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

“When the Court deems that, the Council should invite non-compliant States to come to it and should decide on concrete follow-up action, and we support the suggestions related to that just made by our Polish colleague. In conclusion, history has taught us that we cannot have lasting peace without justice, accountability or reconciliation. If we are all fully committed to that goal, we can help the victims in Darfur and their loved ones and families. They deserve justice. International law and the Charter must be upheld.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“Only with the full cooperation can the Court fulfil the mandate the Council gave it. Regrettably, to this day, full cooperation is not happening. It is unacceptable that the victims of international crimes in Darfur have been waiting for more than 13 years. It is unacceptable that the victims of international crimes in Darfur are still waiting for the Council to ensure that its own decisions are adequately followed up. It is unacceptable that the victims of international crimes in Darfur are still waiting for justice. The Council should take action when the Council concludes that States have breached their obligation to cooperate.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“It is the responsibility of both the Government of the Sudan and the Security Council to uphold that critical principle. International law should prevail. Thirdly, I will address the need for cooperation with the Court. The Council referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC 13 years ago because ofthe atrocities committed there. Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council decided that the Government of the Sudan must cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor. The Council also urged all States and regional and international organizations to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor. The Court needs that cooperation to function effectively, as the Prosecutor made abundantly clear today. In our view, all States should therefore extend full cooperation to the Court.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the recent relative decrease in violence in Darfur, but remains deeply concerned about the continued human rights violations, as well as the continued impunity. We remain alarmed by the reports of continued conflict-related sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings. The Council must ensure accountability for those and other gross human rights violations. Accountability is the only road towards sustainable peace. Let me quote the words of the Permanent Representative of Senegal, my friend Mr. Fode' Seck, in his statement last December in the Council. "No peace can be built on the vestiges of impunity or failure to hold perpetrators responsible. Accountability should never be ignored" (S/PV8132, p. 9).”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, we are deeply disappointed that some of the suspects, like the President, continue to travel unhindered to other States. We are even more disappointed that, when the President travelled to States parties, he was not arrested. We call upon all States to meet their obligations under resolution 1593 (2005) - all States should cooperate fully with the Court; all States should fulfil their obligations. In our view, all States should arrest and surrender all those persons against whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC. Secondly, with regard to accountability, to date there has been no accountability for victims of crimes in Darfur. I pay tribute to the fact that some victims and family members from Darfur are present here today.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“I will address three issues today: first, the outstanding arrest warrants; secondly, accountability; and, thirdly, the need for cooperation with the Court. First, with respect to the outstanding arrest warrants, 13 years ago, the Council adopted resolution 1593 (2005), which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC. The Kingdom of the Netherlands deplores the fact that all suspects of the Darfur situation still remain at large. Let us not forget that the charges against the suspects include genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. One of the people at large, Mr. Banda, is accused of leading an attack on the African Union Mission in the Sudan, in North Darfur. Twelve peacekeepers were killed during that attack. We regret that the Government of the Sudan has not arrested all the suspects and has not brought them to The Hague.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“Let me to join others in welcoming the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the Security Council. We express our sincere gratitude to Ms. Fatou Bensouda for her briefing and report. We also pay tribute to the Prosecutor and her Office for their tremendous efforts and leadership in a sometimes difficult context. The Kingdom of the Netherlands reiterates its full support for the International Criminal Court. The city of The Hague is its proud host. The ICC is the principal institution created to strengthen international rule of law by bringing to justice those responsible for gross human rights violations and international crimes. In that sense, the ICC plays a crucial role in the Security Council's efforts to promote peace and security in Darfur.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“We pay particular tribute to the 174 peacekeepers who paid the highest price in defending and promoting lasting peace in Mali.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“We urge the United Nations to implement the recommendations as soon as possible. Given the complex context in which the Mission takes place, compartmentalization must be avoided. As the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated at the launch of Action for Peacekeeping, during our presidency of the Council in March, an integrated approach must be firmly applied at both strategic and operational levels, not only within the framework of the Mission but also in strategic coordination with the United Nations country team (see S/PV.8218). In that context, we call upon the United Nations to develop a mission-wide strategic plan as soon as possible. In conclusion, I salute all the men and women who have done their utmost to promote peace and stability in Mali since the launch of MINUSMA.