YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Vlierberge

lines on the record: 286
first: 2017-11-21
most recent: 2020-10-22
sittings or episodes: 58
sources: un-security-council

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“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium today provided its support for the renewal of the sanctions regime. We would like to thank France for its constructive work and leadership in that regard. Belgium is convinced that the arms embargo measures on the Central African Republic remain essential in order to create the conditions for lasting peace in the country. We recall that the authorities also benefit from an exemptions mechanism. We encourage the authorities to continue their security sector reform efforts so as to ensure that they have well-trained and adequately equipped armed forces and police who are aware of their responsibilities to the people and supported by a long-term strategy.”
2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source
“In this regard, I would like to reiterate my country’s commitment to ensuring that the most serious crimes committed in Libya do not go unpunished and that the responsible parties are brought to justice in national courts or the International Criminal Court. In conclusion, I once again commend the courage and determination of all UNSMIL personnel and of Special Representative Salamé.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8710 (2020) · source
“Lastly, the consolidation of the ceasefire and practical modalities for its implementation are urgent. In this regard, Belgium welcomes the appointment of the delegates of each party to the Joint Military Commission’s 5+5 talks and urges them to hold a productive meeting. We also look forward to the early resumption of direct political dialogue between the Libyan parties at the political forum proposed by the Special Representative. We also welcome the engagement of regional organizations in support of the implementation of the Berlin communiqué. Once again, I would like to reiterate that it is the responsibility of all parties to protect civilians, including the most vulnerable.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8710 (2020) · source
“The Berlin process, the only initiative with a chance of restoring peace to Libya, must receive unanimous support if we are to prevent an escalation with serious adverse regional consequences. I also hope that the Berlin meeting will lead to the end of interference of certain States in the Libyan conflict and that, on the contrary, those States will now use their influence with the Libyan parties in a positive way, finally encouraging them to commit firmly and definitively to the path of dialogue. By way of reminder, Belgium denounces the two memorandums of understanding signed between the National Government and Turkey — the first, because it infringes the democratic rights of other States, and the second, because it reinforces the military approach and risks massively violating the embargo.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8710 (2020) · source
“There has also been an increase in the use of heavy artillery, particularly against civilian infrastructure and in the immediate vicinity of densely populated areas. The growing presence of increasingly sophisticated equipment and foreign military actors would make further escalation even more cruel. We are also deeply concerned about the blockage of oil production, which would have disastrous consequences for the country’s economy and the population as a whole. We call on the Libyan parties, in particular General Khalifa Haftar, to back the Berlin conclusions and to engage constructively with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in the preparations for the high-level political forum.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8710 (2020) · source
“In recent months, we have systematically denounced flagrant violations of the arms embargo and called for a lasting ceasefire. Belgium now hopes that the Security Council’s repeated call for non-interference by external actors, for intra-Libyan dialogue and for respect for the arms embargo will finally be put into practice. It is the responsibility of each State to ensure that its arms exports are not diverted to illicit destinations. Only increased vigilance and a determination to respect its own commitments will make it possible to ensure full compliance with the arms embargo. We also remain concerned about the information coming from the field. It appears that military equipment and reinforcements of foreign mercenaries have been provided to both sides, even after the Berlin conference.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8710 (2020) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ghassan Salamé, for his briefing today. Belgium once again reiterates its ongoing commitment to the return of peace in Libya. Belgium firmly supports all elements of the Special Representative’s plan, including the economic and political aspects, which complement the ceasefire. Belgium also welcomes the conclusions of the Berlin process, which were endorsed by all participants at the 19 January summit. They should reflect our determination to support Special Representative Salamé’s plan for a way out of the crisis in Libya and are the best way to avoid a regional conflict and to achieve a political solution for the Libyan people as a whole.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8710 (2020) · source
