YouSaid · the spoken record

Baeriswyl

lines on the record: 694
first: 2013-06-24
most recent: 2023-12-22
sittings or episodes: 128
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

“That should make it possible to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages who have been held since the terrorist attacks of 7 October, which Switzerland firmly condemned. Today’s resolution must be complementary to international humanitarian law, according to which all parties to the conflict, as well as non-warring States, have the obligation to authorize and facilitate rescue operations for populations in need.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“The resolution provides for a humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator post to establish a United Nations mechanism that should allow all the necessary flexibility to expedite and streamline the process and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need as quickly as possible. Switzerland welcomes the agreement reached by the Council, which should contribute to an effective implementation of life-saving humanitarian aid on the ground. With the same aim of facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, the resolution calls for the creation of conditions for a lasting ceasefire, without prejudice to Israel’s right to ensure its defence and security.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland voted in favour of resolution 2720 (2023) and welcomes its adoption. I would like to thank the delegation of the United Arab Emirates and all colleagues — Council members, as well as colleagues from the region — for their tireless efforts to find a compromise in order to alleviate the disastrous humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. It is essential that the Council speak out in favour of the protection of civilians. The images of the Rafah crossing clearly show that the civilian population is desperate. It needs the immediate support of the international community to survive. While such a compromise, by its nature, falls far short of many expectations, the adoption of the resolution, like the opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, is a contribution to that end.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9520 (2023) · source
“It also acknowledges the significant progress and continuing efforts of the African Union in integrating and implementing international human rights law, international humanitarian law and standards of conduct and discipline. We now call on all parties to contribute to the best of their ability to the implementation of the framework resolution. In particular, we call on all to stand ready to find compromise in future negotiations on a case-by-case basis. This is a decisive step for the future of African Union-led peace support operations and a model for other organizations to promote peace and security on the continent.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“To fulfil their mandates, peacekeeping missions must be able to rely on predictable, sustainable and flexible funding. That also applies to African Union-led peace support operations authorized by the Council. Switzerland has remained steadfast in its commitment to that end. In 2018, when the Council already began considering the issue, we co-sponsored the draft resolution. We have also done so today with the draft resolution submitted by the A3. During negotiations, Switzerland was keen to lend its support and play a constructive role in the negotiation process, aimed at promoting compromise among the positions. The resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of the African Union to the maintenance of international peace and security on the continent.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2719 (2023). Switzerland thanks the three African members (A3) of the Security Council — Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique — for their efforts during the negotiation process on the resolution on funding for African Union-led peace support operations. The process began in May, under the Swiss presidency of the Security Council, during which we discussed the Secretary- General’s report on the subject (S/2023/303). It is an important step for the New Agenda for Peace. At the outset, Switzerland welcomed the A3’s initiative for a new Council decision to ensure predictable, sustainable and flexible funding for African Union-led peace support operations.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9518 (2023) · source
“Through cholera vaccination campaigns, the delivery of humanitarian items and the provision of food rations, water, sanitation, health and protection services, cash and voucher assistance and so much more, those humanitarian actors help to prevent the humanitarian crisis from deepening even more and provide much-needed hope to the people. We need to ensure a context for the safe and efficient implementation of their work. Building on our role on the Council with Brazil thus far, Switzerland is committed to maintaining the continued attention of the Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“We further hope that sufficient funding of the humanitarian response will be ensured so that life-saving assistance and early-recovery projects can be ensured. In order to prevent this grim regression from transforming into an even bleaker outlook for 2024, the international community has a responsibility to act. A political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015) is urgently needed. In the midst of the turmoil in Gaza, with its regional implications, the Council must not forget the plight of the Syrian people. Let me conclude by expressing our appreciation to the United Nations and its partner organizations for their tireless work and efforts in serving the people in need in Syria.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“In July, the authorization for the United Nations to operate the Bab Al-Hawa cross-border aid mechanism from Türkiye to north-west Syria transitioned from a Security Council mandate to a consent-based arrangement, which is set to expire on 13 January 2024. In the middle of harsh winter conditions, we trust that all of the authorizations will be renewed without conditions or time limit, as the lifeline for millions of people depend on those. The parties must allow and facilitate humanitarian access to all people in need. That is an obligation under international humanitarian law. All access modalities are necessary — including cross-border and cross-line — to support people in need across Syria.