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

“We express our great appreciation for all the international and national aid workers who risk their lives to provide assistance for people in need. The Council demonstrated its commitment by adopting a breakthrough resolution in 2016 - resolution 2286 (2016). Yet, thus far, that has not led to any significant changes on the ground. Let me cite as an example the attacks on and looting of health centres in South Sudan. According to the report (S/2017/821) of the Secretary- General on children in armed conflict, in that country, at least 28 attacks against medical facilities took place in 2016. Parties to the conflict in South Sudan carried out those attacks on hospitals in which malnourished children and pregnant women were being helped. Such incidents also take place in other countries, including Syria and Yemen, to name just two.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law is necessary for protecting civilians affected by conflict-induced hunger. In the Netherlands, we are in the final stages of amending our own international crimes act. We will include the war crime of intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, including by wilfully impeding relief supplies. We would be happy to share our legislative experience with other States Members of the United Nations. My second point concerns the need for the protection of medical facilities and personnel. A despicable trend today involves attacks against medical workers and health-care centres. It is deeply saddening to see how their protected status under international humanitarian law is being ignored by some parties to armed conflict.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“In South Sudan more than 5 million people are suffering from serious food insecurity caused by more than four years of ongoing armed conflict. Crises in other countries show similarly alarming figures. As the Secretary-General also emphasized in his report, that is a worrying threat to international peace and security. The Council therefore has a clear responsibility to act. In the short term, food insecurity and civilians' suffering are exacerbated. In the longer term, entire generations are raised in hunger, thereby hampering sustainable development and peace. It is therefore important that the Council condemn starvation as a method of warfare. Rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access is essential in that context, as well as accountability for perpetrators of such crimes.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The Netherlands supports the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2018/462). I will focus on three fundamental challenges the Council needs to address urgently. The first is breaking the vicious cycle between conflict and hunger, second is protecting medical facilities and personnel, and the third is to improve the performance of peacekeeping operations. I will illustrate the three points with examples from South Sudan, where we see one of the most emblematic and dangerous situations in that context, for civilians and humanitarian personnel alike. My first point is breaking the cycle of conflict and hunger. Starving the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. It cannot remain unpunished.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Allow me to thank the Secretary-General for his passionate plea against impunity. I should also like to thank Director-General Daccord for his passionate plea for international humanitarian law, and Ms. Edwar for her passionate plea for humanitarian action. I also thank the presidency for having organized this debate and for having invited those excellent briefers. They spoke to our hearts. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union, as well as with those to be made by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians and by the representative of Qatar on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Responsibility to Protect.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Realistically, only a two-State solution will enable both sides to fulfil their aspirations, put an end to the conflict and achieve the just and lasting peace that Israelis and Palestinians long for and deserve. We call on the members of the Quartet to convene to address the negative spiral. The situation in Gaza is worsening with each passing week and we therefore believe that a united reaction from the Council is urgently needed to help de-escalate the situation. In conclusion, we are willing to engage with the other members of the Council to formulate an appropriate public expression that addresses the recent events and all the unhelpful steps taken on both sides. We are convinced that this can be done in a balanced manner, which will enable the Council to contribute to de-escalating the current situation.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's speech on 30 April contained unacceptable remarks about the origins of the Holocaust and Israel's legitimacy. Such rhetoric will only play into the hands of those who do not want a two-State solution. Israeli political leaders who advocate for annexing parts of the West Bank only play into the hands of those who do not want a two-State solution. We call on both sides to take steps that create mutual trust and help to preserve the possibility of such a solution. The current tensions should not be used as an argument against action. On the contrary, they demonstrate the urgency of more resolute action now.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“We will continue to respect the international consensus on Jerusalem, as embodied in resolution 478 (1980), among other things, including on the location of diplomatic representations, until the final status of Jerusalem is resolved through negotiations. My third point concerns the peace process and what the Council can and should do. First, looking at the whole picture, what we need in the current situation is de-escalation. That applies to Jerusalem and Gaza and to Israeli-Palestinian relations generally. All parties should focus on defusing tensions and enabling efforts towards a better future for the region. While wisdom and courage are needed to return to negotiations for a political solution, both sides are taking steps that are incompatible with resolution 2334 (2016).”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“My second point concerns Jerusalem. The future status of Jerusalem is perhaps the most sensitive and complex of all final-status issues. Jerusalem is a holy city for Jews, Muslims and Christians. The ties of the Jewish people to Jerusalem are irrefutable and must not be denied. The ties of the Palestinian people to Jerusalem are irrefutable and must not be denied. This calls for wisdom; this calls for prudence. Unilateral steps with regard to the future status of Jerusalem are not only unwise and counterproductive, they are above all in contradiction to international law. But they cannot be used as an excuse for violence.