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

“It has referred two situations to the International Criminal Court. It has established an independent investigative team for crimes committed in Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS), which we welcome. With those actions, it sent a clear message to victims that justice would be delivered, and to perpetrators that they would be held accountable. When national Governments fail to ensure criminal accountability, it becomes the responsibility of the Council to provide it. A referral alone is not enough; the International Criminal Court needs the Council's enforcement power when States refuse to comply with its decisions. When large-scale violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law are taking place, Member States expect the Council to act. Investigations of crimes committed by ISIS are not enough.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“When we assume the presidency of the Council in March, therefore, we will focus on collective action to improve peacekeeping operations, which will be the theme for our high-level debate on 28 March. All key players in peacekeeping operations share the responsibility to ensure that peacekeeping operations become more effective. It is the Council's responsibility to provide robust mandates that address the operational challenges in the field. It is also its responsibility to act effectively when host States renege on their commitments, undermine the activities of the United Nations or target their own citizens. My third point is about effective accountability. Sustainable peace cannot be built on impunity. The Council established the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“It can achieve its objectives only when all Member States accept its compulsory jurisdiction, and they should therefore do so, especially the permanent members of the Council. The Council has the tools and responsibility to ensure that parties effectively settle their disputes peacefully. Let us use them. My second point is about effective peacekeeping. When prevention fails, the Council has the primary responsibility to restore international peace and security. The flexibility of the Charter is demonstrated by the fact that the Council is able to deploy peacekeeping operations, although it does not mention the word "peacekeeping", as such. Today's complex and high-risk environments create new challenges for peacekeeping operations, as the Secretary-General indicated this morning.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“One of the most effective ways to prevent armed conflict is through the peaceful settlement of disputes. Article 33 of the Charter sets out all the mechanisms at the disposal of the parties to a dispute, including judicial settlement, arbitration and mediation. I vividly recall the 2013 event at the Peace Palace in The Hague on Article 33 in which the Secretary-General at the time, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, participated. The Hague, which is the legal capital of the world, is the proud host of the Peace Palace and home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice. The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“At the first meeting of the Security Council, he said, "Whether it succeeds or not, however, depends upon the manner in which the members of the Security Council discharge the special obligation which they have assumed. This is the obligation to agree so that the Council may be able to act, and act effectively" (S/PVI, p. 7). Let me repeat what he said. Security Council members have the obligation to agree so that the Council can act effectively, and that obligation is especially for the permanent members of the Council and their use of the veto. In the light of that, I will focus on three important areas where we believe the Council can act more effectively - effective prevention, effective peacekeeping and effective accountability. My first point is about effective prevention.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“The Charter protects States against acts of aggression, and the example ofKuwait is a case in point, and especially ofthe impact that the Council can have when it is united. The Charter provides the conditions for security, safety, human rights and sustainable economic development. It is the foundation of the international legal order, and the Constitution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands obliges our Government to promote the development of the international legal order. The Charter came into being in San Francisco 72 years ago. Edward Stettinius, the Secretary of State of the United States at the time, was one of the key players in the United Nations Conference on International Organization.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Kuwait for convening this meeting, 27 years after its liberation. I would particularly like to thank the Kuwaiti presidency for supplying my delegation with a number of copies of the Charter of the United Nations with an orange cover, which is the national colour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We also want to thank the Secretary-General and former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for their briefings. It is a great honour, Mr. President, that you, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, are presiding over our meeting. In 1945, the Charter of the United Nations established a new international rules-based order.”
