YouSaid · the spoken record

Pecsteen De Buytswerve

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

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

“The United Nations and its humanitarian partners should be allowed to continue to deliver humanitarian assistance in a timely, safe, sustained and unimpeded manner by using all means - including cross-border, cross-line and regular programming - to reach Syrians in need throughout the country. As of last month, 4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance depended on cross-border operations. In other words, almost 40 per cent of the entire humanitarian assistance is covered through that mechanism. Since the United Nations began cross-border operations in July 2014, pursuant to resolution 2165 (2014), the mechanism has offered a true lifeline to the people in areas not under the control of the authorities.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“I am delivering this statement on behalf of the three co-penholders: Kuwait, Germany and Belgium. I would first like to thank Under-Secretary- General Lowcock for his valuable and timely briefing. Mr. Lowcock has reminded us once again that millions of Syrians continue to need humanitarian assistance and protection. We heard the numbers. Eleven million Syrians, including some 5 million children, need humanitarian assistance. These are essential and critical needs. We are talking about food, water, shelter, medical assistance, preventive medical care and education for Syrian children.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“Lastly, I would like to highlight the continued cooperation of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya with the ICC and its willingness to provide it with certain kinds of information on events related to the ongoing armed conflict. We should welcome this kind of collaboration between a United Nations special political mission and the Court as a model that could be followed in other, similar cases.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8660 (2019) · source
“In its report, the Office of the Prosecutor also discusses its two-pronged approach to allegations of crimes committed against migrants in Libya. Belgium especially welcomes the Office's strategy for cooperating with Libya and the other States concerned in order to support investigations and prosecutions at the national level. As the Prosecutor reminded us, the ICC has never been called on to prosecute all the perpetrators of the most serious crimes. In accordance with the Rome Statute, it is complementary to national criminal jurisdictions and intervenes only if the State is unwilling or unable to effectively carry out investigations or prosecutions. In the circumstances, we should welcome the fact that the Court's cooperation strategy has already produced positive and concrete results in national investigations and prosecutions.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8660 (2019) · source
“Al-Werfalli in the Benghazi area, which is under the control of General Haftar's Libyan National Army; and Mr. Al-Tuhamy in Cairo. The Court, which is entirely dependent on the cooperation of States for the execution of its arrest warrants, once again urges all of the relevant authorities to facilitate the immediate surrender of each of those individuals to the ICC. Failing that, Belgium believes that the Council should assume its responsibilities by examining every possible measure to facilitate the arrest and surrender to the Court of the three suspects. In that regard, I would like to point out that the Council could consider including on the sanctions list those persons against whom the Court has issued arrest warrants, for example.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8660 (2019) · source
“The resulting impunity is an affront to the victims and their loved ones, as it undermines any hope of achieving a lasting peaceful solution to the crisis in Libya, of which justice is an essential element. The Council cannot remain indifferent to this situation, since it was the Council itself that triggered the ongoing cases before the ICC through its adoption in 2011 of resolution 1970 (2011). In that resolution, the Council called on all States Members of the United Nations, whether States parties to the Rome Statute or not, to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor. We note that the Office of the Prosecutor still has information on the location of the three suspects, as Ms. Bensoudajust explained to us - Mr. Al-Qadhafi in Zintan, whose brigades are allies of the Government of National Accord; Mr.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8660 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for her written report and the very informative briefing she has just given us. Belgium welcomes the progress made by the Office of the Prosecutor in its ongoing investigations and its work aimed at submitting applications for new arrest warrants. We also welcome the Office's monitoring of the current hostilities in order to determine Whether crimes have been committed that fall within the jurisdiction of the Court. At the same time, it is regrettable that the three arrest warrants issued by the Court have still not been executed.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8660 (2019) · source