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“The demolition of the Palestinian side of the Kerem Abu Salem crossing only harms Palestinian interests. We call upon the de facto authorities in Gaza to ensure the safety of that crossing, which is the only crossing for the entry and exit of food and medical supplies and other goods. It should be protected. We call upon the Palestinian Authority and the de facto authorities in Gaza to repair the damage as soon as possible. We welcome Israel's decision to resume and ensure the normal functioning of the crossing today, despite the challenging environment. These developments show that a structural solution for Gaza is needed now more than ever. At the same time, the humanitarian crisis has to be addressed. We would like to ask Mr. Mladenov to present his ideas and proposals on what can be done in that regard.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“We take note of the fact-finding assessment mechanism established by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to review IDF actions and specific incidents that have taken place on the Israeli-Gaza border since 30 March. While recognizing Israel's legitimate security concerns, we repeat our call upon that State to ensure that its responses are necessary and proportionate at all times, in line with its obligations under international law. The use of live ammunition should be a measure of last resort only, as stated in the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. We strongly urge all Palestinian parties to ensure the peaceful character of protests and not resort to violence. Calls to storm Israel or for the use of violence are unacceptable. Peaceful demonstrations should not be used as a cover for violence.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“Mladenov said, 59 people have been killed and more than 2,600 people have been wounded, 770 of whom were injured by live ammunition. That is the highest number of people killed in Gaza in one day since the conflict of 2014. The numbers suggest that almost one in 40 people was hit by live ammunition and that one in 16 was wounded in that manner. That raises serious questions about the proportionality of the Israeli response. We are particularly worried by the killing of children and other minors and the high number of health-care workers hurt. That underlines again the need for restraint as well as the need for an independent, transparent and prompt investigation into all incidents that led to casualties.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“I join others in thanking Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his sobering briefing. We deplore the loss of lives and the number of people wounded, as he described. As I said last month in the Security Council, we cannot afford to put the peace process on the back burner (see S/PV.8244). The gap between the two sides is growing fast, as is illustrated by yesterday's events. Those events serve to underline that the current trajectory leads to loss of lives, confrontation and despair, and it results in growing divisions between Israelis and Palestinians. I will focus on the three points: first, the demonstration in Gaza; secondly, the issue ofJerusalem; and, thirdly, the importance of the peace process and the role of the Security Council. As to my first point, on the demonstrations in Gaza, we are alarmed by the new levels of Violence. As Mr.”
2018-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8256 (2018) · source
“For peace to become entrenched in the fabric of society, Kosovo must protect and promote the rule of law and hold accountable those who have committed crimes. In that regard, we note recent steps taken by Kosovo to reform its judiciary, but we stipulate that many more need to be taken. The Netherlands is the host country of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office. In that context, we express the hope that Kosovo will do everything to uphold its commitments and obligations. We are encouraged by the recent ratification of the territorial delineation agreement between Kosovo and Montenegro. We take that as a sign of Kosovo's continued commitment to peace, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“In that light, we look forward to a strategic review of UNMIK, as suggested by Poland in our February meeting (see S/PV.8176). Secondly, I turn to the EU-facilitated dialogue. We commend High Representative Mogherini for her continuous efforts in that process. The resumption of discussions in March was an important step towards the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. It should be stressed that in both countries such dialogue requires sincere political will and a united effort to achieve concrete results. We call upon the Serbian and Kosovar authorities to move beyond the present tensions and prove their commitment to the dialogue by continuing discussions and implementing agreements reached thus far. My third point is the importance of the rule oflaw.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“First, let me thank my good friend Ambassador Tanin for his comprehensive briefing. We continue to welcome the good cooperation between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and its international partners, such as the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. I will focus on three points today: the future of UNMIK, the dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU) and the rule oflaw. First is the future of UNMIK. Like other European Union members of the Security Council, we firmly believe that the situation in Kosovo allows for a substantial reduction of the current reporting cycle. We furthermore believe that the Security Council should refocus UNMIK's efforts so that the means deployed by the United Nations are tailored fully to the situation on the ground.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“Actionable peacekeeping intelligence is the key to success in the complex environments in which today's missions operate. It is also key for the protection of civilians. Peacekeepers need eyes and ears on the ground to build and maintain situational awareness. I would like to be blunt: better peacekeeping intelligence helps to save lives, in our opinion, which brings me to my last questions: Do the Force Commanders currently have enough early-warning capacity when it comes to the asymmetrical threats they face? Could the Commanders share the key challenges in their missions? How could the Security Council help them to overcome those challenges? We look forward to the answers of the Force Commanders.