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

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“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Allow me first to comment on the vote at the beginning of today’s meeting on the request for a briefer to participate. My country would like to stress that, in principle, we welcome the possibility for the Security Council to invite briefers that it considers qualified under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure. We believe that they can bring an important perspective to issues within the Council’s competence. Today Switzerland voted against the proposal to invite a proposed briefer because we believe it is imperative to consider General Assembly resolution ES-11/4 in making this decision.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Resolution 2553 (2020) recognizes that a representative, reactive, effective, efficient, professional and responsible security that operates without discrimination and in full respect of human rights and the rule of law is the cornerstone of peace and sustainable development. That is why Switzerland is committed to promoting good governance in the security sector in the framework of its priority of building sustainable development.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, United Nations peacekeeping and special political missions can play a role in improving security governance. It is essential that support be part of a national political process that develops the capacity of security institutions. Regional and subregional instruments, such as that the African Union Policy Framework on Security Sector Reform, provide important information that can guide those efforts. Successful security sector reform is often a key factor in enabling a mission to minimize its presence and, in time, withdraw. The Council should therefore strengthen the mandates of missions with regard to the role of security sector reform and encourage enhanced cooperation between peace operations or political missions and the United Nations country teams.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“That must be fully considered during peace negotiations, and clear implementation processes that are mutually agreed among all stakeholders must be followed in order to avoid a relapse of tensions. Secondly, supporting security sector reform means strengthening the rule of law. The security sector must integrate the specific security needs of the population as a whole. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all institutions and all decision-making, accountability and monitoring mechanisms must therefore be guaranteed. It is in that spirit that Switzerland is engaging with the Gambia, for example, alongside the Immigration Department, in order to improve the quality of services provided in local communities by strengthening its management and accountability, with a focus on gender.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Switzerland believes that governance and security sector reform are essential to peace, security and sustainable development. Beyond our efforts within bilateral cooperation, the cornerstone of our commitment in this sphere is the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance. The Centre carries out programmes involving more than 70 States, and its contribution to the areas of governance and security sector reform are globally recognized. I would like to make three remarks here. First, investing in institutions for effective, responsible and professional security means investing in lasting peace and conflict prevention. Every peace process redefines the balance of forces in society.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Zouev, Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, and Mr. Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, for their briefings. I also welcome the Permanent Representatives of South Africa and Slovakia. I would also like to thank Mozambique for putting this theme on the agenda. This meeting allows us to address the important points in the Secretary-General’s report on security sector reform (S/2022/280). We appreciate the Secretariat’s efforts to develop the programme of action to implement resolution 2553 (2020) and acknowledge the initiatives undertaken by the African Union and its member States with an eye to strengthening security governance capacities.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“We encourage UNAMA to pursue its valuable work and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in the full implementation of its mandate, whether at the political, humanitarian or human rights levels. In that regard, Switzerland places particular emphasis on the situation of women and girls, who are currently excluded from public life owing to the repressive measures of the Taliban. I would also like to echo my colleague from the United Arab Emirates in saying that our work has only just begun and we must work even harder.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9283 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would first like to join other speakers in thanking the co-penholders for their valuable work and all Council members for their constructive engagement, which led to the adoption of resolutions 2678 (2023) and 2679 (2023). However, let us be clear: if the situation has become very serious in Afghanistan today, it is clearly because the actions of the Taliban obstruct the work of the international community. In that regard, Switzerland welcomes the unanimous decision of the Security Council to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) by 12 months, which sends an important message conveying the international community’s continued support for the United Nations presence in Afghanistan and its confidence in the work of the Mission.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9283 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, the continued restrictions on humanitarian actors, including women, are unacceptable and must be lifted immediately. The economic warfare being waged by the parties to the conflict has had a severe impact on Yemenis, who are increasingly dependent on humanitarian aid. Children remain among the main victims of mines and explosive remnants of war. However, reconstruction work is not possible without addressing that issue. We therefore urge the authorities and the international community to make mine action a priority. In conclusion, Switzerland calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and the relevant human rights provisions. The year 2023 must be the year of change. The truce must be restored and extended to a permanent ceasefire.