YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Oosterom

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1,049

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2013-08-19

most recent

2019-10-29

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159

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un-security-council

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1. “Fifthly, we need comprehensive evaluations and reports in order to thoroughly analyse the many risks to peace and security and their effects on other programmes in the region. The upcoming report of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel will provide a good opportunity for putting that into practice. Lastly, we need to apply the lessons of the Lake Chad basin and the need for preventive action to other regions. In conclusion, with its adoption of resolution 2349 (2017) the Security Council showed its ability to call for early action in the Lake Chad region. However, the Lake Chad basin is not unique. The root causes of conflict are visible in many places in the world. We want resolution 2349 (2017) to be the rule, not an exception, so that the Council can take preventive action for future generations.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

2. “We need an integrated response that ensures the full inclusion and participation of women and girls as stewards of their own futures. Let me continue with the following call to action. To ensure a more integrated long-term approach to sustaining peace in the Lake Chad region, we are asking the United Nations for the following efforts. First, we need integrated risk assessment, conflict analysis and early warning. Secondly, we need more capacity for joint risk assessments and management by all United Nations organizations. Thirdly, we need to take climate change into account. Fourthly, we need to ensure conflict-, gender- and climate-sensitive planning and programming, such as stabilization plans that take into account the availability of resources around Lake Chad.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

3. “The recent joint United Nations mission is a good first step in developing conflict-sensitive programming across the United Nations system to improve socioeconomic opportunities. We call on the United Nations to strengthen that approach and to improve reporting on such efforts to the Security Council. That brings me to the third root cause that I would like to address, the lack of inclusion and empowerment of women. Women and girls in the Lake Chad region are disproportionately affected as targets of terrorism and by lost livelihoods. As Ms. Nagarajan made clear, in such challenging situations, the most vulnerable become even more vulnerable. But women are also strong actors in building resilience and in advancing sustainable development in the region.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

4. “The second root cause that we want to highlight is the lack of socioeconomic opportunities, which makes the population vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremists, as Ms. Nagarajan made clear earlier. The region itself has risen to address that challenge, and we commend it for that. The Multinational Joint Task Force, which brings together Benin, Cameroon, Chad, the Niger and Nigeria, has pushed back Boko Haram and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. I pay tribute to their efforts, and I welcome the presence of our colleagues from those countries with us today. However, more must be done to address the underlying factors that drive people towards violent extremism.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

5. “Building resilience, with a view to preventing further tensions, requires investment in sustainable, integrated water management, all while taking into account the effects of climate change. This month, the High-level Panel on Water, of which the Prime Minister of the Netherlands is an active member, presented its report, Making Every Drop Count. I would like to highlight some of its recommendations. We should address, first, the adverse impacts and challenges that water can cause; secondly, the need for adequate risk assessment and management solutions; thirdly, water-related root causes; and fourthly, we should take pre-emptive action. Those recommendations are crucial to both water scarcity and climate change.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

6. “The first is water and climate change; the second, socioeconomic challenges; and the third is a lack of inclusion and empowerment of women. With regard to the first of these, water and climate, Secretary-General Guterres has said that water, peace and security are inextricably linked. He is absolutely right. As others have said, today is World Water Day. That is another reason that I want to highlight the example of the availability of water and the challenges posed by the increased variability of the climate around Lake Chad. Those two factors have real effects on livelihoods, farming, fishing and food security, as Mr. Bila so eloquently said earlier today.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

7. “I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Netherlands. With its adoption of resolution 2349 (2017) on the Lake Chad basin a year ago, the Council recognized that security, development and human rights are interlinked. It also recognized that such links are vital to achieving an effective and comprehensive approach to stabilization, reconciliation and counter-terrorism. However, we must also strengthen preventive action. The current crisis in the Lake Chad basin is the result of our collective inaction in addressing the root causes of the problem 15 years ago. Let me highlight that fact by focusing on three root causes about which we are particularly concerned in this context.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

8. “Briefers are further encouraged to limit their initial remarks to the agreed time limits. I wish to warmly welcome the Deputy Secretary- General, Her Excellency Ms. Amina Mohammed, who is joining via video teleconference from Monrovia, and I now give her the floor.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

9. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Nigeria to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Mohammed Bila, representative ofthe Lake Chad Basin Commission; and Ms. Chitra Nagarajan, Senior Conflict Adviser, Adelphi. Ms. Nagarajan is joining via video teleconference from Abuja. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods, Iwish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues.”