“Such rhetoric reinforces a climate of mistrust and undermines the reconciliation process. Rather than sowing seeds of discord, we call for the planting of seeds to grow a just, stable and lasting peace.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“In the context of a transitional justice process, true reconciliation is only possible if concrete measures are taken to combat impunity by guaranteeing the prosecution of war criminals. The victims and survivors must be at the heart of these efforts. Their rights must be assured, as must their substantial participation in defining the Government's reconciliation efforts. There can be no reconciliation without reparation. We stress the importance of including civil-society organizations, young people and women in this process so that it has broad support throughout society. Finally, in that connection, we reiterate our profound concern about speech that seeks to deny the Srebrenica genocide, glorify war crimes and their perpetrators and incite hatred.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“That is also a choice for a democracy founded on respect for the rule of law and human rights. We are deeply concerned about the serious shortcomings we have seen with regard to respect for the rule of law, as well by the latest incidents in the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council. It is a matter of urgency to ensure that the necessary reforms are enacted to strengthenjustice and the independence of the judiciary. Given the Council's crucial role, it is critical that it respect the highest ethical and professional standards. We are also deeply concerned about the increasing attacks on freedom of expression and assembly and freedom of the press over the past few months. We reiterate the importance of guaranteeing those freedoms without discrimination of any kind. A just, stable and lasting peace is not possible if justice is not done.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“Six months after the High Representative's last briefing (see S/PV.8522), we have to acknowledge that the same challenges persist and that the political stalemate continues to delay the adoption and implementation of the reforms that the country desperately needs. We reiterate that a political or legislative solution to the electoral process must be consistent with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. Almost 10 years after the decision on the Seja'ie and Finci case, its implementation is a dead letter. In this context, it is also essential to work urgently to implement the recommendations of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made a strategic choice, taking the path of Euro-Atlantic integration.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to thank High Representative Valentin Inzko and Ms. Selma Korjenie for their briefings. We welcome the unanimity demonstrated by the Security Council, which led to our adoption of resolution 2496 (2019), renewing the mandate of the European Union-led Operation Althea for a further year. The mission contributes to the viability of a united, sovereign and multi-ethnic Bosnian State, as well as to the stabilization of the region. As a member of the European Union, Belgium will continue to lend Bosnia and Herzegovina its full support.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“We call for a follow-up to the recommendations made in the report. It is vital that UNMIK be able to safely discharge its mandate. In conclusion, the international community continues to invest in Kosovo and to help create the conditions for the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. However, it is up to the parties to create such conditions and to reach an agreement.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“It requires also that greater progress must be made with regard to missing persons. We call on the parties to intensify their cooperation to resolve this vital humanitarian issue. The future of Kosovo, as a secure and stable democracy, has been shaped, among other things, by the efforts of the United Nations and the presence of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We reiterate the importance of respecting the immunities of United Nations personnel on the ground, in accordance with the norms of international law. We took note of the information provided by the Special Representative in his briefing with regard to the internal report compiled following the incident that occurred on 28 May. The excessive use of force against UNMIK personnel is unacceptable.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“Both sides can only benefit from maintaining regional stability, and a comprehensive and legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations is essential in that regard. It is important that the parties honour all their commitments in order to create a climate conducive to normalizing their relations. Unilateral actions and declarations must give way to a spirit of compromise. We call on the Kosovar leadership and the Serbian leadership to demonstrate responsibility and political will. In that context, we reiterate our call on the Kosovar authorities to eliminate customs duties on imports from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and call on both sides to make a greater commitment to regional integration. Reconciliation also requires justice. We call on the Kosovar authorities to cooperate fully with the Specialist Chambers.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“It is also important that the verification and count process be completed in order to prevent the election results from being contested. We hope that the formation of the new Government will provide an opportunity to ensure the active and meaningful participation of women. We encourage the next Government of Kosovo to continue the reform process, in particular in the area of the rule of law. We would like to acknowledge the indispensable role of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo in that regard. We deplore the fact that no progress has been made in resuming the dialogue between the authorities of Belgrade and Pristina, under the auspices of the European Union.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Representative Zahir Tanin for his briefing and welcome Mr. Ivica Dacie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Ms. Vlora Citaku, Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States of America, to today's meeting. However, following in the footsteps of other colleagues, I would like to respectfully encourage them to keep to their allotted speaking time in future. The recent elections in Kosovo were well organized and demonstrated the political maturity of Kosovar society. Nonetheless, we deplore the fact that, within the Serbian Kosovar community, the elections were marked by a climate of intimidation and limited choice for voters.”
