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

“We wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and we welcome the appointment of Nicholas Haysom as the new Special Representative.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Let me stress that accountability is key to a stable political future. In conclusion, we commend the Federal Government of Somalia for promoting a positive reform agenda. Although progress is being made, the scale of the challenges facing Somalia remains daunting. Failure to address any of them may have a knock-on effect on the others, and it is therefore crucial that all stakeholders work together in a coordinated way. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to support Somalia on the road to stability. Finally, let me reiterate our appreciation to Special Representative Keating, who will pass the torch at the end of the month. We want to thank him for his tireless commitment, persistence and leadership. We admire his courage, especially in these difficult conditions.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“We are truly concerned about the heavy toll that the conflict continues to exact on civilians. We remain concerned about the scale of sexual abuse and assaults on women and young girls. Gender-based violence remains a key protection concern, especially for internally displaced persons, who are already extremely vulnerable. We want to express our great appreciation to the national and international troops in Somalia. At the same time, we call on the Government of Somalia and its international partners to do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties during operations. In addition, it is crucial to ensure that the Federal Government of Somalia holds perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. In that connection, we welcome the approval of the sexual offences bill and hope that it will soon be enacted at the federal level.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The Federal Government of Somalia should show real progress. That includes implementing the agreements concluded earlier on the constitutional review, federalization and the reform of the justice chain. We remain concerned about the impact of climate change and ecological changes on the stability of Somalia. We underline the point just made by our Swedish colleague. In resolution 2408 (2018), the Security Council emphasized the need for risk assessments and strategies relating to these factors. We call on the United Nations and the Federal Government of Somalia to make progress on this, and we look forward to the new report of the Secretary-General, which should include reporting on those issues. That brings me to my third point, concerning the protection of civilians.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The next months will be key; success depends on the efforts and cooperation of all stakeholders involved - the efforts first and foremost of the Somali's themselves and AMISOM, but also of the international community in providing support. In that light, we welcome the winds of change in the Horn of Africa. We applaud the recent joint commitment of Eritrea and Somalia to restoring diplomatic relations. That brings me to my second point. It is essential that the root causes of the conflict be addressed if we are to achieve sustainable peace. A stronger rule oflaw is key to addressing such root causes as corruption and impunity. Reforming the Somali security forces, on the one hand, is essential for the eventual phasing out of AMISOM; on the other, it will be effective only within a strong justice framework.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“We welcome the progress made by the Federal Government of Somalia on economic, political and security sector reforms, but, according to the briefers, many risks remain. That includes violent extremism, armed conflicts, political instability and the possibility of further humanitarian crises. In that line, let me focus on three issues: first, the implementation of the transition plan; secondly, the need to address root causes; and thirdly, the protection of civilians. On my first point, we urge the Federal Government and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to accelerate the implementation of the transition plan.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Keating, Ambassador Madeira and Executive Director Mlambo-Ngcuka of UN-Women for their briefings. Their briefings clearly affirmed that Somalia remains volatile and that many challenges persist for its people, in particular for women and girls. I was especially touched by the information provided by UN-Women on that score. To address the challenges faced by women and girls in Somalia, we need greater representation of women in political structures and processes. We feel very strongly that Somalia now has a clear window of opportunity to advance gender equality in the reform agenda, the constitutional review process and the preparations for the elections in 2020.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“We need to provide more tailor-made solutions for the challenges faced by the men and women who risk their lives serving in peacekeeping missions to protect others. We must do everything in our power to avoid sending Blue Helmets on impossible missions. As Lieutenant General Santos Cruz stated, "We need to change the way we are doing business". That is a key challenge for us all in order to bring safety and security to civilians in areas where Blue Helmets are active. We owe it to the civilians involved, to the Blue Helmets and to the brave men and women who gave their lives under United Nations command for a safer world.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We fully agree. It is essential that missions possess well-trained and equipped personnel. Missions must have the right capabilities to implement the tasks mandated by the Council. The United Nations must continue to refine and further develop training so that peacekeepers can perform their tasks with confidence and decisiveness. The training should include special leadership modules. The United Nations and its Member States should do more to better coordinate training and address specific training needs. There are more ways to strengthen the impact of peacekeeping, such as innovative force generation, smart pledging and the use of annual rotation schemes. We welcome initiatives from Member States and the Secretariat to identify good practices and further improve force generation. The Council has a specific responsibility.