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

“Thanks to the tireless work of local, national and international humanitarian organizations, more than 9 million people affected by the war have received aid since the beginning of the year. Rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid must be guaranteed so that those organizations can support all those in need, including in the regions under Russian occupation. Switzerland will continue to support humanitarian actors by making financial contributions, sending relief supplies and sending humanitarian experts to the region. Given the growing insecurity, I reiterate that international humanitarian law provides specific protections for humanitarian activities. It is therefore appalling that six humanitarian workers were killed in Ukraine in the month of September alone.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“We also underline the call to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including energy-related infrastructure, much of which was damaged during last winter’s massive attacks. The rules of international humanitarian law, including the fundamental principles relating to the conduct of hostilities — distinction, proportionality and precaution — must be complied with. International humanitarian law applies to all armed conflicts, regardless of their location. As winter approaches, the grave humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is taking on a new dimension. We are particularly concerned about the effect of the freezing temperatures on vulnerable groups, including the elderly and the sick.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“However, immediate action must be taken in order to protect civilians. As the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine said, “the only way to change this is for the war to stop”. We once again call on Russia to cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops. The most recent report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine documents attacks on residential buildings, shops, a railway station and a warehouse for civilian use, among others. It concludes that the Russian armed forces have committed indiscriminate attacks and failed to take the necessary precautions to verify that the objects affected were not civilian. We underline the Commission’s recommendation for Russia to cease all acts of violence committed against civilians.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Director Rajasingham for his briefing and especially for the work that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is doing in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. While our attention is now monopolized towards another terrible conflict, the military aggression against Ukraine continues unabated. Millions of people have been affected by death, injuries and destruction. Half of the people who remain in Ukraine need help, and we must not forget about them. During the summit on the key principles of peace for Ukraine held last week, Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. We will continue our efforts to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Switzerland will continue to do everything in its power to ensure that the Council takes such action, so that it assumes its responsibility in the face of this crisis.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“Switzerland has been working very actively within the Security Council and the General Assembly to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to introduce measures, such as humanitarian pauses or truces, to guarantee access to aid. Such measures, accompanied by security guarantees, are necessary to enable the staff of impartial humanitarian organizations to work effectively to meet the needs of the population and alleviate the worsening health crisis in Gaza. That is all the more necessary in the light of the intensification of hostilities in recent days. Unified action by the Council is therefore more necessary than ever to put an end to the violence, ensure respect for international law and work towards peace.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“We must exert our influence on the parties to the conflict to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, to halt the current spiral of violence and prevent it from spreading throughout the region. Weheardthat, in Gaza, theentirepopulation— almost half of whom are children — is now entirely under siege. Civilian infrastructure, including UNRWA schools and, in particular hospitals, are protected under international humanitarian law. They must be able to provide security and assistance to civilians. The population must have access in sufficient quality and quantity to essential goods and services, including drinking water, food, medical care and fuel.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“We stress once again the binding nature of all its rules, without exception, in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities. All violations of international law must be investigated so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. As it has done on multiple occasions, Switzerland reiterates that the application of international humanitarian and human rights law, and in particular the protection of civilians, is and must remain a priority for the Council. It is therefore imperative to protect civilians and people no longer taking part in hostilities. We must protect them from acts of terror in Israel, and we must protect them in Gaza and the West Bank, where the increase in violence, particularly by settlers, is worrisome.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“Our condolences also go to the relatives of the thousands of Israeli and Palestinian civilians — more than a third of them children — who, tragically, lost their lives in recent weeks. Since 7 October, Switzerland has strongly condemned the acts of terror, the indiscriminate firing of rockets against the Israeli population and the taking of hostages by Hamas. In that context, Switzerland has expressed its solidarity with the Israeli population. All hostages held in Gaza must be released immediately and unconditionally. We have recognized Israel’s legitimate desire for national defence and security, recalling that legitimate security and military necessity are recognized under international humanitarian law, which must be respected by all parties to the conflict.