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

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

“It is in the name of prevention that we must work for the long-term comprehensive reintegration of children, investing in programmes that provide individualized support that address protection, psychosocial support and education needs. Experience shows that children who have gone through such programmes become less vulnerable to re-recruitment by armed groups. Through reintegration, boys and girls have an opportunity to build a life away from conflict and to move towards the future without being haunted by the past. While prevention is obviously preferable, Belgium also recalls the need to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes and other serious violations of international law and human rights law, including, where appropriate, through full cooperation with the International Criminal Court.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“The annual report of the Secretary-General, based on factual and verified information, is a fundamental tool for engaging in dialogue with the parties to conflicts and for achieving concrete commitments through, inter alia, national action plans. Such an approach is essential to maintaining the credibility and independence of the children and armed conflict mandate. That would be the best way to make real change for children affected by conflict. The effective implementation of the children and armed conflict agenda is a responsibility that we all share. That implies the maintenance of a specialized child protection capacity within United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. It also means prioritizing child protection concerns. But let us not forget prevention.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“As such, we mobilize all the instruments at our disposal. We have organized joint meetings with the sanctions committees focused on following up on the Working Group's previous conclusions and have organized videoconferences with field missions before the renewal of their mandates. Finally, we want to integrate the dimension of children and armed conflict in all the work of the Security Council. We propose that the Special Representative regularly address the Council on national situations, as has already been the case for Yemen and the Central African Republic. The United Nations monitoring and reporting mechanism is essential to that mandate.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Belgium is particularly alarmed by the use of the refusal of humanitarian aid as a weapon of war, preventing children from having access to life-saving assistance. At the same time, the data on the serious violations committed against children are considered underestimates due to lack of access, stigma and the fear of reprisal. Our work is therefore far from over. In its capacity as Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, Belgium helped to build consensus on two sets of conclusions. One concerns serious violations of children's rights in Syria and the other in Myanmar. The unity of the Security Council on those two situations is an important signal. Belgium supports the mandate and work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“While considerable progress has been made over the past decade, this year's annual report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/509) reflects a number of unprecedented serious violations against children since monitoring began. Belgium is deeply concerned by the particularly high number of child victims and calls on all parties to take measures to protect children in accordance with the principles of distinction and proportionality. The increase in protracted conflicts around the world, and long-lasting wars, causes greater indirect damage and affects more and more children. The shift of conflict to urban areas and the use of long-range explosive weapons in populated areas have devastating effects on boys and girls.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me first of all to thank all the briefers for their valuable contributions. I would like to especially thank Ms. Kamara and Mr. Awan for their moving and very courageous testimony and for today recalling today of what is at stake in this debate. It is not a question of talking or holding philosophical, unproductive and academic discussions. We are talking about real lives, people's lives and the lives of thousands and thousands of children who are victims of armed conflict. This open debate marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1882 (2009), as a number of speakers have mentioned.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Warlike rhetoric is not abating, fighting and violations of the arms embargo continue, international humanitarian law is being violated and the use by both sides of Security Council-listed terror and criminal elements is not being taken seriously. It appears as though no one is genuinely interested in establishing a ceasefire and returning to political dialogue. In part, that is also due to the Council remaining silent for too long. I therefore hope that we will soon be able to express our opinion by adopting a resolution to ensure that no one in Libya doubts the will and determination of the Security Council.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“The urgent need for a ceasefire remains as relevant as ever and rumours of a new offensive around Tripoli are alarming. In that regard, Belgium stresses the importance of the meaningful and equal participation of women to achieve an inclusive and lasting solution. Finally, Belgium calls for strict compliance by all with the arms embargo adopted by the Council. Violations of the embargo have the effect of prolonging the conflict and the suffering of the Libyan people. Accordingly, it is worth highlighting the essential work carried out by the Panel of Experts on Libya established pursuant to resolution 1973 (2011), with which the Council has urged all States to cooperate fully. The main Libyan actors continue to opt for the military solution.