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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“The environment in which it operates has evolved since then. The Council will have to renew the mandate of the mission in two weeks' time, and the mandate should be adapted to the situation. A lasting political solution is needed for Abyei. The Council must make sure that the dispute between the Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei and the border region does not become another frozen conflict. We support the recommendations of the Secretary- General, in particular the recommendation to strengthen the civilian component of the mission - to which my French colleague also referred - with a view to facilitating the revitalization of the political process and devising a possible exit strategy.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“However, it is clear that no progress has been made since last November in terms of keeping to the commitments agreed by the parties. Increasingly belligerent political remarks, noted by UNISFA, highlight the need and urgency for renewed dialogue. The Security Council should encourage the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan to quickly establish joint mechanisms, make progress on border demarcation and, in the longer term, develop a political solution to settle the final status of the Abyei Area and other border disputes. We call on the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, led by President Mbeki, and the African Union Commission to revitalize their support for political dialogue between the parties. As the name of the mission indicates, UNISFA was established as an interim security force in 2011.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“Nevertheless, it is still tense and unpredictable due to persistent challenges on the political, humanitarian and economic fronts. The situation could deteriorate rapidly, with unacceptable consequences for civilians. Therefore, we fully agree with the Secretary-General that the continued presence of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) remains crucial. I wish to underline two points - the need for a political solution and the role of UNISFA in that regard. The Council has long been committed to peace and security in the Abyei Area and must continue to play a role in the prevention of violence. Stability in the region remains our main goal. The primary responsibility for implementing the agreements of2011 and 2012 lies with the Governments of both countries.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to warmly thank the Under- Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean- Pierre Lacroix, as well as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, for their very insightful briefings. We are aware of the current political situation in the Sudan, and the issue of Abyei is inextricably connected. Belgium continues to closely monitor developments and encourages the parties to continue their dialogue to find a solution that establishes a political transition authority led by civilians, in line with the will of the people of the Sudan. We welcome the fact that the security situation in the Abyei Area remains relatively calm.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“The elections, which were well organized and effective, went smoothly and transparently. Fundamental freedoms were widely respected. We congratulate the Ukrainian people on their demonstration of democratic maturity and encourage them to continue the process of reform and the implementation of the European Union Association Agreement.”
2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source
“Three and a half million people - as Ms. Mueller further confirmed - need help and protection due to the widespread presence of mines, increasing psychological trauma and lack of access to basic services. The human rights situation in eastern Ukraine also continues to attract our attention. In that regard, we support the work of the Human Rights Monitoring Mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and call on the parties to allow safe and unhindered access for international observers, in particular the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe. I should like to conclude by referring to the recent presidential elections held in Ukraine. The elections were a successful test of Ukrainian democracy, five years after the Maidan revolution.”
2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source
“We do not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, which we consider to be contrary to international law. We call on the parties to overcome the differences between them and to fully engage in the resumption of the dialogue necessary to achieve ajust and lasting peace. We continue to face many humanitarian challenges. The civilian population on both sides of the line of contact suffers from the presence of heavy weapons and mines, which are contrary to the Minsk agreements. We call for a complete withdrawal of those weapons and the disengagement of troops from designated areas. We urge all parties to allow full access, in accordance with humanitarian principles. We are deeply concerned about the targeting of crucial civilian infrastructure, which is contrary to international humanitarian law.”
2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source
“Belgium supports the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Normandy format. We call for the ceasefire to be respected and on Russia to immediately stop fuelling the conflict by providing financial and military support to armed groups and to instead use its influence to encourage these groups to fully comply with their commitments under the Minsk agreements. We strongly encourage the parties to the conflict to respect the mandate of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine and to allow it safe and unhindered access to all Ukrainian territory, including along the Ukrainian-Russian border and in Crimea. I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, allow me to warmly thank the speakers for their informative briefings and to warmly thank Mr. Apakan and Mr. Sajdik for their work of recent years. On 24 April, the Russian President signed a decree to facilitate the granting of Russian citizenship to residents of certain areas of the Ukrainian oblasts of Luhansk and Donetsk. We condemn that unilateral measure, which not only is contrary to the spirit of the Minsk agreements but may also exacerbate tensions between the parties. We recall Belgium's View that the Minsk agreements remain the only way to reach a lasting political solution to this conflict. Therefore, we expect all parties to refrain from unilateral action, implement the agreements swiftly and fully, and honour their commitments.”
