YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Vlierberge

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286

first

2017-11-21

most recent

2020-10-22

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58

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un-security-council

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1. “We are also pleased to note the commitment of UNISFA in the area of sexual violence, with several prevention activities. In conclusion, we cannot envisage the drawdown of UNISFA without a solution to the Abyei issue, but the mission cannot play the role of the State indefinitely. We call on the parties to redouble their efforts to close this chapter in the history of the Sudans.”

   2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source

2. “Despite numerous appeals from the members of the Security Council in this regard, the risk of a situation of understaffing and an absence of police in most operational bases remains. We commend the Mission’s efforts to promote dialogue towards conflict resolution, for example, involving local leaders. We also welcome the actions in favour of an increased role for women and young people in local political life. The European Union is also active in this field — for instance, in the peacebuilding project it funds, carried out in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and the non-governmental organizations Concordis International and the Green String Network. It has recently made it possible to organize training courses for women and young people in conflict resolution and negotiation.”

   2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source

3. “I am thinking, in particular, of the decisions taken by the Joint Political and Security Mechanism, the points relating to the Athony airstrip, as well as the pending visas for police units. The situation in the Abyei Area remains fragile. Belgium condemns the attacks on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the intercommunity violence. These incidents, as well as those related to criminal activity, underline the importance of maintaining the current force strength of security and police forces within the mission so as to uphold the rule of law and protect civilians. This situation amplifies our concern already mentioned regarding the issuance of the visas pending for the three formed police units and the 108 police officers in addition to those formed units.”

   2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source

4. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank Mr. Lacroix and Mr. Onanga- Anyanga for their very comprehensive briefings. Recent events have proven just how much relations between the Sudan and South Sudan have improved. I am, of course, referring to the peace talks among Sudanese authorities and groups held in Juba. Belgium also welcomes the discussions concerning the Abyei Area held in Khartoum in September. They were a further positive signal that the will exists to find a political solution for the status of the Abyei. However, these signals are not enough. A number of discussions must resume on several levels to achieve progress on certain points.”

   2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source

5. “MINUSCA’s good offices and promotion of the peace process also play a crucial role in supporting the restoration of State authority and security sector reform. In that regard, good coordination among the country’s partners is a critical factor. In our view, MINUSCA can help coordinate those efforts. Nevertheless, Belgium regrets the current disinformation campaign against MINUSCA in the country. In the discussion on MINUSCA’s mandate, we must defend the interests of the people of the Central African Republic. Belgium’s support is also part of a broader European and United Nations effort, and Belgium will continue to actively support the people of the Central African Republic even after it no longer sits on the Security Council.”

   2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

6. “School closures are further exposing children to the risk of recruitment by armed groups. Moreover, it is unacceptable for humanitarian workers to so often be victims of violence and theft. The people of the Central African Republic also thirst for justice. In that regard, Belgium supports the work of the Special Criminal Court and is prepared to second a Belgian magistrate. We also welcome the signing of decrees to launch the establishment of the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation. Thirdly, I note that MINUSCA is also facing significant challenges. The incidents of recent months demonstrate that its mandate to protect civilians is still relevant. Belgium therefore remains in favour of a robust mandate.”

   2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

7. “There will be consequences for serious violations of the agreement. There are some challenges to the implementation of the agreement. However, we welcome the ongoing meetings of the follow-up mechanisms for the agreement, which are taking place via video-teleconference due to the pandemic. We also see encouraging progress in the redeployment of State authority, as well as in legislative work. Secondly, I would like to touch upon the fate of the people of the Central African Republic, who need peace and want to live in dignity and prosperity. The statistics remain alarming. More than half of the population is in need of humanitarian aid and more than 1 million people are displaced in the Central African Republic or in neighbouring countries. By raising the cost of living, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation.”

   2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

8. “But elections are only one step in the long-term goal of stabilizing the Central African Republic. The February 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic is the only way to anchor peace. Its implementation will also be the responsibility of the future Government. The people of Central Africa do not want more violence. The country’s armed groups are signatories to the peace agreement and must honour their commitments. Perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice. Belgium is particularly concerned about violations involving children, and supports the work of Special Representative Gamba de Potgieter and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in that regard. Armed groups must also cease their predatory activities.”

   2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

9. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me at the outset to thank the briefers for their illuminating presentations. Today, I would like to make three points. First, with regard to the political situation and the elections, Belgium welcomes the measures taken to put the country on the path to elections, obstacles notwithstanding. Despite the delays, the timetable remains under control. We call on all actors concerned to refrain from any action or statement that could undermine this democratic exercise. Only a peaceful, transparent and inclusive process can guarantee the credibility of the elections. We welcome the almost equal representation of men and women on the registered voter lists. The European Union has made available significant financial assistance to support the electoral process.”