2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source
“We should all work diligently and in concert to advance the two-State solution: the parties themselves, the region and the international community at large.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“This includes the expansion of possibilities for trade and support for essential services such as water and energy. We therefore call upon all parties involved to live up to the commitments made. We call on the Palestinian Authority to proceed on the challenging path of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. We support the efforts to restore unity between the West Bank and Gaza, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza as the single, legitimate governing authority. The incidents over the weekend showed again the need for a political solution for Gaza. In conclusion, I started by saying there was little cause for optimism. However, in the Middle East optimism is not so much a choice as it is a necessity. This conflict can be solved; the conflict must be solved.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The critical financial situation of UNRWA is undermining its ability to provide basic services to the people of Gaza. We are concerned that this negative forecast will lead to growing despair in Gaza. It will add to the unpredictability of the situation and increase the risk of instability in the other areas of operations of UNRWA. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that UNRWA is able to execute its mandate as given by the General Assembly. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls upon all stakeholders to put the needs of the population at the forefront in future decisions regarding Gaza. The positive measures suggested by the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in Brussels can lead to a significant improvement in living conditions.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“Unemployment is rising, and the economy is coming to virtual standstill. Gaza faces a lack of energy supply that affects all aspects of life, including the provision of water and the treatment of sewage. Almost none of the groundwater is now fit for human consumption, and raw sewage flows into the sea, polluting the water needed for desalination. The people of Gaza suffer from insufficient access to adequate health care. In the words of the Secretary-General, Gaza will become unlivable by 2020. But for many, it is hardly livable this very day. A growing number of people there are dependent on humanitarian aid, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as we all know, is the largest provider of this aid.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The international community can certainly help in providing a political horizon for the two-State solution, in line with relevant Council resolutions. The international community can support the parties to find a path back to the negotiation table. To this end, cooperation between the Quartet partners as well as regional players and with both parties is crucial. We fully support the initiatives for the two-State solution taken by the High Representative of the European Union, working together with both parties, the other members of the Quartet and regional partners. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to play a constructive role, building on our good relations with both sides. This brings me to my third point: Gaza. As others have said, the crisis in Gaza is growing rapidly.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in and around Gaza. Rocket attacks by militants from Gaza are unacceptable and need to stop. The leadership on both sides must work to prevent escalation. Secondly, concerning the need for commitment and international support, the current lack of confidence between parties but also in tried formats for negotiations creates a dangerous vacuum. They cause both the Israeli and Palestinian populations to lose hope. Worldwide examples of resolved conflicts show that negotiations do not start with trust, they start with courage and the political commitment to reach out, build bridges and create trust, taking people along step by step.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and the actions taken in this context, including continuous demolitions; plans leading to the forced transfer of Bedouin communities in the West Bank; the announcement that the Havat Gilad outpost would be legalized into a settlement; and legislative proposals that entail nothing less than annexation. Such actions and proposals are cause for serious concern. The Kingdom of the Netherlands' position has not changed: settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the viability of the two-State solution and prospects for a lasting peace. At the same time, the continued violence, including the firing of rockets, as well as incitement, needs to stop.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands believes that clear parameters define the basis for negotiations, including on Jerusalem. These parameters are key elements of a successful outcome. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls upon both sides to translate their stated desire for peace into tangible steps, steps that build trust and contribute to the preservation of the possibility of the two-State solution, in line with resolution 2334 (2016). This requires a fundamental change in the developments on the ground, which continue to undermine the prospect of a two-State solution.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“The Oslo accords held the promise of two States within five years of their signing, in 1993. We are now in the twenty- fifth year since Oslo, and the obstacles to peace have only grown. Oslo was not just a document; it was a vision. We remain firmly convinced that only the two-State solution, based on the borders of 1967, will lead to sustainable peace. We recall that a lasting solution to the conflict must be achieved on the basis of the relevant Council resolutions; the Madrid principles, including land for peace; the road map; the agreements previously reached by the parties; and the Arab Peace Initiative, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“First let me welcome the presence earlier of President Abbas here in the Council, and let me thank Mr. Mladenov for his detailed briefing and certainly for his efforts for peace. The facts on the ground speak for themselves and leave little room for optimism. We face a growing humanitarian and economic crisis in Gaza, and we see a lack of possibilities for Palestinian development in the West Bank. I will touch on three points in that context: first, the two-State solution and the need for tangible steps; secondly, the need for commitment and international support; and, thirdly, the situation in Gaza. With regard to my first point, the two-State solution, it is worth recalling the Oslo accords, signed by President Abbas, who has always advocated a peaceful road towards a Palestinian State.”