2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source
“We will be ready to assist in reconstruction only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, negotiated by the Syrian parties to the conflict on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique, is firmly under way.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“We call for a national cessation of hostilities in order to ensure the protection of civilians. As others before me have highlighted, Belgium is also seriously concerned about the upsurge in violence in Idlib. It is imperative that all parties, including the Astana guarantors, remain fully committed to the agreement that was signed in September. In Deir ez-Zor, the last battle against Da'esh has just ended. But the end of Da'esh as a terrorist organization with a territorial base does not mean the end of the threat that that group poses. It is essential that the international community remain vigilant in order to avoid its resurgence. Lastly, I would like to say a few words on reconstruction. Belgium fully supports the European Union's position.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“The Special Envoy also indicated that the entire Syrian population must engage and participate in efforts to build trust and seek peace. The third Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, held in Brussels in March, underscored the essential role of civil society. An active civil society that is recognized at the political level and illustrates its right to assemble and exercise the freedom of expression constitutes the backbone of any community. The third Conference also placed particular emphasis on Syrian women. While welcoming the Special Envoy's recent meeting with the Women's Advisory Board, we stress the need for the meaningful participation of Syrian women to the extent of at least a 30 per-cent representation in all decision-making bodies.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“As I mentioned in my statement last month, in Belgium's view, the only lasting solution will be based on the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) and the full implementation of the resolution. We underline the role of the Special Envoy in Sochi and support his efforts to bring together, as soon as possible, a credible, balanced, inclusive and representative constitutional committee that follows clear procedures and working methods. We note that the common denominator of the Special Envoy's objectives is to build trust and deepen dialogue in order to move the process forward. However, trust among the parties to the conflict will not be possible without looking through the lens of justice. As a concrete measure, we call on all parties to exercise their influence for the release of those who have been detained arbitrarily.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo and Mr. Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their enlightening briefings. With regard to the humanitarian situation, I refer to the statement made by Germany on behalf of the three co-penholders. I will therefore limit myself to a few brief remarks on the political situation and the situation on the ground. First, as the Syrian conflict enters its ninth year, we lend our support to Special Envoy Pedersen in his efforts to implement his five objectives, as he outlined in his first briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.8475). We welcome his work on the various dimensions of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“Belgium is a member of all such regimes and calls on non-member States either to join or to adhere unilaterally to their principles. While terrorists seem to be constantly adapting to new realities and able to exploit scientific and technological advances, as well as open borders and international trade, let us remain vigilant. Let us continue to pay particular attention to developments in all those areas and the resilience of terrorist organizations, and pursue our efforts to achieve the comprehensive implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). We extend to the Committee our full support and cooperation in that crucial area.”
2019-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8487 (2019) · source
“With regard to guidance and assistance, as has already been mentioned, the 1540 Committee plays a key role in matching supply and demand and in providing support throughout the process. We therefore highlight the important role that can be played concurrently by international and regional organizations, civil society and industry in the comprehensive implementation of the relevant resolutions. We warmly welcome the engagement and increased cooperation of the 1540 chairmanship with such organizations so that they can provide recommendations and strengthen the capacities of States Members making such requests. I would also like to draw attention to the important support of international export control regimes in meeting the goals ofresolution 1540 (2004).”
2019-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8487 (2019) · source
“Terrorist groups and individuals adapting continuously new realities on the ground and seem to be persistently reinventing themselves. The end of Da'esh as a terrorist organization with a territorial base does not mean the end of the threat it poses. Indeed, Da'esh continues to indoctrinate individuals and groups around the world. In that context, the risk of terrorist groups acquiring weapons of mass destruction remains a major concern and we must not lower our guard. To address that threat, it is important to remind Member States of their responsibilities in the process. Member States should take all necessary measures to put in place national legislation and controls to prevent non- State actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, or the equipment necessary for their production.”