   2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

10. “We look forward to the upcoming Executive Council session in The Hague and the presentation of the report on the measures that Syria has taken to fully implement the Chemical Weapons Convention.”

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

11. “Since 2010, it has made no difference whether this crime takes place in an international or internal conflict. We call on all States parties that have not yet done so to ratify the amendment to the CWC in order to strengthen international capacity to combat impunity. We call on States to continue to support 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. Finally, the Security Council should not accept the disinformation campaigns of certain Member States. Belgium once again reaffirms its unwavering support for the OPCW and Director General Arias.”

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

12. “Any ambiguity in their declaration leaves open the possibility that Syria may be stockpiling chemical weapons and potentially using them against its own people. Syria’s full compliance with its obligations under the Convention is essential. The Council should continue to demand that Syria fully and immediately implement resolution 2118 (2013). Syria must ensure access, freedom of movement and the unhindered conduct of the OPCW’s work. It has been established by several independent investigations that the Syrian authorities have used chemical weapons against the Syrian people. The use of chemicals as a weapon cannot go unpunished under any circumstance. Justice is essential in order to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons. The use of chemical weapons is a war crime.”

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

13. “It is a violation of international law. In presidential statement S/PRST/2019/14, adopted on 22 November 2019, the Council affirmed that the proliferation of chemical weapons and their means of delivery constitutes a threat to international peace and security. In the same presidential statement, the Council also reaffirmed its support for the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) and for the work of the OPCW. The Council should act in accordance with its statements. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that Syria complies with its obligations as a State member of the OPCW. The Syrian authorities should provide clear explanations for the discrepancies and inconsistencies in their initial declaration.”

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

14. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Nakamitsu for her briefing on the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013) and Syria’s use of chemical weapons. For my country, this is an important issue that demands the tireless attention of the Council. On the subject of a possible briefing by Mr. Bustani, Belgium believes that he does not have the necessary experience on the subject of our agenda, namely, the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013). Indeed, it would have been more relevant to invite the current head of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the head of the Investigation and Identification Team. Belgium condemns any use of chemical weapons anywhere by anyone for any reason. The use of chemical weapons is simply unacceptable.”

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

15. “They are an important element of an open and democratic society and, therefore, must be allowed to carry out their work without impediment.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

16. “My fifth point concerns the organization of elections in Gaza and the West Bank. A strong, accountable, inclusive and functional Palestinian Government, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights, is essential to the two-State solution. Elections are an important element in this regard. We welcome the recent efforts of the Palestinian factions towards reconciliation and hope that these will pave the way for genuine, free, fair and inclusive legislative and presidential elections throughout the Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem. Finally, I would like to express Belgium’s concern about the continued hostile actions and policies against civil society and human rights defenders. Their work contributes to creating an environment that is conducive to peace and respect for human rights.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

17. “We recall the obligation of the parties to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of the civilian population. We welcome the de-escalation efforts in this regard, including those of the United Nations, to temporarily facilitate the transfer of patients out of Gaza. If we want to reverse the trend in Gaza, we must invest at both the humanitarian and political levels. We call on all parties to ensure the free access of humanitarian actors and underscore the crucial role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. At the political level, the only just solution is the lifting of the blockade and the full reopening of the crossings, while taking Israel’s legitimate security concerns into account.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

18. “Israel’s illegal settlement activities, which are accompanied by expropriations, demolitions, confiscations and displacements of population, must cease immediately. We are deeply concerned about the recent increase in demolitions, despite indications by the Israeli authorities that they are refraining from demolishing inhabited Palestinian homes. The demolitions have also included water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, further limiting Palestinian access to basic services and commodities, which is particularly worrisome in the context of the current pandemic. My fourth point concerns Gaza. Belgium welcomes the relative calm that has prevailed in Gaza following the escalations in August and calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

19. “The announcement of the suspension of plans to formalize the annexation of certain parts of the occupied Palestinian territory is a step in the right direction. However, we urge Israel to definitively abandon its annexation plans. Annexation, regardless of its scope and how it is described, is a serious violation of international law. Moreover, annexation would definitively close the door to the resumption of negotiations and deal a final blow to the two-State solution. Now more than ever, it is time to reverse the negative trends on the ground. We call for full respect for and full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). We also call on the Palestinian Authority to resume fiscal and security coordination with Israel, given its impact on the Palestinian people. The third point of my intervention concerns settlements.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