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for chairing — for the second time this month — an emergency meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East. I would also like to thank Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; and Ms. Lisa Doughten, Director of the Humanitarian Financing and Resource Mobilization Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings and, above all, their efforts in these particularly tragic circumstances. We offer our condolences to the United Nations, in particular UNRWA, for the dozens of staff who died in the course of their duties.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9462 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, the humanitarian situation in Syria is dire and at continued risk of worsening. It is important to ensure that the recent developments in the region do not contribute to a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria. Amid the conflict and crisis in the Middle East, let us not forget the people in Syria.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“All modalities of aid, including cross-border and cross-line aid, must be kept available in order for humanitarian organizations to be able to keep offering their much- needed assistance across Syria. We appreciate that deliveries of essential humanitarian aid continue to pass through the Bab Al-Hawa, Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai border-crossings. Given the large scale of needs, ensuring humanitarian access remains crucial. We trust that the authorization for the Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai border-crossings, which are due to expire on 13 November, will be renewed. We also reiterate the necessity of making predictable arrangements to respond to the ever-increasing humanitarian needs on the ground, which would be facilitated by open-ended or longer-term authorizations.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“We call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, in particular to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need across all Syria; to follow the rules related to the conduct of hostilities, in particular the prohibition of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure; and to guarantee the safety and well-being of the people living in Syria. It is worrisome that the humanitarian response plan remains seriously underfunded, with only one third of the requested funds covered. The lack of resources is limiting the ability of the United Nations and its partners to support the population affected.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“Moreover, across the country, the escalation in hostilities has impacted aid delivery, as organizations have been forced to suspend activities owing to security concerns. Any further escalation of hostilities will inevitably obstruct the delivery of life-saving assistance and pose immediate threats to the safety of aid workers and communities alike. It will increase the plight of the civilian population, which already faces a humanitarian crisis that is worse than ever in Syria’s 12-year history of conflict. A long-lasting ceasefire across the country is the only way to prevent further deaths, injuries and human suffering.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“Unsurprisingly, with the lack of security and safety, aid operations have temporarily been disrupted and, sadly, three humanitarian aid workers have been killed, as have dozens of civilians. The north-east has also been affected by the increase in hostilities. Civilian infrastructure has been targeted, including water and power stations, farms, sites in the immediate vicinity of civilian villages and camps for internally displaced persons. The attacks, including those on infrastructure that is indispensable to the survival of the population, have caused displacement in both the north-east and the Government-controlled areas of Syria. Repeated strikes on the Aleppo and Damascus airports have also more than once disrupted flights run by United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“I speak on behalf of Brazil and Switzerland, co-penholders of the Syrian humanitarian file. We thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and the Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Edem Wosornu, for their briefings. We also acknowledge the presence of representatives from Syria, Türkiye and Iran at today’s meeting. Brazil and Switzerland remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria and the increase in hostilities across the country. According to OCHA, the escalation of violence in the north-west has damaged several health facilities and schools and displaced more than 120,000 people across Idlib and western Aleppo.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): War and violence often erupt suddenly, with a painful bang, causing casualties — often civilian casualties — on all sides, as we have sadly been reminded by the tragic events in the Middle East since Hamas’ launch of rockets and attacks against Israel on 7 October. War often erupts without warning, but how do we build peace? This debate is providing us with the opportunity to address that question, and I thank Brazil for having brought us together for that purpose. I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Assistant Secretary- General Khiari, former Presidents Bachelet and Mbeki and Ms. Echavarría Álvarez for their briefings. Colombian peacebuilder Genith Quitiaquez recently spoke on this subject. She said:”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“We welcome the Secretary-General’s visit to Egypt and the region. As Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said yesterday in a joint statement, “humanity must prevail in Gaza”. Humanity must prevail everywhere. De-escalation must remain our priority. As members of the Security Council, we owe it to ourselves to redouble our efforts to contribute to that end and exert our individual and collective influence on the parties to do the same.