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“In order to define effective strategies to support sustainable peace and stability, MINUSMA must also improve its information on how the illegal economy influences conflict dynamics in Mali and beyond. That includes trafficking in drugs, weapons and human beings. Cooperation with United Nations entities, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is crucial in that regard. Thirdly, and finally, I will address the concerns regarding the effectiveness of peacekeeping. After five years in existence, we can consider that MINUSMA has reached maturity. Critical reflection on the Mission can improve the achievement of its mandate. The comprehensive action plan drawn up in response to the Santos Cruz report and the measures already taken to implement it are to be welcomed.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“While, as mentioned by the Under-Secretary-General, MINUSMA has a role to play in central Mali with regard to reconciliation and conflict prevention at the local level, that should not affect its primary mission in the north. The repercussions of Mali's instability are felt beyond the country's borders, above all throughout the Sahel and in Europe. The stability of Mali, and the region as a whole, is crucial in combating threats such as human trafficking and illegal migration, terrorism and organized crime. Coordination and cooperation between the various security actors are essential if we are to respond effectively to those problems, including the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel, Operation Barkhane and the European Union Mission.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“Secondly, with respect MINUSMA's mandate, the Mission's support to the political process and its mediation have proved very valuable. We share the Secretary-General's view that the key to the Mission's success lies in setting clear priorities. First and foremost, the MINUSMA must focus on supporting the implementation of the main provisions of the Agreement - the effective establishment of legitimate State bodies and services, decentralization, security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes and reconciliation. Furthermore, allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights laws are too often not prosecuted. The importance of the Mission's accountability tasks, including in its judicial and corrections work, cannot be minimized.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“The Malian parties must together ensure expedited progress in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, including the full and effective participation of women. We welcome the Secretary-General's suggestions to give new impetus to the political process. That requires the development of a pact for peace based on clear criteria. Our patience is running out. The forthcoming elections will be an important test for the Malian parties, who will have to prove their commitment to the country's stability. We call on the Malian authorities to ensure an inclusive electoral process and political dialogue, leaving space for debate and dissenting voices. On that point, we recall the need for all actors, including law enforcement agencies, to act with restraint.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): At the outset, allow me to thank Under- Secretary-General Lacroix for his very insightful briefing. I also extend my thanks to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali, Mr. Coulibaly, for joining us here in the Security Council. On the fifth anniversary of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), it is time to take stock of the Mission's achievements and the remaining challenges. I will address three main elements: first, the political situation; secondly, the mandate; and, thirdly, the effectiveness of peacekeeping. First, with regard to the political situation, progress in the peace process has been hard fought. While we welcome recent promising developments, we must recognize that the record over the past five years has been bleak.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“We will continue to protect and promote the international legal order and to do our utmost for international criminal justice.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“Our Constitution obliges our Government to promote and protect the international legal order, and international criminal justice is a key element of that endeavour. Let me once again commend Prosecutor Brammertz and his team for all their hard work. To President Meron, I should like to express my thanks for his statement of two weeks ago before the Security Council (see S/PV.8262); in particular, his personal note moved my delegation and was quite compelling. We share his concerns that international criminal justice is still very much in its early stages, and therefore at a highly vulnerable stage of development. The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains determined to fight impunity and to ensure that justice is done by victims of international crimes worldwide.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“The international legal order and the rule of law require the international community to respect and implement judicial decisions taken by the Mechanism in accordance with the statute. In conclusion, the Netherlands proudly hosted the ICTY in The Hague and is proud to host the Mechanism there as well, together with many other international legal institutions. The quality of those international legal institutions is determined by the quality of the staff members and the quality of their leadership. In our view, therefore, the prudent and careful following of relevant decision-making procedures is crucial when appointing those leading the institutions. That also applies to the role of the Security Council in this regard.