YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Den Akker

lines on the record: 58
first: 2018-04-16
most recent: 2019-08-02
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-security-council

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

“We support efforts to prevent the recruitment and use of children, secure their release and ensure their comprehensive and successful reintegration through long-term interventions that follow a rights-based approach and incorporate a gender perspective. A full version this statement has been submitted to the Secretariat.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Accountability is an essential element of prevention, and those responsible for grave violations must be brought to justice. The EU reiterates its continued support for the International Criminal Court. In resolution 2427 (2018), the Security Council stated that children formerly recruited by armed groups should be treated primarily as victims of violations of international law. That includes children formerly associated with violent extremist groups, whose human rights must be fully respected in line with international law. Unfortunately, in some areas of the world, we see the prosecution of minors and their parents taking place without the required due process and safeguards. This is an issue of grave concern for the European Union. The children and armed conflict agenda remains a high priority for the European Union.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“The EU hopes that the subdivision into two sections within each of the annexes will be a basis for maintaining the high level of requirements for delisting and will create incentives for listed parties to swiftly take effective measures to protect children. The Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, currently chaired by Belgium, continues to make a vital contribution. We welcome the recent adoption of conclusions on Syria and the clear condemnation of the Syrian regime for its actions, as well as the adoption of conclusions on Myanmar. The ACT to Protect campaign launched by the Special Representative in April, should make a valuable contribution to awareness-raising and strengthening efforts to end and prevent all six grave violations against children.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“We are carefully monitoring the so-called consolidation process of protection functions in peace operations and would welcome a Secretariat briefing on it at a later time. We welcome the signing of new action plans, as well as the Special Representative's continued efforts in that regard. Of course, the signing of an action plan is not an end in itself. We must remain focused on implementation. The annual report on children and armed conflict plays a crucial role by providing us with verified and impartial information collected through the monitoring and reporting mechanism, and the lists in its annexes are an essential tool in holding parties accountable. It is vital that the integrity and objectivity of both the monitoring and reporting mechanism and the listing process be maintained.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Many of those children suffer long-term disabilities, and we welcome the adoption in June of resolution 2475 (2019), co-authored by Poland and the United Kingdom, which addresses the specific needs of children with disabilities in situations of armed conflict. We also welcome the adoption in April of resolution 2467 (2019), at the initiative of Germany, which acknowledges that women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual violence in armed conflicts and includes important new commitments on the protection of girls and boys from sexual violence, as well as children born of sexual violence. The United Nations system is equipped with a range of tools to protect children in conflict situations. We salute the work of UNICEF and other United Nations child-protection staff working in countries affected by conflict.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Executive Director Henrietta Fore, both for their briefings today and for their continued leadership. We thank the Secretary-General for his annual report (S/2019/509), which identifies some positive developments. But it is troubling to note that the total number of grave violations, which was already quite significant, has further increased. That includes over 12,000 cases of killing and maiming. It is clear that we must do more to address this particular violation in a context where the use of indiscriminate and excessive force, notably in urban areas, is leading to increased numbers of child casualties.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Mr. Van den Akker: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's debate, as well as to congratulate Poland on taking up the presidency of the Security Council. I must also pay particular tribute to our two civil society briefers, Ms. Mariatu Kamara and Mr. Majok Peter Awan. I would also like to thank Ms.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“The instruments, strategies and political commitments are there; now is the time for their implementation. We sincerely thank Germany and France for placing the women and peace and security agenda at the centre of their presidencies, and we once again reiterate the EU's full commitment to engage in those common efforts.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, gender-sensitive training should be encouraged for all United Nations peacekeeping missions' components to create a non-hostile environment for women, mitigating, therefore, the occurrence of gender-based violence incidents and acts of hatred against women across contingents, as well as sexual exploitation and abuse incidents. Fourthly, all Member States should be encouraged to adopt national action plans, including adequate budgeting and detailed operative actions, to ensure women's full participation in the security sector. Fifthly, the collection of data related to the composition of all mission components should be ensured, along with a consistent procedures to strictly monitor the deployment of women and their effective participation in all the peacekeeping processes and at all levels.