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

“My first point concerns the announcement of local elections in the non-Government-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine. We condemn those illegitimate so- called elections. If held, those fake elections would contravene commitments made under the Minsk agreements and would violate Ukrainian law. In line with the Minsk agreements, local elections in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk can take place only in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. Any such illegal elections would be incompatible with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Further talks on a peaceful settlement should take place on the basis of the Minsk agreements. Let me recall that resolution 2202 (2015) calls on parties to fully implement the Minsk agreements.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“Let me first thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General Mueller for their briefings on the alarming situation in parts of eastern Ukraine. In line with General Assembly resolution 68/262, adopted by an overwhelming majority on 27 March 2014, let me reiterate our full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Let me be clear: we will not accept the redrawing of borders in Europe with the use of military force by Russia. Its actions are in direction contravention of international law and in violation of the Charter of the United Nations. I will focus on three issues - first, elections; secondly, the humanitarian situation; and, thirdly, the security situation in the broader Black Sea region.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“Cross-border aid remains essential to reaching civilians in Idlib, many of whom are internally displaced and depend on humanitarian aid for survival. We emphasize the points made by our French colleague on the need for a sustainable political solution. Meanwhile, let us make sure that the United Nations can alleviate the needs of the civilians in Syria who have suffered so terribly for so long already.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“In order to achieve sustainable peace, those suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria must be held to account. If the Council continues to be blocked by a veto in referring the matter to the International Criminal Court, we will continue our accountability efforts elsewhere. At the moment Syria is not ready for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees, which can be facilitated only when the protection thresholds are in place, and UNHCR's involvement is crucial to monitoring the protection of Syrian civilians. In conclusion, we fully support the five asks that Mr. Lowcock presented just now. We need to see rapid and meaningful improvements for humanitarian access throughout Syria.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“We see the role of the United Nations, and especially that of Staffan de Mistura and his successor, as crucial in this context. I would once again like to draw the Council's attention to a statement by eminent jurists setting out clear standards for reconstruction aid in Syria. They gave us their legal opinion on 24 September that "without adherence to these standards, the provision ofreconstruction assistance can facilitate past, continuous or new violations of international law, which would in turn give rise to complicity or shared international responsibility". I should also underline that any transition requires accountability for acts committed during the conflic, which is also specified in the Geneva communique.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“On Friday, when the Council discussed the constitutional committee (S/PV.8383), I stressed that the committee is not a goal in itself but rather part of the broader United Nations- led political process based on the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) and resolution 2254 (2015). Peace and stability in Syria can be found only through apolitical solution that is inclusive of all Syrians. The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore strongly disagrees with premature calls for reconstruction aid and the return of refugees. There will be no reconstruction aid for Syria from the European Union until a comprehensive, irreversible, credible and inclusive political transition is firmly under way. It should be negotiated by the Syrian parties to the conflict on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“In addition, the existing de-confliction measures should bring an end to the inhumane attacks on hospitals that we have witnessed throughout the war in Syria. However, de-confliction should not turn into a thinly veiled mechanism for granting approval for humanitarians and doctors to operate. In our view, humanitarians and doctors must always be able to do their work. The responsibility for any attack now lies fully with the Syrian regime and its allies supporting them from the air. Those responsible will be held to account. My third point has to do with support for a United Nations-led political process.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“As others have done, we welcome the drop in violence in and around Idlib since the conclusion of the memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Russia. It has reduced the immediate risk of a humanitarian catastrophe and brought the people of Idlib a moment of respite. It is still essential to preventing an all-out military offensive in Idlib. We call on all the parties to translate the reduced violence in Idlib into a sustainable ceasefire that can lead to a negotiated solution for Idlib. Respect for international humanitarian law is an obligation for all parties to the conflict in Syria. That includes protecting civilians and facilitating principled humanitarian action. Civilians need to be able to leave Idlib freely if they wish to do so of their own free will.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“In September, more than 600,000 people received food aid from Turkey through that mechanism. The message from the Council should be clear that it is a matter of life and death to continue this humanitarian channel until the end of the year. There is no alternative to cross-border aid if we want civilians in Idlib to survive. We are concerned about Mr. Lowcock's report that the convoy has not yet reached Rukban. The situation of the 45,000 people in that camp on the Syrian-Jordanian border is desperate and a long-term solution for them is long overdue. We call on the parties involved to work to come up with solutions, taking the dignity of those trapped there into account. My second point concerns the need for sustained de-escalation in Idlib and respect for international humanitarian law.