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

“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Valentine Rugwabiza, and the Chairperson of the Central African Republic country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Omar Hilale, for their briefings and especially for their valuable work. And I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans abroad of the Central African Republic. Switzerland was pleased to read in the Secretary- General’s most recent report (S/2023/108) that the security situation in the Central African Republic has seen a slight improvement. After decades of conflict, any sign of peace is encouraging. At the same time, the violence continues to weigh heavily on the Central African people. Civilians must be protected.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“However, as we have all heard in various statements, the collective and individual will to lead and support a dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea does exist. We encourage the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to engage with the Council constructively. The call for dialogue would be stronger if it were anchored in a united position. Switzerland will support every effort to achieve unity within the Council, which must stick to its initial ambitions and shoulder its responsibilities.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) plays an essential role in facilitating humanitarian assistance through a system of exemptions. This mechanism is now complemented by a humanitarian exemption applicable to all sanctions regimes. We therefore hope that once the severe restrictions on international humanitarian support related to the pandemic are lifted by the Democratic People’s Republic, humanitarian support can resume quickly. Thirdly, the Council has a role to play in encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the quest for diplomatic solutions. For now, its prolonged silence is not only a cause for concern but is preventing progress on political action on the Korean peninsula.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“We also call upon the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as all other Annex 2 States, to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We recall that while the obligations under the relevant resolutions apply primarily to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, they also apply to all States insofar as they are required to ensure and enforce effective implementation of the relevant Security Council sanctions. Secondly, in the area of sanctions implementation, Switzerland welcomes the Council’s increasing attention to ensuring that humanitarian assistance remains possible. The Council demonstrated its commitment and unity two months ago by adopting resolution 2664 (2022), which must be implemented.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“First, in the area of nuclear non-proliferation, it is our collective duty to condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ballistic-missile tests. These launches are in violation of Security Council resolutions and therefore of international law. Switzerland urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to implement its obligations under the Council’s resolutions and take concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. We call upon the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to rejoin the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon State and to return to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards as soon as possible.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“It is in the interest of all of humanity that nuclear weapons are not used under any circumstances. We welcome the reminder by the five permanent members of the Security Council that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, as Director Wang Yi reaffirmed at the Munich Security Conference. Switzerland has followed with concern the increase in ballistic-missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in recent months, as the country develops an increasing number of nuclear delivery systems. It is important that the Council is meeting today on this subject. We reject any characterization of our meetings and deliberations as a provocation to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We cannot shirk our duty and responsibilities in the following areas.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to join others in thanking Assistant Secretary- General Khaled Khiari for his briefing. The launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and the remarks of the Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea are particularly disturbing developments. They add to the escalating rhetoric and security tensions in the region. The steady pace of North Korea’s nuclear programme and its impact on non-proliferation and international security are a threat to the entire international community. The catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons must spur us to redouble our efforts to promote non-proliferation, disarmament and the maintenance of the nuclear taboo.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“Preventing further loss of life and reversing the negative trends on the ground remains a priority. Switzerland is ready to support peace efforts, including through its good offices, aimed at restoring a political horizon based on a two- State solution.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“To that end, Switzerland calls for adequate and predictable financial support for the Agency. In the current volatile context, Switzerland is concerned about the continued weakening of the Palestinian Authority, including as a result of measures taken by Israel. We reiterate our call for elections to be held throughout the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. That is an indispensable step towards restoring the legitimacy of its institutions and re-establishing the political unity that is required for a two-State solution. With the religious holidays of Ramadan, Pesach and Easter just a few weeks away, we reiterate our call on all the parties to engage with strict respect for the historic status quo of Haram Al-Sharif/ Temple Mount in Jerusalem.