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We would like to underscore the importance of the last priority in particular. With the closure of both Tribunals, for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda, ensuring accountability for war crimes in the countries involved now entirely depends on national judicial authorities. It is of the utmost importance that national judicial authorities be assisted, supported and advised in prosecuting war crimes. We encourage the Prosecutor to continue those very important activities. Turning to my third point, the early release policy, we take note of the current discussion. In that regard, we acknowledge and underscore the authority given to the Mechanism's President by its statute in that regard.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“My first point is on the judicial workload of the Mechanism, which is higher than anticipated. We note with satisfaction that the three cases on the docket of the Mechanism are nonetheless all ahead of schedule. The working methods implemented by the Mechanism have enabled the judges to expeditiously render judgments in the shorter legal proceedings. We fully support those efficient working methods and encourage the Mechanism to continue along that path. Turning to my second point, the capacity-building and outreach activities of the Prosecutor, we fully support the three priorities of the Prosecutor to, complete all trials and appeals expeditiously, locate and arrest the eight remaining fugitives and assist national jurisdictions in prosecuting international crimes.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“In many aspects, the court was unique and groundbreaking - unique in its contribution to international criminal justice case law, in its prosecution of sexual violence as a war crime and in convicting so many people accused of atrocity crimes. The closure of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2015 and of the ICTY in 2017 mark the end of an era. We are now moving from the early stages of justice in Rwanda and in the Balkans to a more mature stage. However, much work remains to be done. In that respect, we are grateful that the Mechanism has now assumed the responsibilities and all remaining functions from both the ICTY and the ICTR. Today, I will focus on three issues: first, the judicial workload of the Mechanism; secondly, capacity- building; and thirdly, the early release policy.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank President Meron and Prosecutor Brammertz of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals for their briefings and for their comprehensive report (see S/2018/347). We also wish to thank Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Permanent Representative of Peru, for his leadership of the Security Council Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. After 24 years of service, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) completed its mandate and closed its doors last December. The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to express its sincere gratitude to all those who worked for and with the ICTY.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“In negotiating this resolution, we tried to do our utmost to have young voices heard, including through active inputs from our own youth delegates, whom we commend for their contribution in this context. We express our hope that the Council will continue to listen to their voices and increase youth participation in issues of peace and security. The young people of the world have a legitimate desire to participate in the process of making decisions about their own future.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“The study was exceptional; its methodology provided access and a voice to more than 4,000 young men and women who would not ordinarily have had the chance to participate face to face in this sort of policy-shaping process. It was this unique participatory approach that led the study to convincingly demonstrate how young people often feel unrepresented and excluded by the very institutions that are supposed to serve them. We recognize the positive reception of the progress study by an overwhelming majority of the membership of the United Nations, including most members of the Council, in the open debate held on 23 April (see S/PV.8241). My fourth point concerns the importance of listening to today's youth.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“Secondly, on the need for a comprehensive approach, we appreciate the fact that the resolution recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution, peacekeeping and sustaining peace. We welcome the fact that the resolution reaffirms the important role that young people can play in these efforts. We welcome in particular the Council's intention to invite civil society, including youth-led organizations, as briefers here in the Council. We also welcome the encouragement to the Secretary-General to include in his reports the progress made towards the participation of young people in peace processes. Thirdly, the importance ofthe progress study is clear.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“Let me first thank Peru and Sweden for their initiative to advance the youth, peace and security agenda by proposing a draft resolution in follow-up to landmark resolution 2250 (2015). We commend both countries for the careful way in which they organized the process and also commend Jordan as the originator of resolution 2250 (2015). I should like to make four points. First, we co-sponsored the text of resolution 2419 (2018) because we welcome its substance and certainly also its unanimous adoption by the Council. We hope that the request contained therein for a follow-up report will ensure that this issue receives the attention that it deserves from the Council and the wider United Nations system. We welcome the fact that so many other member States also sponsored the text.