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“It has a responsibility towards all its citizens. The Syrian regime must guarantee access for objective needs assessments and for distribution aid to those most in need. These are crucial preconditions for the delivery of principled humanitarian aid. We need access for the delivery of aid, for the independent assessment of needs and for monitoring the situation in the light of the protection thresholds of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The humanitarian needs in Idlib are among the most serious in the country. Three million civilians remain trapped between the Syrian Army and the Turkish border. On the basis of the information that Mr. Lowcock has just provided, it is clear that cross- border assistance is currently an indispensable lifeline for civilians in Idlib.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“First, with regard to access, humanitarian needs remain high throughout the country, after nearly eight years of continuous warfare. We are deeply concerned about the lack of access within Syria, even to areas now in the hands of the Syrian regime. The regime does not allow inter-agency convoys to reach those most in need. It has not done so since 16 August. Several areas to which access is being denied were previously in the hands of the Syrian opposition. It is unacceptable that civilians continue to be collectively punished by the regime for living in former opposition-held areas. The Syrian Government should not be allowed to continue interfering in the delivery of life-saving aid. We cannot accept a situation where so-called hard-to-reach areas are only hard to reach because of artificial barriers imposed by the Syrian regime.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“First of all, let me join others in offering condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible plane crash in Indonesia. Let me thank Mr. Mark Lowcock for his sobering briefing. Let me also thank the humanitarian workers in Syria for their tireless efforts to improve the lives ofthose in need. Those colleagues from the United Nations, as well as from international and local non-governmental organizations, including the White Helmets, deserve our deep respect, gratitude and support. I will focus on three points: first, the need for humanitarian and cross-border access; secondly, the need for sustained de-escalation in Idlib and respect for international humanitarian law; and, thirdly, the need for a United Nations-led political process.”
2018-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8384 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, let me just refer to our well-known position on accountability, humanitarian assistance and certainly the need for a political transition to take place as a precondition for reconstruction aid.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“We strongly urge that such a commitment be extended to ensuring that any future drafting subcommittee or other committee also include 30 per cent women's representation, particularly this week given yesterday's open debate dedicated to resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security (see S/PV.8382). Of course, the constitutional committee is not a goal in and of itself. It is part of the broader United Nations-led political process based on the Geneva communique (8/2012/522, annex) and on resolution 2254 (2015). Implementation of that resolution is the only path forward. There is no circumventing that important resolution. Let us use the "Idlib window", as Staffan de Mistura mentioned earlier.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“We need to see the meaningful commitment of the Syrian regime to work with the United Nations. The political time and space for further delaying the process and endlessly moving the goalposts have simply run out. We expect the Syrian regime to make sure that the Syrian delegation can travel to participate, that it can participate in full and that it will participate in good faith - contrary to what we saw during the earlier Geneva rounds. We expect the same of any members of the United Nations middle list who currently reside in Syria. Let me also say that we strongly support the Special Envoy's commitment to ensuring that women constitute 30 per cent of the constitutional committee's members, as he indicated earlier.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“One can speak of a credible political process only if the constitutional committee itself is credible, balanced and inclusive and represents all Syrians. Therefore, the role of the United Nations is key, and the Security Council adopted resolution 2254 (2015) to that end. The role and the autonomy of the United Nations are essential, and that autonomous role includes the membership of the committee and the scheduling and scope of its work. The United Nations did not start from scratch but is operating fully in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Sochi final statement of January, circulated to the Council by the Russian Federation. The Syrian regime therefore has to work with the United Nations, and we count on the countries that have influence, especially the Russian Federation, to use such influence with Damascus.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“I thank Staffan de Mistura for his briefing. Frankly speaking, we are disappointed. We were hoping for more positive information, and we are concerned about the challenges that Mr. De Mistura described, especially the attitude of the Syrian regime with regard to the role of the United Nations. In our view, it is time for the constitutional committee to be launched. We believe that it is important to make irreversible progress towards a political resolution of the conflict in Syria by convening the constitutional committee under United Nations auspices as soon as possible, in November, before the end of Special Envoy De Mistura's tenure. We need to see the actual launch of the constitutional committee, and invitations should be sent out in the coming weeks.