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Last week’s open debate (see S/PV.9276) reminded us that in Yemen, as elsewhere, the inclusion of women in the peace process is essential for a just and equal future. Secondly, we would like to thank the many countries that demonstrated their support for the people of Yemen at the donors’ conference. That momentum of solidarity must not stop; some activities remain underfunded, such as those related to water, sanitation and the protection of civilians. It also implies a more sustainable and systematic approach that goes beyond short-term aid. Despite last week’s important and welcome milestone in averting an oil spill in the Red Sea, the FSO SAFER tanker rescue plan requires the continued attention of the entire international community.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“First, we welcome the commitment of the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia to the ongoing dialogue for peace and urge the parties to engage resolutely to silence weapons for good. We also note with satisfaction the willingness of the parties to fulfil their obligations under the Stockholm Agreement to release all detainees. In that regard, the current discussions of the oversight committee in Switzerland are a step in the right direction and must be implemented as soon as possible. In addition, we call on all parties to exercise restraint and show full readiness for an intra-Yemeni national dialogue. Indeed, the positive momentum we are witnessing must be reflected in the finalization of an inclusive political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations, with the participation of the entire society.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“In addition to the generosity shown by many States, Switzerland notes the vibrant appeal of Ms. Naeam Al Kulaidi of the Tamdeen Youth Foundation, who said, “We have the impression that the world is beginning to forget us... Nothing is more important for Yemen than to end the conflict so that the people can have a chance to live in security and dignity”. After eight years of conflict, the time for hesitation has come to an end. We must respond to those legitimate aspirations without delay. The decision by Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations last week represents an important signal for peace and stability in the region, which Switzerland, the protecting Power of both countries, welcomes. Echoing the appeal made by Ms. Al Kulaidi, Switzerland would like to highlight the following three points.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to join others in expressing our profound condolences following the natural disaster that hit your country, Mozambique, Mr. President, and Malawi. Our thoughts are with the families that have been affected. I would like to thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya for their briefings, in particular their efforts to promote peace and protect civilians in Yemen. I also thank Ambassador Albana Dautllari of Albania for her briefing on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). The international community met in Geneva on 27 February to reaffirm its solidarity with the Yemeni people at a high-level donor conference.”
2023-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9282 (2023) · source
“Afghanistan is facing multiple mutually reinforcing crises that have plunged it into deep insecurity. We must rally around a common strategy and support the people in their efforts to regain security. However, these efforts can succeed only if the Taliban reverse their misogynistic actions and recognize the key role of women in society, the economy and politics. We call on them to rescind their recent decrees banning women from higher education and from working for non-governmental organizations. More generally, they must recognize the importance of inclusive Government and the rule of law. To support those goals, the United Nations must maintain its presence on the ground, in safety and security, through a strong mandate for engagement. We assure the Council of our continued support for this cause.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“Secondly, we must address humanitarian needs and find sustainable solutions to Afghanistan’s endemic food insecurity. Decades of environmental degradation have increased desertification and worsened drought. The resilience of Afghans is stretched to the limit. Some 28 million people depend on humanitarian aid to survive. But beyond the immediate delivery of aid, we must continue our long-term support. In the face of increasing challenges from climate change, the Afghan people must be supported to adapt their agriculture and make natural-resource management more sustainable. In addition, basic public services must be able to function, especially in the areas of education and public health. A stable economy is needed to create prospects for a dignified future.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“In the near future, two areas of action seem to us to be priorities for commitment of the United Nations. First, the Security Council and UNAMA must support all efforts aimed at promoting an Afghanistan where all of society participates in public life without discrimination or reprisals. The protection of human rights is essential to the stability of the country. Women and girls must have access to education, work, politics and social and economic life. We defend the right of women to participate in all decision-making processes. This is essential for immediate humanitarian needs, but also for economic and social development, as well as for building sustainable peace. The work of Afghan women in many non-governmental organizations on the ground is essential to achieving these goals.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“The list of violent incidents against women and girls includes murders, honour killings, forced marriages and beatings that can lead to disabilities. At a time when their access to education and work is virtually non-existent, we call on the Taliban to immediately reverse the prohibitions against women and girls. Switzerland condemns all human rights violations committed by the Taliban, in particular violations of the rights of women, but also of children and ethnic minorities. We are currently negotiating the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Switzerland joins the Secretary-General in calling for an extension of the current mandate, which will allow the Mission to continue its vital activities for the Afghan people.