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“To make a real difference and if we are to fulfil the commitments that we collectively made in Action for Peacekeeping and the Declaration of Shared Commitments, progress on the participation of women in peace operations needs to go hand and hand with progress on all other aspects of the women and peace and security agenda. We would recall five key priorities in that context. First, we should ensure adequate financing for peacekeeping operations to deliver on their women and peace and security and human rights mandates. Secondly, a minimum number of gender units and gender advisers should be set for all United Nations missions, and their deployment should be reinforced in settings where women's rights are particularly at stake and conflict-related sexual violence is widespread.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Moreover, as mentioned during the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial on 29 March, we have agreed to organize a joint United Nations-EU workshop in Brussels on enabling factors for engaging more women in all roles and areas of expertise and at all levels of peacekeeping and crisis management. The aim of that joint effort is to build on already ongoing work and existing data in this area and arrive at a set of practical recommendations that will be widely shared. We hope to encourage the practice of regular informed and practical exchanges on enabling factors for engaging more women in peacekeeping among EU member States, other United Nations troop- and police-contributing countries and experts in this area.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“When the EU and the United Nations agreed to reinforce the EU-United Nations long-standing partnership on peacekeeping and crisis management in the margins of the General Assembly last September, we made women and peace and security the first, out of eight, joint priorities for our cooperation in the three upcoming years, 2019-2021, as well as a cross-cutting priority across all areas of cooperation. To ensure progress in the first year of implementation, our missions and operations are already working together on the ground to enhance the integration of a gender perspective throughout their activities. We are mapping ongoing cooperation on the ground, on the basis of which we will identify strategic areas for further cooperation.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“The first female Head of Mission was appointed to an EU civilian mission in 2015, and five out of 10 civilian missions have women in place as Head or Deputy Head of Mission. Despite those improvements, the growth that we have witnessed has been too slow to achieve our ultimate goal: gender equality in peacekeeping and peace-resolution processes, which entails far more than increasing the number of female peacekeepers. While the prime responsibility of addressing barriers and improving procedures for deployment lies with troop- and police-contributing countries, the European Union is fully committed to doing its part.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“The 15 per cent goal for military observers and staffofficers, set at the London 2016 Peacekeeping Ministerial, was not met in 2018. Fewer than 5 per cent of military contingents and less than 8 per cent of the members of formed police units are women, while among individual police officers the numbers are slightly better, at 20 per cent. As for Government-provided corrections and justice personnel, the proportion of women stands at 25 per cent. Only 28 per cent ofcivilians in peacekeeping operations are women. We face very similar challenges at the EU level. Women compose around 30 per cent of all staff in EU civilian missions, and about 5 per cent of military missions and operations.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“The European Union in particular welcomes the recently adopted uniformed gender-parity strategy for the period 2018- 2028, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support's policy on gender- responsive United Nations peacekeeping operations and the efforts taken in the context of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative. A concrete example of those efforts is the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, which became the first United Nations peacekeeping operation to have a female Force Commander, and now has all its components headed by women, as well as a female Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Despite progress, almost 20 years since the adoption of the Security Council's landmark resolution 1325 (2000) and the subsequent resolutions on women and peace and security, we are still lagging behind.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Mr. Van Den Akker: I speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Experience clearly shows that the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in peace operations is critical to helping a country transition from conflict to sustainable peace. The United Nations has taken important steps in that regard.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Girls are significantly affected by recruitment and use by armed forces and groups, with some estimates indicating that as many as 40 per cent of children associated with armed forces or armed groups are female. The EU seeks to ensure that the specific obstacles to the education of girls in emergencies are fully taken into account in its activities and programming. Girls should no longer constitute the invisible side of reintegration programmes.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“In the EU's new Communication on Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises, children associated with armed forces and groups are specifically identified as a group to be given priority for support in access to education. The EU's commitment to education in emergencies is at 8 per cent of its humanitarian aid budget in 2018 and will increase to 10 per cent as of 2019 - far above the global average. The EU is also deeply concerned by the high rate of sexual Violence against girls and boys in conflict. In 2017, the EU allocated almost (522 million in humanitarian aid for the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence worldwide.