2018-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8183 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, for the Rohingya to be able to return to their homes and to continue their lives peacefully and sustainably in Myanmar, we call on all parties to work on the following: first, a long-term political solution that respects the rights of minorities; secondly, accountability for perpetrators of violators of international humanitarian law and human rights law; thirdly, meeting the preconditions for a safe, dignified and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees; and fourthly, in the meantime, supporting the Bangladeshi efforts to shelter the Rohingya on their soil. The situation is so serious that we should keep this issue high on the agenda of the Council.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The international community will continue to depend on Bangladesh, as long as safe, voluntary and dignified returns remain impossible. The rainy season will only increase the challenges in the Bangladeshi camps. We should all stand ready to help Bangladesh overcome these challenges, and we encourage Bangladesh to work with United Nations agencies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to meet them.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We call on Myanmar to establish a concrete action plan for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, chaired by Kofi Annan. Living conditions need to be improved and decades of discrimination must be brought to an end. Returnees need access to appropriate shelter, not in camps, but in the villages that they fled from, and victims require proper rehabilitation. These are steps that should be taken right now. This brings me to my third point: humanitarian challenges and especially the humanitarian situation in the camps in Cox's Bazar. We commend the generous efforts of Bangladesh to welcome and shelter the refugees on its soil. We are aware of the tremendous challenges the situation creates for the host communities.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The large majority of Rohingya do not want to go back yet. They fear a repetition of the abuses that forced them to flee. It is primarily up to the Myanmar authorities to ensure the safety of their own population. They have the primary responsibility to protect their own people. The many reports of grave violations and abuses of human rights, including by the military, need to be thoroughly investigated and to be prosecuted. We need accountability. That is crucial to ensure the long-term stability of Myanmar. We call on Myanmar to allow access for the fact-finding mission. We encourage Myanmar to accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court through accession or self-referral. The return of the Rohingya must be dignified and sustainable. The root causes of the current crisis therefore need to be addressed.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We welcome the steps undertaken by the Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh to build a framework for eventual return. We emphasize the right of return of all refugees to Myanmar. However, it is clear that the conditions in Rakhine state are not yet sufficient to start that process. Returns can take place only if they are voluntary, safe and dignified. The independent monitoring of that process is essential to ensuring that it meets international standards. Myanmar should allow the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to play a role in the repatriation process. Access for United Nations and other humanitarian aid organizations into Rakhine state is key to establishing if it is safe enough to return. The voices of the Rohingya themselves also need to be heard.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We call on the Government of Myanmar to respect their rights. They should be released now. Furthermore, the Government should allow journalists to work independently and without undue interference, as stated in resolution 2222 (2015). Fundamental human rights are at stake, as Mr. Jenea said earlier. The recent testimonies of the situation in Myanmar are shocking. They press upon us the need to address the mass atrocities and to find a durable and just resolution to the dreadful plight of the Rohingya. The crisis continues to affect the security not only of Myanmar but also of its neighbours. The situation therefore warrants the close and continued attention of the Security Council. That brings me to my second point - the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the refugees.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“Regarding my first point, on the current situation in Myanmar, every week that passes, we hear more stories of atrocities perpetrated against the Rohingya people following the events of last August - stories of mass graves in the village of Inn Din, a coastal village whence the entire Rohingya population of 6,000 people fled; stories ofyoung girls who are the victims of sexual violence; stories of children who saw their parents and siblings killed and had to find their own way to safety in Bangladesh; and stories of almost 700,000 people who had to flee from their homes. It is often journalists who bring us such stories. In that respect, as others have done, let me mention the plight of the Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe 00. Both were detained two months ago while working on a report on the mass graves in Inn Din.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for putting this very serious issue on our agenda. Allow me to express my appreciation to Mr. Jenca and Mr. Grandi for their excellent briefings. Today, I will focus on three issues: first, the current situation in Myanmar; secondly, how to ensure the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingya; and thirdly, the humanitarian challenges in the camps in Cox's Bazar.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands has confidence in Kosovo's future, and we call on all the relevant parties to build trust, continue peaceful dialogue and fully implement reached agreements.