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“They will continue to defend and fight for their rights, and it is our duty to support them in this endeavour.” The full, equal and meaningful participation of women was repeatedly called for in this Chamber during yesterday’s open debate on women, peace and security (see S/PV.9276). Yet we cannot rely on words alone. Whether in Afghanistan or elsewhere in the world, making the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) a reality is our obligation. In Afghanistan, women and girls see their human rights and fundamental freedoms violated on a daily basis. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/151) and the briefing of the Special Representative show us that the situation continues to worsen.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Mr. President, I thank you for convening today’s meeting, and I thank Special Representative Otunbayeva for her testimony on the worrisome developments in Afghanistan and for her valuable work. I also thank Ms. Zubaida Akbar for her briefing and for her commitment to and with those who struggle for human rights every day and who, as we have heard, often risk their lives. It is a sad coincidence that today we are celebrating International Women’s Day around the world, while women and girls in Afghanistan are the focus of our attention. Earlier this year, the Executive Director of UN-Women reminded us that “Afghan women have left us in no doubt about their courage and their refusal to be erased from public life.”
2023-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9277 (2023) · source
“They are among the millions of Syrian refugees around the world, and some of them lost additional family members during the 80 seconds of the violent earthquake. Giving those relatives the right to know means opening the door to a political solution, which remains the only way out of the conflict.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“From Aleppo to Al-Suwayda, from Deir ez-Zor to Homs, air strikes, indiscriminate attacks and armed clashes are endangering civilians across the country and seriously hampering the achievement of a lasting peace. We call on all the parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law and to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel. In accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) and the appeal in the Secretary-General’s recent report (A/76/890) on missing persons in Syria, Switzerland calls for the fate of the detained and missing persons to be fully clarified. The relatives of missing persons are among the 15.3 million Syrians who depend on humanitarian aid.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“Switzerland thanks Special Envoy Pedersen for the commitment he has shown since the early hours of the earthquakes to the people affected, in accordance with the mandate given to him by the Council. In that connection, we welcome the two meetings of the Task Force on Humanitarian Affairs held under his aegis on 9 and 22 February in Geneva — the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe and of the main humanitarian organizations involved on the ground. Switzerland would also like to amplify the Special Envoy’s call for a national ceasefire and to encourage him to continue holding talks to that end with the main regional and international actors.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“As I just said, the earthquakes of 6 February and their numerous aftershocks have decimated entire communities in the north and north-west of the country. The testimony of Ahmad, a member of a civil society organization active in Aleppo province, illustrates that tragic situation. He said that: “In a few moments, everyone became a victim. Civilians, aid workers, and even police, ambulance and civil defence personnel, all fell victim to this devastating earthquake. Eighty seconds was enough to change life there.” For those Syrians, those 80 seconds of earthquake added to 12 years of conflict that have undermined the political and social foundation of their country.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“We encourage all Member States to increase their support to the urgent humanitarian appeals in response to the earthquakes, as well as the humanitarian response plan for 2023, including the pooled funds. That should ensure the expeditious provision of life-saving aid, as well as the continuity of already existing programmes and projects, such as those of early recovery. The humanitarian situation in Syria was already worse than ever, before this earthquake. More than a decade of ongoing hostilities has left long-term consequences, and 15.3 million Syrians throughout the country were already expected to need assistance this year. That number will now further increase. It is our duty to help them. (spoke in French) I would now like to speak in my national capacity on the political situation in Syria.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“We urge all parties to continue to allow and facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access in all regions of Syria. In that regard, all aid, including through cross-border and cross-line modalities, needs to be made available to humanitarian actors in order to ensure rapid, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access. We call on all parties to protect the work of humanitarian actors by respecting international humanitarian law and ceasing hostilities, as they only add to the suffering of the civilian population. As co-penholders, we remain guided by the humanitarian imperative and the needs of the people in Syria. The consequences of such a devastating natural disaster cannot be subject to politicization.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“We hope that the number of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid will increase in the near future, if more funding is provided for the response. The necessary conditions for the swift and unhindered delivery of aid and essential services to take place in a sustained and predictable way must be ensured and maintained. Furthermore, we welcome the fact that four cross- border United Nations inter-agency missions have so far been able to be conducted in the area affected by the earthquakes. Such missions are important in order to get assessments of the situation on the ground and respond accordingly, and we hope that they can continue. It is important to ensure that aid continues to be distributed without major security incidents on the ground.