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“My questions to the Force Commanders are as follows: Do they have the impression that the development pillar of the United Nations is working closely enough with them? What could be improved? If they see a need for a quick-impact project - for instance, with regard to water supply 4 do they call a colleague from the United Nations Development Programme to do that and make it happen? As to my third point, situational awareness, we see a clear need in missions for integrated and systematic information- and intelligence-gathering and information- and intelligence-sharing among the various actors on the ground. Missions should improve their understanding of the local environment and of the threats that the mission and civilians face.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“And are the troops Force Commanders receive well trained when they are deployed under their command? As to my second point, the need for an integrated approach, we feel very strongly that we need an integrated approach that combines three elements, namely, diplomacy, defence and development. Diplomacy serves to get a political solution, defence serves to achieve security and development serves to provide hope for a better future for civilians. Only if those three dimensions come together can peacekeeping operations be effective, which also means that the pillars of the United Nations must work better together. We are therefore a strong proponent of the Secretary- General's reform of the peace and security architecture.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“In our opinion, those reviews provide an important opportunity for stock-taking and can provide the basis for much-needed adjustments to mission mandates. When we review a mission, however, we must also focus on the operational needs on the ground. Mission success depends, on the one hand, on the availability of appropriate resources, and, on the other hand, on having realistic expectations. In that regard, in our view, proper force generation remains essential and needs our continued attention. We welcome the rotation-scheme system that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations is developing. In that regard, my questions to the Force Commanders are as follows: Are their operational needs currently fulfilled? Can they plan ahead when it comes to the military they work with?”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“To protect peacekeepers and support them in implementing the mandates they are given by the Security Council, peacekeeping operations have to become more robust. I will focus on three issues relating to making peacekeeping more effective, and with each issue I will have a number of questions for the Force Commanders: fisst, mission performance reviews; secondly, the importance of an integrated approach; and, thirdly, improving actionable intelligence. With respect to my first point, on mission performance reviews, since 2017, peacekeeping operations have been reviewed comprehensively since 2017. We especially focus in our discussions in the Security Council on such issues as resource constraints, performance and the cost-effectiveness of mission components.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“We look forward to the high-level seminar on peacekeeping intelligence in July and to the high-level event on peacekeeping in September. We pay tribute to the important work done by Cote d'Ivoire as Chair of the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, and we look forward to its presidency in December in this context. The Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative. We applaud the tangible progress made in the implementation of the action plan based on the Santos Cruz report, entitled Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers. Working together, we must change the way we do business. As Major General Deconinck said, we must change our mindsets. And we must become more capable to act decisively. Working together, we must make peacekeeping more effective.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands pays tribute to all United Nations peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause ofpeace. Our hearts reach out to the families and loved ones they left behind. The changed operational environment of peacekeeping operations calls for action by the Security Council, by the United Nations and by its Member States. We therefore see today's debate as being closely linked to the open debate on organizing peacekeeping operations of 28 March 2018, which was presided over by my Prime Minister, Mr. Mark Rutte (see S/PV.8218). Thanks to the leadership of Secretary-General Guterres and Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, we are all giving a quality push to peacekeeping this year. In that context, we think it is also important that the Council show leadership and take up its responsibility.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“I thank the President for organizing today's important dialogue between the Security Council and the Force Commanders. I would also like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the three Force Commanders present for their clear and concise briefings. We think it is very useful for the Council to speak to the military staff who have to implement in dangerous circumstances what we in the Council agree around this safe table. We have witnessed an alarming increase in hostile attacks against peacekeepers over the last few years. The Force Commanders of today's missions face numerous challenges and threats to the security of their forces - we have just heard three of them speak about this. Too many peacekeepers are killed on mission.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“It is crucial that Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders step up their implementation of the reforms needed to make progress towards that integration. Ensuring that electoral reforms are in place should be the first step. A constitutional crisis in October must be avoided. In conclusion, in January the Secretary-General urged European leaders to show that the continent can live up to its ideals of shared prosperity and peaceful coexistence. The general elections in October in Bosnia and Herzegovina create an opportunity for its political leaders to show their commitment to those ideals. We strongly encourage them to grasp that opportunity and put future before past, reform before stagnation and unity before divisiveness.