2019-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8655 (2019) · source
“The Office has an essential role to play and we have taken note of the latest report (S/2019/837), particularly its proposals on the activities of the Office between now and the elections. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that we remain ready for dialogue, bilaterally or at the European level, in order to support the Burundian authorities in holding credible, inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“The report for September details a growing number of abductions and abuses, some of them brutal, by law enforcement personnel and the Imbonerakure, whose arbitrary arrests, targeting no fewer than 27 members of the Congres national pour la liberte', including all of the party leaders in Karuzi, are very troubling. The party's offices have also been set fire to multiple times. In conclusion, we note the latest developments and the measures taken by the Burundian authorities. At the same time, we must recognize that the road to the 2020 elections is still a long one. We therefore believe it is essential to ensure that the Office of the Special Representative can continue working with direct access to the Burundian authorities at least until the elections take place.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“Secondly, although we commend the authorities for the recent measures taken to combat electoral violence, as I said, we remain concerned about the violent incidents, such as the one in Bubanza on 21 October, that have occurred from time to time during this period in the run-up to elections. Thirdly, it is also critical to ensure that this pre-election period not be marred by hate speech. Journalists, and the media generally, have an important role to play in that regard. Their right to information must not be limited, especially as the elections approach. I also want to touch on the human rights situation. After reading the African Union's latest monitoring report, we are concerned.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“We also want to highlight Burundi's requests to various African partners, the East African Community and the African Union for support and training for the forthcoming elections. Belgium welcomes those measures and encourages the Burundian authorities to continue down this road in order to ensure that the elections can be credible, inclusive, peaceful and transparent. We also hope it will be possible to make further progress in the following areas. First, we continue to encourage the entire population of Burundi to participate peacefully in the elections. While the release of political prisoners and the gradual opening of the political and media space may be important factors, lifting the legal proceedings against the political and civil-society leaders who want to return to Burundi would be a major step forward.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Special Envoy Kafando and Ambassador Lauber for their briefings this afternoon. As Special Envoy Kafando's briefing was his last, I would like to thank and commend him for his efforts and the work he accomplished, which was often carried out under difficult conditions. I would like to take this opportunity to address the situation in Burundi in the lead-up to its 2020 presidential, legislative and local elections. We take note of the latest developments with respect to the authorities' recent gestures of political outreach towards the opposition, on the one hand, and the measures that have been taken to prevent and combat violence that could jeopardize the holding of a credible electoral campaign, on the other hand.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“In addition, my country will continue its efforts to ensure that women who must make the difficult choice of having an abortion can do so. We thank South Africa for its commitment to the rights of women and underscore that the fight for a world in which women can show their ability to lead peace efforts is a fight that can and should unite us all.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“Among other things, in the spirit of seeing our commitments concretely implemented on the ground, Belgium also supports FemWise-Africa in training female African mediators. In April of this year the Council adopted resolution 2467 (2019), which calls for a survivor- centred approach. That requires political measures and financial resources. In that regard, Belgium contributed â‚¬2 million to the Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. We also support the Trust Fund for Victims established by the International Criminal Court, which helps ensure women's access to justice. In that context, Belgium underscores the importance of health, and sexual and reproductive health in particular, for all women. Medical care is what victims of sexual violence need most urgently.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“Two weeks ago, Belgium had the honour to present a joint statement in the Third Committee on behalf of 75 countries, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. That shows the strength of the global support for women's rights, and while it is important to respect cultural sensitivities, it is clear to us that no law, tradition, religion, custom or culture can justify discrimination against women and girls. Like some 80 other countries, Belgium is implementing a national action plan on women and peace and security, in fact our third such plan. It includes numerous measures for improving the situation of women's rights in conflict areas.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“To cite just one example, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict has signed formal agreements with the Governments of the countries concerned that represent a crucial step in overcoming the culture of silence surrounding conflict- related sexual violence. