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

“Those declarations, of course, now have to be translated into concrete action. We urge the Unity Government to become more of a genuine Government of unity. Only a united team can bring about progress. In that context, we welcome the fact that seven members of the Electoral Commission and five of the Independent Electoral Complaint Commission have been announced. They should pursue electoral reforms and prepare for elections, as was agreed. We also welcome the fact that the nomination process was transparent. We also welcome the agreement reached with Hizb-i Islami (Gulbuddin) and call for its implementation. We hope it will be an inspiration for other, similar agreements. One of the priorities of the Afghan Government that we support is the advancement of the anti-corruption agenda.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“Saikal, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, for their interesting briefings. I will focus today on three issues - the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, political developments and the security and human-rights situations. The Brussels Conference was a key event ofthe past couple of months. Ms. Lilianne Ploumen, our Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, reaffirmed the commitment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Afghanistan. I think the Conference made it clear that the international community, and the Netherlands, as part ofit, will not abandon Afghanistan. We welcome the presentation of the 2017-2018 Self- Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework by President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. We feel strongly that the Framework sets clear progress indicators for the Afghan Government.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to thank the Security Council for the opportunity to speak in today's debate. I would like to begin by offering my deepest condolences to our Russian colleague on the occasion of the killing of the Russian Ambassador in Turkey. He has our deepest sympathy. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would also like to underline the statement just made by the representative of Italy as part of our cooperation related to our upcoming split term in the Security Council. We commend the Secretary-General for his detailed and thorough report (S/2016/1049). I would also like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto and my good friend Mr.”
2016-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7844 (2016) · source
“And, together with Italy, we stand ready to offer our full support to the incoming Chair, Bolivia, for the swift and effective implementation of this very important resolution.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The possibility of a biological attack by non-State actors is real, and we need to address that threat more comprehensively and urgently than ever. The international framework needs to be strengthened. It should be updated given the rapid pace of technological development in the biological sciences. Resolution 2325 (2016), which was adopted today, provides a good platform for making progress in that regard. We therefore strongly encourage all partners to integrate that fully in their efforts to implement today's resolution. In conclusion, let me reiterate our deep thanks to Spain for its outstanding effort and inclusive approach with regard to the review. It led to outstanding results and sets an example with regard to substance and process.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“We therefore strongly encourage Member States to use national action plans. My second point concerns nuclear security. We are all aware of the horrendous effect that a terrorist attack using nuclear or radiological weapons would have. In order to address such a threat, nuclear security is key. It is a prime example whereby the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) can count on a solid international organization. Of course, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a crucial role to play in that regard. We need close cooperation between the IAEA, Member States and the 1540 Committee to strengthen nuclear security worldwide. The outcome of the Nuclear Security Summit in March sets an ambitious goal of how the ensure nuclear security. Let us work together to make that a reality. My third point concerns biological weapons.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“First, with regard to the need for the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), we really need it on a global scale and we need it to be comprehensive. We need it to be comprehensive by Member States, but also by international and regional organizations and industry. With so many actors, we need coordination to ensure efficient and effective implementation and to prevent overlap or competition by different organizations. In that regard, the work done by the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts is indispensable. Furthermore, at the national level, we have a great instrument at our disposal: the national action plans. They help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of technical assistance and international cooperation. It is a truly forward-looking instrument that will help us put more emphasis on action rather than reporting.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“We have engaged all Member States, both the members of the Council and the non-members of the Council in the General Assembly. This was a best practice and should be followed by all of us. The great number of co-sponsors, including the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a testament to the effective way you, Mr. President, have handled this. I would also like to underline the statement made by the representative of Italy. Realizing the goals of the resolution is of crucial importance in the coming period and, together with Italy, during the split term 2017/2018 year in the Security Council, we are committed to working hard on the realization of these goals. Let me make three points in this context with regard to implementation, nuclear security and the threat of biological weapons.