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Earlier this year we marked the eighteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, a crucial instrument for the protection of children. I take this opportunity to encourage all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol. All EU member States have endorsed the Paris Principles and the Paris Commitments, and I call on all States that have not yet done so to also endorse them. The children and armed conflict agenda is a priority for the European Union. EU-funded projects provide vital assistance to children in a range of conflict situations. We support efforts to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers, secure their release and ensure their comprehensive and successful reintegration through long-term interventions.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“By properly supporting children after they have left armed forces or groups, we make them less vulnerable to re-recruitment, help to prevent the recurrence of conflict and support their reintegration into communities. This requires long-term, sustainably funded, comprehensive and gender-sensitive reintegration programmes. We must recognize that children are recruited by groups that operate across borders, and design reintegration programmes accordingly. We cannot wait until there is peace before taking steps to protect children, but instead integrate child protection into peace processes. We therefore welcome the launch of a process to compile practical guidance on the integration of child protection issues in peace processes.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The report highlights the devastating impact of a number of protracted and new crises and plays a crucial role by providing us with verified and impartial information on violations, collected through the monitoring and reporting mechanism. But the annual report also documents the progress that has been achieved, which would not have been possible without the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Gamba and her team, UNICEF and other United Nations actors, including United Nations peacekeeping child-protection teams, and civil society. We welcome the active role that Special Representative of the Secretary-General Gamba has played since her appointment last year. By protecting children and ensuring that their human rights are respected, we build more stable and peaceful societies.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Resolution 2427 (2018), which the Council has just adopted, provides a comprehensive framework for child protection and children's rights, well-being and empowerment throughout the conflict cycle to prevent conflict and sustain peace. I must at this stage acknowledge the indispensable role of child- protection experts working in countries affected by conflict, including child-protection advisers in United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. They do vital work in challenging environments and deserve the full support of all States Members ofthe United Nations. The annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2018/465) sets out in detail how children in situations of armed conflict continue to be subjected to appalling violations of their human rights.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this statement. First, I would like to warmly thank today's briefers, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Gamba, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and Ms. Yenny Londofio. I would also like to thank the Swedish presidency for having organized today's debate and for its unstinting efforts as Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We need to continue to protect the vital role of humanitarian agencies and respect their impartiality and the humanitarian space in addressing the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable. In conclusion, it is important that the international community remain strongly committed to supporting Afghanistan in its pursuit of long-term peace, security and stability. The EU expects that the recent initiatives of President Ghani and of the Afghan Government will lead to the establishment of a genuine peace process. The EU continues to consider UNAMA a key partner in achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan. UNAMA has an invaluable role in ensuring the broadest possible international support for an Afghan-led and -owned process. The EU will continue to support those efforts with all the means at its disposal.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“To that end, the EU has continued the implementation of the two regional programmes targeting migration and regional displacement in Asia. From 1 January to 31 March, UNAMA recorded 2,258 civilian casualties in Afghanistan, reflecting a similarly high casualty toll as compared to the first three months of 2016 and 2017. The persistently high levels of violence and its corresponding impact on civilians remains a deep concern for the EU. It is extremely worrying that the proportion of women and children killed and injured remains high. We call on all parties to protect the civilian population, especially women and children. Conflict-related violence also destroys livelihoods, homes and property, displaces families and limits access to education, health and other services.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“That is something the EU and its States members agree upon, and we reiterated the fact that the implementation of the Joint Way Forward must be continued in a spirit of partnership, while taking into account each party's sensitivities. At the same time, the regional dimension of migration remains high on the EU's agenda and is being addressed in the political dialogue, as well as through financial assistance. The EU has made a strong commitment to address the key challenges of irregular migration and forced displacement in Afghanistan, as well as in the region, and to work towards finding a comprehensive regional solution, while focusing on the root causes of migration and ensuring the sustainable reintegration of returned Afghan nationals within the country.