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

“Ijoin others in thanking Mr. Mladenov for his briefing and dedicated work. Mr. Mladenov's statement was accurate and clear, yet not encouraging - recent developments are reason for concern. I align myself with the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union (EU). The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains firmly committed to the two-State solution, based on known parameters. This also applies to the status of Jerusalem. A two-State solution is the only viable way of fulfilling the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike, to live in peace, security and dignity. We welcome the initiatives taken by the EU High Representative.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands will support any measure that reduces the possibility of violence, including an arms embargo. Let me reiterate that we urge all the parties in South Sudan to allow UNMISS to do its work. The Security Council should see to it that UNMISS has the capacity to do so. From that perspective, we look forward to the discussion on the renewal of the UNMISS mandate in March. It is our responsibility as a Council to ensure that the political leadership of South Sudan has the interests of its people at heart.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“We call on the Government of South Sudan and all other parties to allow quick, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need. This includes respect for the full freedom of movement of UNMISS, whose work is essential to facilitate humanitarian assistance. In conclusion, the key to South Sudan's future is, of course, in the hands of the people of South Sudan themselves. But the people of that country, especially women and children, continue to need our steadfast commitment as a Council to make their call for peace heard. Their voice is indispensable to the future of the country. The Council must stand by the people of South Sudan. We have to show that there are consequences, including sanctions, for every actor who continues to choose fighting over dialogue, conflict over peace, obstruction over cooperation.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“We urge the authorities of South Sudan and the African Union to establish the court as soon as possible. My third point concerns the issue of humanitarian access. Despite the 9 November presidential decree to allow unhindered movement, access on the ground has not improved, as Ms. Mueller just highlighted. Humanitarian organizations continue to face unacceptable bureaucratic, operational and physical obstacles in trying to provide assistance to those most in need. For donors such as the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this is unacceptable, and it should be unacceptable for all members of the Council. In addition, we are extremely concerned by the interim report of the Panel of Experts on South Sudan, which concluded that starvation has been used as a weapon of war in Wau county and surrounding areas.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“This, of course, includes the call for serious consequences for those who obstruct the peace process and violate the cessation of hostilities. The situation in South Sudan has reached a critical point. The international community, including the Council, must respond with the strongest possible pressure. This brings me to my second point, the issue of accountability. There can be no lasting peace without justice. We cannot wait for the guns to fall silent before we start holding to account those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, especially horrible crimes of sexual violence, as was mentioned just now. The establishment of a hybrid court, as agreed by the South Sudanese parties in 2015, is an essential step to address impunity and bring about justice.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“I will focus on three key issues for a sustainable peace in South Sudan: apeace agreement, accountability and humanitarian access. First, concerning the issue of a peace agreement, the revitalization process led by IGAD is the most urgent challenge. We should put pressure on those who stand in the way of peace and undermine this process. We continue to fully support the efforts of IGAD and call on all actors to engage constructively in the second round of the High-level Revitalization Forum. Experience has shown that such engagement will not take place without strong and united encouragement from the international community. This especially includes neighbouring countries. We support the recent statements issued by IGAD, the AU, the United Nations, the Troika and the European Union.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“As others have said, we welcome the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access of 21 December. We thank the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) for their tireless efforts to establish the Agreement. However, within hours the first violations of the Agreement were reported, and more violations have been reported since, as Mr. Mogae just said. To make things worse, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) faces continued obstruction while attempting to report on the violations. These violations and restrictions are unacceptable. They raise the issue of enforcement and that of the consequences of non-compliance, as Mr. Mogae just said.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Lacroix, Mr. Mogae and Ms. Mueller for their clear and, may I say, disquieting briefings. Seven years ago this month, an overwhelming majority of the people of South Sudan voted in favour of independence. They voted for an independent, peaceful and stable future. Now, seven years later, irresponsible political leadership in South Sudan has created a conflict that the people of that country did not vote for. Despite the strong support of the international community, including the Kingdom of the Netherlands, currently millions of people are living in urgent need of food assistance and millions more are displaced, as Ms. Mueller just mentioned. Only one conclusion is possible: the political leadership of South Sudan has not had the interests of its own people at heart.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“We must use all the tools available to us to achieve accountability. In conclusion, the Netherlands remains convinced that a referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court in The Hague is by far the best option for achieving accountability for the extremely serious crimes that have taken place in Syria.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8164 (2018) · source
