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

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un-security-council

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1. “In our View, any future drafting subcommittee should also include having a floor of women's representation set at 30 per cent. We feel very strongly that the Security Council should unite behind the Envoy's ambition to convene the committee soon. That brings me to my second point, the need for sustained de-escalation in Idlib. We welcome that the memorandum agreed between the Russian Federation and Turkey has largely been respected. It has led to de-escalation in the area. It is now important that the agreement be sustained. We are concerned about signals from Damascus that the current situation is only temporary. We must do all we can to prevent an all-out offensive, as that could only lead to an international confrontation and a humanitarian catastrophe.”

   2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source

2. “The committee should convene as soon as possible and move ahead with the creation of a new Constitution. The constitutional committee is not a goal in itself: as others have said, it is part of the broader United Nations-led political process based on resolution 2254 (2015). Only when the constitutional committee itselfis credible can one speak of a credible political process. Inclusiveness and representation of all Syrians is key. We repeat our strong support for the Special Envoy in this regard. We are concerned about the Syrian regime's actions, which have led to the delay in the establishment of the constitutional committee. We support Mr. De Mistura's commitment to having women constitute 30 per cent of the committee's members.”

   2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source

3. “First, I would like to thank the Special Envoy for his very clear and comprehensive briefing. I also wish to convey our deep appreciation for his persistence and resilience and for his continuous efforts in the last years to bring us closer to a political solution. We welcome his commitment to going the extra mile in the remainder of his term in office. We will miss him. I would like to focus on three points today - first, the need to swiftly convene the constitutional committee; secondly, the need for sustained de-escalation in Idlib; and thirdly, the need to address issues related to reconstruction aid and the return of refugees. On my first point, the convening of the constitutional committee is long overdue. There have been too many delays.”

   2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source

4. “Moreover, a possible early reduction ofMONUSCO troops risks having significant consequences beyond the national territory. In the context of regional aspects, the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region remains highly relevant, as the ninth high-level meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism emphasized. Only the political will of the stakeholders will be able to fully realize the potential of the Framework. In conclusion, the time remaining before the elections on 23 December will be crucial. All parties must step up their efforts to ensure free, credible and peaceful elections that enhance the prospects for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They can count on our support.”

   2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

5. “The strategy will need to be evaluated in order to draw lessons for other peacekeeping operations. It is also imperative that MONUSCO rapidly have access to all the materiel that has not yet entered Congolese territory. The primary task of the Mission remains the protection of civilians. The violence perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces in the vicinity of Beni - an area affected by the Ebola virus - once again illustrates the importance of that task. The visit clearly showed me the need for a realistic mandate and for MONUSCO to focus on the key tasks. That clearly demonstrates that any exit strategy for MONUSCO should be considered only with the utmost caution, taking into account the needs of Congolese civilians.”

   2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

6. “However, it is important to look beyond that deadline because the elections will not remove the root causes of the conflict, which still affects millions of civilians in eastern Congo. During our visit, I was impressed by MONUSCO's efforts towards Action for Peacekeeping. Last March, our Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, helped to launch that initiative here in the Security Council in support of Secretary-General Guterres (see S/PV.8218). MONUSCO has shown itself able to act more proactively and more flexibly. We commend the Force Commander for his commitment to Action for Peacekeeping. His goal is to save lives, not to count the bodies. At the same time, I noted the need for resources to implement the new protection-through-projection strategy. That includes air assets, night-vision goggles and intelligence.”

   2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

7. “As pointed out by our French colleague, the outstanding problem can be summed up in one word - trust. There are deep political divisions. We call on all actors to strengthen their cooperation so as to reach agreement on outstanding issues. We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to increase transparency and openness. We underline the need for all political parties to be able to campaign safely. We call for the full implementation of the New Year's Eve agreement, in particular the opening of political space. We encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to invite independent observers. Such confidence-building measures are crucial to the credibility of the elections. My third point concerns MONUSCO. I recall that MONUSCO is ready to provide logistical support to the electoral process.”

   2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

8. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands admires his commitment to the health and the dignity of women in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That honour sends a political signal to all countries of the world and calls on them to continue the fight against sexual violence in conflict areas. We also welcome President Kabila Kabange's reaffirmation of that message of zero tolerance for sexual violence. We look forward to seeing its further implementation. My second point concerns the two months remaining to prepare the elections. Several important steps have been taken to ensure the holding of the elections on 23 December. I am thinking of the training of national observers and the provision by the authorities of the necessary logistical materiel.”