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“The parties must shoulder their responsibility. If not, the Council, bearing in mind its commitment laid down in resolution 2417 (2018), must consider further steps. We need immediate and concrete action. Millions oflives depend on it. The people of Yemen depend on it. The children of Yemen depend on it.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“In the absence of an end to the violence, their reporting continues to be crucial. We call on all parties to cooperate with them and allow them unimpeded access. Accountability is an essential ingredient for a peaceful and stable Yemen. In conclusion, we call on the parties to take urgent steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis by implementing OCHA's asks before it is too late. Humanitarian actors on the ground warn us that anything short of a halt to hostilities may still be insufficient to avert a famine. We call on the parties to cease hostilities around humanitarian and commercial infrastructure, remove all access constraints and de-escalate. We further call on them to engage with the Special Envoy without preconditions. Martin Griffiths' efforts towards a political solution continue to have our full support.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“The road connecting Al-Hudaydah and Sana'a needs to be open to humanitarian goods. We need a humanitarian ceasefire on the ground, as Mr. Lowcock requested. So far, the Council has been unified. Let us all unite behind the five asks Mr. Lowcock mentioned today. That brings me to my third point - compliance with international humanitarian law. The conduct of hostilities continues to be a major contributing factor to the humanitarian crisis. Air strikes and shelling have killed scores of civilians. They have also hit hospitals and water sanitation facilities that Yemenis depend on for clean drinking water and to prevent cholera and other diseases. Reports of both the Panel of Experts on Yemen and the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen have highlighted the many transgressions by all parties to the conflict.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Houthi- affiliated militia need to immediately abandon all humanitarian warehouses they have occupied for the past two months in Al-Hudaydah. The Yemeni Government needs to address with the utmost urgency the import delays caused by Decree 75 before imports of essential commodities decrease even further. Despite clearances by the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism, three essential fuel shipments were delayed in reaching Al-Hudaydah in recent weeks. Those delays must stop. The coalition needs to remove unnecessary commercial import restrictions, which have resulted in container shipments no longer serving Al-Hudaydah port since last year's blockade. Al-Hudaydah port should be open and fully functional. The Council has stated that repeatedly.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“When the Council recognized the need to break the vicious cycle between armed conflict and food insecurity with the adoption ofresolution 2417 (2018), it also committed itselfto action. The Council committed itselfto addressing those mad-made crises by enforcing man-made solutions. The parties to the conflict must take immediate steps and it is up to the international community, including the Council, to make sure that they follow through. My second point concerns the persisting humanitarian access constraints the parties need to address. One month ago, OCHA provided the Council with concrete asks to all parties to the conflict that would help avert a famine. It is unconscionable that, since then, no discernible action has been taken by the parties involved. Today, let me be all the more clear about what we expect of the warring parties.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“In that context, I will address three issues today: first, the threat ofconflict-induced famine; secondly, the constraints on humanitarian access; and thirdly, the need for compliance with international humanitarian law. With regard to my first point, Yemen is a clear example of the relationship between conflict and hunger. The reality of the more than 11 million Yemenis on the brink of famine is entirely man-made. The OCHA white paper on the increased threat of famine is a good example of the early warning we need to prevent a full- blown famine in Yemen, although in fairness, as Mark Lowcock said, this is not the first time the humanitarian community has warned us of the situation we are now facing.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“OCHA's warning comes at a crucial point in time, when, following this summer's escalation ofviolence, the number of civilians killed in hostilities every month has almost tripled; when an economic depression is pushing millions people further below the poverty line; when cyclones threaten the lives of already extremely vulnerable civilians in Yemen; and when the Council's efforts to end the terrible conflict have proven to be insufficient. Last week we hosted a photo exhibit in this building, with pictures of victims of conflict and hunger. Two severely malnourished babies from Yemen were among the victims shown. Those were two faces behind the staggering statistic of 172,000 severely malnourished children in Yemen.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“First, let me thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his sobering and concerning briefing. Let me also thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for its efforts on the ground and for its initiative in providing the Council with a warning on the increased threat of conflict-induced famine in Yemen. OCHA's warning and this meeting of the Council are directly based on resolution 2417 (2018), on conflict and hunger, adopted earlier this year.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“ItisessentialthatMINUSMAhavethesurgeresourcesand capacitiesnecessarytoeffectivelyimplementitsmandate. That includes taking firm and effective measures to protect civilians, by military and non-military means, in particular in central Mali. In conclusion, now that the elections are behind us, our work begins.