“I will conclude by saying that, for Belgium, the Syrian conflict can be resolved only through a negotiated political process, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex). Resolution 2254 (2015) contains all the elements for a political solution: a nationwide ceasefire, a political process, the drafting of a new constitution and free and credible elections, with the participation of the Syrian diaspora, in an environment that protects the rights of Syrians.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“We encourage the Special Envoy to intensify his contacts with the parties on the issue. Greater significant progress must be made. Detainees must be released. Families must again be able to embrace their loved ones or, at the very least, receive information on their whereabouts and their well-being. That is their right. It is a right that is enshrined in international humanitarian law. The behaviour of the Syrian authorities in the matter is unacceptable. Lastly, the situation on the ground is worrisome. Earlier today, Belgium provided details about the humanitarian situation in the north-west (see S/PV.8707). We are deeply concerned about the military escalation. We call on the Syrian authorities and those who provide them with military support to establish, as a matter of urgency, a ceasefire in the north-west.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“The good faith of the Syrian authorities will be assessed on the basis of the outcome of the process. We take this opportunity to support the Special Envoy and his team in their work and commitment. We also reaffirm that Belgium, in line with European policy, will not participate in the reconstruction process without a political solution that is firmly in place. Let us not forget that the political process is not limited to the Constitutional Committee. Nearly a year ago, in his first briefing to the Council (see S/PV.8475), the Special Envoy prioritized the release of those who were arbitrarily detained and abductees. We echo his call for an increase in the number of releases. That is of utmost humanitarian importance and an essential element of confidence-building.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Deputy Special Envoy Matar for being here and for her briefing. Ms. Matar and Mr. Pedersen enjoy our full support. We all know that a political settlement is the only solution to the conflict. Without the political commitment of the Syrian authorities, the cycle of violence will continue unabated and instability will persist in the region. The Constitutional Committee, established in September, raised cautious hopes for a new dynamic. Those hopes are in danger of being dashed. We call on Damascus to re-engage in the political process and not to obstruct agreement on the Committee’s agenda. We also call for the holding of the next session of the Committee. To that end, we encourage all Member States with influence on the parties to exercise that influence.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“The decision taken by Israel to withhold part of the tax revenue due to the Palestinian Authority, under the Paris Protocol, risks increasing tensions. We encourage both parties to pursue negotiations in order to find a lasting solution. We stress the importance of setting a date for the holding of legislative and presidential elections throughout the Palestinian territory, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In that regard, it is essential that all the parties concerned cooperate to ensure that elections are held in an inclusive environment conducive to the full, meaningful and active participation of all citizens, including women and young people. In conclusion, Belgium aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later on behalf of the European Union.”
2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source
“In addition, the developments in the situation in Al-Issawiya and the marked increase in violence are also a source of great concern. The parties concerned on the ground must exercise calm and restraint so as to avert any escalation. Incursions by Israeli forces are on the rise and many of them take place close to schools. We remind Israel of its obligation to protect, respect and implement the rights of the child by ensuring that schools are inviolable safe spaces for children. The recurrent escalations of violence in Gaza also imperil the prospect of stable and lasting peace. All violence, regardless of its perpetrators, is unacceptable and impunity cannot be allowed to prevail. The rules of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be observed.”
2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source
“We urge the Israeli authorities to put an end to such demolitions and either restore the structures or compensate the Palestinian people for the damages incurred, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The continuation of the settlement policy is part of a rampant annexation, which is also marked by Israel’s implementation of a dual legal system beyond the green line. The establishment of an Israeli interministerial committee tasked with making annexation proposals is also a troubling development in that regard. As we have already said on a number of occasions, all unilateral annexations undermine international order and are not recognized by Belgium. We are extremely concerned about increased settler- related violence and encourage the Israeli authorities to prevent such violence and to effectively combat impunity.”
2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source
“The two-State solution, to which we once again renew our commitment, will require a calm international and, above all, regional environment, quite unlike the developments of recent weeks. We firmly condemn all policies that jeopardize the two-State solution. As we heard, the settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem continues, along with measures such as forced displacements, evictions and demolitions. We call on the Israeli authorities to put an end to that settlement policy, which is illegal under international law, including resolution 2334 (2016). In 2019, 97 structures financed by the European Union were demolished — a 90 per cent increase compared to 2018.”
