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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“The unanimous adoption last month ofresolution 2487 (2019) to extend the mandate of the Mission demonstrates what the Council can achieve when it is united. In the same vein, we call on all parties and Colombian society to foster consensus and combat polarization in order to build a better future.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Progress has been made in the implementation of the comprehensive programme of guarantees for women leaders and human rights defenders, but it must be equipped with adequate resources to ensure access to preventive and protective measures. The most recent presidential elections were the most peaceful in the country's recent history. Peaceful local elections would serve to reveal that peace has its dividends. In that regard, the National Pact for Political Culture and Non-Violence during the Electoral Campaign is a welcome initiative. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Belgium's strong support for the full implementation of the peace agreement and the positive role played by the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“We also welcome the leadership of the Colombian authorities in the area of the reintegration and protection of children, but we remain concerned about the increase in the recruitment and use of children, as well as sexual violence, by non-State armed groups. The security of social leaders, human rights defenders and former FARC-EP members must be strengthened and guaranteed, in particular during the holding of elections, by focusing on the conflict- affected areas. We regret the fact that 24 former FARC- EP members have been killed in the past three months. Belgium stresses the importance of protecting all candidates and their families, taking into account the specific challenges faced by women candidates.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“The parties have everything to gain by taking advantage of the consultation, monitoring and verification institutions and mechanisms established to that end. Comprehensive and renewed implementation is predicated on additional progress, particularly in terms of the extension of State presence in conflict-affected areas, including access to public services, as well as the launch of rural reforms, including with respect to access to land - the lack of which is one of the root causes of the conflict. I commend the three components of the transitional justice system for their work and reiterate the importance of the independence and autonomy of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. In addition to transitional justice, the increased funding of which I welcome, every Government entity responsible for implementation must receive adequate funding.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Every party and sector of society were quick to condemn that decision. As an indication of the strength of the agreement and the peace process, the overwhelming majority of former FARC-EP members continue to respect the agreement and to work towards their reintegration as law-abiding Colombian citizens. In that regard, we acknowledge the positive and inclusive efforts to find a solution with regard to transitioning from the former territorial areas for training and reintegration and call for specific and practical measures to be formalized in a spirit of constructive cooperation as soon as possible. In general, it is important to strengthen and solidify trust and cooperation with regard to the implementation of the final agreement.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing and welcome the presence of Foreign Minister Trujillo Garcia among us today. We acknowledge the progress made in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace over the past three months, as the Secretary- General has indicated in his report (S/2019/780). We particularly welcome the success achieved in the areas of reintegration and the initial implementation of the development programmes with a territorial focus. Belgium condemns in the strongest terms the call by a small number of former commanders of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) to take up arms once again. History will bear witness to the gravity of their error.”
2019-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8639 (2019) · source
“This proactive attitude, which has included several preliminary measures, should be encouraged and supported by the international community so that the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo can continue their efforts with determination. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), as mandated by the Council, has a role to play here and will remain crucial in this respect. My third point concerns strategic thinking on the Great Lakes region. Before the end of the year, we will focus on the future of MONUSCO, while elections in Burundi are planned for next year. It will be vital to devise, as quickly as possible, a United Nations approach to the Great Lakes region - a concerted approach that provides even greater coherence and that will be decidedly forward-looking.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“As President Tshilombo Tshisekedi stated, respect for human rights and the restoration of the rule of law are essential. It is worrying to note that many incidents of sexual violence - 41 per cent, according to the most recent report - continue to be attributed to State actors. This only strengthens our conviction that professionalizing the security forces and combating impunity must remain priorities. President Tshilombo Tshisekedi's proactive approach is creating a better environment for carrying out the reforms that have long been awaited by the Congolese population in this particularly important area.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“On another track, we hope that future presidential, legislative and local elections in Burundi will be credible, transparent and inclusive, and place in a peaceful atmosphere in which the rights and security of all political actors are guaranteed. Turning to humanitarian issues, the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/783) is particularly worrying. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we remain concerned by conflicts among communities in Djugu, Mahagi and Irumu. Nor must we forget that aside from the Ebola epidemic, which continues to afflict the region, malaria and cholera are still claiming many lives. We also continue to pay close attention to the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“The activities and reforms undertaken to address corruption must be sustained, and there must be increased transparency in the financial and mining sectors, for instance, which would make it possible, among other things, to encourage international financial institutions to re-engage. Secondly, our most important message - important because itunderpins success in all other areas-concerns the security, political, humanitarian and human rights situation in the Great Lakes region. We welcome the new regional momentum, driven in large part by Presidents Tshilombo Tshisekedi and Lourenco. Of course, while the overall situation in the Great Lakes region remains a subject of concern and deserves our full attention, the latest regional initiatives have the potential to substantially tip the balance in the fight against the various armed groups.