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, repeated air strikes on the two main airports of the country have disrupted United Nations humanitarian aid flights, severely hampering the transport of humanitarian goods and personnel. We recall that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties and that the protection of civilians must be ensured at all times. Moreover, the cross-border mechanism for aid delivery went through a major shift this year. Following the devastation of the earthquakes, Syria agreed to open the Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai border-crossings in order to facilitate the emergency response. The time-bound authorization has been renewed until 13 February 2024.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“At the same time, food insecurity keeps rising, and cases of severe malnutrition are being increasingly reported, especially with children, as we just heard. Yet, due to the lack of funds, the World Food Programme has had to drastically reduce rations since the summer, while in 2024, the number of beneficiaries will be significantly reduced. Those reductions risk having consequences for access to other basic services, as people will have to prioritize needs, and leading to increased negative coping mechanisms, such as child labour and early marriage. The worrisome increase in violence and attacks in the north-east and north- west of the country since October has led to internal displacement, has cost lives and has significantly damaged civilian infrastructure.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“The earthquake, with its epicentre in Türkiye, has heavily affected northern Syria. People lost their homes, families and community members in a matter of minutes. At least 6,000 people were killed, with many more injured, and thousands of buildings were destroyed. That has led to the further deterioration of the already-dire humanitarian situation. The number of out of school children grew by at least 25 per cent. Inadequate sanitary infrastructure in makeshift camps for internally displaced persons and continued extreme drought and water scarcity led to the spread of the cholera outbreak across most of Syria. The large-scale vaccination campaign by the United Nations has been helpful in transforming cholera cases into milder, more manageable infections. However, it still remains a concern.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“I speak on behalf of Switzerland and Brazil, co-penholders on the Syrian humanitarian file. We thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and the Director of the Humanitarian Financing and Resource Mobilization Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Lisa Doughten, for their briefings. We also acknowledge the presence of the representatives of Syria, Türkiye and Iran at this meeting. This is the last joint statement, together with Brazil, before our esteemed co-penholder partner concludes its term on the Security Council. We would like to thank them for their excellent cooperation throughout their term. We will miss them and use this opportunity to both look back at this year and towards future developments. As we are all aware, in 2023, the people of Syria have experienced severe hardship.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“On the occasion of the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reminded us that we must rebuild a foundation of hope. For Afghanistan, we could find hope in the prospect of a country where the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every individual are respected and where living in security, free from fear, is guaranteed. Educational opportunities for all, but especially for women and girls, are a key ingredient in this foundation of hope for a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan. Switzerland remains determined to continue, along with Council members, its active support for Afghanistan. We also continue to support UNAMA and its vital work on the ground.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Those migratory events also serve to underline the importance of the broader regional context of Afghanistan. States in the region need to be closely involved in all efforts. Secondly, there are climate issues. A week ago, the Council’s Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security met to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. On that occasion, UNAMA highlighted the scale of the impact of climate change on the country, both in humanitarian and livelihood terms. It is therefore essential that we step up our efforts on this issue, particularly in view of its regional and global impacts. Switzerland is also in favour of reviewing the international commitment on the matter, as part of the follow-up to the independent assessment.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“For Switzerland, in addition to the inclusion of women in all processes and activities, two other aspects will be essential on that path. First, as we heard, there is the massive forced return of Afghans from Pakistan, 60 per cent of whom are children. That represents an enormous challenge for an economic and humanitarian system that is already severely strained. Switzerland recognizes the immense efforts made by neighbouring countries to take in those refugees. At the same time, we recall the obligations under international law, including international refugee law, and the need for durable political solutions. On this last point, we are grateful to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for its commitment and fully support it.