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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“Of the many ceasefires that have failed, the most recent one lasted only two days. The crisis and especially the risk of any potential miscalculation resulting from clashes among the various parties pose an enormous threat to international peace and security. Moreover, we have seen this film many times and, regrettably, we know all too well how it ends. It is civilians who suffer the consequences. We therefore call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint. We expect the United Nations, in particular the Special Envoy, to spare no effort to restore calm. We call for a cessation of hostilities at the national level, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), and for a negotiated solution to sustainably address the complex challenges in the north-west of the country and Syria as a whole.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Belgium. With regard to the humanitarian consequences of the Idlib offensive, the representative of Germany spoke also on behalf of Belgium as the humanitarian co-penholder. I will therefore limit my statement to several remarks concerning the political dimension. First, we are deeply alarmed by the military escalation under way. Let us be clear — we support the fight against terrorism, but efforts to combat terrorism can in no way ever release parties from their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality. Secondly, unfortunately the situation demonstrates that delegating the work of achieving a ceasefire to the Astana format has not succeeded.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, and Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Lowcock are joining today’s meeting via video-teleconference from Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Pedersen.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“This unique and innovative model is an example of effective multilateralism, and we would do well to replicate it throughout the United Nations system. In conclusion, Belgium supports the strengthening and deepening of synergies between the United Nations and the OSCE. The various dimensions of the OSCE reflect an integrated approach to security, which is necessary for the establishment of lasting peace — objectives that the Council must support. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of Germany has asked for the floor to make a further statement.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, we note a disturbing deterioration in the human rights situation in many regions where the OSCE is active. In that regard, we share Mr. Rama’s desire to promote tolerance and non-discrimination with a view to combating hate speech. Thirdly, the OSCE plays a key role in preventing and combating transnational threats, such as terrorism, organized crime and trafficking in human beings. This last point is a priority for our country, as evidenced by the organization by Belgium of an Arria Formula meeting on 25 October 2019. We welcome the good cooperation between the OSСЕ and the United Nations in that regard, particularly in the context of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons, chaired by UN-Women and the OSCЕ.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Dialogue is crucial in that regard, both in the Normandy format and within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group, which can be fully effective only if the ceasefire is scrupulously applied on the ground. Secondly, I highlight Mr. Rama’s desire to combat violence against women and girls and to promote their role in matters of peace and security. Twenty years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the integration of the gender dimension in all our activities must remain a priority. We welcome the commitments made in this area by the OSCE in April 2019. This twentieth anniversary must be used as an opportunity to make an honest assessment of our progress and to chart a path forward. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are core elements of the OSCE comprehensive security concept.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Rama intends to give to the Ukrainian crisis, as demonstrated by his recent visit to that country. The crisis is one of the gravest violations of the founding principles of the OSCE and, I recall, of the Charter of the United Nations. We underline the OSCE’s constructive role on this issue, particularly through its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. The Mission’s mandate must be respected, which requires secure, unconditional and unhindered access to all of Ukrainian territory, including in Crimea and along the border with Russia. We call on all parties to work for a lasting solution to the conflict, which must be based on respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Belgium. I wish to begin by congratulating Prime Minister Edi Rama and his country on assuming the chairmanship-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCЕ). As the largest regional security organization, the OSCE plays a key role in promoting dialogue, building confidence and preventing conflict from the western Balkans to Central Asia. We welcome the goals set and presented by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. He can count on Belgium’s support in reaching them. I am convinced that they will contribute to the promotion of peace and security, for which the Security Council is a guarantor. I would like to make three points. First, we welcome the priority Mr.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Edi Rama, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Rama, and I request the Protocol Officer to escort him to his seat at the Council table. Mr. Edi Rama, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, was escorted to a seat at the Council table. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Rama.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Thus, there is an urgent need to supplement the 2005 International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons with an annex that takes into account the increase in the number of polymer and modular weapons. If we want to be effective, we must ensure that our tools remain relevant. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting rose at noon.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“In addition, the role of regional organizations and their member States in the fight against illicit arms trafficking is fundamental, and several tools are at their disposal. In that regard, Belgium welcomes the African Union’s Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative and the establishment of action plans for Africa and its subregions. Those decisions demonstrate the importance of better coordination among the various regional and international arms control mechanisms. As mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2019/1011), particular focus on the Sahel region and central Africa is sorely needed. In conclusion, I underscore the technological evolution of small arms and light weapons and the challenges that it poses to existing commitments.