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Special Envoy Huang Xia for his first briefing to the Security Council. I would like to focus on three key points. First, I will focus on economic development as a key factor. As the Special Envoy rightly underscored, development and economic cooperation are important drivers of peace and development in the Great Lakes region, as elsewhere, provided that they are based on respect for human rights and the environment. That priority, which we also fully support, has been reiterated numerous times by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo himself. This also requires the creation of a level playing field for investments and economic opportunities in the region.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Belgium supports civil society initiatives and cooperation platforms, such as the AU-European Union Youth Cooperation Hub, which implements pilot projects, particularly in the area of peace and security, between young people of the African and the European continents.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“In addition, young people are often the majority in armed groups in Africa. The consideration of those young people should be central to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform processes, as well as community violence reduction programmes and actions to prevent violent extremism. I would like to conclude by welcoming the initiatives undertaken by the African Union (AU) for the greater involvement of young people and by commending the work of its Special Envoy on Youth, Ms. Aya Chebbi. Partnerships are also a vehicle for new ideas and innovative initiatives.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“For those reasons, one ofthe priorities of Belgium's cooperation with Africa is the socioeconomic integration of young people, as for example in Uganda, where we support the implementation of the Skilling Uganda plan; in Morocco, where we promote youth entrepreneurship; and in Burkina Faso, where Belgium supports the development of young people's digital skills. Resolution 2419 (2018) calls for greater inclusion of youth in peace processes. That text is particularly relevant in the African context today. We must recognize young people as actors in their own right. To do that, we must change our norms, practices and attitudes. As Ms. Hafsa Ahmed said, young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are often already leaders today. I would like to thank our briefers this morning for their interventions and their testimonies.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“But such a demographic shift, if not supported, also carries the risk of new difficulties for the continent. Political, social and economic exclusion is a risk factor. It can fuel joint mistrust of the national and international political institutions that are meant to serve and protect young people. It is therefore vital to invest in education and in creating a climate conducive to the participation and inclusion of young adults in peace processes, including mediation processes. Equal access to inclusive and quality education and the opportunity for decent work are crucial elements in achieving that climate.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I wish you every success. I would also like to congratulate the delegation of the Russian Federation on its successful presidency last month. Belgium supports the Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 initiative. We welcome the African Union's commitment to putting young people at the centre of that initiative. The African continent is the only one where the youth population continues to grow from year to year. By 2050, the continent is expected to double its population, from 1 billion today to nearly 2.4 billion. At that time, half of its inhabitants will be under 25 years of age. That prospect provides tremendous opportunities for innovation and creativity.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source
“Thousands of Syrians continue to wait for news of their loved ones who were arbitrarily detained or who have disappeared. I cannot conclude without offering my congratulations to the Russian delegation on its presidency of the Council during the month of September.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“The Syrian Government has a special obligation to create a safe, stable and calm environment in the country. The violence in Idlib has to stop. It is difficult to conceive of talks going on in Geneva even as the violence continues. We reiterate our appeal for a nationwide cessation of hostilities nationwide. Lastly, let us not forget the thousands of Syrians who continue to be arbitrarily arrested and detained. We encourage the Special Envoy to redouble his efforts on this important issue, and we fully support his appeal to the parties to exchange prisoners on a large scale. Most particularly, we call on Damascus to take into account the crucial importance of this issue as a sign of good faith towards the people of the country.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“The fact that the parties can now undertake structured discussions on the future of their country represents significant progress in and of itself. Nonetheless, the real progress will lie in the outcome of such talks. A great deal of time has been lost, and it is now important that the Committee get to work quickly and that tangible progress be made as a first step towards a political solution that is in line with resolution 2254 (2015). This opportunity to work together towards a Syria that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians carries with it obligations for all parties. All parties must continue their engagement in good faith, and Committee representatives will have to be encouraged to speak freely and to conduct their work in a favourable environment that is free of obstacles or intimidation.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“We have reiterated on many occasions that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Syria; the solution is a political one. The Constitutional Committee has the potential to be a key that can open doors to other aspects of the political process, as provided for by resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). We recognize the important role that the Special Envoy played in its establishment, and we support his future role in ensuring the functioning of the Committee. We also appreciate the role played by the States members of the Council and others, in particular the Astana process guarantor countries, for their diplomatic commitment in support of the Special Envoy. Today we are therefore optimistic, but cautiously so. Belgium sees the Committee is a means to an end.