“It will enable States to take action to uphold the international norms against the use of chemical weapons. It represents a political commitment to increasing pressure on those responsible for the use of chemical weapons, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is fully committed to that goal. Furthermore, the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011; the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic; and national prosecution in third countries, as well as sanctions, remain instrumental for achieving accountability for the crimes committed against the Syrian people.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8164 (2018) · source
“In particular, the countries on the Council with influence on Syria should use it with the Syrian regime to convince it to refrain from further chemical-weapon attacks, acknowledge its past use of such weapons and complete its chemical-weapon declaration. As long as the Council remains deadlocked, our focus on accountability will not stop here. We will look for complementary measures so that impunity will not prevail. We therefore thank France for taking the initiative to establish an international partnership against impunity for the use of chemical weapons. The Netherlands participated in the meeting of the partnership that took place in Paris today. The Paris initiative aims to collect evidence of the use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8164 (2018) · source
“I would now like to make three points. First, accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria is neither optional nor negotiable. Secondly, it is unacceptable that four years after Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention, its declaration is still unable to be verified as accurate and complete. Thirdly, the Netherlands will use its membership of the Security Council to bring accountability to the fore. We regret the dismantling of the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). We were convinced of the professionalism and independence of the JIM's work, and its results still stand. The Council should shoulder its responsibility in that regard.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8164 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply shocked by the ongoing attacks using chemical weapons in Syria. The Secretariat briefed the Council yesterday on yet another alleged chemical-weapon attack, the second this month. Two surface-to-surface projectiles targeted eastern Ghouta, releasing what is suspected to be chlorine. The attack resulted in injuring 21 people through exposure to chlorine, of whom eight were men, six women and seven children. Furthermore, there are shocking estimates of 130 chemical attacks between 2012 and 2017, with more than 60 pending allegations of chemical-weapon use in Syria still to be investigated by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its Fact-finding Mission. The Netherlands condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons by any State or non-State actor.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8164 (2018) · source
“MINUSMA must therefore work simultaneously at various levels. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is fully committed to Mali, peace, justice and development. Nonetheless, it is only with the full commitment of parties in Mali and of the international community that we will be able to build sustainable peace in Mali. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will remain the Council's partner in that endeavour.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“In that regard, Bamako will play the most important role in providing sound leadership that will allow for inclusive and transparent dialogue ahead of elections. It is also important that women and young people be fully involved in the implementation of the Agreement. We commend the support provided by MINUSMA for the holding of legitimate elections. In order to enhance accountability and reconciliation, it is essential that the Malian Government commit to addressing human rights abuses and that it be supported in that endeavour. The Malian parties must commit to implementing urgent reforms, such as decentralization and security sector reform, that address the root causes of the crisis. We must prove to the Malian people that there are peace dividends to be reaped. In conclusion, Mali and its people are faced with myriad challenges.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“Based on our experience in Mali, the Netherlands has learned the importance of a well-trained troop contingent, quality equipment and operations that are conducted with reliable information. We would like to underscore in particular the importance of using innovative force-generation methods, such as rotation plans. We call upon the Secretariat to continue efforts to ensure the availability and sustainability of equipment, which is vital for the Mission's effectiveness. We call upon Member States to provide capacity to MINUSMA. During our presidency of the Security Council in two months" time, the modernization of peacekeeping operations will be the subject of our open debate on 28 March. Thirdly, the coming year will be crucial as it pertains to good governance.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“However, it is important to ensure the rapid and sustainable implementation of a sound regulatory framework in order to prevent the occurrence of all human rights violations. If we fail to guarantee respect for human rights and human dignity, including with regard to detention and judicial proceedings, we will raise a new generation of terrorists, instead of eliminating them. The crisis in central Mali exerts greater pressure on the capabilities of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). To date, it remains the peacekeeping mission with the highest number of victims among Blue Helmets, which only serves to underscore the crucial importance of high-quality equipment and well-trained troops.