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“We condemn the attacks on civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as those in recent weeks on settlements in East Jerusalem. Switzerland expects the parties to respect their obligations under international law and to strengthen measures to protect civilians. Accountability is also vital to preventing such violence. In the face of the increasing humanitarian needs in the region, the services provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are all the more essential today. By providing health, education and social safety-net assistance, UNRWA makes a significant contribution to stability in the region. It is essential for UNRWA to be able to continue to provide effective and efficient assistance in accordance with humanitarian principles, including neutrality.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“We remain concerned, however, about the Israeli Government’s announcement on 12 February that it wants to build nearly 10,000 new housing units in settlements and to retroactively legalize nine outposts in the occupied Palestinian territory. We call on Israel to refrain from those unilateral measures, which risk further exacerbating tensions and endanger the prospects of a negotiated two-State solution. The measures also include the demolition of the village of Khan Al-Ahmar, which is located in a strategic area that is essential to ensuring the contiguity of Palestinian territory. Switzerland urges the occupying Power to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law, including with regard to the issuance of building permits to the Palestinian population.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would also like to join others in thanking the Special Coordinator, Mr. Tor Wennesland, and the Deputy Commissioner-General, Ms. Leni Stenseth, for their briefings and for their work. Switzerland welcomes the exchanges in the past few days between the parties aimed at promoting de-escalation. We are concerned about the deterioration of the security situation and the real risk of escalation, and we therefore welcome the fact that today the Security Council managed to put together a presidential statement (S/PRST/2023/1) by consensus, which we fully support.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“In the territories under its control, Russia is obliged to respect its specific obligations as an occupying Power under international humanitarian law. Furthermore, rapid, unimpeded and sustainable access to humanitarian aid must be guaranteed throughout the territory of Ukraine, including in the occupied areas. Switzerland does not recognize the annexation of Ukrainian territories declared by Russia, which constitutes a serious violation of international law. We demand the respect of the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The OSCE has also contributed to improving the situation for the civilian population by facilitating humanitarian access to those most affected. Switzerland has supported the role of the Mission and remains convinced that its expertise is relevant. Let us also recall the founding principles of the OSCE, in particular the objective of ensuring the conditions in which peoples can live in true and lasting peace and free from any threat or attempt to undermine their security. We therefore encourage the continued commitment of the OSCE, despite the great difficulties it is facing due to the war against Ukraine. Switzerland fully supports the efforts of the Northern Macedonia’s chairpersonship of the organization. Finally, we call on Russia to cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“By recognizing the independence of the “people’s republics” of Luhansk and Donetsk in February 2022 and by launching a military aggression against the entire territory of Ukraine a few days later, Russia has, as its President himself has stated, put an end to the Minsk agreements. Russia has resorted to violence on a large scale, in violation of the United Nations Charter and in defiance of the principles of the OSCE. The OSCE has useful mechanisms and expertise in monitoring, confidence-building measures, security and verification. The staff of its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has for years made an important contribution by providing objective information on the security, humanitarian and human rights situation on the ground.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“It then successfully responded to the conflict in eastern Ukraine that began in 2014 by facilitating the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The OSCE initiated a process to ensure a continuation of the dialogue. By assuming the chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2014, and thereafter, Switzerland was involved in the efforts of the Special Monitoring Mission and in the negotiations on and implementation of the Minsk agreements, adopted and signed in September 2014 and on 12 February 2015. Despite difficulties with their implementation, the Minsk agreements were an attempt to resolve this dispute peacefully, as called for by the Charter. The agreements played an important role in de-escalation. Among other things, the Security Council unanimously approved the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements”.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and the former Special Representative of the Chairperson-in- Office in Ukraine of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Mr. Martin Sajdik. By becoming members of the United Nations, we all agreed to adhere to the Charter of the Organization, one of whose principles is the resolution of international disputes by peaceful means. Another fundamental aspect of the Charter is its Chapter VIII, in particular the importance of the work of regional organizations in maintaining peace and security. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) was founded in 1975. The OSCE took steps to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine, including through the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The development of a rapidly deployable child-protection capacity could further support those efforts. The Security Council often falls short of expectations when it comes to fulfilling its prevention-related responsibilities. Strengthening the preventive aspect of the agenda for children in armed conflict will enable us to make concrete progress in that regard as well as to protect the rights of children, as the Convention on the Rights of the Child calls for. That is how we can enable girls and boys to shape their own future and become actors for peace.