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The EU and its States members remain committed to supporting the Afghan electoral process, and the EU has pledged â‚¬15.5 million to assist the parliamentary and district elections, together with other members of the international community under the coordination of UNAMA. The EU and Afghanistan are continuing their comprehensive dialogue on migration. The latest discussion on the Afghanistan Joint Way Forward took place on 6 May, at which Afghanistan reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the Joint Way Forward and underlined the importance of dignified, safe and orderly returns and for special attention to be paid to vulnerable groups.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“It is imperative that the elections take place according to schedule and in a credible, transparent and inclusive manner, in view of ensuring the credibility of Government reforms that will be presented at the ministerial conference in Geneva. The EU notes with some concern that actions remain to be taken to address delays in preparation for the elections and that there is a lack of outreach to the provinces and delays in setting up fully functional electoral institutions. All efforts must be deployed now to resolve those difficulties and make the holding of the elections possible within the announced time frame. The successful organization of the elections will be an important prelude to next year's presidential elections and can provide a firm foundation on which to begin preparations for that event.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Tangible measures against corruption demonstrating the political will to address the issue are of particular importance. Likewise, efforts to protect and further expand girls and women's rights and enhance their empowerment must continue. The application of capital punishment remains a great concern for us, and the EU has underlined its principled opposition to any form of the death penalty. It has continued to call for an outright abolition of the death penalty in due course, beginning with an immediate moratorium as a first step. On the other hand, it is positive that the new Afghan penal code significantly limits the number of crimes to which the death penalty can be applied. The upcoming parliamentary and district elections in October are of vital importance for the stability of Afghanistan.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Human rights form an integral part of the structured dialogue between the EU and Afghanistan under the Cooperation Agreement for Partnership and Development. In that context, the first meeting of the special working group on human rights, good governance and migration was held on 5 May in Kabul, during which we held a substantial and open discussion about a wide range of topics in the area of human rights and good governance. The discussions confirmed that Afghanistan has sound legislation in place in various areas, or is about to adopt such legislation in the near future. What is still lacking, however, is effective implementation. There is definitely room for improvement in many areas. During our dialogue, we identified some of the actions that need to be taken to ensure progress.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Regional actors have an important role to play in facilitating the process. The next ministerial conference on Afghanistan, to be held in late November in Geneva, will be an important opportunity to highlight linkages between a future reconciliation process and broader political, economic and social challenges. The conference will also take stock of the implementation of the Afghan Government's reform package committed to at the Brussels conference on Afghanistan in October 2016. We support NATO-led Resolute Support Mission efforts to provide further training, advice and assistance to the Afghan security forces and institutions. Respect for human rights and democratic elections continue to be a focus for the EU's dialogue with the Afghan authorities and the EU's actions in the country.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Meaningful and enduring peace in Afghanistan requires continuous and inclusive dialogue and engagement, and the EU is ready to support that process. In that light, the European Union supports the Kabul process for peace and security. High Representative of the European Union Mogherini, at the Tashkent conference on peace, security and regional development held on 28 March, offered EU support for peace negotiations and increased EU assistance for women's empowerment, regional economic development and the reintegration of refugees and former fighters. The EU reiterates the importance of the Afghan Government and the Taliban moving towards a political settlement, which has to be Afghan-led and Afghan owned. Therefore, the Kabul process on peace and security should be the main international forum and vehicle to support such talks.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The recent historic ceasefires between the Afghan Government and the Taliban during Eid Al-Fitr have given the Afghan people much-needed respite from too many years of conflict. Popular support for that initiative was overwhelming. The gathering of Afghans from all sides - with Government officials, soldiers, members of the Taliban exchanging Eid Al-Fitr greetings and attending prayers together - has given a sense of what peace in Afghanistan could look like. The European Union commends both parties for honouring their commitments. President Ghani's decision to offer a 10- day extension of the ceasefire was another courageous step to make way for peace negotiations, and we call on the Taliban to reciprocate.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“As stated previously on several occasions, the EU strongly acknowledges the crucial role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and all the relevant United Nations agencies in supporting the Afghan people, while encouraging peace and reconciliation, monitoring and promoting human rights and coordinating the international community's assistance. The EU wishes to have the closest possible relationship with UNAMA in a spirit of transparent and open cooperation on the ground and in international formats for the ultimate benefit of Afghanistan. The EU supports President Ghani's peace offer to the Taliban extended at the February meeting of the Kabul process for peace and security.