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. I will read out a shortened version of my statement, in view of time constraints. My full statement will be available via PaperSmart and on Twitter. Let me begin by paying tribute to the energy, leadership and vision of Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi for the way he has structured the work on this issue. We also pay tribute to the energy and the work of his Deputy Permanent Representative, his staff and the Group of Experts for their outstanding work. The open debate we are having today is a fitting manner to close the comprehensive review of 1540 (2004). Today's debate illustrates the inclusive way in which Spain has conducted the review.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“President, for having put this issue on our agenda. Let us all work together to address water issues in a comprehensive manner, connecting all the pillars of the United Nations. Let us work together to ensure that water is a cause for cooperation and not conflict, and to ensure that water contributes to peace, justice and development. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to be a partner for that important purpose.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In this regard, the Dutch Government is identifying options to intensify our cooperation on water issues with countries in the Sahel region. The third issue is the need for water diplomacy. We must make sure that water unites us and does not divide us. We therefore need to intensify effective water diplomacy. As an example, last March we organized a seminar in Khartoum for diplomats from the States of the Nile basin, so as to prevent future water conflicts. Furthermore, last year the Netherlands launched a planetary security initiative, which is a global platform to address security issues from a climate-change perspective. The next conference is planned for 5 and 6 December, again, like last year, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the legal capital of the world. In conclusion, I thank you once again, Mr.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“An excellent example was given earlier today: the Senegal River Basin Development Organization. This brings me to my second theme: water and migration issues. People do not want to leave their homes unless they are forced to do so. As our colleague from Palau just said, climate change threatens the existence of people in small island developing States. In the past year we have seen the migration crisis soar, which has made clear that we need to tackle the root causes of migration. Water scarcity, climate change and food insecurity are among these root causes. They can be connected to social instability and potentially violent conflict. We welcome the fact that climate-related factors were acknowledged at the United Nations migration summit last September. As we move forward, our policies and funding will need to follow suit.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“First, on water and cooperation, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands is honoured to be on the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace, together with, inter alia, President Macky Sall of Senegal. This United Nations/World Bank-supported Panel will champion a comprehensive approach to developing and managing water resources. It will also focus on improving water- and sanitation-related services. We commend Singapore for its leadership on this issue. The Swiss- Senegalese initiative of a panel on water, peace and security is equally timely, and we look forward to working together to ensure the appropriate connections between the two panels, or may I say bridges, in today's context. Furthermore, the capacity to prevent water- related conflicts through mediation and other political means needs to be strengthened.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“During this split term, in 2017 and 2018, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Italy, as announced by our colleague earlier today, will continue your sustained efforts, Mr. President, to address climate and water issues in the context of the peace and security agenda. Our planet has sufficient water resources to provide water security for all, but at the same time people around the globe face situations where there is too much or too little water, or where the water is too dirty. Let me highlight three issues in this context: first, water and the need for international cooperation; secondly, water, climate change and migration; and, thirdly, the need for water diplomacy.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for your vision in including this item on the agenda of the Security Council. My country supports you whole-heartedly in this matter, particularly given the close bilateral cooperation between Senegal and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the area of water and water protection. (spoke in English) The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. In view of time constraints, I will read out a shortened version of my statement. My full statement will be available on Twitter. We fully support the statement made by the representative ofItaly, also in the light ofour cooperation related to the upcoming split term with Italy in the Security Council.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a partner in further developing the use of intelligence in peace operations. In short, let us work together in making our peace operations more intelligent. In conclusion, it is clear that in the current environment the United Nations can no longer rely only on traditional methods to counter asymmetric threats. We need to innovate, to adjust and to be flexible. We need to step up to face these new challenges, before terrorist groups disrupt delicate peace processes, before more civilians become the victims of terrorists, before we lose even more peacekeepers. Let us all work together to make peace operations more effective. Let us work together to make peacekeepers better equipped and better trained, and let us work together to connect peace operations, diplomacy and sustainable development.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“In complex and dangerous environments such as Mali, the gathering, analysis and use of intelligence is vital, not only for the effective implementation of the mandate but also for the security of United Nations personnel. We have worked together with the United Nations in developing and introducing a substantial intelligence capacity in MINUSMA, and this capacity helps the peacekeepers in seeing, hearing and understanding what is happening around them. It helps peacekeepers to understand the threats around them and helps them to address these threats, both traditional and asymmetric, as early as possible. We can all see that the concept of intelligence within the United Nations system is evolving. We believe that it has to evolve further in View of the asymmetric threats we discussed today.