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“That is why Switzerland and the United Nations fund Education Cannot Wait, in close collaboration with Colombia, Germany, the Niger, Norway and South Sudan, will be holding a high- level conference in Geneva this week dedicated to the promotion and financing of education in emergencies and protracted crises. Thirdly, reintegrating children associated with armed groups or forces is critical to maintaining peace, preventing re-recruitment and ensuring that they have a future. Many of those children are girls. Reintegration programmes must therefore be sensitive to gender, age, and specific vulnerabilities. And children should be more involved in designing them. We welcome the work that the United Nations, Member States and civil society are doing on the ground.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“The timely inclusion of such situations in the annual report will further strengthen prevention, as it reminds all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law. Strengthening prevention also means working tirelessly to combat impunity. Secondly, ensuring the right to education is a fundamental aspect of prevention, and our efforts in that regard are under severe strain, as demonstrated by the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, among other countries. Children who are not in school are more vulnerable to grave violations, and yet attacks on schools continue to increase in many conflict zones. An estimated 222 million children affected by crises are in need of educational support.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“First, the Council has developed a number of tools to prevent grave violations. For those tools — including the annexes to the Secretary-General’s annual report on children and armed conflict (S/2022/493) — to maintain their deterrent effect, we must preserve their independence, impartiality and credibility. The United Nations must be able to continue to engage with all stakeholders to develop action plans to end and prevent violations against children. Besides that, resolution 1379 (2001) requests that the Secretary-General bring to our attention situations of concern that are not yet on the Council’s agenda.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
““[They] were using a school [...] to bury the bodies [...], children are being raped, several schools and health centres in the provinces are being used as bases for armed groups.” No child should witness such violence. As we meet today in this Chamber, grave violations continue to be committed against girls and boys in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Ukraine, to name only a few theatres. We have a responsibility to do better. States have a solid framework to rely on in that regard, which includes the resolutions of the Security Council, in particular resolution 2427 (2018), as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and international humanitarian law. Against that backdrop, Switzerland would like to highlight three points.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland welcomes the convening of today’s debate. We thank the Special Representatives of the Secretary- General, Ms. Gamba de Potgieter and Ms. Maalla M’jid, for their briefings and above all for the invaluable work they do for children. Ms. Divina’s welcome contribution underlines the importance of including the voices of young people in such work. Every child has the right to a childhood. Every child has the right to grow up in a safe environment, develop his or her potential and be heard and taken seriously. That is what the General Assembly enshrined more than 30 years ago in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, whose scope is nearly universal. And yet we are still reading testimonials such as this one, in a recent publication from Ms. Gamba de Potgieter’s Office.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“We encourage all Member States to ratify the Rome Statute and to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court. We are also closely following the discussions on the creation of a special tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression in Ukraine. Finally, we also welcome the work of other multilateral mechanisms, such as the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine of the Human Rights Council and the fact- finding mechanism on the situation in Ukraine of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In order to end the war and the suffering of civilians, Russia must immediately stop its military aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9256 (2023) · source
“Switzerland’s neutrality cannot be called into question. There can be no neutrality when international law or the Charter of the United Nations is being violated. Fourthly, we recall that there can be no lasting peace without accountability. Switzerland strongly condemns any violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed in Ukraine. If impunity is not addressed, it encourages further violations. In Ukraine and elsewhere, Switzerland supports national and international efforts to document and prosecute war crimes. In particular, Switzerland has referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court, together with some 40 other States, thereby enabling the Prosecutor to immediately open an investigation.”
2023-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9256 (2023) · source
“First, we call on Russia to cease all combat operations and to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay. Switzerland fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Secondly, Switzerland calls on all parties to strictly respect international humanitarian law and human rights. Even in times of war, there are rules to be followed. According to the Geneva Conventions and their Protocols Additional, distinguishing between military targets and civilians, as well as civilian objects, is an obligation. Thirdly, it is important to move towards peaceful, just and lasting solutions. To that end, we must draw upon international law and diplomatic means. In that regard, and if the parties so wish, Switzerland stands ready to provide good offices and to support de-escalation.”