   2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

9. “Lastly, I will address the role of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in relation to Action for Peacekeeping. On my first point, I would like to share some reflections on our recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I thank the Congolese authorities and MONUSCO for their hospitality. Our various interviews revealed to what extent the political differences among the different parties affect people's lives. Our meeting with the female candidates particularly struck me. They were bursting with positive energy and had the clear will to improve Congo's future. During our visit, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Dr. Denis Mukwege.”

   2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

10. “Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): Last week's visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo made possible a better analysis of the challenges facing the country in the run-up to the elections. I would like to thank the representatives of France, Bolivia and Equatorial Guinea for their preparatory work and their very thorough briefings this morning. I would also like to thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui and Mr. Said Djinnit for their briefings just now. The Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to provide them with its full support. Today I would like to dwell on three points. First, I would like to share some of the highlights of the Security Council's visit. Secondly, I will emphasize the importance of confidence-building in the final phase of the election preparations.”

    2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source

11. “Peace is grounded on effective State institutions that provide security, respect for the rule of law and development. Peace attracts investments that are directed towards shoring up public capacities. Peace requires sustained commitment together with the pledge to ensure reconciliation and a safer future that includes Colombians from all sectors. As Colombia's neighbour, the Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to continue its support for the peace agreement and its effective implementation.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

12. “We look forward to its urgent follow-up to ensure effective prevention and protection, as well as to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators. We encourage the Government and the National Liberation Army to continue to assess the scope for peace negotiations and maintain an open line of communication. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to support that process. (spoke in Spanish) In conclusion, let me emphasize that the signing of the peace agreement marked a historic success and serves as an inspiration throughout the world. Colombia must now spare no effort to ensure that peace become permanent, as peace is much more than an agreement. Peace must be inclusive, based on ownership by civil society and respect for human rights.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

13. “Restoring comprehensive State authority, with the presence of both civil and military institutions, is a key priority in that regard. Violence against former FARC-EP combatants strikes at the core of the peace agreement. In our View, it is essential for the Government to uphold their security guarantees. The ongoing and increased number of assassinations of social leaders and human rights defenders remains alarming. Mr. Arnault spoke of that in his briefing, and we thank him for that clear statement. It is unacceptable that those Colombians who have the courage to stand up for human rights are made to pay the highest price. Let me underline the statement of our Swedish colleague in that regard. We welcome the adoption of the pact for life and the protection of social leaders and human rights defenders.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

14. “Stimulating income-generating activities and providing social services can address the root causes of conflict, promote self-reliance and sustain peace. We therefore call on the Government and the FARC to expedite the design and effective implementation of a comprehensive reintegration strategy. The provisions for transitional justice are another core pillar of the peace agreement. We underline the critical importance of the independent and effective functioning of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. It is a key institution for guaranteeing Victim's rights and ensuring transitional justice. Thatbrings me to my third point, namely, the security situation. We are deeply concerned about the continued high level of insecurity in the areas that were most affected by the conflict.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

15. “The engagement of youth is similarly important. The project of the youth-led organization BogotArt entitled "Letters for Reconciliation" promoted an exchange of letters between students and former combatants of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP). That very important project was awarded the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize at The Hague last month. The project shows that peace in Colombia is much more than an agreement signed by the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP. It is also a process of reconciliation among all parts of civil society. That brings me to my second point, which is the need for socioeconomic and legal reintegration. The reintegration of former combatants of the FARC- EP represents a core pillar of the peace agreement.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

16. “Inclusivity is particularly important for marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as the indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. We welcome the resumption of the work of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement and the National Reintegration Council. We also welcome the meeting held by President Duque Marquez with representatives from indigenous communities and his expressed commitment to promote indigenous development. We also appreciate the efforts of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, the Colombian authoriti non-governmental organizations to implement the relevant gender provisions of the peace agreement. We underscore the need to continue to prioritize gender-mainstreaming.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

17. “It can succeed only with the full attention and commitment of the Colombian Government and the other parties involved. In that light, I will address three issues today: first, the importance of an inclusive approach; secondly, socioeconomic and legal reintegration; and, thirdly, the security situation. My first point concerns the need for an inclusive approach. In his inauguration speech, President Duque Marquez expressed the intention of his Administration to bring Colombians together, seek consensus and overcome polarization. We applaud his expressed commitment to inclusivity. We call upon the Colombian Government to engage with civil society and foster ownership and inclusivity of the peace process, while including women and youth.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