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“Secondly, concerning the G-5 Joint Force and the capacity of MINUSMA, in a short time, the central part ofMali has become ahotbed ofterrorism, intercommunal violence, illegal migration and organized crime, which seriously threaten the stability of Mali, the broader Sahel region and even Europe. The link between terrorism and transnational organized crime is toxic in its effect. It is for that reason that resolution 2364 (2017) quite rightly calls upon Member States to combat illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, trafficking in migrants and trafficking in persons. Such challenges deserve the Council's full attention. The Netherlands therefore welcomes the establishment of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“The timeline adopted last week was welcome progress, and we must adhere to it during the next two months. The Netherlands welcomes the support and mediation provided by the international community, the European Union and, especially, MINUSMA, thanks to which we have been able to move forward. Such international support remains crucial. Furthermore, the appointment of the independent observer and the Security Council's sanctions regime pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) are vital components for achieving tangible results in 2018. We must not hesitate to use the tools provided by the sanctions regime when they are needed to promote progress.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“As needed, we will contribute development assistance, diplomacy and our contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). According to a Malian proverb, all those who paddle in the same boat have the same goal. More than ever before, for the international community, it is essential that all stakeholders be motivated by a common goal: peace in Mali. The year 2018 will be pivotal for Mali. Elections will be an important test in renewing the legitimacy of Mali's leaders. I would like to make three points: on the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, on the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S Sahel) and on good governance. First, concerning the peace process, swift progress in the inclusive implementation of the Peace Agreement is urgently needed.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): First of all, allow me to thank the Under-Secretary- General for his briefing. I alsojoin colleagues in warmly welcoming the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, His Excellency Mr. Coulibaly. The leadership of Under-Secretary- General Lacroix and of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Annadif are truly worthy of admiration, as are the dedication and perseverance of the Mission personnel, in the complex environment of Mali. I also pay tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate price in their efforts to establish peace in Mali, including the brave soldiers from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has been involved in Mali for a long time. We are, and will remain, committed to Mali.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“They will serve to enhance international peace and security, and help to prevent conflict, which is a fundamental responsibility of the Council.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“We must continue to push for the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), and we should support the work of international organizations and actively engage in multilateral initiatives, such as the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. In conclusion, only together can we maintain and strengthen international norms against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. That will require implementing our commitments and complying with our obligations under the relevant treaty regimes. It will require building upon our commitments to further strengthening the non-proliferation architecture. And it will require addressing and enforcing issues of non-compliance, collectively and effectively. These steps will serve to build confidence.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“As Chair of the first Preparatory Committee, we found that, even when different States and regions have different priorities, support for the NPT remains strong. We should build on this support to preserve our common ground and reach our shared goals. The Kingdom of the Netherlands also values initiatives aimed at facilitating cooperation and dialogue. We promote progress towards a fissile material cut-off treaty and support the important work being done on the topic of nuclear disarmament verification. We call on all States to make every effort to realize the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“We must ensure accountability for such acts, lest we undermine the rule of law and the humanity that underpin the United Nations system. Let me recall in this context the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Turning to my third point, we must engage in new activities to further strengthen the non-proliferation architecture. The first example is the cycle of the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). While obstacles remain, the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee set us on the path towards a successful review cycle.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“To make these sanctions work, we need scrupulous and worldwide implementation. As Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), I am working with all parties to this end, building on the work of Italy, our split-term party in 2017-2018. Of course, as others have said, we welcome recent developments of increased contacts between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The use of chemical weapons in Syria, especially by the Government, as well as by terrorist groups, is another grave Violation of international norms and is unacceptable. We regret the dismantling of the Organiation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons- United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“As facilitator for resolution 2231 (2015), I look forward to working with all parties to ensure full and comprehensive implementation of the resolution. I welcome the suggestion just made by our French colleague for a frank dialogue with Iran on related issues. When States fail to live up to their obligations and endanger international peace and security, we must act with common purpose to find diplomatic solutions. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has repeatedly defied its international obligations. Its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes threaten not just regional, but also global stability and security. The international community has been swift and strong in its condemnation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's actions and the Council has imposed the heaviest sanctions ever.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“It is imperative that all countries fulfil their commitments in order to bring us closer to the goal of a world free of weapons of mass destruction. We have to work persistently to universalize, implement, verify and enforce the international non-proliferation norms. Non-compliance must always be addressed and enforcement measures have to be taken. Doing so, and doing so effectively, will also strengthen international confidence in the architecture. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J CPOA) is a milestone accomplishment of international diplomacy and has proven to be a success, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is essential that all parties continue to fulfil their commitments under the JCPOA.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“As the Polish President mentioned earlier, we attach great value to The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation. However, proliferation concerns are not restricted to States alone. Non-State actors represent a growing threat when it comes to weapons and materials of mass destruction. We must make every effort to prevent such weapons and materials from falling into the hands of terrorists. This, of course, is the purview of resolution 1540 (2004). This comprehensive architecture of non-proliferation norms and obligations is the foundation of international peace and security. This brings me to my second point. We must pay constant attention to the implementation of our obligations, because clearly the non-proliferation architecture is not free from Violations.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“In that light, I will make three main points here today, concerning the importance of the non-proliferation architecture, the need for attention for implementation, and the need for activities to strengthen the architecture. On my first point, achieving a world without weapons of mass destruction starts with the current non-proliferation architecture - that is, the international regimes and norms that underpin our efforts against proliferation. The NPT is the cornerstone of the international regime to prevent nuclear proliferation and to work towards nuclear disarmament. Chemical and biological weapons are fully banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention. The Hague is the proud host of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“Let me first express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, and the Republic of Kazakhstan for convening this meeting on this very important topic. We commend Kazakhstan for its continued leadership role in this area. On a personal note, allow me to add that it is a pleasure to see you, Minister Abdrakhmanov, back in New York and presiding over the Council. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his very informative briefing. As declared repeatedly by the Council, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a threat to international peace and security. Therefore, the Kingdom of the Netherlands attaches the greatest importance to making every effort to prevent the use, stop the spread and ultimately achieve a world free of weapons of mass destruction.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source
“A renewal of the ceasefire is in the best interest of the Colombian people and is a necessary precondition for the full participation of civil society in the peace negotiations. (spoke in Spanish) In conclusion, as a neighbouring country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains fully committed to the Colombian peace process and is ready to support the Colombian Government in the implementation of the agreements. We face significant challenges, but we are convinced that the peace process is irreversible.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“On the ceasefire, we deeply regret the fact that negotiations have been unable to reach an agreement on an extension of the ceasefire. This morning's two attacks took place shortly after the ending of the ceasefire. It would be unfortunate if these attack were the consequence of the decision by the ELN (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional) to resume its actions against the Colombian Government. As a member of the group of countries supporting the negotiating table of the peace negotiations between the Colombian Government and the ELN, we call upon both parties to renew the ceasefire. The first ceasefire has greatly improved the humanitarian situation in areas affected by the conflict.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is concerned about the security situation in certain regions and the increase in violence against human rights defenders, community leaders and former combatants. Therefore, we welcome the redesign of Plan Victoria into Plan Horus, which includes the national police and focuses more on areas where the security situation is most critical. We welcome the first steps taken by the Colombian Government to set up a transitional justice system and we look forward to the full implementation of chapter 5 of the peace agreement. In order to reach sustainable and lasting peace, impunity should be put to an end and reparations and guarantees of non-repetition to the 8 million victims should be ensured.