2023-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9256 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her briefing. We have also taken note of the statement by Mr. Roger Waters. As the Security Council heard two days ago (see S/PV.9254) and again this morning, Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine continues to cost lives and increase the suffering of the civilian population in the middle of winter. Moreover, the humanitarian and economic repercussions of the war are felt beyond Ukraine. It is therefore imperative to put an end to the hostilities and to protect the civilian population. In order to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law, allow me to underscore four key points.”
2023-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9256 (2023) · source
“We also note that, since 15 July 2021, the OPCW Technical Secretariat has been awaiting all relevant information from Syria regarding the unauthorized movement and destruction of the two cylinders used in the Douma attack. In conclusion, I would like to remind us of the 43 victims of the use of chemical weapons in Douma. To honour their memory, it is our duty to ensure that those weapons are never again used by anyone, at any time, under any circumstances.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Such cooperation is in line with the wishes of the Security Council, which, by unanimously adopting resolution 2118 (2013), 10 years ago, expressed its firm belief that those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria must be held accountable. We call on Syria to cooperate fully with the OPCW, accept OPCW-designated personnel and provide them with immediate and unhindered access to all sites. We hope that the recent visit by the streamlined Declaration Assessment Team, whose report is expected in March, will mark the resumption of Syria’s full cooperation with the OPCW. As the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Nakamitsu — whom I thank — just reminded us, Syria must provide the OPCW Technical Secretariat with answers to the 20 outstanding issues so its initial declaration can be verified.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Switzerland condemns the use of chemical weapons, including in Douma in 2018. We call on all parties to refrain from using such weapons and to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. We echo the Secretary-General’s repeated calls for those responsible for the use of such weapons to be held accountable. Fact-finding is crucial to preventing further attacks and impunity for those crimes. In that regard, we welcome formal cooperation between the OPCW and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, which we fully support.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Chlorine gas was released from those cylinders. The gas affects several systems of the body — the skin, mucous membranes, the digestive tract and the respiratory system, where it is absorbed by the lungs, giving us an idea of the fate suffered by those who were affected. The OPCW concludes that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that the perpetrators of the attack were members of the Syrian Arab Air Force at the time of the incident”. To date, nine of the approximately 25 chemical attacks documented by the United Nations and the OPCW in Syria have been attributed to the Syrian Government. Switzerland fully supports the conclusions of the report. We have full confidence in the OPCW, including the Investigation and Identification Team. Their work is crucial. Their professionalism and integrity are not in doubt.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“We know from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) that it was not an accident, but a deliberate attack using chemical weapons, which are prohibited by international law. Over the past 10 years, there have been repeated violations of obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention in Syria. The third report of the Investigation and Identification Team, issued on 27 January, concerning the attack that took place in Douma in April 2018 is another example of such violations. The OPCW report, for which I would like to thank Director- General Arias and the Coordinator of the Investigation and Identification Team, Mr. Oñate-Laborde, presents the following facts. It documents that on 7 April 2018, at least one helicopter of the Syrian Arab Republic dropped two cylinders that struck residential buildings in Douma.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): First of all, allow me to join my colleagues in once again extending our deepest condolences to the families of the thousands of victims of the earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria. The disaster of a magnitude not seen in decades adds to the already serious humanitarian crises affecting the region. Switzerland stands with the victims and their families. We hope that the maximum number of people will be rescued in the coming hours. On 7 April 2018, other very grave events claimed innocent Syrian victims in Douma, on the outskirts of Damascus. On that day, 43 civilians — seven men, 17 women, nine boys and 10 girls — died as a result of a chlorine gas attack.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“In the meantime, diplomatic solutions such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, facilitated by the Secretary-General, have helped to mitigate some of those impacts. We encourage all parties to pursue all such efforts. The protection of the civilian population is an urgent humanitarian imperative. As members of the Security Council, we must work tirelessly for a just peace, consistent with international law, and for the protection of civilians.