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my second point, one that our Peruvian colleague also highlighted just now, which is that we are concerned about attempts to undermine the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Attempts to delay necessary amendments to the criminal procedure code and the law establishing the Intelligence and Security Agency are hindering the fight against corruption and the sharing of intelligence, including with international partners. We call on the Council of Ministers and Parliament to pass the required amendments without delay. My third and final point relates to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We support its Euro-Atlantic integration as a means to ensure the future prosperity and security of its people and the region.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“With regard to my first point, about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, since the Dayton Peace Agreement was signed, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have worked hard to create a peaceful and prosperous country and have done so with the strong support of the international community. While progress has been made, we share the High Representative's concerns about the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The divisive speech and actions of political leaders are negatively affecting the country's governance, cohesiveness and reforms. In the present circumstances, we believe that the High Representative and his Office remain essential.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Madam, we wish you the best of luck during your presidency, and you can count on our full support in your work this month. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Peru for its excellent stewardship of the Council in April, both here in New York and during the Council's visits abroad in April. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union later today. Like others before me, I thank High Representative Valentin Inzko for his briefing and his work. Today I will focus on three issues: first, the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, secondly, the rule of law and thirdly, the country's future prospects.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“We call on the parties to continue to engage with the Personal Envoy in good faith, and we emphasize the need to resume negotiations without preconditions. We recognize the importance of the work of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara in maintaining stability on the ground and in creating the conditions necessary for political progress to take place, and we commend the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Colin Stewart. We also express our full support for the Mission and for the women and men serving under very challenging conditions.”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“We voted in favour of resolution 2414 (2018). The fact that it could not count on the unanimous support of the Council should not distract us from what is truly important, namely, the relaunching of the political process. This is something that I believe we all support, because it is in the interest of the people, the parties and the wider region that this conflict be resolved. Our common ambition therefore must be to arrive at ajust, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In this regard, we reiterate our full support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy, the former President of Germany, Horst Kohler.”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“We encourage all Lebanese to cast their vote, and we hope that the elections will be an expression of peaceful competition and democracy in action.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“Those resolutions and the well- known parameters clearly lay out the framework for a sustainable solution to the conflict. In the end, only the parties can come to an agreement on all final-status issues, including Jerusalem and refugees. We underline the need to refrain from unilateral steps that make a two-State solution more difficult. On my third point, Lebanon, on 6 May Lebanon will hold parliamentary elections for the first time since 2009. We look forward to that memorable occasion. Provided the elections are properly executed, they will reinvigorate public trust in Lebanon's democratic institutions. Above all, the elections provide an opportunity to reinforce the positive momentum of the Rome, Paris and Brussels conferences.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“We support the efforts to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under one single and legitimate Palestinian Authority. The attack on Prime Minister Hamdallah further complicated the already difficult process of reconciliation. That negative course needs to be reversed. All Palestinian factions must work genuinely together to overcome the current stalemate and we welcome the ongoing efforts by Egypt and Mr. Mladenov in that regard. With regard to my second point, the peace process, we cannot afford to put it on the back burner. International law, including humanitarian law and human rights law, provides a cornerstone for peace and security in the region. In that connection, the Kingdom of the Netherlands recalls the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2334 (2016) and 478 (1980).”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands will be following its work closely. The growing crisis in Gaza requires a solution. Economic development, humanitarian aid and the rebuilding of infrastructure need to go hand in hand. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about the difficult financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and welcomes the additional contributions that were announced. We will continue to support UNRWA in its efforts to improve its financial stability and broaden its international support. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls upon Israel to ease restrictions on the movement of goods and people, while safeguarding its security needs. We call upon Hamas to end its efforts to rearm and rebuild its military infrastructure.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“The high number of victims, including paramedics, and the death of the journalist Yaser Murtaja raise serious questions regarding the proportionality of the Israeli response. That includes the respect for the right to peaceful protest. Facts must be established regarding reports about violent attacks against Israel under the cover of the protests. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls upon the de facto authorities in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to ensure that protests remain peaceful. We call upon all sides to refrain from making inciting statements. We repeat the call for an independent, transparent investigation. We note the fact-finding assessment mechanism established by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to review IDF actions and specific incidents that have taken place since 30 March.