18. “A close friendship exists between our peoples, and our Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, looks forward to his visit to Colombia in November, together with high- level delegations from Aruba and Curacao. I assure Mr. Trujillo that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is fully committed to peace in Colombia, which we support both politically and financially. Today's discussion comes soon after the mandate renewal of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. The joint request by the Colombian Government and the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC) to extend its mandate reaffirm their sustained commitment to the peace agreement and to sustainable peace. The implementation of the Final Peace Agreement remains a challenge.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

19. “Let me begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Jean Arnault for his comprehensive briefing and for the tireless efforts for peace by him and his team. Let me also welcome to the Security Council Colombia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo Garcia, as well as the High Counsellor for Post-Conflict, Mr. Emilio Jose Archila. The presence of the Minister today is a demonstration of Colombia's continued partnership with the United Nations in support of durable peace. The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of four autonomous countries, including Aruba and Curacao, which are close maritime neighbours of Colombia.”

    2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source

20. “In conclusion, the counter-terrorism house we have built over the years is strong. But we cannot sit back and relax. We have to maintain our common house. And we have to be willing to renovate and expand, where necessary, to address new threats. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to roll up our sleeves, together with our landlords - the 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees, their Chairs and expert bodies.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

21. “Lastly, with regard to accountability, as in any house, some rooms are used more frequently, and therefore require more maintenance than others. In the complex fight against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we have to establish priorities. Accountability should be the overarching driver of our efforts. Terrorists should be held accountable for the atrocities they commit, in particular war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. In particular, we need accountability for the mass atrocities committed by the fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham. The security of our societies and the dignity of the victims depend on it. That also applies in particular to sexual violence in conflict, and we welcome the statement just made by our Kazakh colleague on that important aspect.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

22. “We therefore encourage the Chairs ofthe Committees and the experts to continue their joint briefings, travel and workshops. We encourage them to share more information with other parts of the United Nations, such as the Office of Counter-Terrorism, the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the United Nations Investigative Team for the Accountability of Da'esh. We also encourage them to open the front door and intensify their outreach to non-Council members and non-United Nations organizations. In that context, let me mention the Global Counterterrorism Forum, which met here in New York last week. The Forum has two co-Chairs, Morocco and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is our joint ambition, as co-Chairs, to work as closely as possible with the United Nations.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

23. “It is for that reason that last week my Prime Minister handed over a full operational Passenger Name Record (PNR) system to Secretary-General Guterres. The system was developed in the Netherlands and can now be used by the United Nations to support Member States in meeting their PNR obligations, as stipulated in resolution 2396 (2017). To that end, we call upon Member States to join us and others in financing the United Nations PNR outreach project. Secondly, ontheissueoftransparency-iftheCouncil will allow, I will continue with my metaphor - there is no use building a house with rooms ifthe doors in those rooms stay closed. The three Committees and their expert bodies, which we are discussing today, have to be transparent. The doors must be open.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

24. “The Council has built on that foundation by adopting various subsequent resolutions, most recently resolution 2396 (2017), on returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters. One could look at those resolutions and compare them to the structure of a house with several rooms. Together with the foundation and structure, the rooms are part of a sturdy, solid house. But for the house to weather heavy storms, maintenance is crucial. Therefore, implementing the resolutions is key. The work of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) 1540 (2004) and their expert bodies is indispensable in that regard. However, the success of their work depends on us - all the States Members of the United Nations. We must take responsibility in fulfilling the Commitments prescribed by the resolutions.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

25. “In our View, that incident underlines that we cannot be complacent. We cannot let our guard down. In that light, we welcome our discussion today. I would like to thank Ambassador Llorentty Soliz, Ambassador Umarov and Ambassador Meza- Cuadra for their briefings and excellent work as the Chairs of the Committees. I believe that all of us in the Council acknowledge the special responsibilities and the additional workload of the Chairs involved. We appreciate their important work to counter terrorism and commend the efforts of their teams. I would like to focus on three issues in my intervention: implementation, transparency and accountability. First, with regard to implementation, resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) are the foundation of the Council's work on countering terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

26. “Let me to congratulate you, Sir, on your country's presidency of the Security Council. We wish you and your team good luck. You can count on our full support for your work in the weeks ahead. Let me also thank Ambassador Nikki Haley and Ambassador Jonathan Cohen and their teams for their excellent and transparent stewardship of the Council over the past - and may I say, rather hectic - month. We last met in August to discuss counter-terrorism (see S/PV.8330). It was then that I stressed that the terrorist threat had changed but had not diminished. That was proved once again last week in my country, when authorities foiled a major terrorist attack. Seven men were arrested. They had planned to carry out a terrorist attack that would claim the lives of as many victims as possible at a large event in the Netherlands.”