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“Moreover, it facilitates informed decision-making on export licences, enables the assessment of embargo enforcement and helps to dismantle trafficking networks. The monitoring of SALWs, as well as direct investigations on the ground, enable United Nations peacekeeping operations to more effectively prevent the resurgence of violence. That said, cooperation between peacekeeping operations and groups of experts responsible for monitoring embargoes should be strengthened, which would enhance their ability to trace the origin of illicit SALWs and limit their availability. That is why Belgium calls for the monitoring and tracing of illicit weapons to be included in the mandates of the relevant peacekeeping operations.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“A collective surge of effort on the part of the Council is necessary today in order to reaffirm its authority and the unequivocal nature of the embargoes it imposes. Furthermore, a satisfactory response to the illicit trafficking of SALWs requires us to take into account their entire life cycle, as well as the ammunition they need to function. Belgium has been firmly committed for several years to a more systematic tracing of illicit weapons in conflict and post-conflict zones, which requires sufficient technical and human resources. Indeed, tracing is the cornerstone of an effective approach that is informed by the reality on the ground. The briefing by Mr. Damien Spleeters clearly demonstrated that. The tracing of SALWs contributes to preventing diversions and improving stockpile security policies.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Belgium. The uncontrolled circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) clearly poses a serious threat to international peace and security. As we have heard, it is estimated that more than 1 billion such weapons are in circulation worldwide, 85 per cent of which are in civilian hands. The consequences of that situation are as dramatic as they are predictable. Every year, SALWs kill hundreds of thousands of people. They are responsible for 90 per cent of the victims of armed conflicts, mainly civilians and too often women and children. To avoid such tragedies, we must stop the flow of illicit arms. Arms embargoes are an effective instrument to that end, provided that they are fully implemented. The Libyan case is a dramatic counterexample in that regard.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Spleeters for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council who wish to make statements.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs; and Mr. Damien Spleeters, Deputy Director of Operations, Conflict Armament Research. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2019/1011, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on small arms and light weapons. I now give the floor to Mrs. Nakamitsu.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of January. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Dang and his team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. Small arms Report of the Secretary-General on small arms and light weapons (S/2019/1011)”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“In that context, I refer to the unanimous order issued by the International Court of Justice last week and emphasize the need to fully implement the provisional measures provided for therein. In conclusion, Belgium will continue to support the strengthening and deepening of synergies between the United Nations and ASEAN. The organizations are highly complementary and share the objectives not only of stability and peace, but also of promoting multilateralism and a rules-based international order.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“In addition, they should promote confidence-building measures. Maritime safety and security and freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the effective fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea, are at stake. Secondly, I would like to underline ASEAN’s involvement, through its Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, in resolving the crisis in Rakhine state in Myanmar. Humanitarian access is a major concern and a strengthened role of ASEAN, complementary to that of the United Nations, would be very helpful in that regard. We encourage the AHA Centre to work to facilitate the voluntary, dignified and safe return of the Rohingya refugees. Belgium also stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict and of fighting impunity.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“Moreover, ASEAN countries are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise. Regional cooperation is crucial in that regard, particularly through risk and impact reduction strategies. I would also like to mention two specific issues where ASEAN can play a positive and decisive role. First, regarding the resolution of disputes concerning the South China Sea, it is my hope that the parties will be able to address the issue peacefully, through dialogue, and comply with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The current efforts of ASEAN member States and China to conclude a code of conduct on the South China Sea demonstrate that that wish is within reach. All the parties should therefore refrain from any unilateral action contrary to international law.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“We also highlight the contribution of ASEAN countries to peace and stability beyond their borders through the generous provision of peacekeepers to United Nations missions. The training work carried out at the regional level, in accordance with the ASEAN-United Nations plan of action for 2016-2020, is of paramount importance in that regard. We therefore look forward to the new ASEAN- United Nations plan of action. Among the many areas of activity envisaged, climate change, transnational organized crime and human rights are, in our view, of particular importance. We support the engagement of the United Nations with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and its Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for their presence here and for their briefings. Regional cooperation is a cornerstone of Belgium’s foreign policy. Regional organizations are often the best placed to understand and overcome the specific challenges of their respective regions. South-East Asia is a region of overall stability, and regional cooperation has much to do with that. I particularly commend ASEAN for its work in the area of preventive diplomacy. We can undoubtedly learn a great deal from the organization in terms of the promotion of dialogue, confidence-building and conflict prevention.