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“All military and civilian leaders exercising effective control, authority and command over their subordinates could be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by their subordinates and prosecuted before national courts or the International Criminal Court. The security vacuum that has been created, in particular in the southern part of Libya, has been exploited by terrorist groups. The pursuit of the military option will only lead to further chaos and the lasting destabilization of the country. It is already threatening to completely undo the political progress made over the past two years. Belgium calls on the parties to return unconditionally to the negotiating table. I urge them to engage in good faith and constructively on the proposals and ideas put forward by the Special Representative.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Belgium calls in particular on the parties to refrain from committing grave violations involving children, including through their recruitment and use in armed conflict. Belgium also commends the courage of medical and humanitarian personnel who are paying a high price for their commitment. Attacks on medical facilities, such as that reported yesterday to the south of Tripoli, constitute clear violations not only of international law but also of resolution 2286 (2016). In that regard, Belgium reiterates once again that those guilty ofserious violations of international humanitarian law and, more generally, those who threaten achieving peace in Libya must be held accountable for their actions.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, let me thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salame for his briefing. I commend his work and that of the entire staff of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, operating in a particularly difficult environment. I also thank Ambassador Schulz for his briefing. As the Special Representative just underlined, the situation in Tripoli remains of great concern. Libyan civilians, migrants and, more generally, the most vulnerable persons are suffering on a daily basis as a result of the fighting. The ongoing tragedy of migrants off the Libyan coast must call us to address that challenge. It is high time that the protection of civilians became a genuine concern of the warring parties.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“In December, we made a voluntary contribution of â‚¬2 million to UN Women, which supports Afghan authorities in rolling out the National Action Plan to implement resolution 1325 (2000) in the country. We now await the launch of the second phase of the Action Plan, based on lessons learned, in particular with regard to the role of civil society. We acknowledge the important role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to support the country in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, as demonstrated during the recently held meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security on Afghanistan. Belgium supports and agrees with the recommendations made by the Group. The next UNAMA mandate-renewal must highlight those efforts.”
2019-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8587 (2019) · source
“All parties must respect the rules of international humanitarian law. Women are all too often the victims of attacks against civilians, as we saw recently in the attacks in Ghazni and Kabul. We condemn the attack in Kabul on 25 July against State employees, which killed seven, including five women. We expect all parties to make every effort to prevent civilian casualties and ensure accountability in the event of non-compliance. Our message to the Taliban is clear - condemn terrorism, abandon the military path, choose the political path and invest in the negotiation process. There is no other alternative. Belgium is fully committed to the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan.”
2019-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8587 (2019) · source
“The presidential elections in October will be another step towards building a democratic Afghanistan. They must be safe, fair and free. All political parties and electoral institutions must contribute to a peaceful process and avoid polarization. It is essential that women throughout Afghanistan be able to stand as candidates in the elections, be represented in electoral institutions and vote in complete security. It would be a good idea for all candidates to address the issue of women's rights during the campaign. We acknowledge the important role of including civil society and, in particular, women's organizations in that regard. The conflict in Afghanistan is one of the deadliest in the world and requires special efforts to protect civilians. The protection of civilians is an important priority.”
2019-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8587 (2019) · source
“The recent intra-Afghan dialogue facilitated by Qatar and Germany is an important step, but the road ahead remains long. We welcome the presence of 10 women around the table and encourage increased participation in the future. We reiterate the importance of promoting the meaningful and equal participation of women at all stages of the peace process. We fully support national and international efforts towards a peace that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. As the Deputy Secretary-General and Ms. Afghani underscored, no future peace agreement can allow the situation faced by women to deteriorate. We recall the universality of human rights in that respect. After 19 years of armed conflict, it would be deeply unfair for women to pay the price of peace. Just and lasting peace is not possible if half the population is excluded.”
2019-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8587 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): The plight of women in Afghanistan deserves our full attention. We welcome the recent visit to Afghanistan of the Deputy Secretary-General and Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo to address the subject, as well as this opportunity today to share ideas and recommendations with Ms. Afghani. It is important that the Council, as our briefers have just done, send a clear sign of support to women in Afghanistan, in particular in the light of the crucial months ahead. Today I will address four points: the role of women in the peace process, their role in the elections, the protection of civilians and, lastly, support for the National Action Plan on Resolution 1325 (2000): Women, peace and security.”