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, that cooperation framework has enabled the prosecution of more than 1,000 people since 2013. Those are genuine changes on the ground for women who have often endured horrific experiences. Promoting gender equality and the political, social and economic advancement of women, based on dignity, respect and empowerment, remains a key element of the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“We have created the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security, which is a highly effective instrument that assists the Security Council in incorporating the aspects of the women and peace and security agenda into the various mandates of peacekeeping operations. Advisers on issues affecting women work to promote a gender-sensitive approach in missions and when liaising with United Nations entities on the ground. But while the Council has produced texts and developed road maps on paper, it is implementation on the ground that is most important.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking all of the briefers for their participation and their contribution to this debate. Next year marks the twentieth anniversary of the women and peace and security agenda, which together we have built over the years. If we look at the resolutions that have been adopted, we will realize what we have accomplished. Tomorrow we will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. We have established monitoring, analysis and reporting agreements within the United Nations.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“As with previous Council debates on related issues, we would also like to highlight that it is clear that the full implementation of resolutions on women and peace and security means fully implementing all the provisions of all of the Council's resolutions pertinent to this agenda item, including provisions on sexual and reproductive health. In this spirit, we eagerly look forward to engaging with all members in the course of the year during which we will mark the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium congratulates South Africa on the adoption of resolution 2493 (2019), on women and peace and security. Our vote in favour of the resolution reflects my country's full commitment to the agenda and the empowerment of women. On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we welcome the stress placed on the importance of implementing our joint commitments. However, we regret that it was not possible today to adopt a resolution that would have underlined the key role of human rights defenders in the implementation of the women and peace and security. In addition, we regret that the Security Council was not in a position to call on countries to adopt measures to protect civil society and safeguard critical thinking and the freedom of expression.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“Peace can be comprehensive, just and lasting only if it meets the legitimate aspiration of each party to build its national destiny in peace and security in a stabilized region.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“With regard to the situation on the Gaza Strip, we are deeply concerned about the impact of the demonstrations on children. While we recognize Israel's right to ensure its security, we condemn the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force. We urge Israel to respect the right of Palestinians to demonstrate peacefully. However, it is not acceptable for demonstrations in Gaza to be hijacked by extremist elements. We would like to commend the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, whose mandate and work we fully support. I would like to conclude by stressing that there is no alternative to the two-State solution, with the city of Jerusalem as the future capital of those two States, in accordance with internationally agreed parameters.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“The recent events near the settlement of Yitzhar and the Palestinian village of Burin illustrate that the settlement policy leads to tensions and violence on the ground. We condemn the use of all violence, call for a de-escalation of tensions and ask that those acts of violence do not remain unpunished. It is essential to preserve the status quo in the holy places in Jerusalem. Lastly, we reiterate our deep concern about the worrisome increase in the number of demolitions and seizures of infrastructure and humanitarian projects in Zone C. We urge the Israeli authorities to put an end to those demolitions and to return what has been seized or pay compensation for the damages suffered, for the benefit of the Palestinian people.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“In this regard, we also reiterate our call on the Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process. As an integral part of a future Palestinian State, it is essential that the Gaza Strip be returned to the control of the Palestinian Authority. Secondly, we have taken note of the negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis that have led to a transfer of tax revenues. We encourage both parties to continue negotiations in order to find a lasting solution. The continuation of the settlement policy and its related measures in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, brings us ever closer to the point of no return for the two-State solution. It is illegal under international law, including resolution 2334 (2016).”