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“It is high time for all parties to the conflict, especially the Syrian authorities, to live up to that obligation, and we therefore call on all Member States to fully implement it as a priority.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“The Council has tasked the Secretary General with looking into potential alternatives to that crossing point, and we look forward to the report that will be published in February. In other parts of Syria, the situation also remains dire. In Al-Hol camp, more than 65,000 people continue to receive humanitarian assistance, yet the situation remains deeply concerning. In Rukban, several thousand people remain stuck in the camp, in a desperate situation. The United Nations and its partners must be able to help them leave in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner, or to provide assistance to those remaining in the camp. Finally, resolution 2504 (2020) calls upon all parties to ensure principled, sustained and improved humanitarian assistance to Syria in 2020. That resolution was endorsed by the Council and all its members just a few weeks ago.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“We condemn the attacks perpetrated by Security Council-designated terrorist groups; however, as stated earlier, counter-terrorism efforts can never absolve parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction and proportionality. On 10 January, the Council prolonged the cross- border mechanism, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the people of Idlib. We said it then and we will say it again today: we were extremely disappointed at the fact that the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point could not be renewed owing to opposition by one Member State. Al-Yarubiyah was an important crossing that was actively used. It enabled the flow of medical aid into the north-east of the country, with 1.4 million beneficiaries in 2019. Three weeks ago, there was no viable alternative to that crossing.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“Since the beginning of this military offensive, hospitals, schools, markets and places where internally displaced persons are located have been destroyed by airstrikes; some of those places had been de-conflicted, meaning that the parties attacking them were well aware of their location. Again, over the past weeks, locations in Idlib where civilians sought shelter or care have been hit. Those attacks are unacceptable. We, the co-penholders, condemn this violence and call for accountability for those responsible. In this regard, we support the work of the board of inquiry as well as that of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria. Once again, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“Once again, we would recall that there are humanitarian obligations that need to be observed and that there are rules to warfare. Civilians have the right to be protected from the horror of war, and warring parties have the obligation to ensure their protection. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported that more than 1,500 civilians have lost their lives since April, when the current military escalations began. We condemn the loss of civilian lives. Since 1 December, an estimated 390,000 people have been displaced. In the past two weeks alone, 160,000 have been displaced. The vast majority, about 80 per cent, are women and children.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“I will deliver this statement on the humanitarian situation in Syria on behalf of the co-penholders, Germany and Belgium. I would like first to thank Under-Secretary- General Lowcock for his important briefing today. We also extend our gratitude to all humanitarian and medical workers throughout Syria, specifically to those operating in the dangerous environment of north- western Syria. We are deeply concerned about the safety of the 4 million civilians in north-west Syria, especially following reports of ongoing air strikes and shelling. Over the last months, and in particular since last weekend, the ongoing military offensive has again intensified and is causing further immense human suffering, in the midst of winter. This continues to result in death, displacement and destruction, as described by Mark Lowcock just now.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“We are particularly concerned about the continuation of serious violations of children’s rights and reports that the Houthis are systematically using sexual violence against women who are politically active in the areas under their control. That is entirely unacceptable and must stop.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“Corruption in Yemeni institutions is not helpful and, according to the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), it could jeopardize peace and security. The announcement of 19 December 2019 that the Houthi authorities in Sana’a had banned the use and exchange of the new bank notes in the areas under their control places a new strain on already heavily burdened civilians, in particular in northern Yemen, and further worsens their economic situation. We also encourage the Houthis to finally provide access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker in order to facilitate a review of the situation and avoid the possibility of an environmental disaster. Lastly, all parties must uphold their obligations and commitments under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“The operating environment for humanitarian actors in Yemen remains one of the most restricted of its kind in the world, entailing interference in humanitarian operations and restrictions on movement, which only add to the conflict and continuing insecurity. It is imperative that all parties facilitate humanitarian access and respect international humanitarian law. Belgium is particularly concerned about reports that the Houthis are now demanding 2 per cent of the budget of every humanitarian project as a precondition for their assent. As we also heard, the economic and financial situation remains of particular concern as well. The Central Bank stands in need of a foreign-exchange injection to stabilize the rial.