2019-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8587 (2019) · source
“For Belgium, the PBC represents an example of integrating the United Nations pillars and seeking effective synergies. The projects that it funds demonstrate how the economic reintegration of vulnerable people contributes to social cohesion and peacebuilding. It is important that the Fund broaden its support base. Belgium calls on Member States to increase their contributions to it, and we advocate stronger relations between the Fund and international financial institutions. Successful transitions to lasting peace require a coherent and comprehensive approach to strengthening the ownership processes of national authorities. We wish to thank you again, Mr. President, for convening this briefing.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“In addition to security sector reform, the organization of free and fair elections, the criminal justice system and transitional justice, education and the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups also play a key role in the transition process. Finally, the authorities of a country in transition should not overlook other conflict factors, such as competition for natural resources. Such issues often transcend national borders and are compounded by climate change. The United Nations remains an essential partner of countries in transition. The full implementation of the various reforms of the United Nations system, including management reform, will help to optimize this partnership, and funding must also be secured. I wish to conclude by commending the work of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Peacebuilding Fund.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“I welcome the approaches of the World Bank and the African Development Bank, which dedicate specific strategies and enhanced resources to situations of fragility and conflict. In addition, bilateral partnerships with the private sector also make it possible to benefit from other types of expertise. Work on governance, including security sector reform, is also essential for sustaining peace, rebuilding a strong social contract and, where appropriate, laying the groundwork for the exit strategy of a peacekeeping mission. A successful and sustainable transition requires addressing the root causes of conflict. In this regard, Belgium and the European Union are taking a comprehensive and integrated approach to United Nations action on the ground, by taking into account the full cycle of conflict and the various United Nations actors.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“We must also ensure that United Nations dynamics coherently integrate with regional and subregional discussions. The example of the transition of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur illustrates that discrepancies may occur. National ownership is a prerequisite for success, but it requires the initial presence and functioning of State structures. The transition of a peacekeeping mission to the next phase depends on many factors, but the most critical is capacity-building. Such a transition mainly involves transferring duties to the authorities of the host country. For the transfer to be effective, all United Nations pillars - peace and security, socioeconomic development and human rights - must be engaged. Budgetary needs are important, and development banks are required to support countries in transition.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for giving us the opportunity to hold a cross-cutting reflection on the subject of transitions. I also thank the speakers for their informative contributions. When speaking about transitions, it is indeed essential to mention the importance of partnerships at different levels among peace operations and myriad actors. The drawdown or closure of a United Nations mission and the transfer of its tasks and responsibilities are complex processes. Our experience with Haiti shows us that these processes must be preceded by an evaluation mission. Moreover, an exit strategy with specific benchmarks allows us to think about transition from day one.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“While new information technologies and social media may pose challenges, those same technologies can go beyond the lines of conflict and facilitate the civic participation of young people. For example, civil society used social media to engage young people in the High-level Revitalization Forum on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Belgium will continue to advocate for the greater integration of the youth, peace and security agenda in the debates of the Council. It is important that the Council be informed in a timely and comprehensive manner of the specific situations under this agenda item.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8577 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, effective inclusion can be achieved only by giving young men and women the dignity, protection and quality of life to which they are entitled. In that respect, Belgium remains firmly committed to the promotion of human rights, which is a fundamental condition for peace and development, attaching particular importance to the rights of vulnerable groups. Finally, we recognize the important role that new information technologies can play. Two-thirds of Internet users around the world are under 35 years old. Free of territorial constraints, young people can now learn from more varied reference models, as demonstrated by the independent progress study on youth, peace and security (see S/2018/86).”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8577 (2019) · source
“However, in order to move from exclusion to genuine inclusion, we must recognize young people as equal and powerful actors who can make a positive contribution throughout the peace process. That requires a change of norms, practices and attitudes. That is not impossible; we have recently seen significant youth participation in the peace process in Colombia and witnessed the establishment of a high advisory board for peace in Afghanistan, which includes a youth committee. Secondly, young people often constitute the majority members of armed and military groups. Their viewpoints and needs should be central to processes of security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well as in community violence-reduction programmes and actions to prevent violent extremism.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8577 (2019) · source