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“For Kosovo's progress to be maintained, its judicial capacities must be accompanied by sincere political will to protect and promote the rule of law. In that light, recent steps undertaken to undermine the authority and legal basis of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Special Prosecution Office are reason for concern. We encourage Kosovo's political leaders to fully act in line with the obligations to which they have committed themselves. In conclusion, Kosovo is on a positive path, but much remains to be done to ensure accountability for past crimes. In that regard, let me also refer to my European colleagues' statements concerning the statement made on behalf of the European Union yesterday.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“We also favour changing the format of our discussion to consultations. Furthermore, we call on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo to focus on its core tasks, and we look forward to future options concerning its downsizing. That brings me to my second point, namely, the rule of law. We condemn in the strongest terms, as others have done today, the recent murder of Mr. Ivanovie. It is crucial that the perpetrators of that crime be found and justice be done. The rule of law is important for individuals to achieve a sense of closure, but it also has a broader importance for society as a whole. That brings me to my third point, on accountability. Accountability is an important step on the road to reconciliation in Kosovo's society.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“First, let me thank Ambassador Tanin, as well as his staff, for their work, the detailed report (S/2018/76) and the briefing. I should like to add that it is also a great personal pleasure to see Ambassador Tanin in person today. We welcome the close cooperation of Ambassador Tanin with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Mogherini, given the important role of the European Union in Kosovo. Iwill focus on three points today: first, Kosovo in the Security Council; secondly, the rule of law; and, thirdly, accountability. With regard to my first point, concerning Kosovo in the Security Council, in our View, the situation in Kosovo today allows for a reduction of the frequency of our discussions in the Council from every three to six months.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Making the Security Council more effective via better working methods is crucial in order to uphold the principles of the Charter, to maintain international peace and security in the interests of the peoples of the world.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“In that context, we express our concern about the continuing vacancy of the Ombudsperson for the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999). Thirdly, we think that the role of the Military Staff Committee should be strengthened, especially when it comes to the performance of missions in relation to the mandates. In that Committee we need a more proactive and intensified dialogue between elected and permanent members. Fourthly, as I have noted in the previous open debates on working methods, we fully support the French-Mexican initiative to limit the use of the veto in case of mass atrocities. That was also jut mentioned by our French colleague. In conclusion, we need to fully implement the last update of note 507. That is the best way to ensure that the Council works effectively.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We welcome the suggestion in the note for more interactive and focused consultations with troop- and police-contributing countries and other stakeholders in the meetings of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations. That bring me to my additional suggestions for improving the working methods of the Council. First, in order to facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Council could explicitly weigh the means and options provided for by Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, guided by an inventory of past experiences. Secondly, we need to foster the mechanisms aimed at monitoring compliance with Security Council resolutions. In that regard, enhancing cooperation with international legal mechanisms is essential.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, demonstrates that very clearly. That brings me to my second point, that of accountability. We really welcome the fact that the Security Council's annual reports to the General Assembly include information on the work of its sanctions committees and of the international tribunals. This illustrates the point that the Council uses the means at its disposal to promote the international rule of law and to counter impunity. That bring me to my third point, that of peacekeeping. The note contains a number of measures that can contribute to more effective peacekeeping, and, in particular, I refer to paragraph 91.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“And then I will add some additional suggestions for further improvements. On my first point, that of prevention, we welcome the annual joint consultative meetings and informal dialogues of the Security Council with the African Union Peace and Security Council. They are a key tool to better understand the situation on the ground and to help prevent conflicts from breaking out. Better use of that tool would be an important step in addressing regional problems, providing shared solutions and preventing escalation. Another important aspect in the new note 507 is the acknowledgment of the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations. We should enhance interaction with those actors, for instance, by inviting them more often as briefers in a debate, such as to the one we are having today.