20. “This conflict, which has been the subject of many Council resolutions, will find a positive solution only if these resolutions and international law are respected. Belgium, together with its European partners, remains committed to a negotiated and viable two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States, based on agreed parameters and international law. My second point concerns the normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab world, which is an important element for peace and stability in the region. We welcome the agreements reached between Israel and Bahrain and between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. We hope that these developments will create a new momentum towards the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of the two-State solution.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

21. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like at the outset to thank the Special Coordinator, Mr. Mladenov, for his detailed briefing and him and his team for their tireless efforts. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is at an impasse. The situation on the ground remains unstable in both Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the parties seem further apart than ever. Our priority today must therefore be the resumption of negotiations. First of all, we call on Israelis and Palestinians to come to the negotiating table without preconditions and to resume meaningful negotiations. This is indeed the only way to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. We also call on all parties to refrain from any unilateral action that could jeopardize the resumption of these negotiations.”

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

22. “In addition to the peace process and restoring security in Darfur and in the Two Areas, the Sudan currently faces many other challenges. The socioeconomic situation is fragile and has been exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic and major floods, disproportionately affecting women, children and displaced persons. Such a situation may also lead to political instability; it is a test of the maturity of the political leaders. We note with satisfaction the ambitious programme of political reforms undertaken by the transitional Government and its willingness to address the economic situation. UNITAMS, in collaboration with the country team, will be the Sudan’s key partner for the transition period. The Sudan can already count on the support of the international community, as demonstrated by the high- level conference held in June.”

    2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source

23. “These elements are essential to laying the foundations for reconciliation among communities; the current persistence of conflicts among these communities demonstrates their necessity. Supporting reconciliation is one of the strategic priorities of UNITAMS, and we will closely monitor activities in that area. Since we are talking about justice, we have noted the intention of the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the International Criminal Court, whose work we support. We also commend efforts in cooperation with the authorities and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur to defuse tensions in Darfur. Civilians remain vulnerable to attacks, and we are concerned about the recent increase in violence in the region.”

    2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source

24. “These concerns should be addressed in a balanced way in planning for UNITAMS, including providing sufficient capacity dedicated to child protection. The peace process in the Sudan has made significant progress in recent weeks, with agreements in Juba and Addis Ababa. Belgium calls on the parties to maintain their commitment through constructive dialogue and to rapidly implement the agreements once they have been concluded. We encourage the groups that have remained absent to return to the negotiating table. This is essential for sustaining peace. Belgium welcomes the fact that the talks do not sidestep such difficult issues as the return of displaced persons, land ownership and transitional justice.”

    2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source

25. “Without going back over the entirety of the tasks expected of the Mission, Belgium wishes to reiterate the importance of supporting the protection of civilians and strengthening respect for human rights. We are appalled by the persistence of serious violations against children in the Sudan, in particular the frequency of sexual attacks, mutilations and murder. These violations are committed by all parties to the conflict. The Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, chaired by Belgium, is currently discussing that reality. We welcome the efforts of the Sudanese Government to integrate the issue of children into its national plan for the protection of civilians. The amendments to the penal code adopted in July are also an encouraging sign; they improve the protection of vulnerable population groups, including children.”

    2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source

26. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Under-Secretaries- General Rosemary DiCarlo and Jean-Pierre Lacroix for their briefings. I will focus on three aspects: the protection of the most vulnerable, the progress of the peace process and the transition. The establishment of a new mission is a significant moment. It is a matter of translating on the ground the decision taken by the Security Council, in order to concretize the objectives of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) to support the political transition and help the Sudan regain peace and security, with a particular focus on Darfur and the Two Areas.”

    2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source

27. “That is of great importance in the light of the peace talks under way and the fact that, according to United Nations reports, the conflict in Afghanistan is the world’s most violent conflict for children. We commend the launch of intra-Afghan dialogue and call for an effective and permanent ceasefire that will put an end to the intolerable violence against civilians. We also remind all parties that any agreement reached must protect the rights of all Afghans, including women. In conclusion, I reiterate Belgium’s support of UNAMA and the Afghan people. The United Nations must play a key role at this critical time for Afghanistan.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source

28. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2543 (2020), on the situation in Afghanistan. We commend the penholders and all members of the Council for the close collaboration that led to this result. Today’s resolution sends a strong and important signal of the commitment of the Council to all parties in Afghanistan at a critical time, given the start of intra-Afghan negotiations last weekend. In particular, we welcome the fact that the new mandate strengthens the capacity of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to report violations and abuses against children, which will surely bolster the child protection efforts of all parties.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source