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We must continue to learn from positive and negative lessons We welcome the use of independent strategic reviews in that regard. We call on the Secretariat to continue to further enhance measures to inform the Council of the planning and outcomes of such reviews. We welcome your initiative, Madam President, for a draft resolution on peacekeeping and we will continue to work closely with you and your team to ensure its maximum impact. Thirdly, on the issue of training and force generation, the report prepared by Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers, stated that United Nations mission leadership and contributing countries must change their mindset. They must be willing to take risks and show willingness to adapt to the new realities United Nations peacekeeping faces.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Adherence to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse demands our continuous attention. Part of the moral compass of peacekeepers should be a very simple rule - there is no such thing as an equal and consensual relationship between peacekeepers and residents of local communities. It simply does not exist. In our view, the Secretariat and missions can further improve data- and intelligence-based analysis and decision-making. It is obvious that being aware of the context and security situation, in real time, in their area of operations is vital to missions and to the safety of peacekeepers. In asymmetrical environments, peacekeeping intelligence is even more crucial. Therefore, we strongly support the development of that concept. Excellence in duties and leadership should be rewarded.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Therefore, we look forward to the furhter development of a gender- sensitive force- and police-generation strategy by the Secretariat. We welcome the development of female engagement teams and efforts to institutionalize such teams in deployments by troop-contributing countries. We also support initiatives by Member States and the United Nations, such as the Elsie initiative and the UN- Women female military officers course. We try to do our part. Together with Spain, we organize a yearly female peacekeepers course. Secondly, with regard to performance and accountability, we need a comprehensive and integrated performance policy with clear standards as an important basis to provide guidance and improve accountability. The same holds true for scrutiny in vetting and transparent evaluation standards.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Today we will focus on performance, which is a key element of the reform of United Nations peacekeeping. In that light, I will focus on three issues: first, women in peacekeeping; secondly, performance and accountability; and, thirdly, training and effective force generation. Of course, I align myself with the statement to be made later today by the observer of the European Union. First, increasing the number of uniformed women in peace operations is essential. I welcome Mr. Lacroix's personal commitment, which he has just expressed, to the issue. As the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations stated in its 2017 report, the meaningful participation of women at all levels and in all pillars of a mission is key to the operational effectiveness, the success and sustainability of peace processes and peacebuilding efforts.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We were pleased to play a role in co-facilitating, together with other members of the Council, the Action for Peacekeeping Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, and we salute the leadership of Cote d'Ivoire as Chair of the Council's Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and our cooperation on the presidential statement we adopted on 14 May (S/PRST/2018/10). We look forward to the high-level event on peacekeeping, to be held in two weeks, and we are heartened to see so many countries recommit themselves the great enterprise ofpeacekeeping in such a short time. We encourage those countries that have not yet signed on to the Declaration to do so; indeed, I see that the representatives of some of those countries are present here today.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Today United Nations peacekeeping faces serious challenges, so let me first pay tribute to and commemorate the brave Blue Helmets, women and men, who have given their lives for a safer world. We were honoured that the Secretary-General launched his Action for Peacekeeping initiative during the Dutch presidency of the Council, in March, in the presence of our Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, and that of the Minister of Defence of C6te d'Ivoire, on behalf of President Ouattara (see S/PV.8218).”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“I wish warmly to thank you, Madam President, for putting the key issue of improving the performance of peacekeepers on our agenda. It is one ofthe three priorities for the Kingdom of the Netherlands during our membership in the Council. I also thank Mr. Lacroix and Ms. Blakemore for their briefings. May I add that I was deeply impressed by Ms. Blakemore's testimony on the criminal abuse of children by peacekeepers. This is simply unacceptable, and I think that she has strengthened our common resolve to end such crimes. To quote the Secretary-General, "At its best, United Nations peacekeeping is a remarkable enterprise of multilateralism and international solidarity." (S/PV8218, p. 2) But peacekeeping has its dark chapters, and we in the Netherlands know that all too well from our own history.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“That includes access for ships carrying containers and fuel, as facilitated by the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism. In conclusion, the reinvigoration of the political process and bringing it to a successful resolution will likely be a long process. The first steps have now been taken. In order to keep the process moving all parties need to take their responsibility. They need to move beyond words and show their commitment by taking concrete steps to restore confidence. We will stay closely engaged as Mr. Griffiths' work progresses. Let me express the hope that the Security Council will stay united in supporting the Special Envoy in finding a peaceful, political and sustainable solution in the interests of the people of Yemen.