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“In particular, we have contributed to cutting-edge capabilities in the area of intelligence. We have also encouraged a rotation system, recognizing that the continued availability of those resources is crucial to the effectiveness of peacekeeping. We will continue to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to advance the priorities of Action for Peacekeeping. We commend the leadership of Cote d'Ivoire on that issue, in its capacity as co-Chair of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations. The new MINUSMA mandate requires a comprehensive strategic framework. It attaches particular attention to migration, climate and the human rights capabilities of the Mission. We would appreciate it if the Secretary-General could elaborate on those issues in his next report.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands commends the men and women engaged in the Mission, including our compatriots. During the last reporting period, the Mission suffered no casualties, even though attacks against it and its troops continued. That is due to the effective implementation of the recommendations of the report authored by former United Nations Force Commander, Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled Improving security of United Nations peacekeepers. It is also the result of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, for which Mali is a key case study. But as Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix said, we must remain cautious because we do not know what tomorrow will bring. As a troop-contributing country, the Netherlands has sought to improve the performance and impact of MINUSMA.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“We expect progress on the key proposals of the agreement: first, the effective establishment of legitimate bodies and services of the State; secondly, decentralization; thirdly, reconciliation; and fourthly, reform of the security sector and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. Resolution 2423 (2018) requires the full integration into the Malian defence and security forces of at least 1,000 members of the signatory armed groups. We expect all parties to honour that obligation. The Council has already been firm in its exhortations to make the necessary progress. We must not hesitate to continue in that direction by using the sanctions regime against those who obstruct the peace process. Thirdly, I will speak about action for peacekeeping.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“That is why we call on all parties concerned, and especially the Government, to take up the challenge and move forward, in the interest of the Malian State, its population and the stability of the entire region. The role of MINUSMA has been essential in supporting the peace process and stabilization efforts in northern Mali. In that regard, we welcome the Secretary-General's efforts to give new momentum to the political process. We welcome the signing of the pact for peace on Monday. We particularly welcome the Government's commitment to an inclusive approach. The implementation of the pact should be as inclusive as possible. It must embody the voice and effective participation of women, youth and civil society. The pact must also be used to make progress on the peace agreement and make it more measurable.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“We also call for the operationalization of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). That includes the implementation of a strict framework for human rights compliance. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will maintain its strong commitment as a partner for stability in the Sahel. Secondly, I now turn to the peace process. Following the elections, the President of Mali was re-elected. We therefore expect a new impetus to be given to the peace process and the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Admittedly, progress has been made with regard to the peace process. But the full implementation of the agreement is far from assured. Malians have seen too few tangible results.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“We urge the Malian Government to prevent and publicly denounce human rights violations, including those committed by Malian forces, such as in Boulikessi, where 12 civilians were killed. The Government must investigate allegations of violations and prosecute the perpetrators. It is important therefore that those responsible, as established by the investigations, not go unpunished. That is particularly true in central Mali, a region where human rights and the security situation are deteriorating rapidly, as Mr. Lacroix mentioned. The repercussions of Mali's instability are felt beyond the country's borders, throughout the Sahel and in Europe. The stability of the entire region is crucial to the fight against such threats as trafficking in human beings, illegal immigration, terrorism and organized crime.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“I would also like to commend the joint and coordinated action of the international community, including the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in supporting the electoral process. In the wake of the elections, tensions between the Government and the opposition have persisted. It is essential that the long-awaited reforms move forward. Decentralization is an imperative. The electoral system needs to be radically overhauled. Malian citizens deserve to have a Government that they can trust, and one that trusts them. The Secretary- General considers the human rights situation alarming. The fact that the Malian armed forces are directly linked to 18 cases of Violations of those rights raises serious concerns. Four cases involve summary executions.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. I would also like to welcome Mr. Issa Konfourou, Permanent Representative of Mali and my personal friend. We thank Mr. Koen Davidse for his service as Deputy Special Representative for Mali, and we wish every success to his replacement, Ms. Joanne Adamson, who is here with us today. Today, I would like to focus on three points: first, the political and security situation; secondly, the peace process; and thirdly, action for peacekeeping. First, I will address the political and security situation. Allow me to offer President Keita the sincere congratulations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on his re-election.”
