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

“I join others in thanking Special Coordinator Mladenov and his team for their dedication to the Middle East peace process and for today's valuable briefing. We meet in difficult times, in which Mr. Mladenov's involvement and actions are crucial, and we commend him for his work. I align myself with the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union. I will focus on the following three issues: first, the ongoing crisis in Gaza; secondly, impediments to the two-State solution and the peace process; and thirdly, the Golan Heights and regional dynamics. First, on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, during the past months the Council has met several times to discuss the crisis situation in Gaza. We need de-escalation, maximum restraint and urgent measures to alleviate the humanitarian situation.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“It is a particular point of concern for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and it is pertinent to the situation in South Sudan. We thank the penholder for her initiative, and the Council has given a very clear signal. It is now high time for the parties involved to achieve a sustained, peaceful political solution.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“The Security Council will continue to monitor the situation in South Sudan and stands ready to act further if necessary. We very much welcome the insertion of specific designation criteria for sexual violence in resolution 2428 (2018). Through that extra set of references the Security Council acknowledges the systematic, structural and widespread nature of sexual violence in South Sudan. The reports on South Sudan bear witness to the horrific nature of those crimes time and time again, and if anyone can stomach it, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights report of earlier this week is a clear indication of that. Today the Council is sending a signal that this violence has to stop. The impunity must end. Finally, we welcome the strength of the reference in the resolution to the link between conflict and hunger.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“I too would like to welcome our new colleague from C6te d'Ivoire, and we look forward to working with him very closely. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the adoption of resolution 2428 (2018), especially the measures contained therein. The Netherlands has repeatedly called in the Council for the imposition of an arms embargo. That imposition underscores the fact that there is no military solution to the conflict. We especially welcome the sanctions imposed against two individuals. Their responsibility for gross human rights violations has been well documented. Today the Security Council is sending a clear message that the international community no longer tolerates the gross human rights violations in South Sudan, while underscoring the need to achieve tangible results in the ongoing political negotiations.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“We felt that to be an excellent example of women's empowerment, an approach that we believe deserves to be followed up elsewhere, both in the Sahel and beyond. In conclusion, women's empowerment and gender equality are closely connected to peace and stability in society. There is overwhelming evidence to that effect. The meaningful participation of women has the potential to transform societies and build peace. Let us all work towards that goal. The women and girls of the Sahel and elsewhere need our support and the commitment of the Council.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“Lastly, concerning participation, you, Madam President, and others rightly spoke of the vital role of women's participation in decision-making. We had an open debate on peacekeeping on 28 March (see S/PV.8218), at which we heard a briefing by Fatimata Toure of Mali. She spoke of the severe underrepresentation of women in the mechanisms set up for the implementation and monitoring of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, in which currently only 3 per cent of the people involved are women. That number is way too low. In resolution 2423 (2018), the Security Council rightly urged the Malian parties to ensure women's equal and meaningful participation. The Deputy Secretary-General visited Nigeria last year. She was able to obtain an agreement that the food distribution in refugee camps would be in the hands of women.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“Conflicts between farmers and herders are reportedly now killing more women and girls than the Boko Haram crisis, and Boko Haram by itself was the cause of a staggering 1,000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence last year in Nigeria alone. Conflicts between farmers and herders are becoming multidimensional threats affecting the entire subregion. We join the Secretary-General in calling on the Economic Community of West African States and its States members to develop regional, long-term and integrated strategies in response. We feel that the United Nations system should support that, and it is important to develop those strategies in consultation with affected communities, in particular with women's participation.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“As elsewhere, those most vulnerable in the Sahel become even more vulnerable, and too often that means that women and girls are the most affected. In that light, our responses to peace and security challenges in the Sahel must be both climate and gender sensitive. In that context, we reiterate the need for adequate risk assessments and risk-management strategies. The Council already emphasized that point in resolution 2349 (2017) and has repeatedly recalled it since then. That leads me to my second point. Climate change intensifies conflicts between farmers and herders in the Lake Chad region and the wider Sahel region. Such conflicts have devastating effects for women and girls. Widows are evicted from their farmland. Women and girls become even more vulnerable to economic predation and sexual violence and exploitation.