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his briefing. I would like to focus my attention on two recent developments. The first is President Abbas' recent announcement that a date would be set for elections in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza. A credible electoral process, which ensures, in particular, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, is essential to building democratic and inclusive institutions in order to establish a democratic, viable and sovereign Palestinian State. We expect all Palestinian factions to engage in this process, with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“In addition, the Committee received one notification from a supplier State, pursuant to sub-item (a) of paragraph 11 of resolution 2111 (2013) and did not object to it. It is currently considering another such notification. Finally, the Committee also received two requests for clarification, one from a United Nations entity and the other from a Member State, on the scope and implementation of the arms embargo.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“I will conclude by summarizing some figures on exceptions to the arms embargo for the current reporting period, as well as other work carried out by the Committee. The Committee received five pre-delivery notifications, pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 2142 (2014) and paragraph 14 of resolution 2444 (2018), submitted by supplier Member States, and one additional notification, pursuant to paragraphs 14 and 22 of resolution 2444 (2018), submitted by the Federal Government of Somalia. The Committee also received two post-delivery confirmations from the Federal Government of Somalia, pursuant to paragraphs 14 and 22 of resolution 2444 (2018). The Committee further received nine pre-delivery notifications, pursuant to sub-item (g) of paragraph 10 of resolution 2111 (2013).”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“On 15 October, the Committee heard a briefing by the Head of the Global Maritime Crime Programme on the international community's efforts to disrupt the charcoal trade to and from Somalia, and on the complex environment allowing terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations to exploit porous borders in order to finance their operations. I would like to highlight two important points from that briefing. First, while the production of wood charcoal is funding Al-Shabaab, it is not a significant source of funding. Secondly, investigations into the charcoal trade reveal close links between Al-Shabaab and transnational organized criminal organizations, whose criminal activities including trafficking of persons, drugs and their chemical precursors, weapons, sugar, tobacco and materials used to make bombs.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“Committee members had a fruitful exchange of views with the Panel of Experts. They expressed their gratitude and support for the work carried out by the Panel in difficult circumstances and expressed the hope that the Federal Government of Somalia would participate constructively in that work. Of the 15 recommendations contained in the Panel's final report, only one is addressed to the Committee. On Friday 18 October, the Committee unanimously agreed on the action to be undertaken in response to the Panel's recommendation. The Committee is in the process of following up on that decision.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“With regard to the ban on importing and exporting charcoal, the Coordinator of the Panel stated that it was no longer clear whether Al-Shabaab was deriving significant revenue from that trade and recommended to conduct a review of the ban, taking into account all implications for long- term peace and stability in Somalia, which will be Vital to achieving the effective implementation of relevant Council resolutions. The Coordinator of the Panel concluded his remarks by commenting on the Committee's sanctions list, which has been dormant for several years. He urged Member States to use targeted sanctions to discourage destructive behaviour in Somalia, including that of arms dealers, charcoal traffickers, financiers of terrorism, violators of international humanitarian law and political spoilers.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“In recognizing that the current political and security contexts had changed since the embargo was first imposed in 1992, the Coordinator stated that it was clear to the Panel that the embargo should be streamlined, simplified and updated in order to reflect the current realities of counter- insurgency in Somalia. That included strengthening the monitoring of certain chemical components and precursors, including commercial explosives, which might be used by AI-Shabaab for the construction of improvised explosive devices.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“The group was once again responsible for the highest number of attacks against civilians, in violation of humanitarian law. The Coordinator of the Panel also noted that the current impasse between the Federal Government of Somalia and federal member states had had implications for peace and security in Somalia. Acknowledging the significant progress made by the Federal Government in the area of public finance management, the Coordinator of the Panel nevertheless referred to the work that remained to be done in that area. With regard to the arms embargo, the Coordinator of the Panel believed that that measure had largely prevented heavier weapons from reaching Somalia and ultimately falling into the hands of Al-Shabaab and other armed actors.