2019-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8487 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium would like to begin by warmly thanking His Excellency Mr. Dian Djani, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), for his very comprehensive briefing. Belgium notes with satisfaction that substantial progress has been made in the global implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) since its adoption almost 15 years ago. We welcome the efforts of the Chair of the Committee to encourage the 11 remaining States to submit a national report. We also thank the Group of Experts of the 1540 Committee for contributing to drafting such reports, at the request of Member States. As the Chair indicated, the full implementation of the resolution is a long-term endeavour and a work in progress. The terrorist threat has not diminished.”
2019-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8487 (2019) · source
“As my German colleague eloquently said, a one-year mandate would have allowed the Mission to have better operational planning and more prospects. Renewing the mandate in September will give us the opportunity to rectify that.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset allow me to express my country's deepest condolences to the Government of New Zealand and to the families of the victims following the terrorist incident in Christchurch yesterday. Today Belgium voted in favour of resolution 2460 (2019) renewing the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We did so because the resolution ensures that UNAMA can continue to provide valuable support to the Afghan authorities at a crucial time in the peace process and in strengthening democracy in the country. We welcome the efforts made by the co-penholders to find a common understanding. However, we regret the fact that the Council was not able to reach consensus on a more detailed resolution, thereby depriving the Mission of the necessary political guidance.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to pay tribute to the victims of violence in Afghanistan and to the resilience of the Afghan people and security forces. The goal of peace is achievable in Afghanistan. Belgium supports an Afghan-led and -controlled peaceful settlement.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“As members are aware, Belgium attaches great importance to the role of women in peacebuilding. In line with its contribution of â‚¬2 million to support the work of UN-WOMEN in the implementation of the Afghan action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) at the Geneva conference held in November 2018, Belgium welcomes the measures taken by the Government to protect and promote women's rights. Those measures have resulted in women's increased participation in public service and decision-making at the local level. In that regard, we listened carefully to Ms. Tapesh's recommendations. We encourage further efforts to protect women human rights defenders and expand access to education for women and girls to allow them to participate fully in social, economic and political life.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“The 2018 report (S/2019/193) on United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), released in February 2019, on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, indicates a record number of civilian deaths, many of them women and children. Belgium calls on all parties to take effective measures to prevent and end all serious violations against children, including those resulting from aerial bombardments and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Of particular concern has been the observation of an increasing number of anti-Government elements targeting civilians, often using improvised explosive devices. The trend involving increasingly violent and deliberate attacks on health-care facilities and schools continues and is unacceptable. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Tapesh also stated earlier, it would be extremely unfair for women to have to pay such a price for peace. Secondly, 2019 is also a crucial year for the consolidation of democracy in Afghanistan. To meet the challenges ahead, Afghanistan is in need of a representative legislature. In that regard, it is necessary that the results of the parliamentary elections be finalized. Belgium underlines the need to learn from last year's elections and to implement the necessary electoral reforms. In addition, we call on all political actors to act responsibly and ensure that the upcoming presidential and other elections are free, transparent and credible. That brings me to my third point, which is the human rights situation in Afghanistan. Belgium is deeply concerned about the impact of the armed conflict on the civilian population.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“First, with regard to consultations aimed at establishing a peace process, Belgium hopes that this year will mark a decisive step towards reaching a negotiated settlement of what has been a long and devastating conflict in Afghanistan. We believe that a lasting peace agreement can be reached only through a comprehensive and inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue. I reiterate our support for the Kabul process, which must form the basis of an Afghan-led and-controlled peace process, and, in its second phase, must be able rely on the support of the entire international community. Belgium also calls on all parties to encourage the meaningful and equal participation of women at all stages of the peace process. Any agreement reached should guarantee the protection and promotion of women's rights in accordance with the Afghan Constitution. As Ms.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me, at the outset, to also express my sincerest condolences for the recent tragic accident in Ethiopia that led to numerous deaths, including those of many members of the United Nations family. I would like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto for his insightful briefing and admirable commitment to lasting peace in Afghanistan. I also warmly thank Ms. Tapesh for her remarks and efforts to promote women's rights in Afghanistan. Lastly, I would like to thank Mr. Mohib for his briefing and presence here today. I would like to underscore three points today: the peace process, the elections and the importance of promoting and protecting human rights in Afghanistan.