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“In order for them to continue to meet the urgent needs of the population, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured throughout Ukraine, including in the areas occupied by Russia. Nearly a year since the conflict started, humanitarian access remains a priority. Switzerland will continue its support to the affected population with, among other things, the delivery of winter supplies and the repair of housing and energy infrastructure. In addition to meeting the urgent humanitarian needs, it is now necessary to move forward with the reconstruction process in an inclusive and transparent manner, as provided for by the Lugano principles. The humanitarian consequences of the war are felt beyond Ukraine. The war must stop immediately.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“Attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools and homes, further worsen the situation of the civilian population. Switzerland recalls that international humanitarian law and human rights must be respected. In this winter period, we are particularly dismayed by Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on energy infrastructure. We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately de-escalate the situation, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from the entirety of Ukrainian territory without delay. Those responsible for the aggression and all the crimes committed must be brought to justice. We commend the tireless work of humanitarian actors in Ukraine.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“According to an assessment by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly 18 million people will need humanitarian assistance in Ukraine in 2023. Thousands of people have been killed or are severely injured, both physically and psychologically. Millions of people have been driven from their homes and have no access to basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water or health services. The most vulnerable people, such as the disabled and the elderly, are particularly affected. For children, war causes enormous mental distress. That is compounded by the fact that, according to UNICEF, 5 million children no longer have access to education. Their future plans have been turned upside down overnight.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I wish to join others in expressing our sincere condolences to all of the victims of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. Switzerland is deploying rescue teams to the affected zones and pledges to contribute to humanitarian aid to the population in need. I thank Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for his remarks and for the briefing following his trip to Ukraine. His testimony underscores the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis, the serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and the heavy toll being placed on the civilian population. That is reflected in the massive humanitarian needs.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“The formation of the new Government in Iraq and the ambitious agenda it has announced are a sign of hope after a prolonged period of political stalemate. Nevertheless, the challenges remain significant. The Security Council must support Iraq with a united voice as the country continues on its journey to a stable and prosperous future.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, climate change is a destabilizing factor in Iraq. It is one of the elements contributing to droughts and water scarcity, with serious consequences for agriculture and livelihoods. At the recent Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, the Iraqi Prime Minister called water scarcity an existential threat to his country. We are pleased with Iraq’s willingness to work with its neighbours on joint management of transboundary water resources and welcome UNAMI’s support to this end. Switzerland is also pleased to continue its long-standing cooperation with the Iraqi authorities on this issue in the framework of the Blue Peace Initiative. Finally, Switzerland welcomes the close cooperation between the members of the Tripartite Commission on missing Kuwaitis and third-country nationals.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Civilian documentation for all displaced persons is fundamental to enabling them to gain access to basic social services, including education. Mines also impede the return of displaced persons, as they bring casualties, especially among children. Humanitarian mine clearance, risk education and assistance to mine victims must therefore be intensified. Secondly, the security situation in Iraq remains worrying. Switzerland condemns all violations of Iraqi sovereignty. We call for respect for Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are also very concerned about the more than 110 attacks attributed to Da’esh between October and December. In this context, we wish to recall that measures to combat terrorism must be carried out in full respect of international law, particularly human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In addition, we welcome the proper representation of women in parliament and note that three women hold Ministerial positions. We encourage Iraq’s commitment to strengthening women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of life, particularly in political decision-making. In addition, approval of the law against domestic violence would be an important step towards reaching gender equality. With a view to attaining a stable and prosperous Iraq, I would like to highlight three additional points. First, the return and reintegration of the nearly 1.2 million internally displaced Iraqi men and women is essential to stability and social cohesion. We encourage Iraq to continue its efforts aimed at finding durable solutions in a secure, voluntary and dignified manner. We support Iraq in these efforts.