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“The Deputy Director also called on the humanitarian sector to supplement the sustained provision of emergency assistance with longer- term solutions. On 15 October, the Committee heard a briefing by the Panel of Experts on Somalia on its final report, submitted pursuant to paragraph 54 of resolution 2444 (2018). I will not detail the contents of the report here, as it is anticipated that it will be submitted to the Council in the coming days. In his remarks, the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts noted that AI-Shabaab remained a threat to Somalia and the region and that it had been confirmed that Al-Shabaab had been producing home-made explosives and had further expanded its revenue stream by levying a tax on virtually all trade in the south of the country.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“In her briefing, the Deputy Director concluded that although Somalia was on the right track - with major achievements on the political, economic, humanitarian and security fronts - the country remained vulnerable to another climate shock or escalation of conflict. Moreover, the delivery of humanitarian assistance continued to be compromised as a result of inconsistent funding. In that context, she emphasized that it was essential that humanitarian assistance be exempted from asset freezing measures, as provided for in paragraph 48 of resolution 2444 (2018). Humanitarian organizations had collectively and individually strengthened their systems to identify and detect the risks of aid diversion, evaluate the capacity of implementation partners and assess relevant programmes through enhanced auditing and reporting.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 11 (g) of resolution 1844 (2008), I have the honour to brief the Council in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia, covering the period from 27 June to 25 October. During the reporting period, the Committee convened two consultations. On 3 October, pursuant to paragraph 49 of resolution 2444 (2018), the Committee heard a briefing by the Deputy Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on the fourteenth report of the Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator concerning the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and any impediments thereto. That report was transmitted to the Security Council on 7 October (see S/2019/799).”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“Belgium remains very concerned about the large number of children who are victims of air strikes and the fighting on the ground, and demands that all parties take immediate measures to protect children. Lastly, Belgium shares Under- Secretary-General Mark Lowcock's disappointment with the obstacles encountered by the United Nations team of experts sent to assess the FSO SAFER tanker's situation, which forced them to abandon the mission.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8642 (2019) · source
“We would like to draw the Council's attention to the excellent report on human rights violations by the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen (A/HRC/42/ 17), and we welcome the Human Rights Council's renewal of its mandate in September. We call on all parties to respect their obligations and commitments under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The violence throughout the rest of the country continues, as we heard again this morning, and is exacerbating the lack of trust between the parties. In addition, it is affecting access to humanitarian aid. We therefore call on all the parties to cease hostilities throughout the country.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8642 (2019) · source
“However, it will be crucial to expand efforts to improve the humanitarian situation, which remains disastrous, as we have heard. We commend the humanitarian agencies for their outstanding work despite the difficult circumstances. It is essential that all parties facilitate access to humanitarian aid and respect international humanitarian law. We are particularly concerned about the fuel shortages' impact on the situation, including the risk of rising food prices and the repercussions for the operation of pump systems, hospitals and clinics. We urge the parties to the conflict to work with the Special Envoy to address these economic challenges in a constructive manner. We note with interest the announcement made by Mr. Lowcock that several ships transporting fuel are currently en route to Yemen.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8642 (2019) · source
“At the same time, Belgium continues to encourage the Special Envoy to continue preparing for the next steps in the political process. The process must be inclusive, with the meaningful participation of women and young people, and it should reflect the ethnic, geographic and political diversity of the people of Yemen. As the presidential statement of 29 August (S/PRST/2019/9) underscored, a political agreement negotiated following an inclusive dialogue is the only way forward to resolve disputes and address the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis, including those in the south of the country. In that context, we welcome the talks organized by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah to try to find a solution to the situation there and call on all parties to engage constructively in those talks.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8642 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings. With regard to Al-Hudaydah, we welcome the smooth operation of the de-escalation mechanism and the joint operations centre. We once again call on all the parties to implement the withdrawal agreement, fully respect the ceasefire and resolve outstanding points of disagreement. We welcome the release of prisoners by the Houthis and urge all the parties to take additional steps to implement the prisoner-exchange agreement and the statement of understanding on Taiz. The implementation of the Stockholm Agreement in its entirety is paramount.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8642 (2019) · source