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“They must respect international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality, precaution and human rights. Every measure possible must be taken to avoid the impact of hostilities on the civilian population and civilian objects. As international humanitarian law provides for legitimate security concerns and military necessity, all its rules must be adhered to, without exception. We stress the need to investigate all violations of international law so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. Respect for international humanitarian law, as others have said, can and must halt a spiral of violence that could inflame the entire region. Switzerland stresses the importance of the good offices of the United Nations in this crisis, for which we are grateful.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. Water and power cuts are causing a serious health crisis. Almost 1 million Gazans have had to flee their homes and seek refuge in the south. The Gaza Strip is under complete siege. UNRWA schools serve as vital shelter for 400,000 displaced persons, many of them children. The capacity of those schools and hospitals has been exceeded. All parties must allow for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. We urge them to immediately observe a pause in hostilities, in line with the Secretary-General’s demand for a humanitarian ceasefire. As we reiterated following the voting this morning (see S/PV.9442), all parties must show the utmost restraint in the conduct of hostilities.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“Switzerland has also joined the Secretary-General in unequivocally condemning yesterday’s strikes, in particular the strike, which, according to the United Nations account, left hundreds dead and dozens injured at the Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal Hospital. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who died and were injured. That incident must be thoroughly investigated so that light can be shed on the facts. We will repeat it again and again: the civilian population and civilian property must be respected and protected. International humanitarian law also demands that hospitals, clinics and their patients and medical personnel be protected. The same applies to the schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which are United Nations civilian infrastructure.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for convening this emergency meeting. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for their extremely frank descriptions of a profoundly sombre situation. I would also like to thank them, and especially their teams, for all their work and courage in the most difficult of circumstances. I would like to offer our condolences to the families of the humanitarian workers who lost their lives. Since 7 October, Switzerland has strongly condemned the acts of terror against and indiscriminate firing of rockets at the Israeli population by Hamas. We call for all hostages held in Gaza be treated humanely and immediately released, and our thoughts are with them.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“President, for its sustained commitment. It is unfortunate that we have not yet been able to reach consensus on a product that demonstrates our unity in the face of the situation. Regardless of whether a draft resolution is adopted, all parties must respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, as well as human rights. International humanitarian law takes into account legitimate security and military necessity, and all of those rules must therefore be respected without exception. Switzerland has made every effort to contribute to the search for consensus on a Council decision in this urgent situation. In that same spirit, we remain willing to support any new initiative that could lead to action by the Council.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Almost a million people are displaced. There is an urgent need to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, with water, electricity and medical supplies running out. The day before yesterday (see S/PV.9439), all of us around this table said that the situation in the Middle East requires united and urgent action by the Council. De-escalation, the protection of civilians, humane treatment of all hostages — whose immediate release Switzerland calls for — and rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access are top priorities. The draft resolution presented by Brazil (S/2023/773) responded to those priorities and was aimed at achieving a common understanding within the Council, which is why Switzerland voted in favour of it and why we deeply regret that it was not adopted today. I would like to once again thank your delegation, Mr.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Since 7 October, Switzerland has strongly condemned the acts of terror, indiscriminate attacks and hostage-taking perpetrated by Hamas against the Israeli population. We deplore the deaths of thousands of civilians, including hundreds of children, in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly Gaza. Switzerland joins the Secretary-General in unequivocally condemning the strikes, particularly the one that according to the United Nations caused hundreds of deaths and dozens of injuries yesterday at the Al Ahli Anglican-Episcopal Hospital. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the injured. We are deeply concerned about the large-scale humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the tragic situation facing the civilian population.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Calls for respect for international humanitarian law must also help curb a spiral of violence that could engulf the entire region. That is why we will remain actively and constructively engaged with a view to ensuring that reminders of the basic rules of international humanitarian law are given an appropriate place in the alternative proposal submitted by your delegation Mr. President. I take this opportunity to thank you for the immense work already done to build consensus among Council members. We are aware of the great effort of compromise that remains to be accomplished in order to resolve the outstanding issues and hope that the Council can quickly unite its efforts in order to adopt a draft resolution to that effect. We are counting on the constructive engagement of all Council members.