YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Oosterom

lines on the record: 1,049
first: 2013-08-19
most recent: 2019-10-29
sittings or episodes: 159
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

“Furthermore, we will continue our efforts to enhance the meaningful participation of women in peace processes and to increase the number of uniformed women in peacekeeping missions, including in leadership roles. In conclusion, let me quote Leymah Gbowee, the Liberian women's rights advocate and celebrated Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who said that we have the power to stop war and to "turn our upside-down world right- side up". We agree. All of us have that power. All the necessary elements are present in the comprehensive agenda that is the women and peace and security agenda. Now we, collectively, need to do our utmost to achieve its full implementation.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“International humanitarian and human rights law should, of course, be respected My third point concerns our commitment to implementation. We need to go beyond words. The gap between our commitments and their implementation remains wide - too wide. That is something we all have to take responsibility for. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to the full implementation of all elements of the women and peace and security agenda. We will make use of next year's momentum to develop our fourth national action plan, with enhanced accountability and a stronger national pillar. Moreover, starting in 2021, we will double our funding for women, peace and security.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“We need to ensure across the world that women rights defenders are protected and can do their crucial work without interference and without fearing for their lives. My second point is the importance of a survivor- centred approach. When it comes to protection against conflict-related sexual violence, it is essential to adopt a survivor-centred approach, to listen to survivors and to respect their dignity, their rights and their wishes. Survivors should be the drivers of their own personal recovery process. They should be provided support in the form of information and comprehensive services, including those related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. In addition, they should have access to mental health and psychosocial support.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“We need to stand together to ensure that the women and peace and security agenda is not weakened by compromising on agreed language, especially on sexual and reproductive health and rights. In this statement, I will highlight three aspects of this agenda: first, women human rights defenders; secondly, the survivor-centred approach; and thirdly, our commitment to implementation. On my first point, women's organizations and women human rights defenders play key roles in promoting peace and security at multiple levels. We are deeply concerned that, on the whole, violence against them is rising. For instance, in Colombia in the first half of 2019, 447 threats, 20 homicides and 13 homicide attempts against women leaders, human rights defenders and peacebuilders were recorded.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“I thank you so very much, Madam President, for personally presiding over this open debate. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statements to be delivered by the representative of Canada, on behalf of 55 Member States, and on behalf of the European Union. We are on the eve of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Calling for the full and effective implementation of all elements of this very important women and peace and security agenda could not be more important. This year's report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2019/800) is very clear on that point. We simply cannot lower our guard.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption1 (2019) · source
“May I also say to Major General Lund that we are inspired both by her presence in the Chamber today and by the fact that she is a role model for many of us, and certainly for the military in my country.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“We need to instil a gender-responsive attitude across all mission pillars and personnel. That applies to both women and men. We do that in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for example, by means of a gender-in-operations course. It is also about the numbers. To get the numbers right at the United Nations, we support the female military officers course. We hope that more countries can do that as well. In conclusion, improving our missions' effectiveness through increased female participation is crucial for our efforts to modernize United Nations peacekeeping. Increasing female participation featured prominently in the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which we signed last September. Let us redouble our efforts to make increased female participation a reality. It is time for us to walk the talk.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“It is not rocket science. A lot can be achieved by simple measures - increasing efforts to recruit more women, appointing national gender advisers, creating gender- responsive criteria for deployment and providing adequate camp accommodation and equipment. Furthermore, it is not only about the hardware; the software in our minds, the culture, is also important. We need to create a culture in which we listen and are responsive to gender-specific needs. The Secretary- General is doing that through his uniformed gender- parity strategy, which we welcome, and we call on everyone to support it. My third, and last, point is this - in order to achieve the necessary change in culture we need proper gender training throughout the military curriculum, including predeployment and deployment training itself.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“We need to listen better to the real experts - women - when researching the current obstacles to their participation. All of us have heard stories of women becoming dehydrated because they stop drinking fluids in order to avoid a risky night-time trip to the toilet. That is unacceptable. We must work together to end those kinds of situations. The recently launched Elsie Initiative Fund will allow for additional research into TCC- and mission-specific barriers. That will enable us to develop targeted policy and interventions in response. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a proud supporter of the Elsie Initiative Fund, and we encourage other Member States to follow suit. That brings me to my second point, translating research into action. We need to bring down the barriers to equal participation, both at home and in missions.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“We acknowledge that we have made progress in the past 75 years, but we realize that in the Kingdom of the Netherlands we still struggle to get the numbers right. That is an issue I have also heard my colleagues discussing today. In trying to address the "how" question, I will to focus on three issues: first, a full analysis of the existing barriers; secondly, translating our findings into action; and, thirdly, matching action with training. On the first point, analysis of the existing barriers, there was a very good baseline study last year by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces. The study details the current barriers that women face in assuming military and police roles in United Nations peace operations. That itself was a positive step, but more needs to be done.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“We thank him for giving the issue of equal participation so much prominence in the important Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Having listened to other speakers this morning, we are pleased that we agree that we are no longer debating why more women should be involved in peace operations but are specifically discussing the question of how we can make that happen. Barriers to female participation differ across missions and across individual troop-contributing countries (TCCs). But the issue itself concerns us all. In the Kingdom of the Netherlands we have just celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of female participation in the armed forces. In that light, I am honoured that two female Dutch officers are members of my delegation today.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Let me say, Madam President, that we honoured by your personal presence here today. In honour of the German presidency of the Security Council this month, let me also try to thank you in German: Vielen Dank, Frau Varsitzende. We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later today by the observer of the European Union. We express deep appreciation to Germany and France for making the women and peace and security agenda a priority of their joint presidencies. We would also like to thank the German presidency for bringing more light and transparency to this gathering by opening the curtains and for its tremendous efforts for better timekeeping. We also applaud the Secretary-General for his statement this morning and for his leadership.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Let me finish by welcoming my good friend, Geir Pedersen, as the new incoming Special Envoy and by expressing support for his upcoming work on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015). We call on the new Envoy and both current and incoming Security Council members to commit themselves to the fight against impunity. The Syrian people deserve justice. To use the words of Staffan de Mistura from this weekend at the Doha Forum: justice is "like a candle and the light should never disappear... we need that light... because one day, sooner rather than later, that candle will be giving a feeling of hope to those who lost so many people due to this horror". I thank our dear friend Staffan for keeping that candlelight of hope andjustice alive.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Military victories will not lead to stability and will not lead to safety. In that respect, I reiterate our call on all parties to intensify their efforts to uphold the ceasefire in Idlib and find a negotiated and sustainable political solution. In the end, only an inclusive political process can solve the Syrian conflict. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to contribute towards that goal. Let me also take this opportunity to salute all ofthe countries that have contributed to the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham. The Coalition has achieved great progress, but much remains to be done. Let me associate myself with the points made in that regard by our French colleague just now. Also, in this specific context, we stress that extremism will not be defeated without a political solution for Syria.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“The conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees need to be met. That is currently not the case. The protection ofhousing, land and property rights need to be guaranteed. That would make reconciliation and return easier. We need a credible and inclusive political transition firmly under way before the European Union can even begin to consider reconstruction aid for Syria. I would like to emphasize the words of my Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stef Blok, who said: "It is unthinkable for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to finance a regime that is responsible for war crimes." In conclusion, the Syrian conflict forms one of the darkest and most violent episodes of our times. Unfortunately, it is far from over. There are those who believe in a military solution, but there is none.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We are looking forward to the prioritization, by the incoming Special Envoy, of the detainee and missing persons issue as an integral part of the political process. That brings me to my third point on accountability. Once more, we underline that lasting stability in Syria cannot be achieved without accountability for those responsible for war crimes. We repeat our support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism in Syria, and we emphasize that we will continue to actively promote accountability. The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates its calls for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. We regret that the Council has been blocked from doing so by the use of the veto. Let me also underline that structural changes are needed in the political situation and in the governance of Syria.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We are gravely concerned by the appalling situation in prisons, as was described in the most recent report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, which referred to torture and sexual violence. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross should have access to the prisons. We are horrified by the death notices of prisoners that the regime sends out to family members, and we are staunch advocates for support and access to information about prisoners for family members. We call on the parties involved to invest in confidence-building measures on the detainee issue. The Syrian regime should start a process of releasing all political prisoners.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“If the stamp of legitimacy cannot be given, we will support the incoming Special Envoy in his efforts to find an alternative way forward under resolution 2254 (2015). The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates that the establishment of the constitutional committee is not an end in itself, but part of a broader political process based on resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). Secondly, with regard to detainees, missing persons and torture, we express grave concern about the lack of progress on the detainees file. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been arrested, imprisoned and/or disappeared without due process at the hands of the Al-Assad regime.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We repeat the importance of a minimum of 30 per cent female representation in the constitutional committee and its subcommittees. We also call on the United Nations to take a leading role in the establishment of the working methods and the procedures of the committee, including provisions on a balanced chairing agreement. We welcome the fact that the United Nations has not closed the door on the constitutional committee and will go the extra mile. We are looking forward to the incoming Special Envoy's views on the viability of the necessary package for a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee. If it can be achieved, we would surely welcome a first meeting in Geneva.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“With regard to my first point concerning the constitutional committee, we fully support the efforts of the United Nations to convene the constitutional committee. We acknowledge the efforts of the Astana guarantors to find a way forward on the United Nations middle third list ofrepresentatives on the committee. Let me underline that a credible political process demands a constitutional committee that is credible, balanced and inclusive of all Syrians. The constitutional committee needs to be acceptable to all parties, including the Syrian opposition. A committee that does not meet those conditions would lack the necessary international legitimacy. We call on the United Nations to continue to monitor and ensure equal representation in the constitutional committee.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We thank Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura for his briefing. On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we thank him for his leadership, dedication, tenacity and commitment during his tenure as Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria. He has our fullest admiration. Under the most difficult circumstances, he has retained his empathy, compassion and humanity. We are specifically grateful to him for not compromising on amplifying the voices of civil society, and Syrian women in particular, to which we attach great value. I will focus on three points today: first, the constitutional committee; secondly, the fate of detainees and missing persons; and thirdly, accountability.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, the Kingdom ofthe Netherlands will continue to do its part in assisting Lebanon on this path. My Government has engaged in a long-term partnership with that beautiful country, and we will continue to do our utmost to be a true friend to the Lebanese people.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“We therefore call upon both sides to maintain this calm by fully respecting and implementing both resolutions. My third point on the need for a sustainable solution is that in our View, the current situation reaffirms the need for such a solution. This would include, first, the formation of a national unity Government in Lebanon without further delay; secondly, the development of a national defence strategy in Lebanon; and, thirdly, a clear recommitment to the full implementation of the dissociation policy by the Lebanese Government. In that context, Hizbullah should end its illegal and destabilizing activities. This must be combined with continued international support for Lebanon, including for the much-needed socioeconomic reforms and in building up the Lebanese Armed Forces.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“It has now been more than two weeks since the discovery of the first tunnel, so an investigation of the alleged starting points of the tunnels on the Lebanese side of the Blue Line is urgently needed. We welcome the announced willingness of the Lebanese Government to cooperate and allow access to the alleged starting points of the tunnels. We call on the Lebanese Government to make good on its commitment. The inspections should be carried out as soon as possible by the LAF, in close cooperation with UNIFIL. We look forward to further information and a conclusion of the investigations by UNIFIL. The second step is the need for full respect for resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004). Although the current situation is relatively calm and escalation has been prevented so far, violations on both sides of the Blue Line remain frequent.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“We deeply appreciate and support UNIFIL's role and proactive actions since the discovery of the tunnels. UNIFIL has been checking the tunnels on the Israeli side and has concluded so far that two of the four tunnels indeed cross the Blue Line, violating resolution 1701 (2006). UNIFIL has been able to decrease tensions. In doing so, the tripartite mechanism has again proved its added value. UNIFIL has also been in close contact with the Lebanese authorities. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have sent a very clear message on the need for an investigation on the northern side of the Blue Line. In our view, the following steps forward are needed. As a first step, the Lebanese Government and the LAF must take this issue very seriously and act responsibly.