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“As the Council, we must continue to send a clear signal that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law and should address its violations. Accountability must continue to feature high on our agenda, including to sustain a future political agreement. Thirdly, with regard to the humanitarian situation, the concerns raised by the Special Envoy about the devastating humanitarian impact of any further escalation in Al-Hudaydah and Aden are as prominent as they have ever been, and the Council has expressed itself several times in that regard. In line with the presidential statement of March (S/PRST/2018/5), we continue to insist on the full and sustained opening of the ports of Al-Hudaydah and Saleef, as well as the unimpeded distribution of supplies throughout the country.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“They should show restraint, de-escalate and engage without preconditions with the United Nations- facilitated process. Let me also take this opportunity to express particular appreciation for Martin's efforts in strengthening female participation in the process, a point which he just elaborated. Secondly, with regard to the effects of the conflict on the civilian population, the last time the Council met in consultations we discussed the worrying spike in civilian casualties as hostilities increased. Since then, we have witnessed more violations of international humanitarian law. Those violations include an attack on a World Food Programme food truck, an air strike in Ad Durayhimi and the injuring of civilians as a result of a shot-down Houthi missile. We condemn those practices.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“Confidence-building measures, as proposed and discussed in Geneva, are focused on the most crucial of issues that we face in Yemen - the well-being of ordinary Yemeni citizens and issues such as resuming medical flights out of Sana'a airport and addressing Yemen's failing economy. We strongly support that approach and call on the parties to show good faith at this critical juncture. They should engage with the Special Envoy by taking meaningful steps to achieve them. This weekend's minor setback can, and must, be overcome. It should not be used to justify an escalation on the battlefield. A sustainable, peaceful, political solution is the only way forward. Unfortunately, already we have seen an increase in clashes in Al-Hudaydah, as well as enhanced tensions in Aden. We call on all sides to demonstrate their commitment to peace.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“First, let me thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths for his realistic briefing to us today, as well as for his persistence and resilience. Iwill address three issues: first, the politicalprocess; secondly, the effects of the conflict on the civilian population; and, thirdly, the humanitarian situation. First, with regard to the political process, we share Martin's disappointment that one party did not make it to the highly anticipated consultations in Geneva last weekend. However, the beginning of those kinds of consultations is never easy, especially not following two years of growing distrust between the parties since the last negotiations took place, in Kuwait. Confidence has to be rebuilt one step at a time, and we commend Martin's efforts in making that happen.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“Let me also stress the importance of unimpeded United Nations humanitarian aid and the protection of hospitals, schools and humanitarian aid workers. We are shocked by reports of White Helmets being targeted once again over the weekend in so-called double-tap strikes. Over the weekend, three hospitals were struck. Two Syrian civil defence centres and an ambulance system were hit. Their coordinates were well known and deconfliction had taken place. Such developments and actions are of extreme concern to us. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue its efforts to achieve accountability for such crimes. Impunity cannot prevail. In our view, referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court remains the best option.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“As Special Envoy De Mistura stated last Friday, there must be - and there is - another way than all-out military escalation. There are alternatives. We can and should prevent a terrible tragedy and, at the same time, allow the issue of Security Council-designated terrorist groups to be addressed. We call on all actors to use their influence on the warring parties in Idlib to put the protection of civilians first. If separating Al-Nusra from armed groups is the central issue in Idlib, then we need to listen to the Special Envoy on how to operationalize it. If the Astana guarantors want international support for their efforts in that regard, then guarantors must also be transparent about what exactly they are planning. I repeat, any plan must put the protection ofcivilians first.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“For example, if medical evacuations are attempted, they must be in line with the minimum standards for humanitarian evacuations that have been circulated by the United Nations. Parties need to uphold international humanitarian law throughout Syria, and in particular in Idlib. Any measure to counter terrorism must comply with obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. Combating terrorism is no excuse for attacking without distinction or proportionality. Recent peaceful protests by the civilian population in Idlib against violence and extremism show that Idlib is not a hotbed of terrorism. That also became very clear during the Arria Formula meeting last Friday, at which Bassma Kodmani stated that civilians are a strong asset in countering terrorism.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“We share Turkish concerns about escalating violence in Idlib and an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. Turkey already hosts 3.5 million Syrian refugees. The Kingdom of the Netherlands appreciates and respects that and fully shares Turkish concerns. Thirdly, with regard to the urgent need for the protection of civilians who encounter terrorism, in our view all parties involved should exercise utmost restraint, put the protection of civilians first and allow unhindered humanitarian access. Civilians are not the ones who should leave Idlib. We are sceptical about the concept of corridors or protected evacuation routes, not in the least because of the enormous number of civilians in Idlib.