“Yet, those young people are all too often excluded from peace processes or decision-making concerning the future of their countries. Their political, social or economic exclusion is a risk factor. Those varied forms of exclusion can fuel a collective mistrust of the national and international political institutions that are supposed to serve and protect them. It is therefore crucial to create an environment conducive to the participation and inclusion of young adults in conflict prevention and peacebuilding processes. Allow me to underscore four points in that regard. First, youth participation in formal and informal peace and mediation processes can enhance their legitimacy and sustainability.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8577 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, allow me to thank the Secretary- General's Envoy on Youth, as well as Ms. Muganda and Ms. Ramyar, for their informative briefings. Belgium welcomes the importance attached to the youth, peace and security agenda in the Council. Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) underscore the immense potential of young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Let us work towards maximizing that potential. Estimates project that up to 600 million young adults are living in fragile and conflict-affected States. Those young people constitute not only the majority of the population in those countries but also the majority of their armed forces and security personnel. Young women are often solely responsible for the economic survival of their families.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8577 (2019) · source
“I must say that I have been very impressed by his team's invasion of the Council's seats. The presence of the French team is not only tribute to the exceptional diplomat that Mr. Delattre is, but it also demonstrates the excellent way in which he has represented his country for the past five years in New York. I would like to thank him personally and on behalf of my Mission and my country and from the bottom of my heart for his commitment, friendship and collaboration. He has inspired all of us, not only with his critical mindset, eloquence and, even, I would say, his elegance, but also through his humane and fair approach. I wish him every success in heading the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the Quai d'Orsay. I ask him to come back to see us very soon during the high-level week. I thank him very much.”
2019-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8568 (2019) · source
“Belgium also thanks all members for responding to the appeal of the member countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S Sahel) for facilitating MINUSMA support for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. An evaluation of that mechanism in 12 months' time is also something to be welcomed. Nevertheless, Belgium regrets the fact that the resolution does not sufficiently recognize the negative impact of climate change on the security situation. The evidence of climate change as a multiplier of risks in Mali and the Sahel is clear. I call upon Mali and the United Nations to take climate change and other environmental changes into account in their activities, programmes and strategies. Lastly, Belgium congratulates France for its willingness to shorten and clarify the mandate. Allow me to say a few words of thanks to Ambassador Delattre.”
2019-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8568 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium welcomes the adoption of resolution 2480 (2019), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and better reflects the two main challenges to stability in Mali, that is, the slow implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and the situation in the centre of the country. Belgium attaches great importance to MINUSMA, as demonstrated in particular by the fact that MINUSMA remains the principal commitment of the Belgian army across all United Nations peacekeeping operations. Belgium welcomes the fact that the resolution states that the responsibility for stabilizing the country rests primarily with the Malians themselves.”
2019-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8568 (2019) · source
“We believe that MINUSCA will have a major support role to play in the organization of the elections. In conclusion, I would like to commend Special Representative Ndiaye for his energetic approach to his work. I can assure him of Belgium's full support.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8558 (2019) · source
“Apart from overseeing the deployment of the Central African Armed Forces, MINUSCA must now also supervise the deployment of the Unites speciales mixtes de securite. We believe that it will be important to consider enhancing logistical deployment support for MINUSCA. MINUSCA also has a crucial role to play in exercising its good offices and providing support for the peace process, the expansion of State authority and security-sector reform. Good cooperation among all partners of the Central African Republic is key to success, and we believe that MINUSCA can contribute to that unity. The approaching elections are another factor that must be taken into account in the peace process. We call on the political leaders of the Central African Republic to refrain from reviving tensions among communities for electoral purposes.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8558 (2019) · source
“It should also rely on the guarantors of the political agreement, such as the countries of the region, the Economic Community of Central African States and the African Union. We encourage President Touadera to use his contacts to forge strong partnerships with neighbouring countries, including by re-activating the mixed commissions. With respect to justice, we believe that the fight against impunity is not at odds with the implementation of the political agreement. The fact is that the quest for justice is part and parcel of the reconciliation process. Lastly, it must be recognized that MINUSCA is also facing major challenges. The very serious incidents that have occurred in the past few months have shown that its mandate for the protection of civilians is painfully relevant.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8558 (2019) · source
“With regard to national ownership, the Central African authorities naturally have a role to play in the implementation of the agreement. Belgium welcomed the launch on 15 June of the national implementation committee. The national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme is crucial in assisting with the dissolution of armed groups. The lack of access to health services, education, economic development opportunities and justice, and above all security, jeopardize ownership of the peace agreement by the Central Africans, especially those living outside the capital. Fortunately, the Central African Republic does not have to face those challenges alone. It can count on the support of the international community, including the European Union.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8558 (2019) · source