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“In that context, I will focus on three issues: first, the security implications of climate change on women; secondly, the challenges posed by the widespread conflict between farmers and herders; and, thirdly, the importance of women's participation in decision-making. Concerning my first point, the security implications of climate change, the latter disproportionately affects women in the Sahel, especially owing to its effects on stability and security, which was underscored by the concrete examples that you gave in your briefing, Madam President. Climate change increases the number of livelihoods lost as a result of conflict. It decreases women's access to essential resources, such as water, thereby reinforcing the negative consequences of conflict for women.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“It shows how useful joint African Union (AU)-United Nations high-level missions are as a means to deepen the AU-United Nations partnership. In particular, we were impressed with their meeting with victims of sexual violence and those who may easily fall prey to the latter. You touched us, Madam President, when you spoke of the women in Bol who wished only not to be raped. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply appalled by those horrific acts of sexual violence, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. This debate allows us to shed light on the critical role of women in issues of peace and security in the broader Sahel region.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“In honour of the Swedish presidency of the Security Council, let me try to say "thank you very much" in Swedish: tack sci mycket. We are very grateful to you, Madam President, for organizing this debate. It is important to continue to ask that attention be paid to the meaningful participation ofwomen in matters concerning peace and security, as we did on 8 March concerning Afghanistan (see S/PV.8199, and in almost every thematic meeting of the Security Council, including our discussion on the Sahel today. In our view, advocating for the meaningful participation of women is the right thing to do, as it has concrete, positive effects on peace and security. We sincerely thank you, Mada President, the Deputy Secretary-General and the Special Envoy of the African Union for briefing the Security Council on the joint visit.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“Its ripple effects can carry a long way if we go about it in the right way. There is a clear humanitarian imperative. Mine action enables farmers to grow crops, parents to buy food for their children and their children to go to school.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my third point - the role of the Security Council. We believe that it is important that the Council continue to consider mine action, which can be done both in country-specific debates and through mainstreaming mine action in peacekeeping mandates. Therefore, we support the Secretary- General's recommendations contained in his report. That includes urging troop-contributing countries to better prepare peacekeepers for the threats that they will face and including mine action in peace agreements and ceasefires. We are in favour of holding an annual debate on that subject in the Council. One year after the adoption of resolution 2365 (2017), the Council cannot become complacent. In conclusion, mine action really is at the nexus of security, conflict resolution and development.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“We cooperate in particular with non-governmental organizations. We commend them for their work in sometimes very dangerous circumstances. Let me mention them: the Mines Advisory Group, the HALO Trust and DanChurchAid. That is part of our multi-annual funding and multi-stakeholder collaboration approach, and we hope that other countries will approach mine action in a similar way. We welcome recent accessions to the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction - also known as the Ottawa Convention - the Convention on Cluster Munitions and other instruments, but frankly speaking we continue to have a long way to go before all of them are universal. We therefore hope to see additional accessions to all the relevant instruments by this time next year.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“We actively support the United Nations in modernizing peace operations through the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping process, which, as we all know, the Secretary-General launched here in the Council in March (see S/PV.8218). In that context, we highly favour the further integration of mine action into United Nations peacekeeping, and we look forward to working closely with cote d'Ivoire in the coming months in that process. At the same time, humanitarian space must be protected, and my country tries to help in that regard. We are sixth on the list of worldwide donors in humanitarian mine action. We are contributing â‚¬3 million of unearmarked funding to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund and an additional â‚¬45 million to humanitarian demining projects for the current four-year period.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine, Iraq and Yemen are among the most affected countries. It demonstrates the relevance of mine action for the Council's agenda. In places like Mosul, Iraq, urgent humanitarian action is hindered, which means that civilians cannot return to their homes. Indeed, the increased use of those types of explosives in urban and residential areas is alarming. Let us not forget that children are the leading victims of explosive remnants of war. That confers upon us a huge responsibilty. That brings me to my second point - the United Nations and mine action. We commend the role of the United Nations Mine Action Service under the able leadership of Agnes Marcaillou. We see a clear connection between mine action and peacekeeping.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“First, let me begin by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Zouev for his excellent briefing and leadership on the issue at hand. We commend you, Mr. President, on Russia's able presidency of the Security Council in June. Let me also thank Ambassador Llorentty Soliz of Bolivia for requesting today's meeting. I will address three points: first, the threat of landmines; secondly, the United Nations and mine action; and thirdly, the role of the Security Council. First, landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices pose a significant threat to the safety of civilians, parents and children alike, peacekeepers and humanitarian aid workers during conflict and long after it ends. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/623) highlights that it is truly a global concern.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“It showed that it is possible to overcome differences through dialogue and diplomacy. It is a clear example of effective multilateralism. Ensuring the continued implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) is in the interest of the Iranian people, of the region and of us all.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to play its part to ensure the full implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) - nationally, as a member of the European Union, and as a facilitator for resolution 2231 (2015) here in New York this year. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands sees it as a clear priority that the JCPOA participants, including Iran and the wider international community, remain committed to resolution 2231 (2015), including the JCPOA - especially now that the agreement faces serious challenges. At the same time, Iran should address international concerns regarding its ballistic missile programme and its destabilizing role in the region. The JCPOA showed that the international community can come together and solve even the most complex of issues.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“We call on Iran to refrain from any such activities, to fully implement resolution 2231 (2015) and to engage in serious dialogue on these concerns outside the framework of the JCPOA. As long as Iran remains committed to the JCPOA, the international community should do so as well. Therefore, as my third point, I wish to call on the entire international community to continue to support and implement resolution 2231 (2015), including the JCPOA. The international community should ensure that Iran continues to benefit from the agreement as was foreseen, including trade - if appropriate, via the procurement channel.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“We believe that this international agreement effectively blocks the route to an Iranian nuclear weapon. It is better than any alternative. That is why we call on the JCPOA participants to remain committed to the agreement. That brings me to my second point, the position of Iran. Whereas Iran fulfils its nuclear commitments, the Kingdom of the Netherlands shares the concerns voiced by others today about its ballistic missile programme and its destabilizing role in the region. Iran mingles in the internal affairs of other countries and supports armed groups. We strongly condemn any Iranian involvement in the missiles fired on Saudi Arabia by the Houthis from Yemen. We also note with concern the continuation of arms transfers, as well as violations of the asset freeze and travel ban, in violation of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“It is crucial for the security of the region, Europe and the entire world, and the JCPOA has been delivering on its objective, which is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons - an obligation it also has under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The JCPOA is based on solid verification. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spend more than 3,000 calendar days per year on the ground in Iran and monitor more than 25 locations in Iran on a 24/7 basis. That is an important IAEA endeavour to which my country has contributed more than â‚¬l.5 million. The inspection regime has resulted in eleven consecutive IAEA reports, which confirm that Iran is living up to its commitments under the JCPOA. It is in that light that we deeply regret the decision of the United States to withdraw from the agreement.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“I am now speaking in my national capacity. First, let me welcome our German colleague to the Security Council. I will make three points concerning, first, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J CPOA); secondly, Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in the region; and, thirdly, the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Let me turn to my first point - the JCPOA. The J CPOA is a major diplomatic accomplishment and a key non-proliferation achievement. It has been unanimously endorsed by the Security Council via resolution 2231 (2015). For the Kingdom ofthe Netherlands, preserving that robust and effective agreement is a clear priority.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, the unanimous adoption of resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the JCPOA, marked a fundamental shift concerning the Iranian nuclear issue. As Security Council Facilitator for the resolution, I have aimed to support and improve its implementation through the facilitation of talks, transparency and trade. In that effort, I would also like to thank the Secretariat for its hard work in support of both myself and the format. We commend the leadership of Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo and Ambassador Vale de Almeida and their cooperation.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“The Channel reviews proposals by States seeking to participate in or permit certain transfers of nuclear and dual-use goods, technology or services to Iran. On 27 April, the 2231 format received a briefing from the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission on the procurement channel. Since the beginning of 2016, 37 proposals for the procurement channel have been submitted by five Member States from three different regional groups. Those include States that are not participants in the JCPOA. On average, proposals were processed in fewer than 51 calendar days. Following the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA, the Council has continued to receive proposals through the Channel, and the review of those proposals continues.