2018-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8376 (2018) · source
“We remain firmly committed to that goal and call on all parties to combine efforts, return to the negotiation table and restart a genuine peace process leading to a two-State solution.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“This year, with the help of many old and new donors from the region and globally, UNRWA managed to broaden its support base. Together with other donors, we will continue to work with UNRWA to close the remaining gap for this year. We encourage all partners of UNRWA to translate this year's generous contributions into predictable, multi-annual support. My third point concerns the renewal of the peace process. Over the past years, we have noted many threats to the peace process. I regret that today we have been forced to discuss many negative steps that have been taken by all parties to the conflict. Again, we are only discussing measures needed to manage the conflict. However, conflict management is not what we are here for. We, the Council, the United Nations and both sides of the conflict have the same goal - to end the conflict.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“We call upon all parties to create an environment in which such plans can be implemented. We join the calls of others upon the parties concerned to continue their cooperation with the Special Coordinator and to make sure that no effort is spared to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The implementation of his plans will bring sorely needed relief to Gaza. Ultimately, a sustainable solution is needed to alleviate living conditions in Gaza. That means intra-Palestinian reconciliation leading to the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. We welcome ongoing Egyptian efforts to make that a reality. We continue to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The services offered by UNRWA provide opportunity, hope and dignity for Palestine refugees.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“We are concerned by the growing violence during protests at the border and the continued use of incendiary balloons and kites, as well as tunnel activity. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls upon all relevant Palestinian parties to ensure that protests remain peaceful, especially so that children are not put in harm's way. We also repeat our call on Israel to ensure that its responses are proportionate and necessary at all times, in line with Israel's obligations under international law. An independent and transparent investigation into the events that led to so many victims over the past months is needed. We call upon Israel to finalize its own investigation as soon as possible and provide full transparency on its findings. We fully support the efforts of Mr. Mladenov to improve the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“People there deserve a life in which peace and security can be taken for granted. Unfortunately, that is far from the current reality: early on Wednesday morning, an Israeli family in Beersheba narrowly escaped when they reached a bomb shelter seconds before a rocket from Gaza hit their home. We condemn the firing of rockets from Gaza. In response, the Israel Defence Forces struck multiple targets in Gaza, reportedly killing a 25-year-old Palestinian man. We call on all actors involved to exercise restraint in order to prevent a further escalation. Closing border crossings and reducing the fishing zone is not the answer and will only cause the humanitarian situation in Gaza to deteriorate further.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“It will also clear the way for further settlement expansion. That is illustrated by the announcement of new houses for settlements near Khan Al-Ahmar earlier this year in May. The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns the recent violent attacks in the West Bank, which led to the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives. Such attacks illustrate the need for a sustainable solution that provides peace and security for Israel and prevents the resurgence of terrorism. Such a solution must provide security for Palestinians, respect their rights and demonstrate that the occupation is over. In short, we need a two-State solution. That brings me to my second point, concerning Gaza, where the situation is a constant source ofconcern. People in and around Gaza live a daily reality that no one should have to endure.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates its opposition to Israel's settlement policy and to actions taken in that vein, including demolitions and confiscations of EU- funded projects, evictions and the forced transfer of local communities. We are greatly concerned about the decision taken on Sunday by the Israeli authorities to advance plans to expand settlements in Hebron. Such settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace, and threaten a two-State solution. The Israeli settlement policy and the denial of opportunities for Palestinian development in Area C make peace more difficult. Khan Al-Ahmar, as others have said, is a case in point. We are concerned that the planned demolition and forced transfer of its inhabitants will undermine confidence in a negotiated two-State solution.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“The presence of a strong and vibrant civil society, including human rights organizations like B'Tselem that speak truth to power, is crucial for a democratic and pluralistic society. I align myself with the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union (EU). In my statement today, I will focus on three key issues: the West Bank, Gaza and the importance of a renewal of the peace process. My first point concerns the West Bank. Listening to Mr. Mladenov and Mr. El-Ad, it struck me that their briefings were packed with the latest troubling developments on the West Bank. Those developments raise concerns that the region is on a slippery slope, sliding towards a one-State reality.