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Mr. Van Den Akker: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 28 member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. First of all, I would like to thank the Secretary- General for his comprehensive report (S/2018/539) and the strategic review. Our thanks also go to Special Representative Yamamoto, Mr. Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Under-Secretary-General Voronkov for their respective briefings.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Together with the Libyan authorities, the United Nations and the African Union, it is also committed to setting up a more efficient system to manage migration, in particular to improve migrants' living conditions in Libya and ensure they can be repatriated should they wish to be, while meeting international humanitarian standards. Lastly, the EU has deployed a military mission and a civilian mission to provide further assistance to Libya. The EU will sustain its engagement in Libya and continue to do its utmost to contribute to its stabilization and national reconciliation. The meeting rose at 4.50 p.m.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Finally, with respect to Libya, the EU remains fully committed to an inclusive inter-Libyan political process, and we express full support to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salame's efforts to achieve a political settlement and ensure that elections take place by the end of 2018, once the proper conditions are in place, as outlined in Special Representative Salame's statement to the Council on 21 May (see S/PV.8263) and in line with the 6 June presidential statement of the Security Council (S/PRST/2018/11), which welcomed the momentum generated by the international conference on Libya, which took place in Paris on 29 May. The EU remains the main provider of humanitarian aid and cooperation in Libya.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a key element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture, enshrined in resolution 2231 (2015) and is essential to the security of the region and beyond. It has been working and is delivering on its goal. As long as Iran implements its nuclear-related commitments, the EU will remain firmly committed to the continued full and effective implementation of the JCPOA. The EU deeply regrets the decision of the President of the United States to withdraw from the JCPOA. While the EU expresses its concerns related to ballistic missiles and increasing tensions in the region, it reiterates the need to address them outside the JCPOA in the relevant formats and forums.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The EU expresses its concern about the fact that the most recent developments risk undermining United Nations-led efforts to resume negotiations towards a political solution of the conflict and welcomes the Organization's determination, as expressed by Mr. Martin Griffiths, to move ahead with the political process. The EU condemns the launch of ballistic missiles by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including at civilian targets, and against vessels transiting through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. The EU expresses grave concerns about the proliferation of ballistic missiles and technology in the region as such actions feed regional tensions.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The EU is seriously concerned about the recent intensification of the military operations in and around the city ofHodeidah, including the impact ofthe military operations by the coalition on the civilian population. The EU reiterates its strong condemnation of attacks against civilians, urges all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and fully respect international humanitarian law, including by providing unimpeded humanitarian access and safe passage for those who wish to escape the fighting. The EU also calls on all parties to ensure the full and effective functioning of Al-Hudaydah port as the lifeline for humanitarian support and commercial access point for essential supplies.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“In that respect, the EU urges the Security Council to rapidly re-establish an independent attribution mechanism to ensure accountability for perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks. In that regard, the EU regrets the Russian vetoes of the renewal of the JIM. mandate in November 2017. The EU reiterates that Syria needs apolitical solution and a political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex), negotiated by the Syrian parties within the United Nations-led Geneva process. We commend the efforts of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and call for the swift establishment of the constitutional committee, including the full and effective participation of women without further delay. The EU reaffirms its extreme concern about the continuing deterioration of the situation in Yemen.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The Syrian regime and its allies have started an offensive in the region of Dar'a, in south-western Syria, in a de-escalation zone that the Astana guarantors committed to safeguarding. All necessary measures to protect civilian lives, as well as unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access must be ensured. The EU reiterates its strong condemnation of the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Da'esh as confirmed by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). The EU reiterates the strong need for accountability in Syria for all war crimes committed and in particular for the use of chemical weapons. The use of such weapons is a war crime and crime against humanity.