peacebuilding Commission, we are pleased that the Commission now has at its disposal a mechanism that can better incorporate the women peace and security agenda, thanks to gender-based focal points.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French) I thank the President for organizing this open debate. Belgium associates itself fully with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to deliver the following remarks in my national capacity. In July, we adopted our third national action plan regarding women and peace and security. The new plan, which covers the period of 2017 to 2021, encompasses numerous courses of action that should contribute to improving the status of women in areas of conflict, pre-conflict and post-conflict. Ensuring the implementation of such an ambitious plan during this period requires necessary follow-up.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“As for the Taliban, they are guilty of carrying out attacks on schools and medical facilities. We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and encourage the Government to intensify its fight against impunity in the case of violation. To conclude, I reiterate Belgium's support for Afghanistan and its Government, as well as for UNAMA.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Belgium will closely follow the way in which this recommendation is implemented in practice. Belgium hopes that the legislative elections will take place as planned in an acceptable security environment and with a satisfactory rate of participation, particularly with regard to women as both voters and candidates. It is important to ensure that the work carried out by UNAMA takes into account the developing commitments of international partners. The ultimate goal of such partnerships should always be peace and stabilization in Afghanistan, which are the necessary preconditions for the well-being of the Afghan people. Lastly, I would like to touch on the situation of children in Afghanistan. Three armed groups, as well as the Afghan National Police, are listed as having recruited children. The detention of children is also of concern.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium aligns itself with the statement just made by the observer of the European Union. On my part, I would like to highlight the following points. It is now more crucial than ever to ensure that conditions are conducive to stability and dialogue, and we welcome the efforts made by the Afghan Government to that end. Furthermore, we believe that the regional actors should demonstrate their commitment to peace in Afghanistan and translate these commitments into concrete action. We welcome the recommendations of the strategic review, which once again underscore the coordination of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) between the various international donors and the Afghan Government.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“My delegation looks forward with interest to the report on peace and security reform and the new proposals it will make to go even further in implementing the recommendations of the reports of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/446) and the Advisory Group of Experts on the Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture (S/2015/490) in order to achieve lasting peace.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“The aim is to support the authorities in recreating a strong social contract through which the State can provide basic services. Apart from that, the various trafficking activities of armed groups often end up becoming a conflict's raison d'etre. Peacekeeping operations could play a more significant and proactive role in combating such trafficking. Lastly, cooperation with the country teams is crucial. Their work on fundamental issues such as governance, the judicial system, elections and transitional justice is essential to sustaining peace and complements the peacekeeping operations' efforts. In conclusion, I would like to thank the Secretary- General for his efforts to improve the work of the Departments of Political Affairs and Peacekeeping Operations and to translate the approach of resolution 2282 (2016) into concrete action.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“It enables missions to increase their contact with local authorities, traditional and religious leaders and other relevant actors on the ground, in order to prevent local tensions from fomenting conflict and to consolidate peace more positively through local reconciliation. My third point is that we believe it is important to pay particular attention to the root causes that give rise to conflicts. Peacekeeping operations' mediation and reconciliation activities, as I have said, are a key element. Humanitarian and development interventions, programmatic spending and rapid-impact projects should be organized simultaneously with a View to making the peace dividend for the population a tangible thing while targeting those root causes as far as possible.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“In that regard, equal access to an inclusive education and to decent jobs, for example, are decisive factors. As the Peacebuilding Commission's youth focal point, Belgium ensures that the youth dimension is positively integrated into the Commission's activities. I would also like to stress the importance of the link between mediation, including at the local level, and peacekeeping operations. Belgium supports the Secretary-General's efforts to increase mediation expertise in missions and strengthen partnerships with local and national mediation actors. The use of mixed military, police and civilian teams, including for human rights, is an important tool in that regard.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“My second point concerns the role of women and young people in creating lasting peace, which demands everyone's participation in the decision-making process, women as well as men. Too often, important decisions in peace processes are still made by groups of men alone. If we are to ensure that women's specific needs and aspirations are taken into consideration, we must enable them to participate in making decisions about issues that are likely to have an impact on their lives. Resolution 1325 (2000) paved the way in this area, and Belgium is pleased to be launching its third action plan on women and peace and security. Resolution 2250 (2015), on youth and peace and security, complements it, underlining the importance of young people in efforts to promote peace and security.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“In that context, as soon as a mission is launched it must begin to provide the tools that will later enable the country to manage its security alone. A reliable security sector is an important aspect of sustaining peace. In many situations on the Security Council's agenda, the security sector must be reformed in order to strengthen a country's capacity to respond to challenges to peace. At the beginning of next year, based on its experiences in this area, including in Mali, the Central African Republic and Somalia, Belgium plans to launch an analysis drawn from the lessons it has learned. Where it is possible, we welcome and encourage more regular use by peacekeepers of joint patrols with the local armed forces.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Egypt for organizing today's debate. Belgium associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I will focus on three aspects: first, integrating a long-term vision for a mission from its start; secondly, the importance of ensuring that all support is inclusive, especially with regard to the central role of women and young people; and, lastly, the importance of keeping the root causes of conflicts in view at every stage of action. A lasting peace requires an overall vision. The objectives to be attained should be defined at the very beginning of an intervention in a country so as to enable peace operations to withdraw as soon as those objectives have been met.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“The two entities will need to enter into a genuine partnership while respecting the same norms, including in the area of human rights. Besides ensuring the command of MINUSMA and that of the European Union Training Mission in Mali, my country is committed to promoting effective cooperation among the African Union, the G-5, the United Nations and the European Union. Each has its own added value and, through optimally using the specificities of each organization, the response of the international community will be at its the most effective.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Alongside and in line with the efforts of the United Nations in the region, the G-5 Sahel joint force is a security initiative that the region needs to counter terrorism. Belgium, along with other countries, expects considerable action to be taken to allow for a speedy launch of that initiative. The establishment of the G-5 Sahel joint force is an opportunity to be seized upon in order to move fully towards the development of a joint framework for planning, operations coordination, reporting and monitoring, as stipulated in the Secretary- General's report. It will be necessary to develop the necessary capacities in that regard. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) will have to work closely with the armies of the G-5 countries.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“It is therefore important to continue to invest in young people and children during conflict to prevent an entire generation from being lost once conflicts end. As the Peacebuilding Commission's focal point on youth, Belgium continues to attach great importance to that issue. The lofty goals of the United Nations-African Union partnership must translate to progress in operations on the ground. In that regard, Belgium welcomes the adoption of resolution 2359 (2017) that covers the establishment of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) joint force, at the request of the African Union. This is an important stage in the implementation of the Joint United Nations-AU Framework for an Enhanced Partnership on Peace and Security.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source