    2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8364 (2018) · source

27. “Fourthly, the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem must be fulfilled. A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

28. “Only they can decide the final status issues, and in our view all final status issues can be resolved if the political will exists. We believe that the well-known parameters still hold the best framework for any resolution. First, there must be an agreement on the borders of the two States, based on the 4 June 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed between the parties. Secondly, security arrangements for the Palestinians must respect their sovereignty and show that the occupation is over; and for the Israelis, they must protect their security. The resurgence of terrorism must be prevented and security threats, including the new and vital threats in the region, must be addressed. Thirdly, a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the refugee question must be put in place.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

29. “We remain deeply concerned by the financial crisis of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We support it in its tremendous work for the most vulnerable people in Gaza and the other areas of operation. We welcome the additional funding by new and old partners of UNRWA. We commend UNRWA for its cost-saving measures and decision to open its schools, despite the uncertain situation. In conclusion, I started by reflecting on the 25 years that have passed since Oslo. Nobody thought peace would be easy. We take hope from the fact that many times parties have come close to an agreement. We encourage the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships not to turn their backs to each other, but to continue on the complex road towards peace.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

30. “Large-scale desalination projects in Gaza or connecting Gaza to natural gas can contribute substantially to improving the lives of people in Gaza. However, Gaza should not need to be a recipient of humanitarian aid. All sides must take steps to revive the economy, through, inter alia, a predictable opening of the crossings, while taking into account Israel's security needs. The steps called for in resolution 1860 (2009) are still as relevant today as they were in 2009. In that regard, let me reiterate our support for the efforts of Mr. Mladenov. We call upon all sides to constructively engage in order to find a durable solution for many of the problems Gaza faces. In the absence of economic recovery, people are dependent on humanitarian aid.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

31. “We welcome the progress made towards calm, under the leadership of the United Nations and Egypt. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, as Nickolay Mladenov again made clear today. Unemployment has risen to over 50 per cent. Protests continue at the border, as sadly illustrated by yesterday's events, with more victims as a result. We call on all relevant parties to ensure that protests remain peaceful. We also urgently repeat our call upon Israel to ensure that its responses are proportionate and necessary at all times, in line with its obligations under international law. The high number of victims raises serious questions regarding the proportionality of the Israeli response. The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports initiatives to improve living conditions in Gaza.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

32. “Its demolition would have very serious consequences, both for the residents of that community, including its children, and for the prospects of the two- State solution. The slated demolition does not stand on its own. For Palestinians, it is nearly impossible to obtain building permits. According to the United Nations, in 2016 over 16,000 demolition orders were pending against Palestinian buildings in Area C alone. At the same time, the Israeli settlements continue to grow. Last weekend, an Israeli civilian was again stabbed to death. The Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly condemns such terrorist attacks. There is no excuse for terrorism. Thirdly, I will speak on the situation in Gaza. The humanitarian situation there is getting worse by the day. We were close to a complete resumption of hostilities in the summer.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

33. “Among Israelis and Palestinians, support for the two-State solution is now below 50 per cent, yet nobody sees a better alternative. We are deeply worried by those trends and the lack of positive steps on either side that would help to reverse them. Secondly, I turn my attention to the threats to the two-State solution. Nothing shows better why the trends must be reversed than their impact on the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. As others have said, the entire village of Khan Al-Ahmar is slated for demolition and eviction. We reiterate the call of the European Union on the Israeli Government to reconsider its plan to demolish the village, including its school, and displace its residents.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

34. “But to resolve the current challenge of 600,000 settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is a task of enormous proportions. In July and August, over 2,000 new housing units were announced by Israel. The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns those decisions. The number of advanced housing units increased severely in the second quarter of 2018, compared to the first quarter of the year, and also compared to the same period in 2017. Settlements are illegal under international law, and that policy undermines the prospects for peace, as was also reconfirmed by the Council in resolution 2334 (2016). The stalled peace process has led to disillusion and frustration over the past 25 years. Three-quarters of the Palestinian people believe that the situation today is worse than before the Oslo Accords.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