2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo and Ms. Ursula Mueller for their comprehensive briefings. Ms. Mueller’s briefing, in particular, remind us that the humanitarian situation in occupied Palestinian territory requires our full attention. Belgium is especially concerned about the lack of funding of the humanitarian response plan and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and invites the international community to make a more active commitment in that area. I would like to underline the critical role of UNRWA in the absence of a lasting solution to the conflict. Belgium will continue to fully support its mandate.”
2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source
“We call on all parties, including Israel, to facilitate the process to this end. We remain convinced that there is no other option than a negotiated solution, based on the coexistence of two States, with the city of Jerusalem as the capital of both States, in accordance with internationally agreed parameters. Belgium will continue to work to that end in order to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians and the Israelis.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“Thorough investigations must be carried out with respect to accusations of international humanitarian rights violations. We reiterate the importance ofrespecting the right to peaceful protest and the responsibility of the organizers to ensure the peaceful conduct of such demonstrations. There will be no lasting solution in Gaza without the return of the Palestinian Authority. In that view, we reiterate our call on the Palestinian factions to engage in the reconciliation process in good faith. We encourage Palestinian leaders to work to build strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. It is important that elections take place throughout Palestinian territory in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“We reiterate our deepest concern at the declarations relating to a possible unilateral annexation of all or part ofthe West Bank. Such annexation is illegal under international law and will not be recognized by Belgium. Finally, we reiterate our deep concern at the worrisome increase in demolitions and the confiscation of infrastructure and humanitarian projects in Area C. We urge the Israeli authorities to put an end to that practice and to restore or grant compensation for the damage incurred. The security situation in Gaza remains extremely fragile. We recall the critical obligation of parties to respect the rules of international humanitarian and human rights law. We call on all parties to continue to exercise the utmost restraint in order to avoid another violence episode.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“Settlement-building is a flagrant violation of international law, including resolution 2334 (2016). It makes the prospects for a two-State solution more remote. However, we must note that, since the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016), the settlement policy has been pursued at a steady pace in the West Bank, targeting particularly symbolic locations, such as the old city of Hebron or East Jerusalem. The settlement policy is implemented through actions like demolitions and evictions, the total number of which have sharply increased over the past two years, according to the 2019 figures. We call on Israel to end this policy. In that context, we also emphasize the importance of preserving the status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Coordinator, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, as well as Ms. Raemer for their briefings. We welcome the consistent practice of receiving two written reports per year. The date of 23 December marks the third anniversary of the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016) and there is no reason to be optimistic. The situation on the ground is bogging down, making a solution seem more distant than ever. We regret to note that the negative developments on the ground go hand-in-hand with the questioning of the fundamental legal principles on which the settlement of the conflict is based. One of the fundamental legal principles is the illegality of the settlement policy. The Belgian and, more broadly, the European position is clear in this respect.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“I conclude by expressing my gratitude to UNAMA and United Nations agencies for their efforts in Afghanistan to build peace and prosperity. I am encouraged by the role of young people in that regard. Belgium will also maintain its commitment to Afghanistan in 2020, through its support for European Union and United Nations programmes, as well as through its participation in the NATO Resolute Support Mission and its financial contribution to the Afghanistan National Army Trust Fund.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We strongly condemn the attacks on United Nations personnel, as well as on human rights defenders and journalists, and call on Afghan authorities to spare no effort to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. We reiterate that all parties are under obligation to respect international humanitarian law and to take immediate measures to prevent civilian casualties. The Government must redouble its efforts to implement its policy of reducing the number of civilian casualties. Ensuring justice for the victims and accountability for the most serious crimes are prerequisites for reconciliation. Those principles can be a valuable part of a broader, situation-specific transitional justice process for lasting peace.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the United Nations Mine Action Service and its partners to reduce the number of child victims of mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by enhancing child-centred risk education. Belgium notes with concern that explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices remain the second leading cause of security incidents in Afghanistan and that their use is increasing. We invite the Afghan armed forces, Afghan security services, the NATO Resolute Support Mission and civilian organizations involved in mine action in Afghanistan to share information on IEDs and their precursors in order to prevent, insofar as possible, their manufacture and use by the Taliban and other armed groups.