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Afghanistan’s economic development is inconceivable without the contribution of women; whether as company directors, entrepreneurs or employees, Afghan women are indispensable to the country’s prosperity. The Arria Formula meeting at our Mission on 11 December confirmed this once again: Afghanistan can achieve lasting stability, security and prosperity only with the full participation of women. The international community must adopt a common strategy and act with unity. We just heard that the Council was united and must remain so. The independent assessment that the Secretary-General submitted to us (S/2023/856,annex) provides an opportunity to develop such a strategic approach. We support the co-penholders, Japan and United Arab Emirates, in their efforts to find a way forward.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would also like to begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Otunbayeva, our colleague from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Rajasingham, and Ms. Akbar for their briefings. The New Agenda for Peace highlights education as one of the proven development paths that strengthen the social contract and human security. In Afghanistan, 84,234 secondary school graduates took the university entrance exam this year. Not one of them was a woman. I repeat: not a single woman was among the 84,234 high school students with the prospect of going to university. At the same time, we note that the most likely economic scenario for the country in the medium term is that of a recession, along with an increase in poverty.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“There is a willingness to conduct and support a dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and we welcome any willingness on the part of the parties to engage in exchanges, as well as any de-escalation measures on their part. We also welcome the Secretary-General’s call for good offices and encourage the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to engage in constructive dialogue with the Council and the United Nations system. Disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation have always been a priority for the United Nations and the Council and are also a key recommendation in the New Agenda for Peace. We must not fail in that task. To find a political solution, the Council must break its silence. To be effective, the call for dialogue must be articulated around a united position.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“We welcome the signs of easing of the heavy restrictions put in place by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in connection with the pandemic. Those restrictions should no longer be a major obstacle to humanitarian assistance. The opening of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s borders must go hand in hand with rapid, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. To achieve that, the entry of international personnel into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is essential. Thirdly, the Council and the United Nations as a whole have an important role to play in encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the search for diplomatic solutions.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is obliged to implement its obligations under the resolutions of the Council and to take concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. We recall that while the obligations arising from the resolutions apply primarily to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, they also apply to all other States, which are required to effectively implement the Security Council’s sanctions. Secondly, the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must not be left behind. Serious and systematic human rights violations and impunity for the perpetrators must cease. There is a link between the nuclear programme and human rights violations, and the Council should consider how it might further address that link.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“The use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Their use would be difficult to envisage in compliance with the relevant rules of international law in general and international humanitarian law in particular. We must reinforce our efforts in favour of non-proliferation, disarmament and the maintenance of the nuclear taboo. In the face of those repeated challenges, we must not waver in our collective duty. That is why the Council must assume its responsibilities. In that regard, I would like to highlight three aspects. First, those launches are a violation of legally binding resolutions and therefore of international law. It is therefore our collective duty to condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ballistic missile tests.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing, and we welcome the participation of the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea in our deliberations. Once again, the Council is meeting because of a ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s development and operationalization of nuclear delivery systems, together with its nuclear programme, represent a threat to the entire international community. Switzerland condemns this fifth launch this year of an intercontinental ballistic missile. It takes place against the backdrop of a tense security situation, and Switzerland is concerned about the risk of escalation inherent in such an act.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“While recognizing Israel’s right to ensure its defence and security, we call on the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, in particular to fulfil their obligations in the conduct of hostilities, notably to respect the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution in all circumstances. We must support any process that promotes peace and security. The full, equal and meaningful participation of Palestinian and Israeli women is essential. The two-State solution is the only foundation that can ensure peace and stability in the region. We must help to rebuild that foundation for two democratic States — Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part — living side by side, in peace, within secure and recognized borders.