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“During the Tehran summit, the Astana guarantors reiterated their pledge to seek a negotiated solution to Syria's seven-year conflict, but in practice we see that two of the three guarantors are instead getting ready for a full-scale military offensive in Idlib. On the day of the summit and over the weekend, we saw escalation instead of de-escalation. It is a continuation of the well-known pattern of fighting in de-escalation zones that reminds us of eastern Ghouta and Dar'a earlier this year. Ifthe Russian Federation and Iran are serious about a non-military solution and de-escalation, they need to cease further military build-up around Idlib and stop the aerial attacks immediately. It is crucial that the de-escalation zone be upheld. There needs to be an immediate and complete ceasefire.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“In our view, there is an urgent need for a real shift of focus towards diplomacy at the negotiating table, with the goal of bringing a non-military solution closer. Only a political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2016), can end the conflict in a sustainable and peaceful manner. Secondly, with regard to the responsibility of the Astana guarantors and the need for a complete cessation of hostilities, frankly speaking the Kingdom of the Netherlands is disappointed with the results of the Tehran summit. It is our view that it is the responsibility of the Astana guarantors to uphold the ceasefire and de-escalation arrangements to which they have previously agreed, and to protect civilians as a matter of priority.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“I thank you personally, Madam President, for your impressive words in commemoration of the victims of 9/11. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has stood and will stand in full solidarity with the United States. Our thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones on that terrible day 17 years ago. Let me thank the Russian delegation for providing us with an update on the results of the third trilateral summit of Astana guarantors in Tehran. I will focus on three points: first, the risk ofrapid escalation; secondly, the responsibility ofthe Astana guarantors; and, thirdly, the need to protect civilians. First, the risk of rapid escalation involving regional and international players is great. The potential consequences of an escalation of violence are horrific.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“Lastly, we need an inclusive, United Nations-led political process on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015), which includes a political transition that aims to address the root causes of the conflict and lay to rest its source. As I stated before, there will be no reconstruction aid before a sustainable political transition is in place. We fully support Staffan de Mistura and commend him and this team on their persistent efforts. In conclusion, we will continue our efforts for accountability for mass atrocities and the use ofchemical weapons in Syria. At the moment, one member of the Council continues to block the referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court. Therefore, we will continue our efforts for accountability for the mass atrocities committed in Syria and elsewhere, outside of the country.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“Now we know that the Russian military and the Syrian military have been informed about the exact coordinates of the remaining hospitals in Idlib, any future attack on such essential civilian infrastructure therefore falls under their full responsibility. Humanitarian workers are not a target. Attacks on hospitals and humanitarian aid workers are an affront to human decency. Attacking innocent doctors and nurses is a criminal act. Aid to the people in Idlib mustbe made available. Parties must grant sustained, unimpeded humanitarian access, including through the essential cross-border mechanism. Without that access, a humanitarian catastrophe is inevitable. The Council should provide a positive response to the five requests Mr. Ging mentioned earlier.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“In view of the meeting of the Astana guarantors in Tehran today, we call on them, in particular Russia and Iran, to uphold the ceasefire and their agreed de-escalation arrangements. Their earlier commitments include the protection of civilians as a matter of priority. They must protect civilians, not attack them. Secondly, with 1.4 million internally displaced persons in Idlib, the humanitarian situation is already of great concern. Many people in Idlib depend on humanitarian aid for their daily survival. For the sake of those civilians, once again, we call for the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2401 (2018), which was made possible by our Kuwaiti and Swedish colleagues. During the war in Syria, we have seen indiscriminate air strikes and attacks on hospitals and schools.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“Let me remind them that any measure to counter terrorism must comply with their obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. Combating terrorism is no excuse for launching attacks without distinction or proportionality. Combating terrorism is no excuse for attacking innocent civilians, destroying hospitals and killing humanitarian workers. Combating terrorism is no excuse for creating a humanitarian disaster. The guarantors of the Idlib de-escalation zone and the Syrian regime must work towards a non-violent negotiated solution. We express our strong support for the urgent diplomatic efforts made by Turkey and the United Nations.