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, displaced persons should not be allowed to return to their village or town of origin unless their relocation is voluntary, well-informed, safe and dignified. Fourthly, efforts towards returns must be supported by gender-sensitive planning in cooperation with humanitarian actors. UNMISS must continue to provide protection and security at the civilian protection sites until those four conditions are met. We would also like to see UNMISS increase its off-site patrols. In addition to providing physical protection, we encourage UNMISS to make use as well of the full range of unarmed civilian protection mechanisms, including community engagement, local mediation, community policing, human rights monitoring and information analysis.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The need for justice for those women is real and we encourage UNMISS as well as the international community to support the fight against impunity for those acts by all possible means. In a few days' time, we will gather around this table to adopt a draft resolution on the renewal of the mandate of UNMISS. The protection of civilians must remain the priority task of UNMISS and must be a priority in all decisions relating to the use of resources by the Mission. The reconfiguration of the civilian protection sites, which others have alluded to, will be possible only under the following conditions. First, the conditions must be truly favourable in the areas of return. Secondly, a long-term strategy must be put in place that defines sustainable solutions for all displaced persons, including refugees.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Women and girls in South Sudan are not yet reaping the dividends of peace, as Ms. Jial mentioned. On the contrary, sexual violence against women has even increased since last year. No lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan can be found without urgently and effectively addressing such violence, which targets mainly women and girls but men and boys as well. The terrible mass rapes committed in Bentiu at the end of 2018 are a sad example of such violence. They revealed gaps in the detection, prevention and response to incidents of sexual violence. In a horrific way, an additional nine women and girls were subjected to gang rape in a separate incident near Bentiu a few weeks ago.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Belgium would like to emphasize to all parties to the conflict, signatories and non-signatories alike, that the agreement represents a window of opportunity to achieve lasting peace in the country. We have been alerted by the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/l9l) that armed groups continue to target civilians and that a disproportionate humanitarian crisis is affecting the entire country, with l in 3 South Sudanese becoming displaced. Although political violence has been reduced, intercommunal violence has intensified in recent months and more than 500 people have lost their lives in that type of violence since the beginning of the year. A better understanding of the root causes of intercommunal violence is essential in order to find a way to address them more effectively.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“In particular, Belgium congratulates the parties and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on their role in the signing of the agreement in September 2018. Progress has been made on the ground since then, including the reduction of large-scale political violence. However, problems remain in the implementation of the agreement, including delays in the approval of security provisions. It is essential that the parties agree on a joint vision of the future of the security sector in order to avoid further large-scale Violence. The success of that process will depend on the meaningful participation ofwomen in all areas of the peace process, especially in the committees established in accordance with the peace agreement.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Shearer, for his briefing and exceptional work under difficult conditions. I would also like to warmly thank Ms. Jial for her touching remarks. Today, I would like to address three aspects of the situation in the South Sudan - the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and its implementation; the security and humanitarian situation; and the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Since the last renewal ofthe mandate in March 2018, the political landscape and conflict in South Sudan have changed dramatically.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“We must also recognize the important and positive contribution of young people in conflict prevention and resolution and in post-conflict situations.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“In this context, Belgium calls for particular attention to be paid to the problem of the exploitation, trafficking and illegal trade in natural resources, particularly conflict minerals, such as tin, the 3T, gold, diamonds, coal and wildlife. These have contributed to the outbreak, intensification and continuation of many armed conflicts. That is why we encourage organized, transparent and sustainable management of natural resources, including through the promotion of responsible practices throughout the chain of supply. This initiative must also recognize the crucial role of women and young people. Belgium considers it particularly important to strengthen access to justice for women in conflict or post-conflict situations, as well as to ensure adequate reparations for victims.