29. “We urge the Houthi leadership to stop delaying the process. We must avert an imminent environmental, humanitarian and economic disaster.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

30. “Belgium therefore strongly calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular with regard to the protection of civilians, in particular women and children, and their obligations under international human rights law. Ensuring justice for the perpetrators of all violations committed in Yemen remains vital. The importance of this has been underscored by the Council time and again. We have recently been informed of a new water leak, similar to that in May, in the engine room of the FSO SAFER oil tanker. Apparently, the leak has been contained. But one day, and that day may come soon, we will not be so lucky. That incident demonstrates once again why it is crucial that a United Nations team of experts have full and immediate access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

31. “In its third report, released last week, the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen found that all parties involved in the conflict continue to commit violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, noting a consistent pattern of attacks against civilians. This is occurring not only in the context of hostilities but also far from the front lines, and such violations are widespread. The report notes in particular the killing of civilians, torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, rape and other forms of sexual violence, the denial of a fair trial and the recruitment of children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities. Such violations may constitute war crimes.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

32. “The only way to overcome the multiple crises in Yemen is to put an end to the war and resolve deep-rooted differences through dialogue. We urge all parties to remain engaged in the peace talks, under the auspices of the United Nations, and to implement the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements. In this war, as in so many others, it is civilians who are suffering the most. The war in Yemen has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians. Mark outlined the terrible humanitarian catastrophe that is raging in the country. Famine is a real threat for millions of Yemenis.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

33. “During our most recent meeting, in late August, Martin stated that he feared losing momentum for the joint declaration. Indeed, the negotiations cannot go on forever. Belgium is alarmed by recent reports of the suspension of all United Nations and humanitarian flights to Sana’a by the Houthis. The Houthis seem to be drawing a link between that suspension and the coalition’s continued blockade of ships transporting fuel to the port of Al-Hudaydah, demonstrating once again the urgent need to agree on the outstanding issues in the negotiations on the joint declaration. Belgium also remains deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Ma’rib and Al-Hudaydah, which threatens the already fragile political process.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

34. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and Under- Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their relevant and thought-provoking briefings. During my statement today I wish to focus on three issues: recent political developments, the latest report of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts and the importance of accountability in Yemen, and, finally, the ongoing saga of the FSO SAFER oil tanker. Belgium, like its partners in the European Union, continues to support the efforts of the Special Envoy for Yemen, Mr. Griffiths, to secure a nationwide ceasefire, implement confidence-building measures and restart an inclusive political process.”

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

35. “The work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the region will continue to be of crucial importance. It will be important to continue that support in the new phase in Guinea-Bissau. Let me conclude by expressing Belgium’s full support for the work and efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sori-Coulibaly, and the entire Integrated Office to promote dialogue and national reconciliation in the country.”

    2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source

36. “We commend the efforts made by the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea- Bissau, in cooperation with the country team and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, in the context of its closure. We reiterate that the transition must be as smooth and painless as possible for the country. The success of the transition will also depend on the authorities of Guinea-Bissau taking ownership of the Integrated Office’s tasks. The departure of the Integrated Office does not in the least imply the abandonment of Guinea-Bissau by the international community. The monitoring of the situation by the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and the support of the Peacebuilding Fund are positive.”

    2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source

37. “The fight against the scourges of drug trafficking and organized crime will also be crucial to prevent drug traffickers from exploiting the current situation in the country. Despite the challenges of the political context and the fight against the pandemic, it remains crucial that the Government and all State institutions ensure respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression and the protection of human rights. Those are indispensable ingredients for the country to return to the path of stability. Belgium calls on the Government to investigate recent events, including threats against members of Parliament and the violent attack on the media.”

    2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source

38. “However, like the Secretary-General, we call on all political actors in Guinea-Bissau to engage in an inclusive and sincere dialogue, including with civil society, to reach consensus on contentious issues. That spirit of cooperation is also necessary in order to embark upon a much-needed reform programme for the country and a revision of the Constitution, all in accordance with the Conakry Agreement and the ECOWAS six-point road map. Political stability is essential for socioeconomic recovery; the pandemic adds an additional level of complexity to that challenge. In that regard, it is important that the measures taken by the authorities to combat this threat and its consequences take sufficient account of the situation of the poorest, who are threatened by food insecurity, malnutrition and inaccessible health care.”

    2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source

39. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to join my colleagues in expressing my country’s condolences to the Governments of France and the Niger following yesterday’s heinous attack in the Niger. I would also like to thank the briefers for their statements. Belgium notes that the political dispute following the presidential election is still not fully resolved, despite the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recognizing the election of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, on 22 April, and Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam’s Government programme on 29 June. Tensions and a climate of mistrust continue to characterize the political sphere. In that context, the efforts made by ECOWAS and the group of five international partners must be recognized and supported.”