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“We hope that those trends will continue and that the next steps in the political process will be able to begin as soon as possible under the auspices of the United Nations. This process must be inclusive, with the meaningful participation of women and young people, and reflect the ethnic, geographical, social and political diversity of Yemen’s population. Let us not forget, however, the already-concluded agreements, whose implementation is encountering difficulties, as in the case of the Riyadh agreement. We once again call on all parties to fully implement the Stockholm Agreement, including the Hodeidah Agreement, the agreement on the exchange of prisoners and the statement of understanding on Taiz. As we heard earlier, humanitarian access remains difficult.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and the Director of the Coordination Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, for their briefings. We encourage pursuing de-escalation efforts in order to achieve a cessation of hostilities throughout the country. The statistics of the most recent report of the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project show a decrease in the total number of civilian casualties in 2019 compared to 2018 — from 2,049 in 2018 to 1,104 in 2019. That is mainly owing to a decrease in air strikes, which have entailed mass casualties, as well as in the number of deaths caused by shelling and landmines.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“It was a productive visit, with a rich programme co-organized by MINUSMA, UNICEF and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. I thank them for their work. The main issues we discussed included the problem of schools closed due to the conflict, the granting of birth certificates, the adoption of the draft revised child protection code and the signing of an action plan by the Platform coalition of armed groups.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“MINUSMA remains the most dangerous peacekeeping operation in the world. We thank the Secretary-General for his candid comments, including on the effectiveness of the Mission. MINUSMA’s mandate is clear. To protect civilians, MINUSMA can adopt an offensive stance and anticipate threats. The project of a more mobile, agile and flexible Mission has our full support. Let us now give it the means to achieve that. In conclusion, I would like to say a few words about the visit of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict to Mali, which I led in my capacity as Chairman of the Working Group. The Working Group visited Mali from 8 to 11 December 2019. Several members of the Working Group joined the visit. We had meetings in Bamako and Mopti with several national and international interlocutors.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“It is the very credibility of our action which is at stake, and as we know, it is above all a boon for the enemies of peace. We already know the answers. We must protect the populations throughout Malian territory; listen to them; offer a desirable future to Malian youth, starting with an education and jobs of quality; assure the provision of basic services to all Malians; and act in favour of justice and against impunity for the perpetrators of crimes. In other words, in addition to the indispensable military response in the immediate future, there is an urgent need to deepen Malian democracy in order to put a brake on the growing attraction of the social model advocated by the jihadists. In this respect, political and administrative decentralization constitutes a priority project.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Despite everything, it is clear that Mali has been slow to emerge from the crisis. In addition to the implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, we expect progress on all the priority actions mentioned in resolution 2480 (2019). I recall that resolution 2480 (2019) is clear in affirming that the authors of delaying tactics are liable to sanctions. In recent months, we have observed a rise in criticism of MINUSMA, the French forces and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. Discontent seems to be growing among the people, who denounce not only the presence of foreign forces but also the absence, ineffectiveness or even illegitimacy of State services. We must rise to meet this challenge.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Some positive developments in Mali are to be welcomed, including the holding of the inclusive national dialogue, which was open to all, a decrease in intercommunity violence in Centre, thanks in particular to the efforts of the Government and of MINUSMA, timid progress towards the redeployment of reconstituted units to Kidal and signals in the fight against corruption. I also commend the work of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali. The final report will be presented in June. It will be imperative to follow up and initiate criminal proceedings without delay. The next resumption of the meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee has been announced. That is good news. We expect the parties to demonstrate maturity and responsibility in the search for compromise. A resolution to the question of Kidal will be an important step.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I should like first of all to welcome the participation by video-teleconference of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali. Allow me also to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing and, through him, all the staff of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). We welcome their commitment to peace and stability in Mali. Again, in recent months, many civilians and soldiers have died in Mali. Partner and friendly nations of Mali have also lost troops in the service of peace. On behalf of Belgium, I would like to express our condolences and solidarity with them.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“It is in every interest of the parties to make use of the consultation, monitoring and verification institutions and mechanisms that have been created for that purpose. I would like to reiterate Belgium’s firm commitment to working closely with Colombia in order to advance the full implementation of the peace agreement.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“We have carefully read the recent report of the Secretary-General on children in armed conflict (A/73/907-S/2019/509) and are extremely concerned about the high levels of recruitment and use of children by armed groups in Colombia, in particular by the Ejército de Liberación Nacional and FARC- EP dissidents. I urge all armed groups to adopt and implement commitments to put an end to that grave violation and immediately release all children in their ranks. We also call for continued investment in the “A different path of life” reintegration programme and the work of the Technical Working Group on Children of the National Reintegration Council. In conclusion, it is important to build trust between the parties and to intensify cooperation and dialogue with regard to the implementation of the Final Agreement.