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“We strongly condemn these tunnel activities, which are part of Hizbullah's illegal and destabilizing activities in Lebanon and in the region. Hizbullah's actions are a flagrant violation of Israeli sovereignty and international law, such as laid down in resolution 1701 (2006). These tunnels pose a serious threat to regional stability. We recognize the Israeli right to defend itself, within the limits of international law, and we underline that Israel's concerns for its security are legitimate. We support the Israeli response in destroying these tunnels, which cross into Israeli territory on the Israeli side of the Blue Line. It is clear that these tunnels must be taken seriously by the international community and by the Council in particular. This brings me to my second point, on UNIFIL's role and the necessary steps forward.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“First of all, we thank Mr. Lacroix for his detailed briefing. Let me also at the outset express our appreciation for the work that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been doing since the discovery of the tunnels. We especially commend the able leadership of Force Commander Major General Del Col. We had a chance to discuss this matter in closed consultations last week, so let me reiterate three points today: first, our condemnation of the tunnels; secondly, appreciation of UNIFIL's role and the necessary steps forward; and, thirdly, the need for a sustainable solution. First, on the Hizbullah tunnels, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is very concerned aboutthe discovery offour tunnels - constructed by Hizbullah - on the northern Israeli border with Lebanon.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, two years after the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016), we have to recognize that we continue to reaffirm our collective commitment to a two-State solution, while the situation on the ground is developing towards a one-State reality. That development must be reversed. Positive steps are urgently needed to restart a genuine peace process, leading to a two-State solution based on internationally agreed parameters. We should all remain united in our efforts towards that goal.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“In addition to the developments mentioned so far, I also want to express our concern about the shrinking space for civil society in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. We are, for example, concerned by the threats and hostile reaction to the Israeli non-governmental organization B'Tselem, which is an organization that rightly won international praise for its work. The findings by Human Rights Watch about suppression of dissenting opinions by both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, including by the use torture, are deeply concerning. A vibrant civil society is essential to long-term sustainable peace and stability.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Those solutions must also include the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza as the legitimate Government. Moreover, they must include the full opening of the crossings, taking into account Israel's security needs. My last point is on the need to restart a genuine peace process. We thank Nikki Haley for the first glimpse of the United States plan for peace in the Middle East. We look forward to further information and consultations in that regard. As was just said in a press statement of the former, current and incoming members of the European Union to the Council, "We see an urgent need for a political horizon to be restored". It is unfortunate to have to sum up the many developments since the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016) that have undermined the prospects for peace and of a two-State solution.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We thank Nikolay Mladenov and his team for their unabated efforts in finding solutions to alleviate the humanitarian and economic crisis, including through the projects of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians. Another positive development that I want to highlight is that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was able, with the combined efforts of the Agency itself and many donors, to continue to provide basic services and to close the financing gap. Continued support to UNRWA, including next year, is needed. We will continue to work together with the United Nations and the international community, as well as Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to find solutions that bring tangible relief.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We have seen the tragic results ofresorting to the use of violence in Gaza over the past year all too often. We condemn the indiscriminate firing of rockets. We express grave concern about the use of force by Israel that has led to the loss of life of over 200 Palestinian civilians. We have called for a thorough investigation into all cases where lives have been lost and we have concluded several times that a sustainable solution for the situation in Gaza is needed. That solution would include the urgent improvement of the humanitarian and economic situation. Thanks to regional and international efforts, the situation in Gaza has marginally improved.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“That shows a substantial increase as compared to the numbers of 2015 and 2016. It is not only about the numbers. A new expansion of settlements has been announced for sensitive areas, such as Hebron and East Jerusalem. Those are areas that are of crucial importance to the viability of a future Palestinian State. In addition, over the past two years, Israel has continued with the demolition of Palestinian houses and structures and with the eviction of Palestinian families from their homes. We are deeply concerned by the developments in East Jerusalem, where an unprecedented number of families face eviction. Although we welcome the fact that the planned demolition of Khan Al-Ahmar has not taken place, we reiterate our call upon Israel to withdraw those plans all together. Thirdly, the situation in Gaza remains extremely fragile.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my second point, on settlements. Calls for the annexation, expansion or legalization of settlements and all actions in that regard serve only the purposes of the extremists and will create only more tensions between both sides. The Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly opposes Israel's settlement policy, which we consider to be illegal under international law. It is a policy that includes actions such as forced transfers, evictions and demolitions. Settlement activities have increased since the adoption of the resolution. If we look at the past two years, we see that in 2017 construction was started on almost 1,700 units and that in the first six months ofthis year, construction was started on more than 1,000 units. In addition, the number of planned and tendered units are a multiple of that.