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“In that regard, I will focus on three issues: first, the need to prevent a further escalation of violence in Idlib; secondly, the humanitarian situation; and, thirdly, the political process. First, we must prevent further escalation in Idlib. We must prevent further military escalation in the last de-escalation zone in Syria. Almost 3 million people are trapped in the Idlib area. As clearly stated by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwaitjust now, the humanitarian consequences of an all-out offensive will be disastrous. Furthermore, the risk of regional escalation is high, including the creation ofpossible new flows of refugees. Parties must uphold international humanitarian law throughout Syria, and in Idlib in particular. We heard from the countries involved that their aim to fight terrorists.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for convening today's meeting on such an urgent and grave subject. We thank Mr. Staffan de Mistura and Mr. John Ging for their informative briefings and continued efforts to help the people of Syria. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is extremely concerned about the situation in Idlib. We fear a repeat of a horrific scenario we have seen before - the massive use of military force with a ground campaign by the Syrian army, air raids by Russia and support from Iran, at the cost of thousands of innocent lives, with disastrous humanitarian consequences. There is no military solution that will bring about long-term peace in Syria. We need a political transition and a political solution.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“We remain convinced that the OPCW can make an important contribution to fighting impunity in Syria by sharing information with 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. In conclusion, the people of Syria have suffered far too long. They have suffered from mass atrocities, violence and the use of chemical weapons. Working with all possible instruments inside and outside the Council, the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue its efforts to achieve accountability for those crimes.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“Let me refer to the points made by our Kuwaiti colleague on the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism and reiterate the importance of the outcome of the special session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention on 27 June. There an overwhelming majority of States members of the OPCW reconfirmed and strengthened the standard against the use of chemical weapons. We once again plead for follow-up to the conclusions of the OPCW Fact-finding Mission and its future attribution mechanism by referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“We condemn the recent trend of spreading deliberate disinformation on chemical weapons attacks, including in the Council, to create confusion. There is no credible information supporting the allegations of one Council member against the White Helmets and against Western countries. In our view, the Security Council should focus on common ground. We all condemn the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone and under any circumstances; we all agree that impunity must be countered to defend the international non-proliferation architecture; and we all agree on the standard that the use of chemical weapons is never permitted. Together, we should reinforce the international norm that chemical weapons should never be used again. My third point is about attribution and accountability.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“It is prohibited by international law and would have devastating human and humanitarian consequences. We support the call of the Secretary- General for restraint in the use of force, with the protection of citizens as the first priority. Secondly, with regard to chemical weapons, we thank the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its fifty-ninth report (see S/2018/804). We support the objective and professional work of the OPCW Fact-finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic and call on all warring parties in Syria to continue their efforts to ensure that the Fact-finding Mission can continue its work independently. The Kingdom of the Netherlands looks forward to the final report on the attack in Douma on 7 April.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“A military offensive in Idlib would put at risk the lives of more than 3 million civilians living in the region and result in a new humanitarian catastrophe. The guarantors of the Idlib de-escalation zone and the Syrian regime need to work towards a peaceful, non-violent, negotiated solution for Idlib. Any measure to counter terrorism must comply with obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. Combating terrorism is no excuse to target without distinction or proportionality. Parties need to uphold international humanitarian law throughout Syria, and in particular in Idlib, and provide humanitarian access to those in need. Any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, including in Idlib.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Ms. Nakamitsu for her informative briefing. I will focus on three points: first, the developments in Idlib; secondly, the use of chemical weapons; and thirdly, the need for attribution and accountability. First, with regard to the developments in Idlib, as others before me have said, we are extremely concerned about the escalation of violence in Idlib due to recent air strikes. The risk of a further escalation of violence is deeply concerned. Such an escalation would lead to an unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe, with major regional consequences. The Council has the responsibility to prevent that worst-case scenario. Let me repeat our key messages. All warring parties must abide by existing Security Council resolutions.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“We call on the Nicaraguan authorities to implement the recommendations made by the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights and by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights without delay, and in particular to take all the steps necessary to reactivate the dialogue on democratization and justice, which will pave the way to a sustainable peaceful solution to the situation in Nicaragua.