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Aid must be increased, its importance must be understood and, above all, the necessary conditions must be met for its effective distribution throughout the Gaza Strip. We welcome the opening of Kerem Shalom and expect it to allow the entry of humanitarian and commercial goods via a variety of access routes. In view of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, with a real risk of a collapse of the social order, we hope that the Council will be able to shoulder its responsibility and speak out in support of the Gazan civilian population in need.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Switzerland recalls Israel’s obligations under international law, including the obligation to protect the civilian population. In an environment of near complete impunity, independent investigations must be carried out into all violations of international law in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. In addition, Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international humanitarian law, as mentioned in resolution 2334 (2016). As the occupying Power, Israel must refrain from taking any measures that would introduce permanent changes in the Palestinian territory. In Gaza today, the protection of civilians is not being respected, and aid remains insufficient.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“More than two thirds of them died during Israeli operations, including air strikes and incursions, particularly in the Tulkarem, Jenin and Balata camps. Switzerland calls on Israel to respect its obligations under international law during such operations. In particular, the use of force must meet the criteria of necessity and proportionality and protect every individual’s right to life and security of person. We also condemn the violent acts committed by settlers against Palestinian civilians, which reinforce the prevailing coercive environment in the West Bank, which has led to the deaths of several Palestinians, the forced displacement of more than a thousand civilians and the destruction of essential infrastructure since 7 October. This escalation of violence is unacceptable.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“In his report, the Secretary-General also strongly condemns those acts of terror, including the taking of hostages and the sexual violence committed during the attacks by Hamas. Since then, thousands of civilians have tragically lost their lives in Israel and many more throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. The risk of a regional expansion of the conflict remains real, as shown by the growing tensions on both sides of the Blue Line. The situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem also demonstrates that. The number of deaths among civilians there was already reaching frightening records before 7 October. Since then, violence has increased and, according to the United Nations, more than 250 Palestinians, a quarter of them children, have been killed.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and Major General Patrick Gauchat for their participation in this meeting. We thank them for their great efforts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and human rights and to liaise with all regional actors so as to avoid regional escalation. As the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2023/458) recalls, resolution 2334 (2016) condemns “all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as all acts of provocation and destruction”, as well as incitement to violence. In that spirit, Switzerland condemned the acts of terror committed by Hamas on 7 October and has since called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9513 (2023) · source
“In order to meet the aspiration of the Libyan people for the holding of elections, compromise and collaboration are imperative. That is why Switzerland supports the Special Representative’s efforts to bring the key players together. We call on the latter to accept the Special Representative’s invitation to a preparatory meeting. My last point concerns sanctions. I would like to stress the need to fully implement resolution 2664”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“To that end, as co-Chair of the Working Group on International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, Switzerland co-organized a meeting of the four groups established as a result of the Berlin process. The meeting made possible identifying synergies to promote human rights in the political, economic and security spheres. We will maintain our commitment in that regard. My second message concerns the elections. After a delay of two years, it is high time that be they held, and in an inclusive manner. “Inclusive” means with women’s participation. It is imperative that women be able to vote and present their candidacies, free from threats or reprisals. “Inclusive” also means with the participation of young people. Their participation in the electoral process is vital to the country’s future.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“We echo the warnings of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who issued a wake-up call that should make us aware “that failure to respect human rights results in instability, suffering, more inequalities and economic crises”. However, seventy-five years later, there is still a long way to go. That wake-up call also applies to Libya. By redoubling its efforts to guarantee respect for human rights, Libya can catalyse its democratic transformation and lay the foundations for a secure environment conducive to elections. Nevertheless, we are witnessing the repression of human rights defenders and a narrowing civic space, for example, through arbitrary detentions. Moreover, the voices of journalists, academics and members of civil society are being silenced, threatening the right to the freedom of expression.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily and Deputy Permanent Representative Yamanaka for their briefings. Before elaborating on three points, allow me to refer to the tragic shipwreck off the coast of Libya last Saturday. Sixty-one migrants drowned. Thousands of people die and disappear in the Mediterranean every year. We are saddened by the news of this shipwreck, and we express our sincere condolences to the victims and their families. Against that backdrop, the protection and promotion of human rights remains a priority. Last week, we commemorated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9510 (2023) · source