    2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source

40. “We further remind all parties that any agreement must protect the rights of women as of the entire Afghan people. I shall conclude by reiterating Belgium’s support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan people. At this vital juncture for Afghanistan, it is crucial that the United Nations play a strong role.”

    2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source

41. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium voted in favour of resolution 2513 (2020), on the situation in Afghanistan, and welcomes its unanimous adoption. We commend the United States of America and all members of the Security Council for their close cooperation, which led us to this result. Today’s resolution send an important and strong signal of the Security Council’s commitment to all the parties in Afghanistan. We welcome the recent peace and reconciliation efforts. What we expect now is a prompt start to the intra-Afghan dialogue through negotiating teams that are diverse and inclusive, and the conclusion of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire agreement to reduce the number of civilian casualties. The civilian toll of this conflict, including on children, is tragic.”

    2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source

42. “It is too early for the reconfiguration of protection-of- civilians sites, as the situation on the ground remains difficult and unpredictable. The mandate should give due attention to the issues of human rights, children in armed conflict and sexual and gender-based violence, as those are genuine challenges. We support the request of UNMISS to integrate the Regional Protection Force into the Mission’s strength. The operational posture of UNMISS has continued to evolve to become more mobile and to maximize its presence. We encourage the Mission to continue its efforts in that regard to deter violence against civilians. For the first time in some time, there are genuine reasons to be optimistic about the situation. A crucial step has been taken. It is now time to tackle the remaining challenges as well, as there are several.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

43. “The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reports an average of 150 people killed, wounded, abducted or sexually assaulted each month. We call on the Government to bring the perpetrators to justice in order to end the cycle of violence. Impunity for serious human rights violations must also continue to be addressed, including through the operationalization of transitional justice mechanisms, such as the establishment of the African Union hybrid court for South Sudan. Let me now turn to the UNMISS mandate. The encouraging developments in recent weeks can be attributed to the new mandate, but we must remain vigilant. In that regard, we believe that the mandate should remain largely unchanged. The protection of civilians must remain the priority for UNMISS.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

44. “The population continues to face a serious humanitarian crisis. More than 7.5 million people are in need of assistance. Hunger is increasing as a result of droughts, floods and the acute political instability of recent years. According to the most recent World Food Programme statistics, 5.3 million South Sudanese are in crisis or facing even more severe levels of food insecurity. More than 1.3 million children will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2020. Those statistics are unacceptable. The ceasefire continues to be largely respected but fighting continues in parts of Equatoria. Intercommunal violence, sexual violence and crime persist throughout the country, as indicated in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/145).”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

45. “We now encourage all parties to finalize the formation of a balanced Government of National Unity and to continue to fully implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. Despite the commendable progress in the past few weeks, many challenges remain, such as the unification of the armed forces, a genuine political dialogue, the strengthening of transitional justice mechanisms and rapprochement with the non-signatory parties to the peace agreement. In that context, we welcome the significant efforts of the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome. The formation of the Transitional Government and the distribution of ministerial portfolios cannot be goals in themselves. It is essential that progress on the political front now translate into a tangible improvement in the lives of the people of South Sudan.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

46. “Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, allow me to warmly thank Mr. David Shearer and Ms. Betty Sunday for their briefings, their commitment and their excellent work in very difficult conditions. We welcome the decision of the parties in South Sudan to form a Transitional Government of National Unity and the swearing-in of the Vice-Presidents on 22 February. That is an important step towards a lasting peace. Such a development is the result of a spirit of compromise by President Kiir and Mr. Riek Machar and the commitment of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, countries of the region, the African Union and a number of international actors.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

47. “I would like to remind speakers one last time to kindly limit their interventions to four minutes so that the Council may finish its work within the allotted time. I now give the floor to the representative of Angola.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source

48. “I must remind all speakers to limit their statements to four minutes so that the Council can carry out its work in as timely a manner as possible. I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source

49. “I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. Delegations with longer statements are kindly requested to circulate their texts in writing and to deliver a summarized version when speaking in the Chamber. The red light on the collar of the microphone will begin to flash after four minutes have elapsed. I now give the floor to the representative Lebanon.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source

50. “That is a long-term task, and we are ready to assist the Central African Republic as a partner at the national level as well as through the European Union. I would like to conclude by recalling Belgium’s support for the Government of President Touadera, Special Representative Ndiaye and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.”

    2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source