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“We repeat our call on all parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid escalation and prevent incidents that put the lives of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians at risk. We confirm our firm support for the work and proposals of Mr. Mladenov, It is of the utmost importance that the efforts to address the crisis in Gaza continue, in order to bring humanitarian relief to those in need and to prevent further escalation. We call on all parties to engage constructively. In conclusion, we confirm our strong commitment to the peace process - a process that must result in the two-State solution, which is the only way to bring about a sustainable solution to the crisis in Gaza. It is the only way to fulfil the aspirations of both sides and to put an end to the conflict.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“Protection of civilians is crucial, as both Palestinian and Israeli civilians should not have to live in fear, Regrettably, the Kuwaiti draft resolution that was put to a vote today did not fully reflect our concerns with regard to addressing the needs of all civilians nor the negative role of Palestinian militant groups in Gaza specifically, nor remaining questions on the international protection mechanism. We welcome the fact that the draft resolution submitted by the United States (S/2018/520) condemns the role of Hamas, but it does not cover the broader context or Israel's responsibilities and obligations. That is why we abstained in the voting on both draft resolutions.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“We witnessed the repeated protests in Gaza and the heavy-handed Israeli response that led to the death of 110 Palestinians and many more injured. This was the highest number of casualties recorded since the end ofthe 2014 hostilities. The firing of rockets and mortars by Palestinian militant groups on 29 May and the following counterattacks were the most serious escalation since 2014. As we also discussed in the Security Council yesterday, this again shows that the risk of escalation and the violence spiralling out of control is very high.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“We would like to commend Ambassador Joanna Wronecka and her team for an excellent presidency of the Security Council in the month of May. My statement relates to both draft resolutions. First of all, we thank Kuwait for taking the initiative to present a draft resolution that addresses the recent crisis in Gaza (S/2018/516). We are thankful for the transparent process and extensive efforts undertaken by the delegation to accommodate the concerns of Council members. We highly appreciate the continuous engagement by Kuwait with Council members in drawing up its draft resolution. As we have said before, the Security Council should be able to unite and formulate a joint response to the developments of the past weeks. We regret that we have failed to do so today.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“We thank the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for its continuous leadership, and we join it in urging all parties to the High-Level Revitalization Forum to negotiate in good faith and make real compromises. It is now up to the leaders of South Sudan to show that they are serious about peace, about finding a political solution and about the well-being of the people of South Sudan.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“Today the Council sent a strong message to all parties in South Sudan, stressing that there is an urgent need for a full commitment to the cessation of hostilities, an urgent need for a full commitment to a political agreement and an urgent need for a full commitment to the well- being of the people of South Sudan. If the parties in South Sudan continue to behave solely based on their narrow self-interests, the Council will consider serious consequences. We regret that the unanimous adoption of the resolution was not possible. We believe that it would have been possible had the Council been granted additional time for full engagement through closer cooperation with the region. The resolution has now been adopted.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“On 21 December last year, the parties to the conflict in South Sudan agreed on a cessation of hostilities. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomed it as a positive step towards a political solution. But it was just days, perhaps even hours, before the fighting resumed. Once again we saw the leaders of South Sudan choose war over peace, despite calls by the Security Council, the region, civil society organizations and, most important, the people of South Sudan. Choosing war over peace must stop. That is why we voted in favour of resolution 2418 (2018).”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, this week has shown that on both sides steps are taken that undermine the viability of the two-State solution. This week's events are an alarming reminder that the current status quo is unsustainable. We call upon all parties to reverse these trends and to take positive steps that contribute to the possibility of sustainable peace. We call upon all parties to make the two-State solution possible.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply concerned by the intention of the Israeli authorities to enforce the demolition of all structures in the Khan Al-Ahmar community. The Kingdom of the Netherlands stresses that Area C is of critical importance for the Viability of a future Palestinian State in the context of the two-State solution. We recall that demolitions and confiscations of homes and humanitarian assets and the obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian assistance are contrary to Israel's obligations under international law. The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns the announced plans to approve new settlement expansion. The continued Israeli settlement activity is illegal under international law. It remains an obstacle to peace, as reaffirmed by resolution 2334 (2016).”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we reiterate our support for an appropriate public statement by the Council on the current crisis. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the initiatives taken by members to address parts of the puzzle. We thank Kuwait in particular for its efforts in that regard. We should be able to come to a statement that does justice to our shared concerns. A sustainable political solution is needed to the humanitarian crisis for the security of Palestinian and Israeli civilians. The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the Egyptian initiatives to achieve a return of the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate Government in Gaza, and we welcome Egypt's constructive role in maintaining calm between the parties. That brings me to my third point, on the worrisome developments in the West Bank.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my second point, the crisis in Gaza, which has been discussed recently in the Chamber on several occasions. We welcome the consensus in the Council that the situation is most concerning and needs to be addressed. Now the challenge before us is to come to consensus on how the Council should act. We welcome the initiative taken by Mr. Mladenov to come up with a plan to fast-track urgently needed projects for water, energy and health. For that approach to succeed, the combined effort of the international community and the cooperation of all parties is needed. Crises should not be treated as an excuse to delay further action. On the contrary, they are an extra reason to redouble efforts to improve living conditions on the ground.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns these indiscriminate attacks from Gaza into Israel. As our Swedish colleague just said, these attacks are unacceptable and must stop immediately. The rocket and mortar attacks were the beginning of a day of attacks and counter-attacks - the heaviest since the hostilities in 2014. Yesterday's events showed again how fragile the situation is and how quickly things can spiral out of control. Yesterday's events followed weeks of protests, with more protests announced. We must prevent new and further escalation. We once again call on all parties to exercise restraint and to prevent incidents that would put the lives of both Palestinians and Israeli civilians at risk. Civilians on both sides of the fence on the Gaza border should not have to live in fear.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“I join others in thanking Mr. Mladenov for his accurate briefing and dedicated work in very challenging circumstances. As Mr. Mladenov said, yesterday's events once again show the great the risk of escalation in the absence of progress in the political, economic, humanitarian dimensions. The current situation is simply not sustainable. In that context, I will focus on three issues - first, yesterday's escalation; secondly, the crisis in Gaza; and, thirdly, developments in the West Bank. On my first point, the escalation we witnessed yesterday, in the early hours of 29 May, Palestinian terrorist groups fired rockets and mortars towards Israel. Those rockets and mortars landed in civilian areas, one of them in the playground of a kindergarten, as others have already indicated. Luckily, no one got hurt.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“We recognize the importance of MINUSMA's support in further operationalizing the Force, but we want to reiterate that this cannot come to the detriment of MINUSMA core tasks. In conclusion, the coming months will be crucial in deciding the future of the Joint Force. Let us turn funds into equipment, commitments into training and words into action, and let us work together to achieve concrete progress on the ground.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my third point, on the importance of adequate financial resources. We fully recognize that sustainable and predictable long-term financing will further contribute to the Joint Force's legitimacy and effectiveness. I would like to point out here that in addition to our contribution via the European Union, as Ambassador Vale de Almeida just highlighted, the Netherlands has committed an additional â‚¬5 million on a bilateral basis. We look forward to further tangible progress on the Force's operationalization as soon as possible, something that will be especially needed for the human rights framework and police component in the next few months. We stand ready to discuss a more sustainable way of financing in due course.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“To ensure adequate follow-up, we encourage the G-5 Sahel to speedup the establishment of its police component, which should include an adequately trained and equipped investigation team. A strong police component is Vital to taking effective action against terrorism, transnational crime and the smuggling of migrants, threats that not only undermine the stability ofthe Sahel but also pose a serious security concern to Europe. Sufficient resources should be made available to step up these efforts. The same applies to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) Justice and Corrections Section, which plays an important role and should be strengthened. As a proud troop-contributing country to MINUSMA, we will continue to offer our support for efforts to curb such threats.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my second point, on the importance of human rights, the rule of law and the police component. The Joint Force can be effective only if it enjoys the trust of the population. The worrying news of human rights violations in Mali shows the vital importance of rigorous monitoring and accountability mechanisms. We welcome the commitment of the G-5 Sahel and the Joint Force to the African Union's Compliance Framework on Human Rights, Conduct and Discipline and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and to ensuring proper legal follow-up, which they made very clear at the Sahel conference in Brussels in February. The follow-up meetings held in the region are important first steps, but further progress in the coming months will be essential.