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Those recent attacks have further increased tensions in the West Bank. We condemn the statements by Hamas and other terrorist groups welcoming those cowardly attacks. Those statements serve only to increase tensions. We regret that General Assembly draft resolution A/73/L.42, condemning Hamas, was not adopted, as we need to speak out as one United Nations against terrorism in all cases. At the same time, the attacks in the West Bank are no justification for the ensuing violent response of some settlers against Palestinian civilians. We call upon the Palestinian and Israeli leadership to observe calm and restraint and to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric that could further increase tensions. We call upon the parties to make every effort to find the perpetrators of those acts and bring them to justice.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“And today, we sadly have to conclude, as others have done, that most parts of the resolution have not been implemented. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground is worse than it was two years ago. Positive steps are urgently needed. The Kingdom of the Netherlands recalls that each side can and must take positive steps to bring peace closer, as the Middle East Quartet recommended in 2016 (see S/2016/595, annex). In that context, I will focus on three issues: first, the undermining of the prospects of peace; secondly, settlement activities; and thirdly, Gaza. On my first point, prospects for peace continue to be undermined through terror attacks, violent incidents and incitement. We condemn the recent terrorist attacks by Palestinians against Israelis in the West Bank that has led to the loss of lives. There is no excuse for terrorism.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“First of all, let me thank Nickolay Mladenov for his frank and sobering briefing on the developments of the past months, including on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). In that regard, let me refer to the letter (S/2018/454) that was sent to the Secretary-General in May, signed by 10 Security Council members, in which we requested written reports on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). We welcomed the written report (S/2018/6l4) that we received in June and would have appreciated a continuation of that practice in September and this month. Written reports provide the factual basis that is needed to fruitfully discuss the implementation of the resolution in the Council. Today marks two years since the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016).”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Of course, we wish every success to our successors - Ambassador Christoph Heusgen of Germany, at the 1718 Committee, and Ambassador Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve of Belgium, at the 2231 Committee. We have already been working closely with their teams to ensure a smooth transition and will remain at their disposal in the days of transition and beyond. I want to conclude by thanking my own team, especially Mrs. Lila DelColle and Mr. Joost van Dieren. They have worked incredibly hard this year, served the Facilitator and the Committee, and have served the Council, but certainly they have served the cause of peace and security above and beyond the call of duty.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“Lastly, it could be a system that allows Chairs, if they want, to also serve as co-penholders on draft resolutions relevant to the subsidiary organ they chair. We think that the discussion on such a new system would best be further conducted in the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions, under the able guidance of our Kuwaiti colleague. In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude for the professionalism and dedication of Secretariat colleagues, whose support has been invaluable. We would also like to especially mention the Panel of Experts of the 1718 Committee. Let me also thank the experts of the 1718 Committee and those of the Iran format for their contribution to the work of the committees.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“If the Council continues the practice of allocating chairmanships exclusively to elected members, it will continue to put a disproportional strain on the Permanent Missions of the elected members, especially those with smaller teams. Frankly, that is not sustainable. In our view, therefore, it is essential that the Council agree to a new system. Let me give some potential characteristics of a new system. First, it could be a system that ensures a fair distribution of chairmanship among permanent and elected members alike. Secondly, it could be a system that allows for a two-year rotation of chairmanships taken up by permanent members. It could be a system that would allow Deputy Permanent Representatives to fulfil the mandate of the Chair.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“Sixth, returning to the Committee pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), the workload ofthat Committee far exceeds that of any other Committee, as the Security Council Affairs Division has informed us through its statistics. The Committee received more than 337 notifications and requests for guidance, while 649 formal notes have been circulated to members of the Committee so far this year. Those numbers show the significant burden of a chairmanship on the Chair's team, the Secretariat and the Panel of Experts. It is just an enormous amount of work. That brings me to my seventh, and last, point, namely, the system around the sanctions committees. The total number of all subsidiary organs under the Council significantly increased since 2000, from 10 to 30.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“The Council cannot underestimate the workload of the accumulated reporting and implementation requirements that other Member States face. That is certainly a challenge for the smaller Member States. Further streamlining and harmonizing of the reporting and implementation requirements among the Committees would be useful and helpful, because currently there is a challenge in implementation for a large part of the membership. Fifth, when it comes to chairing a subsidiary organ, it can also be challenging. We commend Sweden for the initiative to start a best practice guide outlining the Committee working methods of the committees. Together with Belgium and Australia, we are supporting Sweden's efforts and look forward to the result. We hope that tool will contribute to the effectiveness of the Security Council and its subsidiary organs.