   2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source

10. “The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the provisional agenda for today's meeting. I shall put the provisional agenda to the vote now. A vote was taken by show ofhands. In favour: France, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Against: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), China, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation Abstaining: Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia The President: The provisional agenda received 8 votes in favour, 4 votes against and 3 abstentions. The provisional agenda has not been adopted, having failed to obtain the required number of votes. The meeting rose at 3.35 pm.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8209 (2018) · source

11. “I would like to ask the representative of the Russian Federation to clarify what he wants to be put to a vote, if he wants a procedural vote.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8209 (2018) · source

12. “In view ofthe request ofthe Russian Federation and the comments made by members of the Council, I intend to put the provisional agenda to the vote. I now give the floor to those members ofthe Council who wish to make statements before the voting.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8209 (2018) · source

13. “The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council has before it the text of a statement by the President on behalf of the Council on the subject of today's meeting. I thank Council members for their valuable contributions to this statement. In accordance with the understanding reached among the members of the Council, I shall take it that the members of the Security Council agree to the statement, which will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2018/6. The meeting rose at 3.20pm.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8208 (2018) · source

14. “I would like to once again remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

15. “The relevant humanitarian partners require $1.7 billion this year alone, as Mr. Lowcock explained earlier. On 13 April, therefore, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with the United Nations, the European Commission and the United Arab Emirates, will organize the first ever humanitarian donor conference for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It will take place in Geneva. Only a concerted effort will enable the mobilization of sufficient humanitarian relief. We hope that all States Members of the United Nations will support that humanitarian conference. We must work together, all of us, for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and for people like Francoise. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

16. “The peaceful involvement of regional stakeholders is essential to a sustainable solution. The Kingdom of the Netherlands commends the efforts of the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the Southern African Development Community and individual Member States to find a peaceful solution. We call on them to increase their efforts, as we call on the Council to increase its efforts. We welcome the presence today of so many representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's neighbours and other countries in the region. In conclusion, as our briefers have highlighted, only the concerted efforts of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and their neighbours and regional and international partners can make a definitive difference for good.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

17. “In the current circumstances, hundreds ofthousands ofpeople will not be able to fully participate in the elections simply because they are too scared, because they are on the run from widespread and unpunished human rights violations, or because they are women - women like Francoise. Without women's meaningful participation in the elections, nationally, provincially and locally, there will be no peace. We call on the Congolese authorities to ensure women's participation in the electoral law. All political actors must increase their efforts to engage women in the elections. Thirdly, I want to discuss the role of the region. The crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has long ceased to be merely a Congolese issue, if it ever was. It is the largest displacement crisis in Africa, and it has direct consequences for the region.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

18. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore strongly supports organizing a Security Council visit this year. We must act now to prevent further escalation. The situation in Ituri in particular has our full attention. My second point is that we must address the root causes of this man-made crisis. The escalation that has occurred since 2016 is directly linked to the political crisis. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must regain hope and trust in their country. A renewed commitment to the New Year's agreement by all parties is therefore urgently needed. Despite some progress, the conditions conducive to credible elections are not there yet.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

19. “More than 13 million Congolese are in need. That number has doubled over the past two years. More than 2 million children are severely and acutely malnourished. They cannot be forgotten. They need our help. We are also concerned about increasing attacks on humanitarian workers. The security situation directly affects humanitarian access. The Congolese authorities and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) must protect humanitarian actors against kidnappings and attacks on their assets. This month, we have the chance to give MONUSCO the mandate and the means it needs to be able to prevent escalation. The Security Council must increase its efforts, and we should discuss this situation more frequently.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