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we welcome last month's launch of the second national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as well as the inclusion of Afghanistan in the joint United Nations- European Union Spotlight Initiative to combat sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls. We are also encouraged by the recent inauguration in New York of the Group ofFriends of Women in Afghanistan, the goals of which we fully support. The level of violence seen is totally unacceptable. Afghanistan is the deadliest conflict in the world for children, with more than 2,400 children killed or injured in the first nine months of 2019. Belgium is committed to facilitating negotiations on a consensual response by the Council to the situation involving children and armed conflict in Afghanistan.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“In the coming days, when the results are announced by the Independent Election Commission, we encourage all parties to act responsibly, demonstrate restraint and direct any future complaints through existing legal mechanisms. With regard to the search for peace, we remain convinced of the need for peace talks and welcome the recent prisoner exchange as a confidence-building measure. We fully support the central role of the Afghan Government in the peace process and call on the Taliban to engage in talks with the Government. If a peace agreement is to be sustainable, it must safeguard the gains made in terms of women's rights at all costs. Women must participate meaningfully in the peace process.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, let me thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tadamichi Yamamoto for his briefing and his tireless efforts in the service of realizing a prosperous and stable Afghanistan. We welcome Ms. Aisha Khurram. Belgium attaches great importance to the voice of young leaders like her. Finally, I warmly thank the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan for his detailed briefing. We welcome the holding of the September presidential elections. We support the important role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the electoral process. The electoral institutions must communicate proactively with all stakeholders and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Belgium therefore calls on the Council, and more broadly the diplomatic stakeholders, to continue to work for a rapid and favourable way out of the crisis for all.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“That is why we are working, with our partners in the Council, to improve the system of exemptions from sanctions on humanitarian grounds. Finally, Belgium is concerned about the recent report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (see A/74/275/Rev.1), which describes a situation on the ground that is still a catastrophe in terms of the oppression of fundamental freedoms and human rights violations. This yearend will have seen a resurgence of tensions regarding the North Korean issue and, despite our differences, the Council must remain united in the way forward towards our common goal: the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“Dialogue must be resumed as soon as possible. Belgium places particular emphasis on the following points. We ultimately believe that the denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should be part of the broader multilateral nuclear non-proliferation regime as soon as possible, with the country's return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and accession to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Of course, the Council must also assume its responsibilities. In particular, it must mitigate, as far as possible, the negative humanitarian impact of the sanctions regime in place against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Access to the country for United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations must be facilitated.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“They are unacceptable provocations while a resumption of negotiations is still on the table. Given that gloomy picture, Belgium calls for the unity of the Council in pursuing its objective, namely, establishing lasting peace on the peninsula, which requires the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling of the nuclear and ballistic programmes of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. To that end, the sanctions must be fully implemented by all. In particular, Belgium calls on the Democratic People's Republic ofKoreato proactivelyand specifically move towards denuclearization, as it has undertaken to do, and to resume bilateral negotiations in good faith. We therefore call on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to show restraint and de-escalate tensions. Provocative missile launches must stop, as must bellicose rhetoric.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, allow me to thank you, Madam President, for convening this briefing on an issue that is currently of vital importance to international peace and security. I also warmly thank Mr. Mohamed Khalethiari forhis informative briefing. The Council is once again frequently called on to consider the issue of ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which are also a challenge to the international community. Belgium expresses its deep concern at these repeated launches and at the ongoing diplomatic impasse. We reiterate our strong condemnation of the launches, which are in flagrant violation of the Council's resolutions. We also regret the bluster and threatening rhetoric of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“The memory of the hundreds of thousands of victims of the wars in the Balkans and the genocide in Rwanda must prompt us to continue to support it and other mechanisms in the realm ofjustice, broadly speaking, in order to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8681 (2019) · source