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, let me commend Kuwait for convening this open debate. Let me also thank Mr. Ian Martinfor his excellent briefing earlier today. Discussing working methods is not a mere exercise in style or in process. The way the Council operates influences our impact in the field. It affects the lives of million of people, especially those suffering from crises and conflict. Last year, we welcomed the adoption of the comprehensive new note by the President of the Security Council S/2017/507. The note is the legacy of Ambassador Koro Bessho of Japan during his time on the Council over the past two years. Now it is time for us to fully implement the note. I will focus on positive practices in three domains that we find particularly important: prevention, accountability and peacekeeping.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We therefore strongly support other accountability initiatives for Syria, such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic and the Human Rights Council's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. We also support the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, which was just highlighted by our French colleague. However, let me repeat what I have said in the Chamber before, the Council should refer the situation in Syria, especially the mass atrocities committed in the conflict, to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“It is essential that the Syrian authorities cooperate seriously with the OPCW. The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the continuation of the work of OPCW Fact-finding Mission. We call on all States to ensure that the Fact-finding Mission can continue its work independently. In conclusion, we stand ready to adopt the draft press statement, as circulated before. We are convinced that the Security Council cannot allow the continued use of chemical weapons to go unpunished. Impunity is a curse; accountability is a must. The Council has to act. As long as the Council is blocked from achieving accountabilitybytheuse ofthe veto,wewillalso continue our efforts outside the Council.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“Secondly, the mechanism should be effective; it should independently decide how it will conduct its investigations, including when it comes to analysing facts and assessing the quality of evidence. Lastly, it should be comprehensive and investigate and identify perpetrators among all parties to the armed conflict - both State and non- State actors. The draft resolution that is currently being discussed has not yet met those important principles. That brings me to my third point, namely, the fifty-second OPCW report (S/2018/84, annex), which the High Representative presented very clearly in her briefing. The report points out that, unfortunately, too little progress has been made by the Syrian authorities in addressing the outstanding questions that the OPCW posed about the declaration of the Syrian authorities.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is prepared to work together on any proposal that strengthens accountability and the international rule of law. But let me emphasize that a weak accountability mechanism is not an option. For us, the fundamental characteristics of any accountability mechanism are the principles of impartiality, independence, comprehensiveness and effectiveness. In order to uphold those principles, a mechanism should at least meet the following requirements. First, it should operate independently from the Security Council, including when it comes to the attribution of guilt. It should be impartial. The separation of powers is necessary to prevent undue politicization.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“Impunity erodes the important prohibition against the use of chemical weapons. It is inconceivable that impunity now reigns, which brings me to my second point, namely, the need for accountability. As others have said, we had a well-functioning and professional mechanism to ensure accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). The JIM. repeatedly determined the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Da'esh. It had a strong mandate to investigate and identify perpetrators independently from the politics of the Security Council. And it did so accordingly, but the renewal of its mandate fell victim to the repeated use of the veto. However, that does not mean that we now need to settle for less.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“In Douma, in eastern Ghouta, and last night in Saraqeb, in Idlib, innocent civilians, including children, have become victims once again of horrible chemical-weapon attacks. Such attacks deserve the strongest condemnation of the Security Council as violations of international law. Furthermore, recent OPCW laboratory tests show that samples of the chemical attack on Ghouta in August 2013 correspond to the chemical-weapons arsenal declared by the Syrian regime in 2014 and the Khan Shaykun attack in 2017. This confirms once again that the Al-Assad regime uses chemical weapons against its own population. We pay tribute to the work of the White Helmets, who have saved more a 100,000 civilians from the rubble of the Syrian war. The use of chemical weapons should never go unpunished.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“As this is the first time that I take the floor under the Kuwaiti presidency of the Security Council, I would like to congratulate and honour Kuwait's assumption of the presidency by trying to offer my thanks in Arabic: (spoke in Arabic) Thank you, Mr. President. (spoke in English) I would also like to thank Ms. Nakamitsu for her comprehensive and clear briefing. I will address three issues today: first, reports of the renewed use of chemical weapons in Syria; secondly, the need for accountability; and, thirdly, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) report at hand (S/2018/84, annex). With respect to the renewed use of chemical weapons in the past weeks, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is shocked at the recent reports of chemical attacks in Syria, including this weekend and last night. We are outraged.