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“Mr. Van 00sterom (Netherlands): Allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing. The Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports the Special Coordinator in his efforts to prevent a catastrophe in Gaza, and we thank him for his tireless efforts for peace aimed at bringing the parties closer together, despite all obvious obstacles. Allow me to also thank Mr. El-Ad for his views on the situation as a guest of the Council, and I would like to underline the point made by our British colleague in that regard. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a long- standing donor to B'Tselem and we are proud of our cooperation with that non-governmental organization.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source
“An inclusive political transition must be the starting point, and the convening of the constitutional committee is an important first step. There should be no reconstruction aid before a lasting political transition takes place. Last but not least, there is no peace without justice.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“The regime should release those unlawfully held in detention, reveal the fate of the missing and prevent further forced disappearances and detentions. So far, it has not done any of these things. The approach to detainees must be part of a comprehensive political solution - not an afterthought. Securing the release of detainees is critical to Syria's future. Release can build confidence and can provide hope for reconciliation. The issue needs to be properly addressed with genuine progress under the auspices of the United Nations, as part of the official United Nations-led process in Geneva. The United Nations, and in particular the UNHCR, needs access to those currently detained in detention facilities. That could be a start. In conclusion, it is clear that fundamental structural changes are needed in the administration of Syria.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“They often have no homes to return to due to the consequences of housing, land and property laws, such as Law Number 10, which is currently being implemented, despite earlier reports that its implementation had been suspended. Arbitrary arrests that contradict reconciliation agreements are another reason that Syrian refugees fear going back. Furthermore, we are concerned about the recent amnesty law, as it does not differ from previous amnesty laws. The biggest flaws remain the same - the law is not applicable to opposition fighters nor does it provide for exemption from military service. It seems the Al-Assad regime adopted this amnesty law to extend its ability to recruit new troops. Our focus needs to be on real confidence-building measures.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“These jurists' legal opinion is that "without adherence to these standards, the provision of reconstruction assistance can facilitate past, continuous or new violations of international law, which would in turn give rise to complicity or shared international responsibility." With regard to premature calls for the return of refugees, Syria is simply not ready for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees. Voluntary return can only be facilitated when the internationally agreed protection thresholds are in place. The involvement of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is crucial for monitoring the protection of Syrian civilians. Many Syrians cannot go back. They fear the lack of security. They fear retributive violence, persecution and imprisonment. They fear security screenings and forced conscription.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Let me stress again our support to 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, a French initiative on fighting impunity. We see the referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court as the best path forward to fighting impunity. Let me also refer to the statement made by eminent jurists on 24 September that sets out clear standards for reconstruction in Syria.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“There will be no reconstruction aid from the European Union for Syria until there is a lasting political transition in Syria. It is inconceivable to start rebuilding when the possibility ofa massive attack still looms over Idlib. We acknowledge the positive developments for the civilians of Idlib from the Russian-Turkish agreement, but we have to be realistic - the situation can change rapidly. It is inconceivable that the international community will rebuild a country in the absence of a negotiated political solution. The international community should not normalize relations with a regime that is credibly suspected of perpetrating crimes against humanity and ofwar crimes. We need accountability for those crimes.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Unimpeded and unconditional access for principled humanitarian assistance is absolutely necessary. This applies both to cross-border and cross-line assistance, and it should be based on independently assessed needs. We are concerned that the Organization's humanitarian access continues to be constrained in areas where the regime has reasserted control, such as in eastern Ghouta and Quneitra. We feel that it is important that the Russian Federation use its influence to ensure that the Syrian Government facilitates the Organization's sustained and unfettered humanitarian access. That brings me to my third point - issues related to reconstruction aid and the return of refugees. We strongly disagree with premature calls for reconstruction aid and the return of refugees.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source