35. “First, I would like to look back at the 25 years since Oslo. On 13 September 1993, the first Oslo Accords were signed. The handshake between Rabin and Arafat was historic and it heralded a period in which peace could be achieved, or so we all anticipated or hoped. Much has been accomplished since then. The Palestinian Authority has been set up, a transfer of competences has taken place and the Palestinian institutions were judged to be ready to take on the responsibilities of a State. That is no small feat in such a short period. However, the process remains incomplete. The transfer of responsibilities has stopped. The division between Gaza and the West Bank is entrenching itself further. Settlements continue to grow unabated. In 1993, it seemed difficult to have to resettle 100,000 settlers.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

36. “I would like to start by thanking Mr. Mladenov for his overview of recent developments. It is a sobering list that underlines the urgent need for positive steps. We commend him and his team for their persistent efforts for peace. We also thank him for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). Let me refer to the letter that was sent to the Secretary-General in May, signed by 10 of the current Security Council members, in which we requested written reports on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). We welcomed the written report we received in June and look forward to receiving written reports in the future. I have three points to make: first, the anniversary of the first Oslo agreement; secondly, the threats to the two-State solution; and thirdly, the situation in Gaza.”

    2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source

37. “We encourage the voluntary return of internally displaced persons from protection-of-civilian sites. We believe that UNMISS should develop plans and strategies to ensure that the Mission is able to protect civilians at protection-of-civilian camps. It must do so in close coordination with other humanitarian actors. The protection of civilians is one of the most important tasks in the UNMISS mandate. In conclusion, we are committed to building sustainable peace in South Sudan. We look forward to continuing to support the South Sudanese people in building a more hopeful future for themselves - one in which they are not plagued by the scourge of war and hunger, but, rather, can live together in peace.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

38. “The maintenance and implementation of the Monitoring Mechanism is crucial, especially following the signing of the new Peace Agreement. The Council must strongly condemn all violations of the status-of- forces agreement and ensure that they are adequately addressed. On that note, we condemn the recent attacks against peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. There have been two incidents, which resulted in either the death or serious injury of peacekeepers. On 26 June, a Bangladeshi Blue Helmet lost his life. On 15 September, three days after the signing of the Peace Agreement, a Nepalese Blue Helmet was injured. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those peacekeepers. The attacks must end. Furthermore, we are increasingly concerned about rising tensions in protection-of- civilian camps.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

39. “All perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice, in particular those responsible for the despicable acts of sexual violence against women and girls. Impunity must end. Accountability is key for building sustainable peace. We firmly believe that the hybrid court for South Sudan is a key instrument in ensuring accountability for perpetrators. We call upon the Government of South Sudan to sign the memorandum of understanding with the African Union to finally establish that necessary court. Thirdly, with regard to the role of UNMISS, in order to adequately protect civilians, UNMISS and other United Nations staff and humanitarian workers must have unrestricted access to all parts of South Sudan. Freedom of movement for both UNMISS and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism is absolutely imperative.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

40. “The steps are indicative of the Council's resolve to end the violence and protect civilians. Secondly, concerning the need to ensure the accountability of all actors in the conflict, we would like to express our appreciation to the Government of South Sudan for convicting 10 military officials for the murders and rapes committed at the Terrain Hotel in Juba. The Government of South Sudan must build upon that important first step to ensuring accountability. Once again, the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/83l) paints a horrifying picture. Sexual violence in South Sudan is brutal, widespread and systematic. It is despicable. We call upon the South Sudanese Government to investigate all crimes.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

41. “We must not be naive - reaching an agreement on power-sharing and security will not automatically lead to sustainable peace. Building and sustaining peace in South Sudan will require addressing the root causes of the conflict and the commitment and inclusion of all actors. Let me also stress the important role that the region plays in ensuring a political process with concrete results. Following unrelenting violence in South Sudan, the Security Council imposed targeted sanctions and an arms embargo in July of this year. Such measures must be implemented and adhered to, especially by the region. We consider the action taken on the ground to be tentative steps in the right direction. For such steps to endure, we must continue the targeted sanctions and arms embargo, as they are crucial for ensuring peace in South Sudan.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