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“The country and its people have come a long way and aspire to consolidating a prosperous and democratic future. Such an Iraq could further contribute to stability in the region by facilitating dialogue. The second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, hosted in December by Jordan and co-organized by Iraq and France, is an example that Switzerland welcomes. Switzerland congratulates the new Iraqi Government and wishes it every success in implementing its reform programme, including the fight against corruption, the provision of basic social services, the protection of human rights and the establishment of responsible institutions. It is also crucial that the dialogue with the Kurdistan Regional Government be deepened. We thank UNAMI for supporting the Government in implementing these reforms.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Japan for its excellent work during the month of January and wish you, Madam President, every success for the month of February. You can count, Madam, on Switzerland’s support. My thanks also go to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and to Mr. Ahmed for their briefings. Switzerland appreciates the work of the Special Representative and the entire staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), who have been committed to peace and stability in the country for almost 20 years. We welcome the presence among us of the representative of Iraq. I would like to reaffirm Switzerland’s support for security and stability in Iraq.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In addition, a relationship of mutual trust between Mali and MINUSMA must be based on respect for the existing agreements, particularly the status-of-forces agreement. The Mission’s freedom of movement is critical to the fulfilment of its mandate. The four parameters identified by the internal review could therefore form the basis for a stable and predictable relationship between the Mission and its host country. The insecurity in Mali has an impact on regional stability. The continued and united support of the Security Council is crucial to seeking a common understanding and, by working with local and regional stakeholders, improving the current situation in Mali. Switzerland is pleased to contribute to that.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“We are concerned that 1,950 schools remain closed, affecting almost 590,000 children in the centre and north of the country. The future of those children, especially girls, is at stake. We call on all actors to ensure and protect humanitarian access and on the international community to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs. Fourthly, Switzerland thanks the Secretary-General for the good internal review of MINUSMA, which notes that its overall strategic priorities remain relevant. Regardless of the future configuration of the mandate and the Mission, two points seem important to us. First, to fulfil its mandate and effectively support the Malian efforts, MINUSMA must have the necessary resources. Together with the Malian authorities, it must be able to create and maintain a security environment that allows it to operate effectively.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“In addition, impunity plays a role in perpetuating cycles of violence. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/21) informs us that non-State armed groups, including violent extremist groups, as well as State actors and foreign security personnel, are responsible for those violations and abuses. In order to ensure the protection of the civilian population and restore their trust in Malian institutions, Switzerland calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Thirdly, humanitarian needs, including food needs, have increased. The lack of security and climate change are exacerbating the food crisis and forced displacement, leading to an even more precarious security situation.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“The continued commitment of the signatory parties to reviving that process remains crucial and pressing. We welcome the efforts made by the international mediation in that direction, and we call for the rapid operationalization of the ad hoc commission and the resumption of regular dialogue among the parties. Switzerland is ready to support those processes. We see encouraging signs of women’s representation and active participation. Their inclusion at all levels of decision-making and the mainstreaming of their capacities and input in all processes are essential. Secondly, the ongoing insecurity, including the threat of terrorism, is worrisome. Peace efforts are undermined by the lack of security and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, for which the civilian population pays a high price.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“I take this opportunity to say that our thoughts are with all the families of the victims, members and troops of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the Malian civilian population. We welcome the steps taken to move the political transition forward, in particular the enactment of an electoral law, the draft constitution and the updating of the electoral list. Such a path should be taken forward in an inclusive, impartial, transparent and time-bound process. We encourage the authorities to work closely with the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. Let me highlight four key points. First, the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali remains the cornerstone for peace, democracy and prosperity in Mali.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Aminata Cheick Dicko for their informative briefings, and I welcome His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali. Mali has been a priority and partner country of Swiss cooperation since 1977 — over 40 years. Active primarily in the regions of Sikasso, Mopti and Timbuktu, Switzerland is committed to the fight against poverty, focusing on local education, economic development, sustainable peace and respect for human rights. There is still a long way to go towards such peace.”
2023-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9251 (2023) · source