20. “I shall now speak in my capacity as the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. More than 6,000 people live in Katanika camp, in eastern Congo. My Foreign Trade Minister Sigrid Kaag visited the camp with Under-Secretary-General Lowcock last week. There she met a woman whom I will call Francoise. Francoise had lost her husband and child in a militia raid. Ms. Kaag was deeply touched by her ordeal. It is women like Francoise who continue to bear the brunt of this crisis. It is for women like Francoise that we come together here. Today, I will highlight three points. The first is the need to step up our immediate response; the second, to address the root causes of the crisis; and third, to intensify engagement with the region. My first point concerns the importance of an immediate response.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

21. “Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, members and non-members of the Council alike, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues. Briefers are encouraged to limit initial remarks to 15 minutes or less. I now give the floor to Mr. Lowcock.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

22. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in today's meeting: Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Ms. Jeanine Bandu Bahati, Coordinator of the Encadrement des Femmes Indigenes et des Menages Vulnerables; and Abbe Donatien Nshole, Secretary-General of the Conference Episcopale Nationale du Congo. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”

    2018-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8207 (2018) · source

23. “There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at11.05 am.”

    2018-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8206 (2018) · source

24. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting. I wish to again remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable to Council to carry out its work expeditiously.”

    2018-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8206 (2018) · source

25. “In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy ofthe Secretary- General for Syria, to participate in this meeting. Mr. De Mistura is joining the meeting via video- teleconference from Brussels. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues. Briefers are further encouraged to limit initial remarks to 15 minutes or less. I now give the floor to Mr. De Mistura.”

    2018-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8206 (2018) · source

26. “The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council has before it the text of a statement by the President on behalf of the Council on the subject of today's meeting. I thank Council members for their valuable contributions to the statement. In accordance with the understanding reached among the members of the Council, I shall take it that the members of the Security Council agree to the statement, which will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2018/5. The meeting rose at 10.25 am.”

    2018-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8205 (2018) · source

27. “I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by Show ofhands. In favour: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), China, C6te D'lvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, France, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America The President: The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2406 (2018). Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (8/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less to enable the Council to conduct its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of South Sudan.”

    2018-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8204 (2018) · source

28. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of South Sudan to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document 8/2018/221, which contains the text ofa draft resolution submitted by the United States of America. I Wish to draw the attention of Council members to S/2018/l43, which contains a special report of the Secretary-General on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and document S/2018/163, containing the report of the Secretary- General on South Sudan (covering the period from 15 November 2017 to 16 February 2018). The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it.”

    2018-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8204 (2018) · source

29. “The United Kingdom authorities had urged the Russian Federation to provide answers to their questions by yesterday. After Russia's failure to do so, we can understand why Prime Minister May announced bilateral measures earlier today. We see no reason for Russia to continue to refuse the United Kingdom's request. Nor do we see any legitimate reason why anyone should try to delay, sidetrack, second- guess or discredit the investigation carried out by the United Kingdom authorities. The international community cannot shrug its shoulders over this crime as if nothing had happened. The United Nations, the Council and all Member States should cooperate with the United Kingdom as it continues to investigate this gruesome act. The perpetrators should be brought to justice. I now resume my functions as President of the Council.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8203 (2018) · source

30. “It should therefore be a matter of concern for the Council, and we commend the United Kingdom for bringing it to our attention. After the recent chemical-weapon attacks in Syria, the attack in the United Kingdom is another warning to the world that we must step up our vigilance if we are to prevent the use of such weapons of mass destruction. We underline the important role of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague in that regard. That brings me to my third and final point, which is accountability. There must be no impunity for this crime. My Government has stated that the Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports the United Kingdom in its quest for the truth, and we call on all other countries to do so as well.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8203 (2018) · source