42. “We must continue to ensure that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) can support the people of South Sudan in achieving sustainable peace. In that context, I will focus on three issues: the political process, accountability and UNMISS. First, with regard to the importance of an inclusive and genuine political process, we express appreciation to all of the parties involved in the signing of the Peace Agreement on 12 September. Let me especially thank the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. This is another chance at peace for South Sudan, and we call upon all signatories to ensure that the Agreement is respected and implemented. President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar have a great and grave responsibility. It is imperative that the peace process be inclusive.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

43. “First, let me express our thanks to Mr. Lacroix, Mr. Haysom, Mr. Wais and Ms. John for their informative briefings. I would like to take a moment to thank Nicholas Haysom for his service as Special Envoy for the Sudan and South Sudan and congratulate him on his new position as Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him. Today's briefing on South Sudan comes at a decisive time in the country's history, as its leaders signed a new Peace Agreement last week. As leaders in South Sudan show their willingness for a renewed commitment to peace in South Sudan, it is imperative that the Council remain engaged.”

    2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source

44. “We would like to emphasize how crucial it is that the Panel can do its job in an effective and secure manner with full autonomy. The integrity of the Panel of Experts must be safeguarded. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the ongoing diplomatic efforts. It is necessary to maintain pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea through the full implementation of sanctions by all Member States. The 1718 Committee and its Panel of Experts play an important role in that respect. Let me emphasize, as others have done, the importance of the unity of the Council in all of those efforts. A united Council has a tremendous impact. The stakes are too high for the Council to be divided on that matter.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source

45. “The activities of the Panel of Experts, and particularly its reports, serve as a cornerstone of the United Nations sanctions regime on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It is crucial that the Panel of Experts can work fully and independently. All Member States should fully respect the independence of the Panel of Experts. The Panel's reports are crucial for the decision-making of the Committee and the Council, and its reports are key for engagement with third countries. The public release of those reports is important in order to maintain the pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We express our support for the work of the Panel. With the expansion of the sanctions regime, the task of the Panel of Experts has become ever-more challenging.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source

46. “In my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), I will continue to do my utmost towards that end, together with my team. That brings me to my third point, namely, the important role of the 1718 Committee and its Panel of Experts in that context. With the most recent Security Council resolutions, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea sanctions regime has grown to be the most comprehensive sanctions regime to date, and it is likely also the most complicated to date. The 1718 Committee plays a crucial role in implementing the resolutions by taking appropriate action in cases of sanctions violations, by providing guidance and support to the wider United Nations membership and by minimizing adverse humanitarian consequences of the sanctions.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source

47. “First, there is an increase in illicit ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; secondly, there is ongoing use of front companies and Democratic People's Republic of Korea diplomats to evade financial sanctions; and, thirdly, there are attempts by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to supply arms and military equipment to actors in the Middle East. Those developments are very concerning. They should be a matter of grave concern to the entire international community, and especially to all members of the Council. We therefore call on all States Members of the United Nations to fully and effectively implement United Nations sanctions.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source

48. “In our view, it is therefore too early to talk about sanctions relief. Furthermore, current developments are a reason for concern. Let me mention some examples: first, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, which remain a global threat; secondly, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to actively evade sanctions in order to advance those programmes; and, thirdly, several countries are not fully implementing the sanctions. Let me give some concrete examples about the latter.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source

49. “We hope that further steps can be taken during the upcoming inter-Korean summit as well as during a possible second summit between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. There are obvious challenges inherent to such complex talks, but no efforts, in our view, should be spared towards the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Secondly, with regard to the need for the full implementation of the sanctions, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should take meaningful steps to address the concerns of the Council. Those concerns are spelled out in the pertinent resolutions. Until those concerns are adequately addressed, the international community should maintain its pressure on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source

50. “I would first like to thank you, Madam President, for convening this important meeting. We also thank Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. Let me repeat the words of condolence expressed by our Kuwaiti colleague to you, Madam President, and to our colleagues from China and the Philippines. I will focus on three aspects in my statement: first, the ongoing diplomatic efforts; secondly, the need for full and effective sanctions implementation; and thirdly, the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) and its Panel of Experts. Let me also welcome to the Security Council our colleagues from Japan and the Republic of Korea. With regard to my first point, the Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the ongoing diplomatic talks with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”

    2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source