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“We also regret the continuing violence against human rights defenders, social leaders and former combatants of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP). The year 2019 was the most violent for former combatants since the peace agreement was signed. We are particularly concerned about the specific targeting of women human rights defenders and social leaders, as well as by the lack of protection for ex- combatants residing outside the former territorial areas, who represent approximately 70 per cent of those who have been accredited. More effective measures are needed, including the finalization of the action plan of the Intersectoral Commission on Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders and the reconvening of the National Commission on Security Guarantees.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“However, with regard to legal safeguards, it is worrying that no substantial progress has been made in the process of accreditation of former combatants, which creates legal uncertainty and increases the risk of recidivism. One of the cornerstones of the peace agreement is the establishment of the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition. Transitional justice is essential for reconciliation and lasting peace. We welcome the significant progress made by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and urge all those under its jurisdiction to contribute to truth- seeking efforts. Threats of violence against lawyers defending former combatants are unacceptable.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“There have been fewer reported incidents of violence and citizens were able to participate in the elections in areas of the country that had previously not been safe enough. Like the recent social demonstrations, these elections illustrate the commitment of Colombian society to peace, as well as to the full implementation of the peace agreement. We are also encouraged by the implementation of development programmes with a territorial focus that have benefited from increased funding, as well as by the progress in economic and social reintegration. The restart of the activities of the Gender Technical Working Group of the National Reintegration Council is also an important step.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by echoing the words of condolence and solidarity expressed to the delegation of the Niger. I should then like to welcome the presence today of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia and thank Special Representative Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. Over three years since the signing of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, Colombia can stand proud. The parties to the agreement should be congratulated for their commitment and the progress achieved. At the same time, of course, we must ensure that we keep abreast of the challenges that remain. The recent local elections testify to the positive impact of the peace process on Colombian democracy.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“We are therefore extremely disappointed at and deeply regret the fact that the Council was not able to achieve such a result on a resolution that is purely humanitarian in nature. We call on the Syrian authorities to respect international humanitarian law, protect their citizens and enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the whole of the territory in a neutral manner and without any impediments.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): We would like to thank all the members of the Council that voted in favour of resolution 2504 (2020). As I said earlier, the text is a compromise one that will make it possible to continue humanitarian assistance in the north-west of Syria, where there is no alternative way of receiving such humanitarian assistance. As the Council is aware, the system functions on the basis of a simple notification to the Syrian authorities. This is an important signal for the Syrian people. Along with Germany and numerous other delegations around this table, we had hoped for and worked extremely hard to achieve a more far-reaching result, a mandate for all persons who depend on the mechanism.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“We thank all delegations that have constructively and actively contributed to the text. The amendment orally proposed by the Russian Federation is, however, not acceptable because it contradicts the very system of the cross-border mechanism, which is in itself an exception to the principles that were mentioned by the representative of the Russian Federation. This system is needed more than ever. We need to preserve it. We now ask the Council to approve the draft resolution as presented by the co-penholders and to vote in favour of it.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“The crossing point of Al-Yarubiyah, in the north-east of Syria, has provided medical aid to 1.4 million people. Today, there is no viable alternative to that crossing point. We deeply deplore the fact that we could not come to an agreement to keep that crossing point, which the United Nations and humanitarian partners deem essential to the work. Our text requests the Secretary- General to examine alternatives by the end of February in order to ensure that humanitarian aid can be provided throughout the country, including in the north-east. Today is the last day of the current mandate. In the north-west, where military escalation continues, 2.7 million people completely depend on the mechanism. Therefore, the co-penholders now propose a text that allows for humanitarian aid to continue to reach those people in dire need.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“We have done this in good faith and in an inclusive, transparent and thorough manner, with all Council members and also consulting neighbouring countries. We have followed a clear humanitarian imperative. It is the fate of those 4 million people that has been our exclusive motivation. As was clearly demonstrated by the voting on 20 December 2019 (see S/PV.8697), the divisions among various Council members run deep. We have since continued to engage with all parties, aiming to keep the bar high. Three crossings are at the very heart of this mandate; they are the bottom line from a humanitarian perspective. Yet, over and over again, it has been made clear that a mandate including all three crossings is not acceptable to all members.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source