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“As we reiterate at every opportunity and in particular in the context of large-scale humanitarian crises, Switzerland believes that the Council cannot forgo, even in emergencies — or above all in emergencies — making a clear reference to international humanitarian law. Even armed conflicts have rules. For Switzerland, the omission of a clear reference to international humanitarian law in a draft resolution of the Security Council when the situation involves an armed conflict is simply unacceptable. It is up to the Council to make respect for international humanitarian law a priority by calling on all parties to respect the basic rules concerning the conduct of hostilities, humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian operations and personnel.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Hundreds of thousands of civilians have had to evacuate their homes and, like the rest of the people of Gaza, are currently in an extremely precarious situation, without protection and without access to essential services or external assistance. Switzerland shares the sense of urgency and great concern, and therefore highlights the need for the Council to act in unison, given the situation in the Middle East. As the Secretary-General reminded us, the de-escalation, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages and the delivery of humanitarian assistance are priorities. With those priorities in mind, Switzerland nevertheless chose to abstain in the voting on the draft resolution submitted by Russia.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Since 7 October, Switzerland has firmly condemned the acts of terror, indiscriminate attacks and taking of hostages carried out by Hamas against the Israeli population. We deplore the deaths of thousands of civilians, including hundreds of children, in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular in Gaza, and we express our most sincere condolences to their loved ones and to those of the staff members of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations who died in the line of duty. We commend the courage of their colleagues, who remain engaged in a large-scale humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“The deployment of a field team by the High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate the attack in Hroza is an important and concrete step in that direction, and we welcome the announcement of in-depth investigations by the Independent International Investigation Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine into attacks using explosive weapons, attacks on civilians, torture, sexual and gender-based violence and strikes against energy infrastructure. As long as this war continues, civilians will pay a price that is far too high. We urge Russia to de-escalate the situation, cease its combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. Switzerland remains fully committed to supporting efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law, particularly the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source
“Indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks are prohibited by international humanitarian law and must cease immediately. We therefore reiterate our call for respect for international humanitarian law, particularly as regards the protection of civilians, as well as international human rights law. We also demand justice and accountability for all perpetrators of crimes at all levels when those obligations are violated, and therefore for ensuring credible and timely investigations, documentation and criminal prosecution of those responsible for violations of international law.”
2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source
“People in all regions of Ukraine continue to live in daily fear of the next missile strike, which could hit residential buildings, a school, a nursery or — as was the case last week in Hroza — a café and shop, or, as in Berislav, a hospital. The day after the attack in the Kupyansk district, another took place in the centre of Kharkiv, where residential buildings were hit and destroyed, causing more casualties. These recurring strikes on civilian infrastructure, including essential infrastructure, are all the more worrying as winter approaches. We reiterate that the parties to the conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives at all times. Furthermore, when military objectives are attacked, the principles of precaution and proportionality must be respected.”
2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source
“On behalf of my country, I would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the victims and their families. I would also like to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of the emergency personnel and humanitarian workers who mobilized to come to their aid in the wake of the attack — just as they have after so many others and in particularly difficult and traumatic circumstances. This attack is one of the deadliest since the aggression began. We are once again witnessing the terrible consequences of a military engagement that shows total disdain for the lives of civilians. We note that overall, the indiscriminate attacks have not stopped. On the contrary, they have increased over the summer.”
2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya for their presentations. Once again, Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has led to numerous civilian casualties. Last week we heard that at a time when many residents of the village of Hroza were gathering for a funeral, the mourning in that village in the Kharkiv region was multiplied by yet another devastating attack. Tragically, more than 50 civilians, including a child — one sixth of the population — lost their lives, and many others were injured. The entire village is reeling from the consequences of the attack, which struck in the middle of the afternoon, and Switzerland firmly condemns it.”