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“Otherwise, we would have the same debate the next month. Today is the next month. We regret to note that all involved have continued stubbornly on the track they chose then, despite the calls for de-escalation and for the prevention of further losses oflife. I trust that all Members feel the same way and would welcome a joint statement in that vein from the Council. The sad score after four weeks of protests is more than 30 people killed, including four minors and thousands of injuries. We repeat our call on Israel to ensure that its responses are proportionate and necessary at all times, in line with Israel's obligations under international law. The use of live ammunition should be a measure of last resort only, as stated in the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“I join others in thanking Mr. Mladenov for his precise briefing and dedicated work. Listening to him, we can draw one sole conclusion - we cannot allow the peace process to be put on the back burner. I align myself with the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union. I will focus on three important aspects of the situation in the Middle East: first, the tragedy and lack of de-escalation in Gaza; secondly, the overall peace process and the importance of resolutions 2334 (2016) and 478 (1980); and thirdly, the upcoming elections in Lebanon. On my first point, Gaza, on 30 March we convened an urgent meeting here in the Council (see PV.8219). It took place as the first demonstration in Gaza ended in tragedy. I concluded my statement with a call on all sides to prevent further escalation.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“Let me end with warm words of appreciation to the Secretary-General and his tireless efforts for justice and the international legal order.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“on the use of chemical weapons by the Al-Assad regime and Da'esh. No veto can stop our compassion for the victims of the chemical-weapon attack last weekend. No veto can end our determination to achieve justice for the victims and for the people of Syria as a whole. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains committed to fighting impunity. We reiterate our strong support for an international, impartial and independent mechanism, the Commission of Inquiry, the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons and a referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as the most appropriate path to accountability andjustice. At the heart of our policy on Syria is a deep desire for peace and justice for its people. Impunity cannot and will not prevail.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“Regrettably, all attempts to achieve accountability in the Council have failed. Referral to the International Criminal Court was vetoed. The renewal of the mandate of the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) was also vetoed. This week, accountability was again vetoed. With its vetoes, the Russian Federation has assumed much responsibility for the crimes committed by the Syrian regime. The draft resolution for a new accountability mechanism that was vetoed this week remains the bare minimum of what is acceptable to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We will not settle for anything less than an independent, impartial attribution mechanism that can ensure that the culprits of that vicious attack will be identified and held accountable. No veto can wipe from our memory the clear findings presented by the JIM.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“Accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria is therefore neither optional nor negotiable. The images of last weekend's attack in Douma are appalling. Atrocities have once again been inflicted on Syria's civilian population. Once again, dozens of innocent civilians have been killed and hundreds injured. The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes that it is highly likely that the Syrian regime is responsible for the attack. It has a proven history of such attacks, having used chemicals as a weapon against its own people in 2014, 2015 and 2017. It is unacceptable that four years after Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention, its declarations can still not be verified as accurate or complete. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a long-time supporter of fighting impunity when it comes to chemical weapons.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“Our collective incapacity in the Council to stop the crimes in Syria should weigh heavily on the conscience of all our members, but on the conscience of one permanent member in particular. It was our collective conscience that created the Charter of the United Nations. It was our collective conscience that created the Chemical Weapons Convention. The use of chemical weapons is unlawful in and of itself. It is a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. It is a serious violation of international law and may constitute a war crime and a crime against humanity. We strongly believe that the international community must fully uphold the standard that the use of chemical weapons is never permissible. As the Secretary-Generaljust said, the norm against the use of chemical weapons must be upheld. The non-proliferation regime must be upheld.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and insightful briefing. His statement rightly focused on the broader Middle East. However, I will focus on the most pressing issue at hand, the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The Charter of the United Nations starts with the words "We the peoples of the United Nations", and while the Russian Federation is blocking the Council from taking effective action on the crimes of Russia's ally Syria, all peoples of every nation are outraged by the continued unrestrained violence that the Syrian regime has unleashed against its own people. As the Secretary-General just said, the people of Syria have lived through a litany of horrors. No responsible Government can ignore the universal outrage that those horrors have provoked.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“In particular, we welcome the conference just mentioned by the Chair focused on Latin American and Caribbean countries, as three of the autonomous countries in our Kingdom are found there: Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten. Let me conclude by reiterating our support for the important work of the 1540 Committee. It is necessary to build on the momentum created by the 2016 comprehensive review. It is only by working better together to implement the resolution, both in the Council and among the wider membership, that we can prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into the hands of terrorists.”