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“These are scarce assets and expensive capabilities, but they are essential to counter asymmetric threats. These are also assets that are crucial to continuing to increase the necessary interaction of Blue Helmets with the local population. We welcome the fact that the United Nations is looking for innovative solutions. In particular, we welcome the work being done for a long-term rotation plan for helicopters in MINUSMA, in Mali. Under such a plan, countries would agree to provide helicopters for a specific period as part of a longer-term planning effort. This would make it on the one hand easier for countries to commit their troops and their assets and on the other would make it easier for the United Nations to enter into long-term planning. Let me turn to my final point: better intelligence.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“We must make sure that there is a political perspective, and we must make sure to prevent and address violence and to protect civilians. Only an integrated, comprehensive approach can ensure a lasting impact. This brings me to my second point: the United Nations needs better-trained and better-equipped peacekeeping troops and police forces in order to face asymmetric threats. As we have seen in South Sudan, protection of civilians has become a vital element in a lot ofmissions. But the recent report on Juba in South Sudan proves yet again how important training and equipment are for missions in order for them to be able to implement their mandates. In terms of equipment, let me highlight the issue of helicopters and vehicles resistant to improvised explosive devices.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“We therefore need to fully understand and fully address what really drives young, often moderately religious Malians to resort to joining terrorist groups. We need to address their hopes, their ambitions and their fears. To do so, in our View peace operations need to be part of a more integrated approach. Peace operations must be linked to other available instruments for promoting peace, security and stability. We therefore need to connect peacekeeping with the political process and with economic development. The term we in the Netherlands use is the "3D" approach, combining the means of diplomacy, defence and development. We must create economic opportunities for young people who might be receptive to the ideas of Violent extremism.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Asymmetric threats in particular abound. Yesterday's attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) convoy was a case in point. We mourn the people killed, and our thoughts are with the people wounded. I would like to address three elements that in our View are of crucial importance for peace operations when addressing these new asymmetric threats. They are: the need for a comprehensive approach; the need for better-qualified troops; and the need for better intelligence. First, let me elaborate on the need for a comprehensive approach. During the recent visit to the Netherlands by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali, Mr. Diop, the latter stressed that we needed to address the problem of violent extremism and terrorism in a more sustainable way.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): I thank the Senegalese presidency for organizing today's important debate. (spoke in English) The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union and its member States. In addition, we fully support the statement delivered earlier by the representative of Italy, in the light of our cooperation related to the upcoming termthat we are splitting with Italy in the Security Council. During this split term, in 2017 and 2018, the Netherlands, together with Italy, will continue its sustained efforts for more effective peace operations. As the representative of Italy stated, we encourage other countries to join us in that endeavour. The environment in which our peace operations have to operate has become more dangerous and more challenging.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“Staffan de Mistura, The advancement of the role of women is crucial in all our efforts for peace, justice and development. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will remain a partner to promote the rights of women in all those dimensions.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Currently, in our third national action plan we focus on eight countries in Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region. We supportwomen'sparticipationinpeaceprocesses through the support of civil society organizations. For example, together with UN-Women - I am glad to see the head of UN-Women is here - we assist female members of Syrian civil society to unite in the Syrian Women's Initiative for Peace and Democracy. With that initiative, which dates back a couple of years, we aim to help Syrian women from different backgrounds to pursue a common agenda and to give them a voice during the Syrian peace talks. Some of the women we supported have joined the Women's Advisory Board of the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“There, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has made senior gender experts available in an effort to address the high numbers of sexual violence cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali. Our third point focuses on the implementation of our national action plan and on our support for the national action plans of other countries. We published our third national action plan last March. We drafted it in partnership with more than 50 Dutch civil society organizations and knowledge institutions. By trying to coordinate our activities with those of civil society, we aim to make each other stronger and to achieve better, more sustainable results. The Kingdom of the Netherlands encourages other countries to develop their own national action plans, and we will try to support them in doing so.