31. “The United Kingdom can count on the full solidarity of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in this. My second point is about the use of a chemical weapon. We are gravely concerned about the type of weapon that was used in this attack, a military-grade nerve agent and a substance that no regular criminals could easily get their hands on. This is the first time since the end of the Second World War that a nerve agent has been used in Europe. The recklessness of the act is beyond words. This nerve agent was used in a public space with many unsuspecting civilians around. It could have had even more horrible effects. I would also like to reiterate that any use of chemical weapons is abhorrent. The Kingdom of the Netherlands regards this a threat to international peace and security.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8203 (2018) · source

32. “On behalf of my Government, StefBlok, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, has strongly condemned the attack and expressed our solidarity with the United Kingdom. People in the Netherlands feel for Yulia and Sergei Skripal and hope for the recovery of all the victims. We fully understand the outrage of the United Kingdom authorities. We also understand why this new incident is particularly painful for the people of the United Kingdom, who still have vivid memories of the brutal murder, using radioactive polonium, of Alexander Litvinenko in the heart of London. Now the United Kingdom finds itself dealing with a new and different case, of which the full details are yet to be determined. But one thing is already beyond doubt. No State can or should accept attacks that take place on its sovereign territory.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8203 (2018) · source

33. “I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the remarks made by the representative of the United Kingdom, who brought to our attention the urgent matter before us today. I would like to underline three points. They are about, first, our solidarity with the United Kingdom; secondly, the use of a chemical weapon; and thirdly, the importance of accountability. Until the beginning of this month, it would have been hard to imagine a more peaceful place in the world than Salisbury, a quiet, historic town among the rolling hills of southern England. But its peace has been brutally disturbed. A man and his daughter were poisoned with a nerve agent. The United Kingdom was shocked. The world was shocked. The Kingdom of the Netherlands was shocked.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8203 (2018) · source

34. “The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2018/218, which contains a letter dated 13 March 2018 from the Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8203 (2018) · source

35. “I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 11 a.m.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8202 (2018) · source

36. “I wish to again encourage all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of the Sudan.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8202 (2018) · source

37. “Mamabolo and Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of Poland, in her capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues. Briefers are further encouraged to limit initial remarks to 15 minutes or less. I now give the floor to Mr. Mamabolo.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8202 (2018) · source

38. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Jeremiah Kingsley Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, to participate in this meeting. Mr. Mamabolo is joining today's meeting via video-teleconference from E1 Fasher. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2018/154, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by Mr.”

    2018-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8202 (2018) · source

39. “There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 1.20 pm.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

40. “I new resume my functions as President of the Council. I wish to again remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

41. “For now, however, our common efforts should be directed at securing immediate relief for those millions in Syria in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. For that, we need the cessation of hostilities to be implemented immediately and in a sustained manner. We need a continuous pause in the fighting of 30 days, as demanded by resolution 2401 (2018). If its implementation continues to fail, that will require a response from the Council that goes beyond where we stand now. We thank the Secretary-General for his perseverance and endless efforts to uphold the norms and values of the Charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as to promote compliance with resolution 2401 (2018). We call on all Council members to follow his example.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

42. “The perpetrators of these crimes must know they are being identified, that dossiers are being built up with a view to their prosecution, and that they will be held accountable for what they have done. We thank the Independent International Commission ofInquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for its important work to date. We recall the resolution of the Human Rights Council of 5 March, which calls on the Commission to investigate the situation in eastern Ghouta. We call on all Council members to support the referral of the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria to the International Criminal Court. We also urge all States to increase their support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

43. “We need a full cessation of hostilities in all of Syria, including eastern Ghouta, Idlib and Afrin. And we call on the Russian Federation in particular to use its influence and to do its utmost to achieve that, thereby also upholding the Council's credibility. In conclusion, the siege of eastern Ghouta is entering its fifth year. The war in Syria will enter its eighth year later this week, on 15 March, as others have noted. One wonders how the Syrian regime thinks to ever achieve the legitimacy to govern the people it now pounds into submission or death. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated during the thirty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council, "what we are seeing in eastern Ghouta are likely war crimes and potentially crimes against humanity".”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