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like at the outset to thank the Special Envoy, Mr. Geir Pedersen, for his briefing and for his tireless efforts. The Council is meeting today, after eight years of violence, with a glimmer of hope. A fragile glimmer of hope, to be sure, but hope nonetheless. We cannot overestimate the importance of the agreement between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Negotiations Commission to put together a Constitutional Committee facilitated by the United Nations in Geneva. First, this is the first time in the course ofthe Syrian conflict that the United Nations has been able to facilitate a direct agreement between the parties. And, secondly, this is the first time in a very long time that the Syrian people have received good news.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“For Belgium, there is no alternative to the two- State solution within secure and recognized borders, based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. We will not recognize any changes to the previous 1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, except those agreed by the parties. In conclusion, Belgium calls on all parties to the conflict to refrain from unilateral measures and declarations taking us farther away from the parameters agreed by the international community and endorsed by the Council. It is time, now more than ever, to work for a solution under international law to achieve a just and lasting peace and a stable regional environment.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“All parties must ensure free humanitarian access at all times, also taking into account the gender dimension and the specific needs of women and girls. Here I would like to commend the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the mandate of which Belgium will continue to support. The resolution of the crisis in Gaza requires a fundamental change, including the lifting of the blockade and the full opening of the crossing points, while taking into account Israel's legitimate security concerns. A political solution to the crisis also requires the return of Palestinian territory to the control of the Palestinian Authority. We call on all parties to engage constructively in inter-Palestinian reconciliation efforts.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) calls on States to make a distinction in their exchanges between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. In that regard, Belgium recalls that the European Union has adopted several measures and instruments to achieve that differentiation. Belgium remains committed to the full, continuous and effective implementation of that policy. The Viability of a Palestinian State also means a return to stability in Gaza. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and recall the imperatives of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality and distinction. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian and health situation.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“We note with concern, for example, that 51 schools are being threatened with demolition, including the Um Sidra school, in Hebron governorate. That policy seriously undercuts the exercise of the fundamental rights of Palestinians and is illegal under international law, including resolution 2334 (2016). We reiterate our deep concern at the worrying increase in the demolition and confiscation of the infrastructure of humanitarian projects. We demand that the Israeli authorities put an end to those demolitions and grant reparations or compensation for the damage incurred. Moreover, we are deeply concerned about the increase in the use of violence by settlers, as well as against settlers. We reiterate our firm condemnation of any use of violence, regardless of the perpetrator.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Coordinator, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, for his detailed briefing and the work that he is carrying out with his team. I also welcome the presence of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Jordan and Palestine. We are deeply concerned over what is no longer a status quo but a continuous deterioration of the situation on the ground, which is moving us further and further away from the two-State solution. The settlement in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues unabated and undermines the very foundation and feasibility of a two-State solution. Numerous legislative initiatives contribute to encouraging the settlement policy and facilitating accompanying measures, such as demolitions, evictions and forced displacements.”
2019-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8625 (2019) · source
“Belgium remains resolutely determined to combat terrorism. That is the collective will of the Council but, for us, one thing is clear: counter-terrorism operations do not absolve the parties to a conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law. The parties must respect the norms applicable to armed conflict and the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. Bombing civilians, schools and hospitals has nothing to do with fighting terrorism. To the contrary, all it does is to create fertile ground for more terrorism.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): We fully subscribe to the statement made by the representative of Germany on behalf of the three penholders. Let me to make a few remarks in my national capacity. First, we deeply regret the fact that certain members of the Council were not able to support draft resolution S/2019/ 756, on the humanitarian situation in north-western Syria, which we proposed. From the beginning, the three co-penholders worked in a transparent and constructive manner. We did our utmost to bring together the different positions up to the last day of negotiations. For us, the protection of human lives should be at the heart of any resolution on Idlib. By not achieving consensus on the draft text, whose purpose is purely humanitarian, the Council has unfortunately failed the people of Idlib.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“This conflict is the main factor behind the humanitarian crisis and violence in South Sudan, a crisis that is completely human-caused. The Revitalized Agreement represents the window of opportunity for lasting peace in South Sudan. Let us not lose this opportunity.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“As suggested by the Secretary- General in his report (S/2019/741), we encourage the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to continue to adopt a more mobile and robust approach and to strengthen its early-warning and monitoring capabilities, while continuing to ensure security in and around civilian-protection sites. Any return of displaced persons must be voluntary, safe, dignified and well informed. No lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan can be found without urgently and effectively addressing the many abuses. We call on the Government to end the culture of impunity, thoroughly investigate all cases of sexual violence and other abuses and bring those responsible for those crimes to justice. We call for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms, including the Hybrid Court.