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“A solid national reintegration plan is necessary to make the political, economic and social reintegration of former combatants into society a reality. We hope both parties will be creative in finding ways to give demobilized ex-FARC-members access to land. In that regard, we very much welcome the recent steps of President Santos. We would also like to stress the important dimension of gender. Given the important role that women have played in the peace process, they should also be able to participate fully in the drafting and implementation of the reintegration plan. The participation of women has proven to be effective and it is crucial to the success of the reintegration plan as well.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“The peace process is not only about Colombia; it gives hope to many people in many other regions of the world that are torn up by war. Our financial support to the implementation of the peace agreement focuses on human rights and gender, transitional justice, democratization and land rights. We thank the Secretary General for his report (S/2017/lll7). It contains a clear and realistic overview of the results of the Mission and the progress of the implementation of the peace agreement in general. That brings me to my second point - remaining challenges and achievements. Of course, the full implementation of the Peace Agreement is key. However difficult it may seem, challenges need to be confronted and dealt with without delay. Only the full commitment to peace by all parties can overcome the challenges that Colombia still faces.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“Before going into the issue of Colombia, I would also like to acknowledge that this is the last meeting of my good friend and neighbour, Matthew Rycroft. I honour the contribution he has made to peace and security in the world through all of his activities on the Council. We will miss him. Today, I will address three issues - the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, some of the challenges and the ceasefire. First, with regard to the Peace Agreement, the Kingdom of the Netherlands commends the historic peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). We pay tribute to the achievements of both parties in the peace process. They are remarkable.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Jean Arnault, for his comprehensive briefing this morning. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of the Vice-President of Colombia, Mr. Naranjo - a key player in the peace process. We thank him for honouring us with his presence and for his personal commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a close neighbour of Colombia - as Aruba and Curacao are off the coast of Colombia and are autonomous countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In view of that good-neighbourly relationship, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has politically supported the peace process in Colombia from the start, and we will continue to do so. We are also providing financial support for the implementation of the peace agreement.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8154 (2018) · source
“We call upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to exercise restraint when reacting to people exercising their human rights, to lift restrictions on fundamental freedoms and to uphold the rule of law by holding perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. Dialogue is crucial in this context - dialogue within Iran to address existing grievances, but also dialogue between Iran and the broader international community. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to play its role in such a dialogue, especially during our year on the Council.”
2018-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8152 (2018) · source
“Therefore, from the perspective of conflict prevention, the Council has a responsibility to act early and decisively when fundamental freedoms are under threat. Every person has the right to individual freedoms, such as the freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and every person has electoral rights and a right to a fair trial. These are not just words; they are obligations under international law. All Governments have a responsibility to honour those obligations. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates its concern about the recent developments in Iran. We hope that today's session can work as a preventive measure to avoid further escalation of violence.”
2018-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8152 (2018) · source
“In this light, we appreciate the public statements of the Iranian president regarding the legitimacy of peaceful protest in the country, and we take note of the increased willingness for engagement by the Iranian authorities on issues related to human rights. However, we have seen that the Islamic Republic of Iran imposed both offline and online restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, opinion, association and peaceful assembly. The Kingdom of the Netherlands urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to end these restrictions, both offline and online. My third point is about prevention. Without human rights and fundamental freedoms, there can be no human dignity. Without human dignity, there can be no lasting stability or security.”
2018-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8152 (2018) · source
“We furthermore call upon the Iranian Government to launch a comprehensive accountability process. This accountability process should address all cases of serious human rights violations, including those involving the Iranian judiciary and security agencies. An end to impunity for such human rights violations is paramount. This brings me to my second point, which concerns respect for human rights. The right to peaceful demonstration and the right to freedom of expression and assembly are fundamental rights. They apply to all persons, in all countries, and Iran is no exception. This was also stressed by the European Union and its member States in our recent statement of 2 January.”