“This trend must be promptly reversed so that the perpetrators of war crimes do not remain unpunished and so that an end can be put to hate speech and any ideology advocating discrimination. I wish to conclude by commending the efforts of the President of the Mechanism to streamline its working methods and thereby maximize its efficiency. At the same time, Belgium encourages the General Assembly to provide the Mechanism with adequate financing for the forthcoming budget cycle. Lastly, we welcome the fact that the President of the Mechanism is considering possible amendments to the Practice Direction vis-a-vis early release. The challenges faced by the Mechanism are a reminder of just how important its mandate is.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8681 (2019) · source
“We therefore thank South Africa for today's statement and invite it to render all necessary assistance so that the fugitive in question can be apprehended and transferred. On the other hand, while we acknowledge and commend the progress that has been achieved in dealing with certain cases at the national level, the Office of the Prosecutor pointed to persistent reports regarding the denial of crimes and the glorification of war criminals in all communities and all countries of the former Yugoslavia. The same holds true vis-a-vis regionaljudicial cooperation, which is at its lowest level in years. These alarming observations reflect practices that are at variance with the values and principles that lie at the heart of both the United Nations and the European Union.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8681 (2019) · source
“The fight against impunity and ensuring that justice is handed down for the most serious crimes under international law are among the core obligations that are incumbent primarily upon each State. For that reason, it is of vital importance for all countries to cooperate not only among themselves but also with the Mechanism. In that respect, recent developments are alarming. Indeed, one of the eight indicted persons before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda apparently remains at large. Belgium recalls that all States Members of the United Nations are duty-bound to cooperate with the Mechanism, in line with its statute and the numerous resolutions adopted by the Security Council.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8681 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I wish to begin by thanking Judge Carmel Agius and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for their written reports (see S/2019/888) and their informative briefings. Belgium continues to fully support the proceedings of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which plays a vital role in the process of intercommunal reconciliation both in Rwanda and in the countries ofthe former Yugoslavia. The Mechanism, like the two International Criminal Tribunals from which it took over, is part and parcel of the arsenal of relevant measures in the realm of justice, broadly speaking, that have been adopted by Security Council for post-conflict transition.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8681 (2019) · source
“We also welcome the clear language emphasizing the need for the sanctions committee to exchange information with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The resolution also renews the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Somalia, and we call on the Federal Government of Somalia to resume cooperation with the experts, which should enable us to work together towards the common goal of peace and security in Somalia.”
2019-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8665 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium welcomes the adoption of resolution 2498 (2019), which extends the partial lifting ofthe embargo to support security sector reform in Somalia. The sanctions regime contributes to the fight against Al-Shabaab and to countering threats to peace and security in Somalia, which also affect the neighbouring countries. Belgium welcomes the efforts made by the United Kingdom penholder to update the embargo measures in order to enhance their transparency and to take into account the threat posed by improvised explosive devices.”
2019-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8665 (2019) · source
“Lastly, with respect to peacebuilding, while police have a role to play across the peace continuum, support for the transfer of policing functions remains crucial in transitions. Haiti provides a recent example. It is important for that phase to continue to provide police advisory support when the host State considers it necessary. One of the future medium-term transition projects could be the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and we look forward to discussing the results of the strategic review. In that context, how does Commissioner Abdounasir see the role of MONUSCO's police component evolving in the coming years? Does he see any areas or provinces in which a formed police unit presence could usefully replace a military presence?”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“In general, it would seem appropriate to provide increased support in the area of negotiated public space management, which includes aspects of dialogue, respect for human rights and a moderate and proportional use of constraint. Fourthly, partnerships are at the heart of police components in the field. They often work jointly and in good understanding with those who lead parts of security sector reform or conduct national police training activities. Synergies exist on the ground with civilian missions deployed by the European Union. My question is for Commissioner Abdounasir, who has had the opportunity to experience the partnership with the European Union in both Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Can he illustrate that partnership and its added value for the work of the United Nations?”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Lacroix to share with us the lessons learned since the beginning of the implementation of the comprehensive performance assessment system, in particular on the police components and their contribution to the strategic objectives of the missions. Thirdly, community policing and community policing initiatives, among others, offer unparalleled opportunities for the protection of civilians. That is the case, for example, in South Sudan, where the police component of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is successful in some locations by working in unique proximity with the population, relying in particular on women components and unarmed patrols.