2018-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8230 (2018) · source
“Turning to my third point, the urgent need for concrete measures to strengthen the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), in the light of the importance of that implementation, we are pleased that agreement was finally reached this morning on a programme of work. Let me congratulate my colleague from Bolivia for that achievement. However, this is not a time to be complacent. Now we need concrete action. The Committee must continue its work effectively and efficiently in line with the measures set out in resolution 2325 (2016), especially those in paragraphs 8 and 9. Outreach towards the wider membership remains a key priority for us.”
2018-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8230 (2018) · source
“With its focus on the use of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors, the resolution fills a clear gap in the international non-proliferation regime. Resolution 1540 (2004) also complements the other important work being undertaken in the area of nuclear security, such as by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as the impetus in this field that was achieved through the Nuclear Security Summit cycle. Therefore, the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) should be a priority to us all. We underline the importance of capacity-building in States that need assistance when it comes to export controls, an issue also mentioned earlier by the Chair. That issue is not only relevant for the 1540 Committee, but for many of the subsidiary organs.”
2018-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8230 (2018) · source
“When such attacks occur, death comes in a gruesome way, and survivors have to deal with the aftermath of such attacks for the rest of their lives. The challenges and opportunities presented by scientific and technological developments also have an impact on the current situation. We feel very strongly that this aspect should not be forgotten in the Committee's work. Let me also reiterate that we fully support the ambition of the Chair to bring the number of national reports to 100 per cent, as he just mentioned. That brings me to my second point, the importance of the mechanism to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction among non-State actors. Resolution 1540 (2004) is key to addressing that threat.”
2018-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8230 (2018) · source
“First, let me express our gratitude and appreciation to the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), my esteemed colleague from Bolivia, for his briefing on the work ofthe Committee and for his efforts to achieve the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We furthermore welcome the new members and Coordinators of the Group of Experts and wish them well in their new positions. I would like to touch upon three points: first, the threat of weapons of mass destruction; secondly, the importance of resolution 1540 (2004); and thirdly, our work going forward. On my first point, regarding the threat of weapons of mass destruction, the use and the threat of use of such weapons to international peace and security is and remains real.”
2018-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8230 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, the only way to achieve the Malian people's trust is by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. In that context, the Netherlands welcomes the fact that the Malian authorities recently handed over Mr. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Given the friendship between the peoples of our two countries, we would like to see justice and sustainable development for the people of Mali as soon as possible.”
2018-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8229 (2018) · source
“With a view to the renewal of MINUSMA's mandate, in June, it would be advisable that the Security Council receive the strategic plan requested in its resolution 2364 (2017). The third point I wish to raise is the prevention of impunity. Lack of accountability for the perpetrators of human rights violations in Mali promotes instability and jihadism. The restoration of State institutions, including the security forces, is a basic condition for achieving stability, but that stability can be sustainable only within the framework of the rule of law, which means that impunity is impermissible. The recent discovery of a mass grave in central Mali unfortunately shows the extent of the problems that the country is facing. We call on the Malian Government to ensure that the guilty parties are held accountable for their actions.”
2018-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8229 (2018) · source