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“It is therefore crucial for the humanitarian response to ensure that the distinct needs of the various groups of people are met. The risks of sexual and gender- based violence are particularly high in this context of destruction and displacement. We commend the efforts made by many countries to enable humanitarian assistance in Türkiye and Syria. We are encouraged to hear that United Nations convoys have been able to deliver aid through the three border crossings at Bab Al-Hawa, Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai since the 13 February understanding reached between Syria and the United Nations. As we have just heard, according to the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, more than 400 trucks have made such deliveries over the past three weeks.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“Three weeks after the arrival of the earthquakes and their many aftershocks, humanitarian needs in Syria are greater than ever. People in the regions who are directly affected are surviving with an insufficient food supply, unsafe housing, inadequate medical support and a high level of exposure to a multitude of protection risks. Among them are the millions of Syrians who had been internally displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict. The need for food, shelter, heating, drinking water, medicines, fuel and broader gender-responsive protection services is high across all regions of Syria. The earthquakes have exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and inequalities across the country linked to age, gender and health conditions.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“I am delivering this statement on behalf of the co-penholders of the Syria humanitarian file, Brazil and Switzerland. Let me first thank Mr. Geir Pedersen, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Ms. Rasha Muhrez, the Response Director of Save the Children, for their briefings and hard work. I also thank the Secretary- General for his report (S/2023/127). And we want to once again express our heartfelt condolences to all the victims of the earthquakes — to all affected in Türkiye and Syria. Our gratitude also goes to all the humanitarian actors for their tireless efforts on the ground to ensure that aid is reaching those in need while themselves being impacted by the tragedy, as we heard from Ms. Muhrez.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“We will need to show the same unity to support the implementation of the new proposals of the Special Representative with regard to the upcoming elections in Libya. Let us preserve this unity and coherence in order to ensure the much-needed support for the Libyan people on their path to peace and democracy.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, Switzerland wishes to express its concern about the restrictions that have been imposed on civil society, including bureaucratic restrictions. In particular, we are concerned about the reports of arrests carried out recently under the new cybercrime law. Those new developments are taking place against the backdrop of a shrinking civil-society space, specifically as a result of increased surveillance by security agencies. We also welcome the efforts to reunify the Civil Society Commission, which is an essential condition for establishing a safe, democratic and unrestricted space for Libyan civil society and international organizations operating in Libya. Last October, the Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (see S/PV.9173).”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“We would also like to point out that the Security Council recognized the role of the process in adopting resolution 2510 (2020), in which it endorses the conclusions of the 2020 Berlin Conference. Secondly, every effort must be made to create an environment conducive to ensuring that the members of Libyan society in all their diversity can fully exercise their political and civil rights in future elections. Increasing the number of women who run for political office will be an important factor in achieving that. In that regard, we are concerned about the acts of violence committed against women participating in public life and political processes. It is essential for women who are candidates for political office, as well as elected representatives, to be able to contribute to political processes at all levels without threats or reprisals.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“We have also hosted several United Nations meetings on Libya in the past and remain available to act as a host State. I would now like to make three points about the current situation in Libya. First, more than a year after the postponement of the elections, it is essential to restore the legitimacy of Libya’s institutions. In that regard, Switzerland welcomes the Special Representative’s presentation of an alternative mechanism to lead the country to free and fair elections. We call on all Libyan actors to engage constructively in the implementation of that plan. We believe firmly that a coherent international approach, including by relaunching the Berlin process, is essential.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily for his briefing and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. As this is the first time that Switzerland is taking the floor on this topic, I would like to express our full support for the efforts of the Special Representative and the United Nations to support a resumption of the intra-Libyan dialogue. Switzerland is committed to peace and stability in Libya, both in the Security Council and as co-Chair of the Working Group on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights of the Berlin process. That is why in December we supported the Special Representative in a digital human rights dialogue that included more than 300 participants from all over Libya.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“We include in this the fight against climate change, which exacerbates food insecurity and can therefore have implications for international peace and security. Switzerland shares firm convictions with the European Union and the United Nations. We believe that disputes can and must be resolved peacefully, that dialogue and respect are the best means to achieve that and that diversity is an engine for peace and prosperity. We will continue to cooperate closely with the European Union and the United Nations, in the Security Council and outside it, as well as in the implementation of Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). Together we can forge global partnerships to implement our common motto, “United in diversity”.”