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“At the same time, at the national level, we must also ensure that we ratify and implement existing instruments, such as the Arms Trade Treaty. Finally, for Belgium, and for many colleagues who have spoken before me, it is essential to maintain a holistic approach to this initiative. This initiative aims first and foremost to create an African continent free of armed conflict. But it also makes it possible to deepen the reflection on the continent's development and on its further integration. In this context, this initiative must pay attention to the deep roots of conflicts, be they political, economic or linked to the violation of human rights. While the political challenges, including the importance of good governance, participation and inclusion are well known, the economic challenges are less so.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“It also demonstrates how strong the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations is. We share the same challenges and we have a collective duty to provide answers. Secondly, we must certainly continue to reflect on the issue, but we must first and foremost act in the field. The ambition of the initiative to silence the weapons by 2020 reminds us of the magnitude of the challenges on the ground. At the international level, we must redouble our efforts to improve the regulation of the international trade in conventional weapons and to prevent and combat illicit trafficking in weapons. We must also seek better coordination between the various regional and international arms-control systems and mechanisms.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, we would like to thank Equatorial Guinea for organizing today's open debate. We would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General, the African Union High Representative, and the founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes for their insightful briefings this morning. Today's open debate on the African Union's Silence the Guns in Africa by 2020 initiative is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the deepening of the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union. Today, I would like to focus on three main messages. First, Belgium welcomes this important initiative. It demonstrates, once again, the importance of African leadership and ownership on peace and security issues on the continent.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Omar Al-Bashir, declared a one-year state of emergency throughout the country, as well as the dissolution of the Government at the federal and state levels. As the country undergoes a difficult situation, Belgium calls for restraint in the use of force by the security services and the immediate release of demonstrators who were arbitrarily detained. The authorities must fully respect the right to demonstrate peacefully, protect civilians and guarantee strictly proportionate use of force. The current tense environment risks negatively affecting the engagement of the parties to the conflict in Darfur in the dialogue.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“Belgium welcomes the signing in Berlin in December 2018 of the pre-negotiation agreement between the Government of the Sudan and two Darfur- based groups. However, the delay in the launch of negotiations among the parties is regrettable. The non-inclusive nature of the national dialogue and the inoperability of the various entities responsible for implementing the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur are also worrisome. The situation in Darfur must be considered in its specifically Sudanese context and cannot be separated from it. Belgium expresses its concern about the current situation in the Sudan, characterized by protests and the authorities' violent response. On 22 February, the President of the Sudan, Mr.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“In general, the establishment of the rule of law and fundamental respect for human rights are key elements to ensuring Darfur's future. The protection of the civilian population and the improvement of the humanitarian situation, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and reform of the security sector, remain necessary for reaching a lasting solution to the crisis. Although a general improvement in the security situation in Darfur is encouraging, Belgium remains especially concerned about the situation in the Jebel Marra area, given the armed incidents between the Sudanese Government and the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction. In addition, human rights abuses continue, primarily affecting children and women, including sexual violence in an environment of impunity.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, allow me to warmly thank Assistant Secretary-General Bintou Keita for her informative briefing. Belgium also welcomed the recent February visit by Assistant Secretaries-General Keita, Fernandez- Taranco and Wahba. We believe that the visit served to underscore our obligation to identify and lay the groundwork for the United Nations role and presence on the ground following the withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The signs that progress has been made in Darfur are clear, and Belgium reaffirms its support for the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and the development of Darfur. Complacency would, however, be an inappropriate response. A cautious approach to closely supporting the withdrawal is required.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“As the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs mentioned earlier, 3.5 million people are in need of assistance and protection owing to the widespread presence of mines, increasing psychological trauma and the lack of access to basic services. We share a deep concern about their suffering and underscore the importance of the multi-year humanitarian response plan for 2019-2020. In conclusion, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We therefore do not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, which we consider to be contrary to international law. Recent tensions in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait due to Russian actions have only widened the gap between the two sides.