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“That brings me to my second point, that is, the integration of resolution 1325 (2000) in our foreign and security policies. This is a key aim in the Netherlands. I will provide an example. In the joint Spanish-Dutch Gender in Operations training initiatives, we tried to teach diplomats and military personnel about gender and human rights issues. In that way, we tried to contribute to the effectiveness of peace missions and crisis management operations. Another example relates to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“We promote the engagement of women and men in changing power relationships and gender norms in support of a more inclusive society. We believe that the way forward is to take our best practices and turn them into standard practices. The inclusion ofwomen in peace processes should be the rule rather than the exception. We welcome the establishment of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security by the Security Council as a result of resolution 2242 (2015). We commend Spain's efforts to make that resolution a reality. We support the regular participation of civil society in that Group, and we hope the Group will continue to prove its added value to the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“I will focus on three issues: first, on the Dutch vision; secondly, the integration of resolution 1325 (2000) in our foreign and security policies; and, thirdly, on the importance of national action plans. My first point concerns the Dutch vision. Perhaps I will also include a comment on our support for the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security. We are a strong supporter of the entire women and peace and security agenda. As the global study has shown us, our focus should be on putting the normative framework we have built together over the past 15 years into practice - into daily reality. We are convinced that the only way to achieve sustainable peace is by the meaningful inclusion of women in conflict prevention, in conflict resolution and in mediation and peace processes.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union and that made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends on Women, Peace and Security. In addition, we fully support the statement to be made by the representative of Italy later today, in the light of our cooperation related to our upcoming split term in the Security Council. Together with Italy, we will continue to place gender at the heart ofpeace and security issues. We feel proud that resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted by the Council the last time that the Kingdom of the Netherlands was a Council member, in 2000.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to cooperate with the Afghan Government and civil society partners to expedite the implementation of the plan. Women are the cornerstone of society. Women need to play a crucial role in rebuilding the country. Women are crucial for peace and for the long-term sustainable development of Afghanistan. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has been an enduring partner of Afghanistan. We have contributed significantly in the areas of peace, justice and development. We remain committed to supporting Afghanistan throughout the transformation decade - one of ever-greater Afghan ownership and Afghan leadership. In this spirit of partnership, the Afghan people can count on us standing by their side.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“We look forward to seeing concrete action to implement the plan in line with the commitments under the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework. With regard to gender issues, much progress has been achieved so far. Millions of women and children in Afghanistan now have access to basic services, such as education and health care. Women and girls are actively taking part in social life, and Afghanistan has experienced a sharp increase in girls enrolling in school. Let us not forget that this was unthinkable during Taliban rule. At the same time, Afghanistan still faces many challenges in that context. The position of women remains precarious. Accordingly, we welcome the adoption of the Afghan national action plan on women and peace and security.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Ploumen, will participate. We believe the Conference will be an important moment where the international community will renew, as it should, its commitment to the Afghan people. We commend the Afghan National Unity Government for pursuing an ambitious reform agenda, especially with regard to tackling corruption and fostering regional stability and economic growth. All these issues require stability and the long- term commitment of both the Afghan Government and the international community. We now urge the Government to implement those ambitious plans without further delay. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework, which clearly demonstrates the resolve of the Afghan Government with regard to Afghanistan's near future.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“In addition, in Kabul last week, 41 innocent people were killed and more than 100 were wounded in the two major attacks that took place there. Our thoughts and condolences go to the victims and their families. In our view, those developments demonstrate the urgent need to improve security for ordinary Afghan citizens. We commend the Afghan special forces and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces for their competent and professional response in countering the Taliban and other insurgents. The international community, including the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has supported those forces for over a decade now, and we will continue to do so, as was announced in Warsaw. We look forward to the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, at which the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Ms.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General states that the overall security situation has deteriorated since the beginning of the year, and it is the people of Afghanistan who have borne the brunt of violence and terrible atrocities committed by the Taliban and other armed groups. Civilian casualties have increased are currently at the highest level since 2009, according the UNAMA midyear report. That has resulted in many internally displaced persons and refugees, as our Australian colleague just mentioned, and increasing pressure on migration, including through Europe. The intense fighting that took place in Tarin Kowt last week, which is a place of particular concern for the Dutch because we serve there, shows the fragility of the region and, in particular, its security situation.