2023-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9268 (2023) · source
“Secondly, like the EU, we pay particular attention to the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, including by working for the protection in armed conflict of children and other non-combatants, such as the wounded and sick, whether in Ukraine, Syria or elsewhere. We support justice for all victims and are committed to the fight against impunity, because we know that there can be no lasting peace without accountability. Thirdly, we are also united in the belief that security risks must be addressed in a broader sense. Food insecurity and conflict create a vicious cycle that affects many parts of the world, of which Yemen, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa are only a few examples.”
2023-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9268 (2023) · source
“First, we welcome the joint efforts of the European Union and the United Nations to promote peace and prevent armed conflict around the world. We welcome the importance placed on respect for international law in those efforts, such as for example in the tripartite project of the African Union, the EU and the United Nations on the human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework for peacekeeping operations. In the Western Balkans, the EU plays a key role in the implementation of Security Council mandates. That is particularly true of the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation Althea, to which Switzerland contributes. In a cross-cutting way, the EU is an important partner in the promotion of the women and peace and security agenda in various contexts on the agenda of the Security Council.”
2023-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9268 (2023) · source
“Today’s discussion comes at a time when multilateralism is under pressure. It is therefore all the more relevant to recall the values that unite us. The High Representative’s appeal to the General Assembly for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine reflects the commitment of the EU and its members to the Charter and to respect for its principles. Switzerland shares that commitment and emphasizes that respect for those principles is in the interest of Europe and the world as a whole. A commitment to peace, sustainable development and human rights guides the United Nations, the European Union and Swiss foreign policy. That common ground is reflected in close cooperation in various contexts and on various thematic agendas. By way of illustration, I would like to highlight three points.”
2023-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9268 (2023) · source
“That is why we welcome the cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations such as the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and, of course, the European Union, our immediate neighbour. The motto of the European Union, “United in diversity”, resonates with the fundamental values of the United Nations. In its Preamble, the Charter invites us to “practice tolerance [...] and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security”. The same motto reflects the identity of Switzerland, a country with four national languages. We also share with the EU the vision of an international order based on international law and effective multilateralism.”
2023-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9268 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely debate on the cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union (EU). I also thank Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, for his briefing. Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations underscores the importance of the work of regional organizations in maintaining peace and security. Thanks to their expertise, they play a key role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.”
2023-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9268 (2023) · source
“The risks include violence due to increased competition for natural resources, heightened tensions within communities and the forced displacement that may result. We must continue to support the Government in its response to the humanitarian situation. Somalia’s national priorities indicate a strong commitment and clear direction towards a prosperous future in which the country can become “at peace with itself”. Women will undoubtedly be at the heart of that commitment. We commend the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which is playing a crucial role. Switzerland will continue to support Somalia, its people and UNSOM in their peacebuilding efforts. We count on a united Security Council to do the same.”
2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source
“We are also concerned about the current outbreak of violence in Laascaanood, which has resulted in massive displacement, with women and children being the worst affected. Respect for international humanitarian law is imperative to ensure timely, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Thirdly, Somalia is on the brink of famine. Climate change is clearly a major factor. Women are often the first to face it, and are disproportionately affected. The humanitarian response in Somalia should therefore be designed and implemented with the active participation of women, while also remaining sensitive to climate effects and risks. We are currently seeing that in the shape of the region’s most severe drought in four decades, which is further increasing food insecurity.”