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“My report gives a comprehensive overview of the work of the format during the past half-year, including the monitoring of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). It includes the relevant communications, as well as key aspects of the functioning of the procurement channel. It is also my intention to give an open briefing to the wider United Nations membership on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) in the next reporting period. The goal of such a briefing would be to raise awareness among Member States of resolution 2231 (2015), particularly of the procurement channel, as just described by the Head of Delegation of the European Union. That brings me to my third point - the facilitation of trade by encouraging the use of the procurement channel.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“In her statement, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo has just elaborated on the findings and recommendations in the report. During the reporting period, two Member States sent communications to the Council alleging transfers and activities by Iran that fall under the restrictions of resolution 2231 (2015). Those communications are listed in detail in my report (see S/2018/624), together with all replies received from the Permanent Mission of Iran, as well as a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran, Javad Zarif. The letter was sent in reaction to the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the reimposition of all United States sanctions that had been lifted or waived in connection with the JCPOA. I will now turn to my second point - the facilitation of transparency concerning the work of the 2231 format.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“I consider three issues that we facilitate to be key to my role and that of the format: first, talks; secondly, transparency; and thirdly, trade. My first point concerns talks. Our ambition is to facilitate talks about the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). As Facilitator, I have facilitated communication among all parties, discussion of the Security Council in the 2231 format and smooth correspondence within the format. On 20 June, the Security Council met in the 2231 format and, during the format review, discussed the findings and recommendations contained in the fifth report of the Secretary-General (8/2018/602) on resolution 2231 (2015) prior to its public release. We had an open discussion on recent developments.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“I now speak in my capacity as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). In July 2015, the Security Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015) (see S/PV.7488). Three months later, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) came into effect. The agreement aims to ensure that the Iranian nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful. Resolution 2231 (2015) replaced previous Security Council resolutions on the Iranian nuclear issue and urged the full implementation of the JCPOA. It also established specific restrictions in relation to Iran. As Security Council Facilitator for the resolution, I have aimed to support and improve its implementation. I have built on the excellent work of Italy, which we succeeded as Facilitator in the context of our split term on the Council.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“We call for further engagement in Geneva, under the guidance of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). We share the concerns of the representative of the United Kingdom on Law Number 10 and its potential implications for the quest for a political solution.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“We will therefore continue our work elsewhere, in the Commission of Inquiry and 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. Secondly, there is an ever-increasing need for a political solution. The current escalation of violence and the dire humanitarian situation further underscore the urgent need for a sustainable political solution to the conflict. We commend the resilience, efforts and perseverance of Staffan de Mistura in that regard. Progress on the development of an inclusive constitutional committee is welcomed and needed.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“All parties should facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian relief to all those in need, including first responders, such as the White Helmets, who risk their lives to provide assistance. We would like to echo the words of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, whose report on the siege and recapture of eastern Ghouta (A/HRC/38/ CRP.3) was presented yesterday in the Human Rights Council. That siege and recapture by the regime was marked by war crimes and crimes against humanity. According to that report, the people of eastern Ghouta saw the longest-running siege in modern history. We need accountability. The use of the veto has blocked the Security Council's referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“Ging just quoted statistics from the World Health Organization, which has published shocking numbers on the attacks on medical facilities throughout Syria. Let me repeat those statistics. In 2017, 112 attacks took place, resulting in more than 200 casualties. Already in the first six months of the year, the same number of attacks have taken place, causing more than 250 casualties. In Idlib, south-western Syria, such attacks are ongoing and occur almost daily. Let me be clear, the Syrian regime attacks its own people, medical facilities and first responders. All parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Attacks against medical facilities and personnel must stop.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we also call on the Russian Federation to exert pressure on the regime in order to create room for a negotiated solution. The risk of regional spillover is simply too great in such a politically sensitive region, as it is close to Israel, Jordan and the Golan Heights. The hostilities have already caused major displacement from Busra al-Hariri and elsewhere. As Mr. Ging mentioned, more than 45,000 people have had to flee in the direction of the closed border with Jordan and many more might follow if the violence continues to escalate. We fear a repetition of the countless serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law by the regime and its allies, which we have seen throughout the war. Mr.