2023-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9431 (2023) · source
“In that respect, Switzerland reiterates its support for civil society organizations active inside and outside Syria, which play a crucial role in easing the persisting tensions and conflict in the country. Switzerland takes note of Syria’s decision on 4 September to abolish its military field courts. We call for that measure to be effectively implemented in order to prevent future arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances of civilians, and for it not to undermine the search for missing persons. Furthermore, the implementation by all the parties of confidence-building measures, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), as well as the release of detainees and the clarification of the fate of missing persons, are essential to pave the way for reconciliation in the country.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“Switzerland calls for respect for the right to demonstrate freely and to make one’s voice heard without being subjected to repression or violence. Switzerland consistently supports close cooperation between the Office of the Special Envoy and the Civil Society Support Room. The aspirations, grievances and expectations of civil society, and of Syrian women in particular, some of whom I have had the pleasure and honour of meeting with on several occasions, and whose tremendous commitment and courage I have always admired, must be included in the efforts to achieve a lasting political solution. Those platforms act as important channels for communicating the reality on the ground in Syria to international bodies.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“We hope that those contacts will advance his step-by- step approach, according to the mandate conferred to him by the Security Council and put forward by regional players in the wake of the Amman, Cairo and Jeddah declarations this year. A substantial meeting of the Constitutional Committee as soon as possible, under the auspices of the Special Envoy, would be an important step towards relaunching the political process on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015). The Council must also play a role in the fight against impunity, which is another sine qua non condition for lasting peace in Syria. The demonstrations that have been taking place in Al-Suwayda for several weeks now show that a political solution to the conflict is still essential.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“The security situation, particularly in the north of the country, has a major impact on the civilian population, who are all too often the victims of direct or indiscriminate attacks. Switzerland calls on all parties to respect, and ensure respect for, international humanitarian law and the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities. The introduction of a nationwide ceasefire, as prescribed by resolution 2254 (2015), is more necessary and urgent than ever if the country is to emerge from the deep humanitarian, social and economic crisis in which it is plunged. We also recall that Syria has an obligation to respect and protect the human rights of every individual. Switzerland welcomes Special Envoy Pedersen’s recent contacts in the region, including in Damascus.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to join my colleagues in expressing our thanks to Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and Ms. Jarbawi for their briefings. Switzerland associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Brazil, our co-penholder on the humanitarian issue. I would also like to echo the thanks expressed to OCHA for its significant commitment. Allow me to add a few points in my national capacity on the political situation in Syria. As all the briefers confirmed, the situation in the country remains very worrisome.”
2023-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9426 (2023) · source
“For Switzerland, that trust requires inclusive governance and, above all, respect for the human rights of the Afghan people in all their diversity. We therefore will endeavour in the Council to ensure the implementation of the adopted resolutions and a more coherent and holistic strategy based on an evaluation that we look forward to. However, it is also important to be engaged on the ground and in the region to provide tangible support to the Afghan population.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Food insecurity is exacerbated by rising temperatures, changes in precipitation and the increased frequency of extreme weather events. More people are forced to move within and outside the country, which is a potential source of tension. It is therefore important to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change now and to strengthen people’s resilience and adaptive capacity, while adopting a gender-sensitive approach. In Switzerland’s view, the Council should give further consideration to that issue and support UNAMA’s important efforts in that regard. As the Secretary-General stated in his report, the Taliban will achieve economic self-reliance only if they succeed in establishing a relationship of trust with the international community.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“As High Commissioner Volker Türk said, human rights in Afghanistan are on the verge of collapse. Switzerland supports the important work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in that area — and I would like to thank the Special Representative — in particular the collection of data across the country and the production of relevant reports, so that one day justice will be served. It is also important to develop long-term solutions. That requires close collaboration with civil society organizations. When it comes to long-term approaches, we cannot forget the environmental crisis of climate change in Afghanistan. Its cumulative effects are having a devastating impact on people’s livelihoods, security and the economy in Afghanistan and the region.