2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source
“It is vital to ensure women’s rights and a safe and respectful environment that can enable women to fully participate in peacebuilding in Somalia. We encourage the authorities to continue their efforts to combat and prevent those violations. We also encourage Parliament to pass the 2018 sexual offences bill without delay. Respect for international law must be at the heart of the responses to insecurity throughout the country. We deplore the continued attacks by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups and acknowledge the efforts of the Government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to address them. As they do that, we call on all actors to respect international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law, in order to ensure the protection of civilians, particularly in areas under military operations.”
2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source
“Switzerland has long been committed to active engagement with Somali society as a whole and in all its diversity, as well as to strengthening local governance. That means that the voices of women, as well as those of young people and minority groups, must be heard without hindrance and integrated into decision-making processes and public life. That approach is important for the constitutional review, the power-sharing discussion and for reconciliation between the Federal Government and the federal member states. We welcome the regular meetings of the National Consultative Council in that regard and encourage continued constructive dialogue. Secondly, we remain concerned about human rights violations and abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence.”
2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source
“Just as they are elsewhere, women are essential creators of sustainable peace in Somalia, and their important contributions will therefore serve as a common thread for the three points I wish to share. First, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women is essential to advancing Somalia’s national priorities. It is particularly important to safeguard the participation of female candidates running for political office, as well as elected female representatives, so that they can contribute to political processes at every level, free from threats or reprisals. In that regard, the national action plan on women and peace and security and the action plan for the implementation of the Somali Women’s Charter are key instruments, and we encourage their full implementation.”
2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Ms. Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, and Ms. Bahous, Under-Secretary- General and Executive Director of UN-Women, for their briefings. I also would like to welcome the representative of Somalia. We welcome your call on Council members to pay special attention to the women and peace and security agenda in our deliberations today, Madam President. As a Somali proverb says, “the best bed to sleep on is peace.” However, if peace is for the benefit of all, it is also the responsibility of one and all.”
2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source
“However, Switzerland is concerned about the spread of hate speech and the numerous arbitrary arrests and detentions by the defence and security forces. We encourage the Central African Government to protect the civic space and ensure inclusive democratic processes, including by working with the opposition. Respect for the independence of democratic institutions is fundamental to building trust between the people and the Government. Last year Switzerland strengthened its engagement in the Central African Republic by opening an office in Bangui, enabling us to work more closely with the communities and the authorities in the Central African Republic. That is vital, because sustainable peace and development are built on the ground and by the people. That principle will continue to guide Switzerland during its term on the Security Council.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“Switzerland condemns the human rights violations and abuses and the violations of international humanitarian law. We call on all the parties, including Government forces, the Wagner Group and armed groups, to respect international humanitarian law and human rights. Thirdly, Switzerland is encouraged by the Government’s efforts in the fight against impunity, which is an essential foundation for peace and the rule of law. We welcome the work of the Special Criminal Court, which recently handed down its first verdict on crimes against humanity and war crimes. The operationalization of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission is also a sign of progress in dealing with the past.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“We would like to remind the Central African Government that its full support for the Mission remains essential to success. Secondly, the improvement in the security situation in some areas has been offset by the intensification of violence in the west and north of the country. The dry season has arrived. Armed groups are moving around more and ramping up their activities, including the illicit exploitation of natural resources. Climate change is contributing to the modification of transhumance corridors and fuelling conflicts between farmers and herders. As is often the case, the civilian population is paying the highest price. Armed groups continue to violate the physical and moral integrity of civilians and to recruit and use children.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“It is their right, and it is the duty of all the parties to guarantee that protection. I would like to emphasize three points. First, Switzerland supports the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and its road map. The recent dissolution of four armed groups is a welcome step. We encourage the Government to maintain a genuine dialogue with the armed groups and neighbouring countries with a view to consolidating the security gains made so far. For peace to establish itself, combatants must lay down their arms and return to civilian life in a sustainable manner, and civil society, especially women, must be at the forefront of the Political Agreement follow-up. We encourage MINUSCA to continue its efforts in that regard, including by providing its good offices.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source