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“First, on the need for an integrated approach, as the Secretary-General emphasized in his report, the Joint Force's success is directly linked to progress on the peace process in Mali, a point also just made by our colleague from Sweden. The parties involved must take the necessary steps to ensure enduring peace in Mali. As I said, the G-5 Sahel Joint Force is an essential means for countering terrorism, transnational crime and human smuggling. However, we must realize that those are only symptoms. The underlying root causes must also be addressed to bring lasting peace and stability. In that regard, we welcome the G-5 Sahel's development agenda and the initiative by France and Germany to increase international coordination and cooperation with the launch of the Alliance for the Sahel.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“We fully recognize that it is not an easy task to set up a regional force in the complex security and political environment the Group is dealing with. We therefore warmly welcome the significant steps already taken by the G-5 Sahel and its member States. However, it is also clear from the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/432) that some important challenges remain. In that context, I will focus on three elements that we believe will define the Joint Force's future and determine its chances of success: first, the need for an integrated approach; secondly, adherence to human rights and the rule of law; and thirdly, adequate financial resources.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“Let me first express our deep appreciation to our four briefers today for their briefings, leadership and action. Recent attacks have demonstrated the increasingly precarious security situation in the Sahel. We commend the decision of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) to join forces to counter terrorism, transnational crime and the smuggling of drugs, weapons and human beings. That decision demonstrates the willingness of the G-5 Sahel countries to take ownership of their own security and deserves the full support of the Council and that of the wider membership of the United Nations. We therefore pay tribute to the important efforts of the United Nations, the European Union and the African Union to support the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“We pay tribute to his legacy. Today's debate should strengthen our resolve to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected. The United Nations was established to guarantee an international legal order that protects civilians from the scourge ofwar. It is up to us to deliver on that mandate, and up to the Council to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and that impunity not prevail when it is violated.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Moreover, as an endorser of the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians, we join the Secretary-General in his call for additional signatures. If additional States endorse the Principles, the professional performance of staff in implementing the protection-of-civilians mandate in peacekeeping operations will be improved. In conclusion, more than 150 years have passed since the founder ofthe Red Cross, Henry Dunant, wrote A Memory of Solferino. Shocked by the suffering that he saw on the ground, he proposed the establishment of voluntary relief societies, and he laid the foundation for international humanitarian law. The book was decisive in the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross and in concluding the Geneva Conventions. His testimony of the horrors of war continues to apply to many current conflicts.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“His Action for Peacekeeping initiative deserves the support of all States Members of the United Nations following last week's adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2018/10 to that effect. We support his renewed focus on the accountability of senior leadership for the protection mandate's implementation and his commitment to address underperformance by peacekeepers in that context. Of course, training is key. That is why, together with the United States, Rwanda and the United Nations, we took the following initiatives this year. We successfully organized two integrated courses on the protection of civilians for peacekeeping personnel from several countries, and we invested in the predeployment training of other countries' peacekeepers.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“As Ms. Edwar just said, "[T]here must be accountability for all the harm committed by all parties to the conflict". We agree, and we need for those crimes to be referred to a court. My third point concerns the need to improve the performance of peace operations. Current conflicts require increased professional performance related to the protection of civilians by peacekeepers. We welcome the initiatives taken by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to create a protective enviornmnet following incidents that took place in Juba in 2016. Detering sexual and gender-based violence is of particular importance. As my colleague from Cote d'Ivoire just said, we welcome the Secretary-General's efforts to improve the performance of peacekeepers.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The Kingdom of the Netherlands therefore supports the World Health Organization in several pilot countries to set up a global system for data collection on attacks on health care. Based on that information, the international community, including, in particular the Council, should step up its coordinated efforts to ensure accountability for such international crimes. Where national jurisdictions fail, we call for using the Council's competence to refer situations to the International Criminal Court We agree with the plea that the Secretary-General made to that effect just moments ago. For the time being, mechanisms need to be put in place that analyse information and prepare case files that could be used for criminal prosecution, such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the Investigative Team for Iraq.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source