2018-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8152 (2018) · source
“Let me start with my first point, the current situation in Iran. As the Assistant Secretary-General just mentioned, the anti-Government protests in Iran, which originated in Mashhad, spread to dozens of Iranian cities and rural areas. These were legitimate and peaceful protests by the Iranian people against the social and economic conditions they face in their daily lives. We have witnessed a disturbing level of violence and a death toll that has risen to more than 20, with many more wounded and arrested. As the Assistant Secretary- General just indicated, the situation in Iran seems to be calming down. We hope that the situation in Iran will further stabilize, especially when it comes to the use ofviolence. We therefore call on all sides to refrain from any more violence.”
2018-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8152 (2018) · source
“Let me first congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming your role as President of the Council. I will therefore try to say in the Kazakh language, "Thank you, Mr. President". This is the first time the Kingdom ofthe Netherlands takes the floor as a member of the Security Council for the year 2018. Let me therefore start by thanking my colleague, Mr. Sebastiano Cardi, and his Deputy Permanent Representative Mr. Inigo Lambertini and their team for the excellent work done in 2017 by Italy, in the context of our split term 2017-2018 on the Council. Let me also thank Assistant Secretary- General Zerihoun for his briefing. Given the value we attach to dialogue, we welcome the presence of Iran in this session today. In my intervention, I will address three issues: the current situation in Iran, human rights and prevention.”
2018-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8152 (2018) · source
“We also encourage the Security Council to address irregular migration, including human trafficking, in a more structured way in mission mandates and reporting. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to take up its responsibility on these issues during our term on the Security Council next year in the context of our split term with Italy.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands commends the Secretary-Generalforreferringinhisreport (S/2017/939) to the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Crime Threats on trafficking in human beings. This partnership, coordinated by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, brings together European Union member States, INTERPOL and others to share knowledge and jointly investigate human trafficking cases. In conclusion, partnerships are at the heart of our shared responsibility and shared efforts to stop human trafficking. We welcome the steps taken by the United Nations to enhance coordination. We encourage all Member States to ratify and implement the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Secondly, on protection, trafficking in human beings is an act that constitutes a gross violation of human rights. It is therefore crucial for the United Nations and its Member States to prioritize the protection of victims. The Kingdom of the Netherlands does its share by supporting migrant-rescue operations in the Sahel and the reintegration of victims of human trafficking. Thirdly, on prosecution, the perpetrators of human trafficking thrive in a climate of impunity. They must be arrested, detained and prosecuted. And if, for whatever reason, we are not able to do so immediately, we should look for other ways to sanction their behavior in the meantime.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“First, on prevention, ideally we would eradicate the root causes of human trafficking and prevent it from occurring in the first place. The first step towards doing so is to enhance information position. United Nations entities operating in conflict and post-conflict situations play an important role in that regard. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's recommendation that this role be strengthened by including the issue ofhuman trafficking in country assessments and predeployment trainings. We must also enhance our understanding of the relationship between human trafficking and the financing of terrorism so as to destroy this gruesome business model. The Netherlands will support the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in identifying this relationship and gather good practices to address it.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“I should also like to highlight the presence in my delegation, sitting behind me, of the Acting Prime Minister of Saint Maarten, Mr. Rafael Boasman, who is in New York for the Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management. As the members of the Council know, Saint Maarten was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma. The recent appalling reports on human trafficking in Libya further underscore the importance of today's open debate. We fully support yesterday's statement by the African Union and welcome the Secretary-General's call for the situation to be investigated. Stopping human trafficking in conflict situations, such as those in Libya and the Sahel, is a shared responsibility that requires a common effort. In that context, I should like to focus on three important aspects: prevention, protection and prosecution.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“I should like to express my thanks to you personally, Sir, for being here at this late hour. Your presence is most appreciated. The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks you for having convened this open debate and congratulates you on the unanimous adoption of resolution 2388 (2017). We also wish to thank today's briefers and Secretary-General Guterres for his leadership in addressing human trafficking. We support the statement you delivered earlier, Sir, in the context of our split term with Italy in the Security Council. I should also like to reiterate and underscore the words of my counterpart from Kenya in appreciation of Italy's policies. We align ourselves with the statement made by the observer of the European Union.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source