“The actors of international Geneva, such as the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and the Small Arms Survey, will remain committed to supporting the development of concrete and effective measures to sustainably reduce the human cost of these weapons.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“The components of United Nations missions — such as the United Nations police, and the judicial and penitentiary services that develop the capacities of bodies responsible for maintaining public order and the rule of law — should be strengthened, particularly during transitions. Switzerland welcomes the New Agenda for Peace and the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management — adopted by the General Assembly last week in its resolution 78/47 — which recognize the harmful and disproportionate impact on women of the illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons. The time has come to focus on implementation.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“That is why the New Agenda for Peace proposes integrating the subject of small arms into violence prevention strategies. With that in mind, Switzerland co-organized a regional seminar in West Africa last week on the links between violence prevention and the management of conventional weapons. One of the key recommendations was on ensuring the participation of women in weapons management and violence prevention. Filling judicial and security gaps so that transnational organized crime cannot exploit them is fundamental to limiting demand. The missions mandated by the Council must have the capacity needed to support States in that task.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“Within the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, led jointly by Switzerland, we are also committed to improving the recording of cases of weapons misuse. Secondly, implementing embargoes adopted by the Council is crucial to curbing the illicit trade in light weapons. Resolution 2616 (2021) established important milestones, particularly through its recommendations on the marking, tracing and registration of weapons in accordance with established standards. The Council should encourage States to consider the risks of violating international law that the use of such weapons could entail. That also implies considering the risk of their being used in the commission of severe acts of sexual violence. Thirdly, while the supply of weapons must be reduced, the root causes of the demand for them must also be addressed.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“That is underlined by the fact that small arms and light weapons are used in 70 to 90 per cent of cases of conflict-related sexual violence. Switzerland welcomes Ecuador’s emphasis on gender aspects in today’s debate and stresses the positive role that the Council can play in curbing the harmful effects of small arms. First, our commitment to dealing with small arms and light weapons at both the multilateral and national levels must take account of the women and peace and security agenda. The recommendations of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network can inspire the Council’s action. That involves, for example, providing better training for senior personnel, strengthening national legislation and encouraging ongoing engagement with civil society.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the briefers for their presentations. The modest sum of $130 is enough to buy an AK- 47 assault rifle in Afghanistan, as Lynne O’Donnell reports in Foreign Policy. That amount attests to the current widespread availability of small arms and light weapons that are fuelling the ravages caused by their illicit trade and misuse. The flow of weapons is both a source and symptom of conflicts. As the Secretary-General points out, it continues to “undermine peace and security at the national, regional and global levels, derailing States from their paths towards sustainable development.” (S/2023/823, para.2) In particular, it stands in the way of ending all forms of discrimination, which is one of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, it is crucial that the damage caused by the war is recorded and that justice is done to the victims. The fight against impunity for the most serious crimes is a priority for Switzerland, and we support efforts to ensure accountability. That also applies to the perpetrators of crimes of aggression, who must answer for their actions. That is why Switzerland is committed to supporting the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Let me conclude by reiterating Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine cannot be justified.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“To promote a peaceful settlement, we continue to urge Russia to cease all combat operations and withdraw all its troops from Ukrainian territory. The plight of civilians risks worsening with the onset of winter and continued attacks on vital infrastructure. That situation is particularly dangerous for children and other vulnerable people, including the elderly, sick and disabled. We again urge all parties to spare the civilian population and infrastructure and to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Ukraine. Alongside humanitarian aid, an inclusive and partic- ipatory reconstruction process must be supported. Demi- ning, which Switzerland has made a priority in Ukraine, is a precondition for reconstruction, and is urgent.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“As we reaffirmed at the seven previous meetings on arms deliveries this year, Ukraine has the right under the Charter of the United Nations to ensure its security and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. We reiterate that it is imperative to implement multilateral conventions and instruments on arms transfers effectively and comprehensively. All States have a responsibility to fulfil their obligations. In particular, the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, including resolutions 1718 (2006) and 2231 (2015), must be respected. Efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, always on the basis of the Charter, must be pursued. Switzerland is actively committed to that goal.