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Staffan de Mistura and Mr. John Ging for their briefings and express my deep appreciation for the work of their teams under difficult circumstances. I will address two topics today in the Chamber: first, the escalating violence in south-western Syria, and secondly, the issue of the need for a political solution. First, we are deeply concerned about the grave escalation of violence and atrocities in the southern de-escalation zone in Dar'a province. We are also deeply concerned about the massive use of violence by the Syrian regime - supported by its allies - against its own people. In particular, as one of the guarantor Powers, the Russian Federation has a grave responsibility to uphold its commitment to a ceasefire. All relevant parties must do all in their power to prevent another humanitarian disaster.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“Finally, I want to thank the Special Representative and his team for their tremendous efforts in assisting Afghanistan in often difficult circumstances. They deserve our full support. The Afghan people should be able to count on the Council. Let the Council answer the call for peace, as expressed in the impressive Afghan peace march, and let the Council be a beacon of hope for the people of Afghanistan.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“They undermine State security, stability and development, and often conditions for organized crime and violent extremism converge. The Government of Afghanistan, in our View, should continue to address the nexus between these two phenomena, for example by strengthening capacities, including border control. In general, we believe that the nexus between organized crime and terrorism is an important topic for the Council. In conclusion, the Afghan people need a workable peace deal. That will require political courage, perseverance and the continued unity of the Council. Galvanizing the momentum of the Afghan-owned peace process is our collective responsibility. We should remain clear in our joint message on the importance of credible elections with strong participation of women.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“That was the message we heard from the civil society briefers during the previous debate on Afghanistan in March (see S/PV.8199). We also heard it during the Council's visit to Afghanistan in January. Young people have a crucial role in building a culture of peace. That was reaffirmed by resolution 2419 (2018), adopted this month, on youth, peace and security. Investing in Afghan youth will bring stability to the country. We are pleased with the election in Afghanistan last week of the first ever Afghan Youth Representative to the United Nations. My Minister was a proud member of the jury, together with Mr. Yamamoto. My third point concerns the nexus between organized crime and terrorism. Terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan Province and Al-Qaida remain active.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The first phase of registration has been concluded successfully, which is very encouraging. At the same time, the Afghan Government and the Independent Election Commission will need to step up their efforts. Reforms and preparations need to stay on track. The credibility ofthe Independent Election Commission in this is key. Trust in the Commission in large part will determine the trust of the Afghan people in the results of the election, and any issues arising in that regard need to be dealt with transparently, swiftly and effectively. Furthermore, women's participation in the elections, as voters and as candidates, is crucial. Political and decision-making processes are incomplete without the involvement of women.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“All parties should respect international humanitarian law and put the protection of civilians first. We commend the comprehensive, integrated approachjust described by Mr. Yamamoto of combining peace, security and development in policies. Nationally the Kingdom of the Netherlands is ready to do its part as well in an integrated manner. Our bilateral development cooperation with Afghanistan continues, and our Government decided last week to substantially increase its support for Afghanistan with additional military and police advisers in the Resolute Support Mission. We will also extend the mandate of the whole contingent until the end of 2021. And, of course, we support the election process. That brings me to my second point: progress in preparing the elections. It is important that the Council pronounce itself on this.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“My first point concerns our collective responsibility for an inclusive and Afghan-owned peace process, which is the only way in which true stability in Afghanistan can be realized. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs reassured President Ghani last week of our strong support for his courageous efforts in pushing the peace process forward. Neighbouring countries should also shoulder their responsibility by actively contributing to the momentum, and we very much welcome the progress reported in this regard. As the Council we continue to be united in our messaging, as we were in our statement to the press issued last week. Our unity is crucial. The Taliban should accept the offer by the Afghan Government to engage in direct peace talks without any preconditions.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The Afghan people clearly want peace, not tomorrow but today. But their call for peace is still not heeded by all. Brutal and heinous attacks continue. The Taliban has not reciprocated the extension of the ceasefire by the Government of Afghanistan. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan Province is still carrying out deplorable acts of terror. Yet there remains space for accelerated momentum and hope. That is what we as a Council need to rally behind, using all of our leverage, bilaterally and collectively. In this context, I will touch on three points: first, the peace process; secondly, the elections; and, thirdly, the nexus between crime and terrorism.