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“That is what the people of Yemen deserve. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to be a partner for peace, justice and development for the region, with a particular focus on its people.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“This issue will be a priority for us during our tenure in the Council this year. All parties in Yemen should comply with international humanitarian law and should at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants. I would like to repeat the call ofthe Council in its press statement of 22 December for the parties to allow the safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies, personnel and other essential imports. We welcome the announced improvements to infrastructure, which are crucial for the adequate delivery of international assistance. Al-Hudaydah is key in that regard; we reiterate the need for its permanent and unconditional opening. At the same time, all parties to the conflict should constructively engage with the Special Envoy to create opportunities for dialogue.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“UNRWA's work is also indispensable in the challenging environment of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. With these activities, UNRWA is critical to stability in the region. In view of our concerns regarding UNRWA's financial situation, my country has decided to frontload its contribution to UNRWA for 2018. We encourage others to join us in supporting UNRWA and to contribute as soon as possible. Let me also draw attention to another regional issue of majorconcernto us-the negative impact of Hizbullah interfering in regional conflicts. Hizbullah poses a real risk of further destabilizing that already volatile region. It should disarm, in compliance with resolution 1701 (2006), and cease its destabilizing behaviour. Let me add a final point concerning the situation in Yemen, which is also an issue of major concern for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“As an example, Dutch-funded container scanners are facilitating Palestinian trade, while Israeli security concerns are taken into account. Let me also underline the importance of the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We should not politicize humanitarian aid. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has been a strong supporter of UNRWA over the years and will remain so, especially in view of the current difficulties. We firmly believe UNRWA plays a key role as a United Nations humanitarian organization to provide basic health care, education and emergency relief to Palestine refugees. Especially in the Palestinian territories, its role is indispensable, as UNRWA provides 50 per cent of all humanitarian aid.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, apolitical horizon for the two-State solution is needed, in line with relevant Council resolutions, including resolutions 2334 (2016) and 478 (1980). To that end, cooperation among Quartet partners as well as regional partners is crucial. Unilateral steps are unhelpful. Instead, we have to work together in order to prevent the irreversible loss of the two-State solution and to help parties to find a path back to the negotiation table. In this regard, the Kingdom of the Netherlands looks forward to the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians to address the situation in Gaza. My country will continue to use its good relations with both sides to play a constructive role. That includes facilitating practical steps in the field of energy, water and crossings.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, we are concerned that the amendment made by the Knesset to the Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel, on 2 January will make an agreement on Jerusalem as shared capital ofboth States more difficult. Secondly, both parties should urgently take significant positive steps to build confidence and improve the situation on the ground. This is hard work; it requires leadership and political will, but it needs to be done. We call upon Israel to freeze its expansion of settlements and to enable the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority. We urge Palestinian leaders to condemn terrorist attacks, to continue security cooperation and to proceed on the challenging path of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Both sides should refrain from unhelpful and inciting statements, as witnessed over the past couple of weeks.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“We condemn all acts of violence, including the firing of rockets from Gaza, the killing of an Israeli citizen in the West Bank on 9 January and the cynical use by militants of the crossing at Kerem Shalom/Karm Abu Salem as a cover for building a tunnel. There is no justification for terrorism. At the same time, we are concerned by the high number of Palestinian casualties in protests and confrontations in the past months. The response to violence should be proportionate. Both sides must work to prevent further escalation. The Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly opposes the recent Israeli announcements on settlement expansion. Settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“This includes receiving Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas and convoking an additional meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians on 31 January in Brussels, together with Norway. Allow me to focus on three main aspects of the issue at hand: negative developments on the ground, the need for positive steps and the role of the international community. First of all, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about developments on the ground that continue to undermine the prospect of a two-State solution. Tensions have increased over the past two months.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source