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“The protection of civilians remains a daunting challenge. Human rights abuses continue and sexual violence continues, unfortunately affecting entire communities. The protection of civilians and the provision of services to the population are primarily the responsibility of the authorities. We call on all parties in South Sudan to address key protection risks, extend the rule of law and invest essential funds in the setting up of services throughout the country. Humanitarian access remains essential for the South Sudanese people.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“I would mention in particular the establishment of security arrangements, the status of Juba, including the issue of the VIP protection force, the finalization of internal boundaries, the development of a road map for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and the full release of implementation funds announced by the Government. Finally, the signatory parties must form a transitional Government by 12 November, as agreed in the agreement and publicly reconfirmed by President Kiir and Mr. Machar last week. As for the non-signatory parties, we urge them to join the Revitalized Agreement. The commitment, monitoring and support of the States of the region are essential to ensure the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative David Shearer for his briefing and for his exceptional work under particularly difficult conditions. Last week's meeting in Juba between President Kiir and Riek Machar is an important step in the right direction, a step that was long overdue. Trust between political leaders is essential for a successful peace process. We also note as a positive development that political violence has decreased even though intercommunity violence, sexual violence and crime persist. We must now build on that positive momentum. There are only two months left before the end of the extended pre-transition period. All stakeholders must therefore make rapid progress on a number of key issues.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“We placed particular focus on the issues concerning the situation of children; women and peace and security; demining; international humanitarian law; and climate and security. In conclusion, I reaffirm Belgium's support for UNAMA and the Afghan people and express our unwavering solidarity with the latter on the heels of the latest attack that they just experienced.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium today voted in favour of the compromise resolution 2489 (2019), on extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The language of the resolution provides UNAMA with a significant mandate, as well as the necessary political guidance to carry out its mission. We regret, however, that reaching a more substantial outcome was not possible owing, frankly, to an issue not pertaining to the mandate. We thank both co-penholders for their efforts to ensure a transparent process and take into account the views of every delegation. During the negotiations, our delegation was fully and actively engaged in shoring up the guidance that the Security Council will provide the Mission.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“In that context, we welcome the talks organized by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah so as to identify a solution to the situation in the south, and we call on all parties to participate constructively. Violence in the rest of the country continues and exacerbates the lack of trust between the parties. In addition, such violence hampers access to humanitarian assistance. We call on all parties to cease hostilities throughout the country. Belgium remains very concerned about the high number of child victims of air strikes and ground fighting and demands that all parties take immediate measures to protect children.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“In that context, Belgium stresses the importance of taking measures to protect against sexual and gender-based violence, such as the establishment of structures and services to respond to sexual violence. Belgium encourages the Special Envoy to continue to prepare the next steps in the political process, which must be inclusive, with the meaningful participation of women and young people, so as to adequately reflect the ethnic, geographical and political diversity of the population of Yemen. As stressed in presidential statement S/PRST/2019/9, of 29 August, a political agreement negotiated following an inclusive dialogue is the way to resolve disputes and address the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis, including those in the south.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“We commend the humanitarian agencies for their outstanding work despite the difficulties encountered. It is critical that all parties facilitate access for humanitarian assistance and respect international humanitarian law. We draw the Council's attention to the excellent and recently published report of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen (A/HRC/42/17). Belgium is part of the core group of supporters of the Human Rights Council resolution 36/31, which established the Group of Experts. We will support the extension of the mandate at the next session. We call on the parties to honour their obligations and commitments under international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“With respect to Al-Hudaydah, we welcome the outcome of the last meeting of the Redeployment Coordination Committee on 8 and 9 September, in particular regarding the de-escalation mechanism and the activation of the joint operations centre. We reiterate our call on all parties to fully implement the withdrawal agreement, respect the ceasefire in its entirety and resolve outstanding points of disagreement. I take this opportunity to congratulate Lieutenant General Guha on his appointment to head the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement. We continue to call on all parties to implement the Stockholm Agreement in its entirety, including the prisoner exchange agreement and the Taiz agreement. Additional efforts are needed to improve the humanitarian situation, which remains catastrophic, as we have heard.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (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. We strongly condemn the serious drone and missile attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, including this weekend's attacks on oil installations, which were claimed by the Houthis. Such attacks are unacceptable and jeopardize the efforts to reach a lasting political solution to the conflict. We also join the Secretary- General in both condemning and calling on all the parties to exercise maximum restraint in the current climate of tension.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“The recent outbreaks of violence, in Birao, for example, are unacceptable. In that context, the sanctions regime remains relevant. I will conclude by reiterating Belgium's support for President Touadera's Government, Special Representative Mankeur Ndiaye and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.”