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“I thank the three briefers for having shared their insightful analysis on the latest developments in Afghanistan. We were touched by the impressive pictures of the peace march that Special Representative Yamamoto just showed us. We align ourselves with the European Union statement to be delivered later in the debate. Last week my Minister for Foreign Affairs, Steph Blok, visited Afghanistan. The message he consistently heard from many Afghans was one of peace and reconciliation. One Afghan youth wisely told him: "Blood cannot be washed away with blood". These words coincided with powerful images of hope at the end of Ramadan, showing Afghans uniting for peace. I thank Mr. Yamamoto for sharing these pictures as well. Afghans celebrated the first peaceful Eid al-Fitr since 2001, and there were marches for peace throughout the country.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The Security Council should not allow that to happen, and we regret the use of the veto that has blocked the Council's effective action in that regard. In conclusion, in addressing the root causes of conflict in the region, we have to be ambitious. It will require all of us to make a steadfast and long-term commitment to protecting human rights, ensuring stronger conflict prevention and ending impunity. Only through collective perseverance will sustainable peace in the region prevail.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Some of the crimes committed in the region are particularly grave. We need to ensure that those responsible for atrocity crimes are prosecuted and brought to justice. That applies to all parties to the armed conflict, including fighters from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant suspected of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The perpetrators of crimes must be held to account, irrespective of which side they are on in any particular conflict. Fair and independent investigations and prosecutions are key. Unfortunately, we have to conclude that at the moment serious violations of international law in the region, which include a consistent disregard for international humanitarian law and the horrific use of chemical weapons, continue to go unpunished.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Governments and international organizations should pay particular attention to women and girls, and there should be enough space for civil society to play its important role. Integrated conflict prevention also means looking at broader issues, such as climate change and water scarcity. They too can be drivers of conflict in the region. My third point concerns ending impunity by strengthening accountability. There can be no sustainable peace without justice. The question is how to get there, in a region mired in ongoing conflict and impunity. In countries where there is progress, attention often shifts quickly to reconstruction, but in our view transitional justice is just as important, especially in achieving sustainable peace. We very much welcome all Government and civil-society initiatives to that end.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Within his good-offices mandate the Secretary-General can play an enhanced role, but the responsibility to improve relations and strengthen dialogue lies primarily with the region itself. Work also needs to continue on addressing a wide range of political and socioeconomic grievances in each country, in line with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Such grievances catalyse radicalization and conflict, and they are not new. Since 2002, Arab scholars have challenged the Governments in their region in successive editions of the Arab Human Development Report to overcome three deficits: first, the freedom deficit; secondly, the deficit in the empowerment of women; and, thirdly, the knowledge deficit.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The people in the Middle East and North Africa know what helps to stabilize their societies: the rule of law, accountable governance and respect for minorities. Historically many countries in the region are places where religious and other minorities prospered living together. The current turbulence is an extra reason to seek practical ways to re-engage communities and to promote mutual tolerance. A good example is intra- and interfaith dialogue. My second point concerns integrated conflict prevention by addressing political and socioeconomic grievances. The conflicts in the region are interconnected. That is why it is important that the United Nations and the international community have an integrated approach to prevention. Regional tensions should be tackled more structurally through dialogue and mediation.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“That means looking closely at both the spark and the combustible elements. It also means addressing the root causes of conflicts. In that regard, I will touch upon three aspects: first, the universality of human rights; secondly, integrated conflict prevention; and, thirdly, ending impunity. My first point concerns the universality of human rights and the importance of inclusive societies. Human rights are universal for a reason, as is our collective responsibility to promote and protect them. If human rights are denied, they affect our individual dignity, fuelling discontent and conflict. But if human rights are respected, they ground democratic and inclusive societies, nurturing harmony and stability. That holds true for all regions of the world.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“I join others in welcoming this opportunity to exchange views on this important topic. We thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. We align ourselves with the statement of the European Union to be delivered later in the debate. The people of the Middle East and North Africa region continue to suffer the dire consequences of cycles of conflict. That not only affects the countries in the region individually, but also collectively, as the conflicts are often intertwined. Moreover, what happens in the region has a profound and immediate impact on the rest of the world. With so much at stake, our collective ambition in addressing these conflicts should be consistently high. The focus should not be on extinguishing fires when they occur, but on preventing the fires before they ignite.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source