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, for his briefing, and I have also taken note of Ms. Wright’s remarks. Today’s meeting is yet another attempt by Russia to deflect from its responsibility for the war against Ukraine and its consequences. Once again, the narrative presented ignores the fact that the military aggression against Ukraine constitutes a grave violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Russia has not only attacked a Member State, but also international law and multilateralism as a whole. There is no doubt about who is the aggressor and who is the aggressee.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“At a time when the number of victims of violations of international law is rising dramatically, insecurity is hampering people’s access to humanitarian aid. Those violations of international law must stop immediately and be investigated. The Security Council visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo this year to engage in dialogue with the Congolese authorities and promote mutual understanding. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s continued cooperation and dialogue with the United Nations remains essential. As the Council prepares to renew MONUSCO’s mandate, ensuring a constructive and transparent relationship between the Council and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be crucial to a successful disengagement process.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“It is crucial for the Congolese people to be able to express their will freely and without fear of reprisals. Meanwhile, all the candidates have a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process is peaceful and free of hate speech. We regret that people living in certain territories, notably Masisi and Rutshuru, have been deprived of the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. Thirdly, all parties must respect international humanitarian law and human rights. The increased fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since October is worrisome. The growing attacks in North Kivu and Ituri by armed groups, particularly Wazalendo, the M-23, the Allied Democratic Forces and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo, are having a devastating impact on the civilian population.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“At the regional level, Switzerland calls on all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions. Sincere, in-depth dialogue, in particular between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, is urgently needed to put an end to the cycle of violence. To that end, all support for armed groups, in particular the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) and the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), must stop immediately. In that regard, Switzerland takes note of the Congolese Government’s decision to forbid its officers from having any contact with the FDLR. At a national level, the Democratic Republic of the Congo must make every effort to guarantee civic space for its people, particularly in the context of the elections.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“In the context of the deployment of regional forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is essential that any support provided by MONUSCO be in strict compliance with the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy. The regional forces should apply the African Union’s compliance framework and include the protection of civilians in their mandate. Finally, with the Mission’s withdrawal from South Kivu set for 2024, we encourage the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen the rule of law and the security sector and the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process for armed groups. Secondly, existing political initiatives must be strengthened to put an end to the clashes and build a lasting peace.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“First, the withdrawal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) must be carried out responsibly and in stages. Switzerland welcomes the cooperation between the Congolese authorities and the Mission in drawing up the disengagement plan. We acknowledge the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s call for a gradual withdrawal of the Mission and therefore welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the withdrawal is carried out responsibly and in phases. That means giving priority to the protection of civilians and ensuring an inclusive and cooperative process, including with civil society.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I too would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bintou Keita and Ms. Sandrine Lusamba for their briefings and their efforts. I also welcome the participation in today’s meeting of representatives of States in the region. During a recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo by a delegation from my country’s foreign ministry, we met Pétronille Vaweka, a long-standing representative of Congolese civil society who told us that “[d]espite the continuing conflict and suffering in the east, I believe firmly that we can build peace. That is why I am still standing here”. I would therefore like to reaffirm to the Congolese people Switzerland’s commitment to promoting lasting peace in the country. In that regard, I want to make three points.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We all had the opportunity to express our full positions this morning (see S/PV.9498), so allow me to just add the following. Switzerland voted in favour of the draft resolution presented by the United Arab Emirates (S/2023/970) in the knowledge that a humanitarian ceasefire is understood as a time-limited humanitarian pause, without prejudicing Israel’s right to ensure its defence and security. Switzerland regrets the fact that the draft resolution was not adopted.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9499 (2023) · source