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The fact that humanitarian work carried out by women is largely suspended, first and foremost, costs human lives, but the exclusion of women also jeopardizes humanitarian action as a whole, discourages the necessary funding and encourages economic diversion. There can be no doubt: for Afghanistan to recover, it needs women who can determine their own future and actively participate in shaping public and political life. That starts at school, where girls acquire the necessary skills. As Ms. Basij-Rasikh so aptly put it at our meeting in June, “The secret to a stable Afghanistan, a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, is no secret at all; it is educated girls.” (S/PV.9354, p. 5). We recall resolution 2681 (2023), which calls upon the Taliban to swiftly reverse its policies and practices. Allow me also to make a more general comment.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“While the report shows some macroeconomic progress, it also highlights the unprecedented humanitarian and social crises, accompanied by serious human rights violations, as well as the lack of response to the environmental disaster represented by climate change. Today, as Council members have heard many times, more than two thirds of the Afghan population are in need of assistance. Women remain systematically excluded from education and paid work, as well as from political, economic and social life in general. That only exacerbates the situation of entire families. The violation of women’s rights, in addition to being a crime and affecting their mental and psychological state, weighs heavily on the economic and humanitarian prospects of the entire country.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2023/678) and thank the speakers for their comments, recommendations and efforts. I also refer to the stakeout with the States that signed what we call the statement of shared commitments on women and peace and security. Indeed, we must explore all avenues and legal instruments — from the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women to the International Criminal Court — in order to hold responsible those who systematically violate international law.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We must therefore ensure that we do not confine ourselves to fleeting words but rather seek the unity that enables us to act in favour of respect for international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. A lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan must be achieved through continued dialogue at the negotiating table. Peace must be based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the protection of minority rights. It is up to everyone, including influential actors in the region, to commit to respecting international humanitarian law and peaceful solutions. Switzerland will commit to achieving that objective and remains available to the parties, if they wish. Echoing the words of the Secretary-General in his appeal to the General Assembly (see A/78/PV.4), let us not give up on diplomacy at this crucial moment.”
2023-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9422 (2023) · source
“While we were relieved by the positive developments with regard to humanitarian convoys using the Lachin corridor and the Aghdam road earlier this week — as mentioned by many others here today — that access must be maintained. We call on the parties to respect their obligations under the trilateral declaration of November 2020 and the decisions of the International Court of Justice, among other instruments. In recent days, many of us at the United Nations have reiterated our commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Just yesterday, the President of Switzerland and many others did so in this very Chamber (see S/PV.9421).”
2023-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9422 (2023) · source
“Although hostilities appear to have ceased, the situation remains fragile. At this time of uncertainty, the obligations under international law must be emphasized all the more clearly. International humanitarian law and human rights, in particular minority rights, must be respected unconditionally. We are saddened by the reports of civilian casualties. The protection of the civilian population, the wounded and medical facilities remains paramount. We also reiterate that humanitarian actors, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, must be able to carry out their impartial missions and that the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the population in need must be facilitated.”
2023-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9422 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. We appreciate the fact that this meeting is being held, at this crucial time, in the presence of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Azerbaijan. I also wish to acknowledge the presence of the other high-level representatives here today. Switzerland is deeply concerned about the military operations that were launched by Azerbaijan earlier this week. That development places an additional burden on the civilian population of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is already suffering a very difficult humanitarian situation. Switzerland takes note of the ceasefire announced yesterday and calls for a lasting halt to the hostilities on the ground. The use of force to resolve conflicts is unacceptable.”
2023-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9422 (2023) · source
“Switzerland reiterates its full support for UNMISS and its continued commitment to supporting the Government and people of South Sudan.”
2023-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9420 (2023) · source