2019-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8617 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I, too, would like to welcome our colleague from the United States. Belgium welcomes today's adoption of resolution 2488 (2019), through which the Security Council notes the progress made by the Central African Republic in reforming its security sector. Its authorities now benefit from the easing of the arms embargo imposed on the country. It demonstrates the trust we have in the Central African Republic and our support for efforts to restore State authority. The signing of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, on 6 February, marked a new beginning. We support the Government in its efforts. We also call on other signatories to respect their commitments.”
2019-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8617 (2019) · source
“Finally, I wish to acknowledge the crucial role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and all United Nations agencies in supporting peace, prosperity and the promotion of human rights in Afghanistan. Belgium, for its part, remains committed to supporting Afghanistan by providing military training through the Resolute Support Mission and contributing financially to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We are eagerly awaiting the next report of the Secretary-General on the situation of children in armed conflict in Afghanistan and look forward to the Council taking decisive action in that regard. The treatment of detainees, including minors, requires particular attention. Before concluding, I would like to reaffirm Belgium's determination to implement the sanctions regime of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) in order to dissuade the Taliban from supporting Al-Qaida and its affiliates and discourage attacks against the Afghan Government. We echo the Committee Chair's appeal to Member States to provide information to keep the sanctions list as up-to-date as possible and to assist the Committee in enhancing the effectiveness of sanctions measures.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Belgium remains gravely concerned by the high number of civilian casualties and the growing number of displaced persons, due to both the conflict and the drought. We recall the obligation of all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and to take immediate measures to prevent civilian casualties. The proliferation of attacks against humanitarian workers is unacceptable, as they deprive the most vulnerable communities of access to vital aid. We also condemn the indiscriminate use ofimprovised explosive devices. We strongly condemn all violations and abuses perpetrated against children in Afghanistan and deplore the record number of minor victims in the past year.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Belgium fully supports the holding of credible, free and fair presidential elections, which would strengthen the legitimacy of State institutions and pave the way for intra-Afghan dialogue. A high voter turnout will be crucial in order to reflect the democratic will of the Afghan people. In that context, we strongly condemn the attacks announced by the Taliban and others on the electoral process. Attacks targeting schools and hospitals are particularly heinous. We encourage the Government to honour its commitments under the Safe Schools Declaration and to take every measure to protect those serving atpolling stations during elections. We also recall the importance of maintaining a level playing field for all candidates and all stakeholders.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We fully support the Afghan Government's central role in the peace process and call on the Taliban to engage in talks with the Government and to control their combatants in order to put a stop to any future attacks. A lasting peace agreement must preserve the gains made in women's rights at all costs, as it would be extremely unjust to sacrifice progress in that area. We also stress the importance of the meaningful and equal participation of women in the peace process and, in that regard, we attach particular significance to the implementation of the new phase of Afghanistan's national action plan on human rights in line with resolution 1325 (2000). Belgium, for its part, is supporting the implementation of the action plan through a contribution to UN-Women.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (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. At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto for his briefing, as well as Mr. Fedotov and Ambassador Djani. We remain convinced of the need for peace talks. Unfortunately, we cannot ignore the fact that those talks were held in the context of a proliferation of extremely deadly terrorist attacks. Using the lives of children, women and men as a means of pressure in negotiations is unacceptable. One cannot hold the pen to sign a peace agreement in one hand and a bomb in the other. After so many years of conflict, the Afghan people deserve lasting peace and a peace agreement that is acceptable to the Afghan people and their Government.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The European Union has long supported the strengthening of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture. African operations that are complementary to United Nations operations must be able to benefit from sound financing, with full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as the budgetary rules of the Organization. 1 am confident that we will find common ground in this regard.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“The European Union and the United Nations have developed a strong and targeted partnership that operates on the ground, from the Central African Republic to Mali. In many situations, European Union activities complement those mandated by the Security Council, for example in supporting security-sector reform. The partnership between the United Nations and the African Union is also vital. Indeed, that is why we will be present in Addis Ababa next month. Talks are under way on the question of United Nations funding for African Union missions. We welcome the path being forged by the African Union, particularly through the revitalization of the Peace Fund aimed at providing predictable and sustainable funding for peace initiatives on the continent.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source