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“In general, the Panels that are functioning under the Council would profit from having more experts from the wider United Nations membership. Fourth, the effective implementation of sanctions is a challenge for many Member States, especially those that are unaware of their obligations or are unable to meet their obligations owing to a lack of capacity. The world of the sanctions committees is sometimes a subterranean universe for the wider membership, as our Indian colleague called it during a Council debate under the Kuwaiti presidency earlier this year (see S/PV.8175). Further outreach from the Council therefore remains essential, including through an informative website, as some of the other members mentioned as well.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“When the Council is united it wields enormous power and has great impact on peace and security. It is crucial that unity be maintained, especially on the issues under consideration by the 1718 Committee. Third - I think this is a wider observation - the Panels of Experts, and in particular their reports, are the cornerstone of United Nations sanctions regimes. Their reports are essential for the decision-making of the Committee, the Council and Member States. Panels should be able to do their work in an effective and secure manner, while safeguarding their integrity. Additionally, we feel very strongly that the selection process for Panel members should be based on merits. All candidates with the required expertise and skill sets should be taken into account, regardless of their nationality.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“But the unanimously adopted framework of resolution 2231 (2016) remains in place, and the procurement channel is operational and effective. I mentioned last week the numbers we are considering this year. Let me conclude on this point by saying that resolution 2231 (2016) and the JCPOA enjoy broad support among the wider United Nations membership. That brings me to my third point, concerning some personal reflections. I will mention seven points this time, not three. First, a look at the work of the 1718 Committee will reveal that it has concrete impact on the ground by preventing further evasion of the sanctions, facilitating the diplomatic process and working towards mitigating adverse humanitarian consequences. Second, the importance of the unity of the Council cannot be overstated.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“We all know, as we discussed last week in the Council (see S/PV.8418), this resolution endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and marked a fundamental shift on the Iranian nuclear issue. As Facilitator this year, we have aimed to support and improve the implementation of the resolution through the facilitation of talks, transparency and trade: talks through engagement with all the relevant parties and discussions on possible violations of the resolution, transparency through comprehensive and balanced reporting and trade by encouraging the use of the procurement channel. As we also discussed last week, the JCPOA faced challenges following the withdrawal by the United States and the re-imposition of United States sanctions against Iran.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“Of course, the Committee also supported the implementation of the Panmunjom declaration by granting several exemptions, such as for an inter-Korean railway survey. Thirdly, the Committee made efforts to further mitigate adverse humanitarian consequences of the sanctions, which is something that was ofimportance to all of us in the Committee. We connected with various humanitarian actors, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pyongyang, and provided humanitarian actors with further guidance on obtaining humanitarian exemptions. The Committee also granted various humanitarian exemptions for humanitarian aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and continues to consider further exemptions. I now turn to my second issue, the facilitation of resolution 2231 (2016).”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“That in itself proved to be a tremendous challenge given the complexity of the sanctions regime, which is of a very comprehensive nature. We try to provide guidance to Member States, held open briefings for the wider United Nations membership and held outreach meetings for the five regional groups. We are convinced that those efforts will continue to lead to greater implementation of the sanctions. Secondly, this year the Committee facilitated diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula. We granted exemptions to the sanctions regime to allow the participation, for instance, ofofficials ofthe Democratic People's Republic of Korea officials in diplomatic talks in Pyongyang, Panmunjom and Singapore.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“I will use this occasion to highlight three issues: the work of the 1718 Committee, the work of the 2231 format, and, adding to that, some personal reflections on the system of the subsidiary organs in the improvements we see as advisable for the Council. In line with the representative of Bolivia's recommendation just now, they will be of a practical nature. Let me start with the first issue, the 1718 Committee. With the significant expansion of the sanctions regime based on resolutions adopted at the end of last year, the scope, relevance and magnitude of the work of the Committee increased this year immensely. I will briefly highlight three major aspects of the work we performed in the Committee. First, the Committee continued the ensure the implementation of the sanctions regime.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“I have had the honour this year to serve both as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), on sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and as the Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), on Iran. I thank the Council very much for this opportunity to share my reflections on the past year, as we prepare to pass the baton to my German and Belgian colleagues. We have built our work on the excellent work and efforts of Italy, which we succeeded as part of the split Council term between our two countries in 2017 and 2018. Let me pay tribute to the work of Sebastiano Cardi as Chair of the 1718 Committee and Facilitator of the 2231 format in 2017.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source