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands, in that regard, supports the activities of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, as well as those of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts of the OAS, which aim at strengthening Nicaraguan institutions and contributing to investigations into recent violent events. We urge Nicaragua to fully cooperate with the OAS and the United Nations. I should like to conclude my statement in Spanish. (spoke in Spanish) We call on the Nicaraguan authorities to immediately cease the violence and to protect their citizens and their right to peaceful protest. We welcome and further encourage the firm engagement of the Organization of American States and other regional actors in addressing the current situation.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“We regret the decision of the Nicaraguan Government to terminate the presence of the mission of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which runs contrary to the spirit of dialogue and the principles of full accountability for human rights violations and securing justice for victims of violence. We expect the authorities to seriously consider the findings of the High Commissioner and to take urgent action to implement recommendations in his report. We urge the Nicaraguan authorities to fully cooperate with the relevant international organizations and to provide the necessary access to information. The independent investigation into human rights violations is paramount to a sustainable solution. Perpetrators of human rights violations must be brought to justice.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“In our view, the engagement of local and regional actors is essential to addressing the current crisis. We applaud the hard work of the Bishops of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua as mediator. We applaud the important efforts of the Organization of American States (OAS) to support the dialogue in Nicaragua. We also welcomed the early invitations by the Nicaraguan authorities to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights and the European Union to visit Nicaragua and support the dialogue. However, the lack of progress regarding the dialogue is worrying.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my second point: the issue of prevention. We welcome the fact that we are discussing the situation in Nicaragua in the Security Council today, and we see this as an opportunity for dialogue. We therefore welcome the briefing by Mr. Maradiaga, and we look forward to the statement to be delivered by Minister Moncada. Early warning and conflict prevention are important priorities for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We see a key role for the Security Council to play in conflict prevention by addressing root causes, such as human rights violations. The Council should therefore support preventive and mediation efforts with regard to the situation in Nicaragua, with a view to sustaining stability and promoting peace in the region. That brings me to my third point: the role of local and regional organizations.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“The Government has not protected its civilians. It has not guaranteed the right to peaceful protest. It has not protected freedom of the press. On the contrary, there have been many serious human rights violations, including the disproportionate use of violence, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. According to reliable sources, a majority of those crimes has been perpetrated by Government officials, para-police groups and armed third persons. We are specifically concerned about the violence, repression and arbitrary detentions that have been taking place since the start of those protests. In addition, there are signs that access to health care for protesters has been obstructed, while more than 100 medical personnel have been dismissed. We have a simple message - the repression must stop.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“That is the premise of our continued engagement with Nicaragua and why we have had intense conversations with Minister Moncada about our deep concerns with regard to recent developments in Nicaragua. We welcome Nicaragua's Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Council today and believe that dialogue is a crucial element of prevention. We thank him for being here with us. I will focus on three issues today: first, our concerns about the situation in Nicaragua; secondly, the issue of prevention and, thirdly, support for mediation efforts. My first point involves our concerns about the current situation. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply concerned about unfolding events in Nicaragua since 18 April. More than 350 people have been killed and more than 2,000 people have been wounded since then.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“First, let me thank Ambassador Pierce and her team for their effective and efficient presidency of the Council last month. Their time management was commendable. Secondly, we warmly congratulate you, Madam President, and your team on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. Let me assure you of the support of our Mission and of my personal support for your presidency in this ambitious month. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations with regard to the situation in Nicaragua. We thank Mr. Gonzalo Koncke and Mr. Felix Maradiaga for their valuable briefings. Historically, warm relations have existed between the peoples of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and of Nicaragua.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8340 (2018) · source
“Enhancing the capacity of the United Nations is key to the prevention agenda. It is our joint responsibility to help the Secretary-General to realize his priority.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a long-term donor in that field and will continue to be so. However, what we need is assessed contributions for sustainable prevention action by the Secretary-General. Moving forward, we must live up to the commitments stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations. We must ensure that mediation processes are inclusive. We must prioritize prevention and use tools such as mediation, address root causes and fund the mediation efforts of the Secretary-General properly. In conclusion, there are no quick fixes to the conflicts that define our generation. We must continue to support the Secretary-General and the High-level Advisory Board on Mediation in the efforts to expand mediation work in the context of prevention and of sustaining peace.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source