“That means ending the violence and the cycle of retaliation that led to the recent massacre in Paoua, which we firmly condemn. Those responsible must be brought to justice. The armed groups must also cease their predatory activities and human rights violations, such as the recruitment of children, and the movements of unauthorized troops, and they must realize that serious violations of the agreement will not be without consequences. We welcome the establishment of the prefectural implementation committees and the technical security committees, which are encouraging signs of the commitment of the parties. The operationalization of the Unites speciales mixtes de securite is a major challenge. Given the magnitude of that endeavour, it is fortunate that the European Union can provide financial support without any delay.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8558 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first to thank the briefers for their informative and detailed briefings. Today I would like to emphasize three issues 4 the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, national ownership and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). We welcome the political agreement and support the political process, which is the only acceptable solution to the crisis in the country. Central Africans have had enough of the violence, and that message must be heard by the leaders of the armed groups, which are signatories to the agreement and must respect their commitments.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8558 (2019) · source
“We are further concerned by the reports of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the treatment of detainees linked to the conflict. Nearly one-third report credible accounts of torture or ill-treatment in detention. We welcome the steps taken by the Government in response and call for stronger accountability measures. With regard to demining efforts, Belgium welcomes the Government's efforts to align national standards for the clearance of improvised objects that were abandoned with international best practices. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate my delegation's full support for the Afghan people and our strong commitment to an Afghan-led and Afghan-led peace process.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We listened carefully to the recommendations made by Ms. Samar. Belgium is deeply concerned by the impact of the armed conflict on the civilian population and in particular by the high number of civilian casualties. Belgium urges all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to take immediate steps to avoid loss of life. With particular reference to the situation of violations of the rights of children, the Council awaits the submission of the country report to the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict later this year. Persistent violence against journalists and human rights defenders is also unacceptable. All parties to the conflict must comply with international standards for protection.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We call on all international partners to closely coordinate their efforts in order to launch an intra-Afghan dialogue and achieve an Afghan-directed and Afghan-led peace process. My second point concerns the presidential elections announced for September 2019. Belgium stresses the need to learn from the elections held last year. Given the tight timetable, we call on all parties to work to restore confidence in the electoral process. Elections are a responsibility shared by all political actors. I emphasize the importance of creating a favourable environment by avoiding political interference in the decisions of the election management bodies and engaging constructively so that the presidential elections are free, transparent and credible. My last point concerns the human rights situation in Afghanistan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We believe that a lasting peace agreement can be achieved only through a comprehensive and inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue. To that end, we reiterate our call on the Taliban to engage in direct peace talks. In particular, Belgium calls on all parties to promote the meaningful and equal participation of women at all stages of the peace process. Lasting peace begins with the appointment of a representative and inclusive negotiating team. In addition, we would stress that any future peace agreement must preserve the political, economic and social gains of the past 18 years, especially concerning the rights of women, children and minorities. We are fully aware of the fact that peacebuilding is a long-term process. For an agreement to be lasting, the international community must be united in its support.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I should like in turn to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Yamamoto, for his briefing and for his tireless efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan. I thank Ms. Sima Samar for her briefing and for her commitment to the promotion of women's rights in Afghanistan, and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan for her statement. Belgium aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. I will focus my remarks on three points: the peace process; elections; and the importance of the promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan. First, concerning the peace process, Belgium welcomes the intensification of national and international efforts aimed at ending the lengthy and devastating conflict in Afghanistan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We were pleased to hear from Major General Cheryl Pearce today and we commend the Secretariat for the action undertaken on gender equity in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which makes the mission a model of gender equity with regard to its leadership. How is Major General Pearce experiencing that aspect of UNFICYP?”