44. “Forced displacement may constitute a war crime. On my third point, the credibility and accountability of the Council, despite the unanimous adoption of resolution 2401 (2018) we have seen no cessation of hostilities. We have seen no significant improvement in the humanitarian situation on the ground in Syria. This also has a negative impact on the credibility of the Council. It is vital for the functioning of the rules- based international order that decisions of the Council be respected and implemented. As a Council, we have a collective responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. However, we should not forget that the responsibility and, indeed, the obligation to execute its decisions lies with individual Member States. The human suffering in Syria, especially in eastern Ghouta, must end now.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

45. “Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura should facilitate negotiations between armed opposition groups, the Syrian regime and Russia in order to advance the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). One concrete and helpful step is to evacuate United Nations-listed terrorist groups from eastern Ghouta. A first evacuation of 13 imprisoned terrorist fighters reportedly took place last Friday. It is crucial that any evacuation of armed fighters take place in a safe and orderly fashion. We call on the United Nations to prepare for putting in place the necessary monitoring mechanisms in that regard. We call on Russia to accept the offer of the Special Envoy to facilitate further evacuation of United Nations-listed terrorist groups from eastern Ghouta. Civilians should never be forced to leave against their will.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

46. “We hear the Russian Federation say that those strikes are targeted at terrorists. However, we underline once more that the exemption to the ceasefire for attacks directed at United Nations-listed terrorist groups does not provide an excuse to ignore the basic principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. According to the latest report of the Commission of Inquiry, the siege of eastern Ghouta continues to be characterized by the use of prohibited weapons and attacks against civilian and protected objects, which we condemn in the strongest terms. We also condemn the shelling of Damascus from eastern Ghouta. We call upon all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law at all times.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

47. “However, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is still waiting for authorization to complete the delivery to Douma for all 70,000 people, as initially approved by the Syrian authorities. We call on all parties to immediately allow sustained and unimpeded access to deliver supplies to people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. That applies to eastern Ghouta and to all in need throughout the country. On my second point, the cessation of hostilities and the need for monitoring, resolution 2401 (2018) calls for an immediate nationwide cessation of hostilities. A strong monitoring mechanism is needed urgently in order to ensure implementation. We agree with the French proposal in that regard. Since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), air strikes have continued, even increased, especially on eastern Ghouta.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

48. “With regard to my first point, the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, last week we were deeply shocked to hear reports that medical supplies, including surgical supplies, insulin and even trauma kits, had been removed from convoys by the Syrian regime. Medical supplies save lives and provide relief to the inhumane suffering that too many Syrians are going through. Medical supplies cannot be used as weapons by terrorists. There is no justification for denying medicine and medical supplies to the wounded and sick. The first humanitarian convoy that received authorization from the Syrian regime to deliver aid to eastern Ghouta was not able to fully unload because of resumed fighting. The convoy that arrived last Friday was finally able to deliver aid, including medical supplies, for 27,500 people.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

49. “Yet one day after the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), the Syrian regime, supported by Russia and Iran, launched a most violent ground offensive to conquer the enclave of eastern Ghouta. That offensive came on top of a relentless air campaign that had started one month ago. Resolution 2401 (2018) calls for a cessation of hostilities, without delay. Unfortunately, it is the military offensive that continues without delay. Elsewhere in Syria, including in Idlib and Afrin, violence continues to threaten the civilian population as well. The Council must do everything in its power to advance the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). In that regard, I would like to stress the importance of humanitarian aid, the monitoring of the cessation of hostilities and accountability.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

50. “I will now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I would like to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. Through him, I would also like to thank all United Nations and other humanitarian personnel on the ground. They work under extreme circumstances. Sixteen days ago (see S/PV.8188), the Security Council showed a rare example of unity regarding Syria when it adopted resolution 2401 (2018) . I recall the glimmer of hope that day in the Chamber. All of us agreed that all parties to the Syrian conflict must cease hostilities in order to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the evacuation of the critically sick and wounded.”

    2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source