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We commend the Ukrainian authorities for extending the special status law for the Donbas region, which is one of the cornerstones of the Minsk agreements. On the other hand, Belgium condemns the November 2018 holding of elections in the rebel Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Those elections violate both the letter and the spirit of the Minsk agreements. Belgium remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine. We urge all parties to allow full, continuous and unhindered access in accordance with humanitarian principles. We are particularly concerned about the fact that critical civilian infrastructure, such as that associated with water supply, is being targeted.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We strongly encourage the parties to the conflict to respect the Mission's mandate and allow it safe and unhindered access to all Ukrainian territory, including along the border between Ukraine and Russia and in the Crimea. The lack of progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements is being felt on the ground. We remain deeply concerned about reports of Russian military equipment and personnel present in areas controlled by armed formations. The presence of heavy weapons, in contravention of the Minsk agreements, continues to pose a threat to the civilian population on both sides of the line of contact. We call for the complete withdrawal of those weapons and the disengagement of troops from those areas.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We therefore call on both sides to fully and swiftly implement the Minsk agreements, pursuant to resolution 2202 (2015), and to honour their commitments. We support the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group, as well as those under the Normandy format, to that end. We call on Russia to immediately stop fuelling the conflict by providing financial and military support to armed groups. We call on Russia to use its influence on those armed formations to encourage them to fully respect their commitments under the Minsk agreements. We regret that obstacles have prevented the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine from properly carrying out its monitoring and reporting tasks there. The Mission plays a crucial role in de-escalating tensions.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Assistant Secretaries- General Mueller and J enca and Mr. Apakan and Mr. Sajdik, representing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, for their enlightening and informative briefings. Four years since the conclusion of the Minsk agreements, we note that large-scale violent clashes have subsided. However, we also note that ceasefire violations continue almost every day, resulting in deaths and injuries not only among combatants, but also within the civilian population. The implementation of the agreements' key provisions remains a dead letter, even though it represents the only means to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Regardless of the colour of the helmet, it is essential that the basic rules of international humanitarian law and human rights not be subject to any exception and be fully upheld during operations. Personnel are deployed with a view to seeking peace and a way out of the crisis; as such, their conduct must be exemplary. Belgium welcomes the efforts of the Secretary-General to fight relentlessly against sexual violence in the United Nations, and the Council should set equally stringent standards for the regional operations that it authorizes. Finally, I wish to reiterate our support for the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Commission of the African Union in establishing a compliance framework for the respect of human rights and international and humanitarian law.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Operational commitment, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, helps to reduce tension by implementing independent observation capacity, thereby complementing the political process. Finally, with respect to mediation, regional organizations can bring their local knowledge and expertise to the field, while the United Nations offers neutrality, as well as universal authority and norms. Beyond those principles, we must also recognize that each situation is different and ever-changing. Pre-establishing strict rules is not effective. What is certain is that different tiers each have their own uses and legitimacy and must be used in concert and combined in a coherent and effective way.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“True complementarity is demonstrated on the ground in the country, where the key commitment of the international community in support of its crisis recovery is embodied in the group of five international partners in Bissau, which brings together the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and ECOWAS. The success of an electoral poll sometimes makes it possible to prevent or resolve a conflict. Electoral processes are another example of complementarity. Although the United Nations is sometimes involved in the preparations for and the holding of a ballot, electoral monitoring is regularly undertaken by the African Union, the Southern African Development Community or ECOWAS.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In the division of tasks and responsibilities among the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, our approach is guided by two core principles: complementarity and subsidiarity. I will first broach subsidiarity. In The Gambia, we recently saw a fine example of putting that principle into practice, namely, the decisive action of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations, that has allowed for a transition towards democracy in a largely peaceful manner. Turning to complementarity, Guinea-Bissau is a textbook example of the principle.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source