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“I would also like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto for his briefing. I wish him well in his new position. I would also like to thank my good friend, Permanent Representative Saikal, for his statement. Today I will focus on three issues, namely, reconciliation and security, the Brussels Conference, and gender issues. In our view, issues ofpeace and reconciliation are of paramount importance. We would highly welcome the swift signing of an agreement between the High Peace Council and the Hezb-i-Islami as an encouragement for other insurgent groups to engage in serious peace talks. The need for peace and reconciliation is underlined by the security situation in Afghanistan, as has been mentioned by many of our colleagues.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“In honour of New Zealand's presidency of the Security Council, I would like to use the Maori greeting "Kia Ora" to first address you, Madam President. I align myself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union a few moments ago. However, I would like to underline the following. The Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports the statement made on behalf of Italy, also as part of our cooperation related to the upcoming split term in the Security Council. As my Italian colleague just emphasized, we are currently defining our cooperation around shared goals and values in the firm belief that this agreement sends a positive political message of cooperation to tackle common challenges here at the United Nations. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his detailed and thorough report (S/2016/768).”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Secondly, we must promote regional collaboration so as to prevent implementation gaps. And, thirdly, we need to promote active engagement with industry, the private sector and civil society. In conclusion, although much has been accomplished to prevent the spread of WMDs, related materials and technologies, much more remains to be done. We should maintain momentum in raising awareness of the threats and challenges in that regard. Together we should devise and implement the measures needed to combat the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism threat. Only by working together, all of us, can we be truly effective. The Kingdom of the Netherlands looks forward to continuing to work closely with partners on this issue as part of peace, justice and development.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“We pay tribute to the open and inclusive nature of the review process, as set up by Spain. Especially commendable is the involvement of the wider membership. Enhancing the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) requires the sustainable enforcement of national laws and regulations. That concerns not just law enforcement, but also export controls, physical protection and control ofthe financial channels used by non-State actors to proliferate weapons. Challenges clearly remain when it comes to effective implementation. From our perspective, we see three ways to strengthen the implementation mechanism. The first involves providing technical assistance, the point raised by our South African colleague, who spoke just before me. The further provision of technical assistance is quite crucial.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“That engagement is essential to our efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction - a point made so clearly by our colleague from Italy earlier today. Going forward, we believe it is necessary to take steps to maintain such networks and to sustain close and effective international cooperation. My third point concerns resolution 1540 (2004). The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains firmly committed to the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), which we see as a central instrument for preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. The comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) offers a very welcome opportunity to strengthen that implementation, and we greatly appreciate the leadership of Spain in that regard.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“As the Summit host in 2014, we sought to contribute actively to translating the Nuclear Security Summit political commitments into concrete actions. In the same vein, the Netherlands is currently the international coordinator for the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. The Initiative has been instrumental in enhancing national capabilities through practical and effective international cooperation, which seeks to prevent, detect and respond to nuclear terrorism. My second point concerns inclusiveness. Through the initiatives and activities I have just mentioned, a robust network of political, judicial, intelligence and technical contacts has been established. Collaboration within and across Governments has been enhanced. Other relevant groups have also become more engaged, including industry and civil society.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to highlight some of the activities and priorities of the Netherlands. I will focus on three issues, namely, nuclear security, inclusiveness and resolution 1540 (2004). On nuclear security, the prevention of nuclear and radiological terrorism has been one of our top priorities for the past several years. We took active part in the Nuclear Security Summit process and hosted the meeting in 2014 held in The Hague. The Summit process led to significant progress in reducing the amount of weapons-usable nuclear material in circulation. It strengthened the international nuclear-security architecture and enhanced international cooperation in that field. In addition, the Summits themselves served to raise awareness at the highest political levels of the nuclear and radiological terrorism threat.