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The Syrian conflict has entered its eighth year of continuous and widespread violence, brutal violation of international law, as well as the repeated use of chemical weapons by the regime and Da'esh. The Syrian regime bears the overwhelming responsibility for that situation. The continued deliberate denial and obstruction of humanitarian access to those in need must stop. Unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access must be implemented, as called for most recently in resolution 2401 (2018). The EU deplores the repeated violations of the so-called de-escalation areas and urges the Astana guarantors, Russia, Iran and Turkey, to ensure a complete and durable cessation of hostilities throughout the whole Syrian territory.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Those leading the protests in Gaza, including Hamas and other groups, have a responsibility to avoid provocations and ensure that they remain strictly non-violent. We condemn the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel. We underscore the EU's clear, consolidated position on Jerusalem as a final status issue and will continue to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem embodied in, inter alia, resolution 478 (1980), including on the diplomatic representations until the final status of Jerusalem is resolved. The European Union remains deeply concerned about the recent significant reductions of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In an already unstable region UNRWA must remain able to carry out its important function.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“We are deeply alarmed about the sharp escalation of violence we witnessed most recently in Gaza, which left a large number of Palestinians dead and injured. We underscore the absolute urgency of addressing the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and express our firm support to the efforts of United Nations Special Coordinator Mladenov in that regard. Israel must respect the right to peaceful protest and ensure the use of proportional measures when protecting its legitimate security interests. We urge all parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and to act with utmost restraint to avoid further loss of life. Israeli security forces must refrain from the excessive use of force against unarmed civilians. The lethal use of force should be exercised with maximum restraint and only as a last resort to protect life.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“I am pleased to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The European Union (EU) ensures that the Middle East peace process remains high on its political agenda at a time when the region faces many other challenges. The European Union remains fully committed to its known positions on the parameters for a two-State solution and to the importance of avoiding steps that erode the viability of the two-State solution, as laid down in the Quartet report of July 2016, including in particular continued Israeli settlement activity, which is illegal under international law and remains an obstacle to peace, as reaffirmed by resolution 2334 (2016), and acts of incitement and violence.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The EU would like to see us all collectively continue to build on and strengthen what is already in place. Furthermore, we must all acknowledge and address the necessity of partnerships and clear roles and responsibilities, as well as the close alignment of programmes. We must also ask ourselves the uncomfortable question of whose security and safety are being addressed and resourced, and whether there are things we are not yet doing, but need to be done. We heed the call of the Secretary-General to reinforce our efforts, with urgency, to prevent and protect more women, girls, men and boys from falling victim to those heinous crimes and we hope that others will join us in that fight. A full version ofthis statement will be posted online.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“We have identified 43 multi-year projects, with an overall value of â‚¬43 million, and two multi-country programmes, with an overall value of â‚¬8.5 million. The EU will continue to accelerate the implementation of our commitments to eliminating sexual and gender-based violence, both within and outside our borders and in times of peace, crisis and conflict. We will continue to provide specific support to victims of violence, including in the most remote and fragile areas. The EU is also strengthening efforts to ensure that women, girls, men and boys who arrive in the European Union fleeing conflict, instability, persecution, discrimination or violence, including sexual violence, have access to medical care, legal support, appropriate trauma counselling and psychosocial care.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“In June 2017, the EU took over the leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies - a global initiative of more than 76 stakeholders to make sure that all humanitarian actors work together to prevent and mitigate gender-based violence, from the earliest onset ofa crisis. Also in June 2017, the EU signed the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. With that signature, we committed to further strengthening the existing legal framework on preventing and combating violence against women. The EU is also continuously working to improve its procedures and practices in its civilian missions and military operations. Last year, we took stock of our programmes and projects that address conflict-related sexual violence.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source
“In addition, we stress the importance of actions designed and implemented in partnership with civil society, ensuring that they are able to influence the analysis, design and planning of activities related to the prevention and protection against conflict-related sexual violence. We are troubled about the continuously shrinking space for civil society in many parts of the world, including attempts to silence women's voices by threatening them with rape. In 2017, the EU allocated almost â‚¬22 million in humanitarian aid to the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence worldwide.”
2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source