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“The Police Division can provide the Security Council with valuable information by analysing the state of police and other law enforcement institutions in a particular country and recommending responses to emerging issues. Secondly, mission performance goes hand in hand with responsibility and accountability. In that context, we are pleased that, under the new management paradigm promoted by the Secretary-General, the chiefs of police components in operations are now part of the senior management teams and that they are accountable for the performance of their component. In that context, I would like to ask Mr.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking the five briefers, who have presented their respective perspectives on the role of the police in peacekeeping operations. The Action for Peacekeeping initiative remains our road map for focusing our efforts in the coming years. Allow me to follow the five "PS" in my statement and my questions to the briefers: prevention, performance, protection, partnerships and peacebuilding. First, an increased role is given to United Nations police expertise in the context of prevention. We are pleased that the Police Division is increasingly being called upon not only in special political missions but also in some cases outside missions. As highlighted by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2016/952), the police play an important role in early warning.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We also call on troop-contributing countries to redouble their efforts in that direction. If we are humble in our approach, all of us in the Chamber will be able to evaluate our own shortcomings. It is by keeping this issue on its agenda that the Council will be able to make a difference. I would be interested to learn from the Deputy Secretary-General what follow- up will be given to this joint solidarity mission and what support the Security Council could provide in order to encourage our partners in the region to pursue their commitments.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8657 (2019) · source
“Some first steps have been taken, such as the appointment of women ministers and the adoption of legislation on gender equality. President Sahle-Work Zewde is not only Ethiopia's first woman President, but also the only woman Head of State in office in Africa. She is also a strong advocate for women in her country and on the African continent. It is necessary to continue along this same path and to implement the decisions that have been made. Electoral deadlines are opportunities to ensure the meaningful participation of women. We will be focusing on that area, especially with regard to the first elections in decades to be held next year in Somalia. The United Nations can and must lead by example by working towards real parity in its missions and representation.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8657 (2019) · source
“The developments in the Sudan also effectively demonstrate, as our two briefers have illustrated, the role of the African Union in finding an African solution to an African crisis. For all of those reasons, Belgium warmly welcomes the initiative of the joint missions with the African Union and particularly appreciates their broad focus, which includes peace and security, development and humanitarian issues. We are keen supporters of increased cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union and of an integrated approach to countries in crisis and in transition. In the space of a year, the Horn of Africa region has seen positive developments, although the outcomes are fragile. The meaningful participation of women in political processes is essential to consolidating those outcomes.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8657 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Madam President, I would first like to wish you every success during your month as President of the Council. I would also like to thank South Africa for its successful presidency last month. I commend and thank the Deputy Secretary-General and the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security for their useful briefings on their recent joint mission in the Horn of Africa. Just a few days ago, Belgium welcomed Ms. Alaa Salah, Sudanese civil society representative, to the Council (see S/PV.8649). The role played by women in the recent developments in the Sudan is crucial and was recognized as such in the announcement that women were to be included in the transitional Government.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8657 (2019) · source
“On the one hand, in terms of the electoral process, the African Union Commission has a higher level of convening power than the United Nations. On the other hand, the United Nations still has a comparative advantage in the context of an integrated approach. The United Nations and the African Union remain major partners. Let us not forget that that partnership is above all based on common values, including respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights and respect for our fellow citizens. Let us strengthen them all.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“Moreover, coordination and collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union and their respective institutions must be strengthened at the thematic level, as demonstrated in the recent debates and discussions on the role of youth and women, as well as the link between climate and security. Coordination and collaboration must also be strengthened at the operational level. The agendas of both Councils could be better coordinated, while the management of the conflict cycle and an integrated approach should be better harmonized between the two organizations. Elections will be held in 14 African countries in 2020. In that context, we are pleased to note that the collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union is excellent. However, we believe that it could be strengthened still further.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source