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“I join my colleagues in expressing my appreciation to Malaysia for organizing this timely and important debate. The prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and related materials and technologies to violent, extremist armed groups and non-State actors is of crucial importance to global security. Such proliferation represents a threat that requires strong national and international mechanisms and calls for effective international cooperation. It is therefore essential to maintain its prominent place on the international agenda. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is, and will remain, a dedicated international partner in that regard, which we hope to demonstrate further if elected as a member of the Council in 2018. I align myself with the statement made earlier today by the observer of the European Union.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The past 20 years have shown us that under that mandate a lot can be achieved. This year's report (S/2016/360) underlines its continued relevance. We urge all Member States to guarantee its credibility and success for the coming 20 years. The Kingdom of the Netherlands takes part in efforts for peace, justice and development, and the position and protection of children is key to all of those dimensions.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“For the international community to take action and to hold parties in a conflict accountable for grave violations against children, we need a strong and credible monitoring and reporting mechanism. Previous reports of the Secretary-General, including their annexes, have proven of instrumental value in that regard. But the Netherlands is concerned about a recurring trend over the past years to alter the content of the reports and to influence the listing of perpetrators. That could lead to double standards and could seriously undermine the credibility of the reports and ofthe United Nations. It is ofthe utmost importance that the integrity of the mandate on children and armed conflict be respected by all of us. The Netherlands fully supports the independent mandate of Special Representative Zerrougui and commends her for her work.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore calls on the members of the Council to ensure agreement on the proposal of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for opening regular 48-hour humanitarian corridors. The members of the Council should redouble their efforts to reach a diplomatic solution in Syria. Global efforts should be geared towards fighting terror and leveraging a political solution. Humanitarian access, restoration of a ceasefire and resumption of the peace talks in Geneva are first priorities. The urgency of the situation is underlined by today's reports about a horrific chlorine gas attack in Idlib province in which mostly women and children are the victims. I come to my third subject: credibility and independence issues.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Those trends show the need for further action. As rightly stated by the European Union delegation, our approach to fighting and preventing violent extremism needs to be comprehensive and should address its root causes. To prevent displacement and its negative effects on children, it is crucial that all parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law. In that regard, let me draw attention to the particularly distressing situation for citizens, including and especially children, in Aleppo, Syria. Let me mention the editorial opinion piece my Minister for Foreign Affairs Albert Koenders wrote in The Independent last weekend. The delivery of humanitarian assistance in Aleppo should be beyond dispute, regardless of whether people flee or decide to stay.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“We can see, almost on a daily basis, the disproportionate impact of war on children in Syria, Yemen and South Sudan, to name but a few. Too often, children are the primary victims in conflict. Therefore, the work of Ms. Zerrougui is so important to all of us. She helps the most vulnerable in the most dire circumstances. We pay tribute to her personal empathy, her efforts and her personal energy. Important gains in the implementation of the mandate of the Special Representative have been made, as she had mentioned earlier. But this year's report of the Secretary-General (S/2016/360) is another stark reminder that there is no room for complacency. That brings me to my second issue. We see worrying trends: the increased number of abductions, the effects of violent extremism and the growing negative impact of forced displacement on children.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The Netherlands aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and the statement to be delivered by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict. The Netherlands wishes to address the following three issues in our national statement: the twentieth anniversary of the mandate, current trends, and credibility issues. The year 2016 marks the twentieth anniversary of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. The Netherlands commends the current Special Representative, her predecessors and all who have helped in implementing the mandate over the past two decades. The Special Representative serves as the leading United Nations advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, we, the international community, have a collective responsibility for stability and development in Afghanistan. The Netherlands will remain committed to Afghanistan throughout the transformation decade, in the context of increased Afghan ownership and leadership. In this spirit, the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to support Afghanistan and its people as their partner for peace, justice and development.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The Secretary-General's report notes that both the Afghan Government and the international community should sustain their attention and commitment, and work towards a better future for the people of Afghanistan. There needs to be a clear commitment on the part of the Afghan Government to implementing the necessary reforms. The international community must offer the required support, taking into account the challenges facing Afghanistan. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to cooperate with its Afghan and international partners, as agreed in the Self- reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework. We welcome the first draft of athe new Afghan National Peace and Development Framework, which we consider to be encouraging.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source