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“We all have a shared interest in effective performance. The host country is both a key player in terms of performance and the primary beneficiary of that. Performance, however, does not depend solely on adequate capacity and the training of troops, it also depends on how United Nations missions function and use their capacities over and beyond the necessary command and control relations of the military component. What we are talking about is the way in which all capacities and components are deployed and the so-called integrated function of the mission. In that regard, I have a question for the two Force Commanders. How do they see the integration of their respective missions? Finally, the performance of missions involves the people within the missions.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“Pursuing withdrawal without taking into consideration the political developments under way in Khartoum would be unrealistic. In that regard, I would be very grateful if Lieutenant General Ngondi could share with us his assessment of that particular matter. Secondly, missions can be served only through clear, understandable, unequivocal and consistent mandates. I have a question for the two Force Commanders: how could the Council make mandates clearer? Thirdly, with regard to providing appropriate mandates and adequate resources, Belgium is very keen on ensuring that adequate resources be made available to United Nations missions. My second point concerns performance. The performance of missions is key to improving their acceptance by local populations and the renewed commitment of police- and troop-contributing countries.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I will start by paying tribute to the men and women who serve the flags and the values of the United Nations on the ground. The Security Council owes it to them to continue the work it is doing as part of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Today I would like to raise a few questions and underscore two points: first, our responsibility to support political processes and, secondly, the quest for performance by the operations themselves. I would like to start by affirming our commitment to focusing on sustainable political solutions. I see many ways to achieve that. First of all, peacekeeping operations must be dynamic and adapt to the realities on the ground. The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur is a prime example of that.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, I should to underscore, as did my French colleague, the fact that there is a convergence of ideas in the Council on the situation in Libya, and I hope that the Council will be able to pronounce itself very soon through the adoption of a resolution.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8530 (2019) · source
“Belgium supports the work of the Special Representative and of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and calls on the parties to return to the negotiating table without preconditions. The need for a ceasefire remains urgent. Finally, Belgium calls for strict respect by all parties of the arms embargo imposed by the Council. Violations of the embargo have, as Mr. Salame' underlined, prolonged the conflict and the suffering of the Libyan people. In this regard, we should underscore the vital work being done by the Libya Panel of Experts, created by resolution 1973 (2011), with which the Council has exhorted all States to Cooperate fully. In that regard, we are encouraged by the recent report from Tunisia of the freeing of one ofthe experts, who had been detained for a number of weeks despite his immunity.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8530 (2019) · source
“The military option will lead only to chaos and to the destabilization of the country by allowing Da'esh to resort to guerrilla strategies; this is a fundamental threat to the progress made. Beyond assigning responsibility for the fighting, Belgium would recall that those who are guilty of grave Violations of international humanitarian law and, more broadly, those who threaten the peace in Libya should be held accountable for their actions. All leaders, military and civilian, who have control, authority or effective command over their subordinates could be held criminally responsible for the crimes committed by the latter and could be prosecuted in national courts or the International Criminal Court.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8530 (2019) · source
“Today's briefing quite rightly reminds us that it is Libyan civilians as well as the most vulnerable migrants who are paying the heaviest price for the rejection of a political solution. Belgium calls on all parties to respect their commitments under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. In particular, we call on the parties to refrain from any serious violations with regard to children, including recruiting them and using them in combat. Belgium commends the courage of humanitarian and medical personnel, who are paying a high price for their determination. At this stage, the major beneficiaries of the current situation are terrorists.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8530 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, may I warmly thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Salame', for his statement and forjoining us this morning. I wish to thank him in particular for his work and his tireless commitment as well as that of his Mission's personnel, all of whom are working in a particularly difficult environment. I also thank Commissioner Chergui and Ambassador Schulz for their informative briefings. The fighting began around two months ago and has continued despite several calls for a humanitarian ceasefire. Belgium supports those calls and deplores the fact that they have been rejected. It is becoming ever more clear to all of us that the military situation is at an impasse. This is, unfortunately, exactly what many of us had feared.”
2019-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8530 (2019) · source
“The Council should also consider how to adapt the military and police components of the mission to effectively address the challenge of rising crime rates in the region in the absence of national security forces. We call on the parties to facilitate the operations of the mission, including the issuance of visas. I would like to conclude by saying that dialogue is the only option for resolving the Abyei issue. The presence of UNISFA remains crucial for the stability of the region, but it cannot replace the role of the State. Only a political settlement can address the causes of the conflict and ensure the long-term stability of both the Sudan and South Sudan. The Council must therefore ensure that the mission has the necessary resources to support the achievement of that fundamental objective.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source