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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“Secondly, with regard to the security situation, investing in violence prevention and peacebuilding requires a commitment to addressing the various security, political, economic, cultural and social causes underlying such violence. That was reiterated in February at the conference entitled “Grand Rendez-vous for the Prevention of Violent Extremism in West and Central Africa”, organized by UNOWAS, Switzerland and Senegal in Dakar. It is imperative that States and regional organizations, in particular the African Union and ECOWAS, translate the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism into reality. The conference showed us that dialogue, including with violent extremists, is key to achieving lasting peace.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“First, with regard to the elections, we are pleased to note that the polls have so far been largely peaceful. We welcome the ongoing commitment of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) to promoting democratic governance and peaceful electoral processes. It is a long-term effort based on trust and regular dialogue, and it reflects the good reputation that UNOWAS enjoys. However, while notable progress has been made at the State level, in particular in Benin and Mauritania, as the Special Representative mentioned, women have remained largely underrepresented throughout the region in political processes and decision-making. We call for a more in-depth and contextual analysis of the underlying reasons for that in order to ensure the full and meaningful participation of women throughout the electoral process cycle.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to welcome Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. I wish him every success in his new role and look forward to continuing our productive cooperation with him. I also thank the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States for his briefing, and the Peacebuilding Commission for its written advice. We welcome the positive developments since our last meeting (see S/PV.9238) such as those related to elections and to transitional justice and accountability efforts. However, today’s briefing makes it clear that the security situation in the region remains very fragile and that humanitarian needs are increasing. I would therefore like to make three points.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Switzerland calls on all the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, in particular measures to protect the civilian population. Respect for human rights is also essential to protecting the dignity, life and freedom of every individual. Switzerland would like to reiterate its full support for the Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, whose work is fundamental to the fight against impunity.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“It is vital that the ceasefire is respected at the national level. Already affected by a humanitarian, social and economic situation that has never been so critical, civilian populations are still too often the victims of this armed conflict. According to the Secretary-General’s latest report on children and armed conflict (S/2023/363), Syria is one of the countries with the highest number of verified serious violations against children. All the parties to the conflict have committed violations against children such as recruitment, killing and maiming, as well as attacks on schools and hospitals. Those violations must stop immediately, and we welcome the Secretary- General’s ongoing dialogue with the various parties to the conflict in that regard.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“We recall that the States parties to the Contact Group have expressed their willingness to support a step-for-step approach towards a political solution, in coordination with the efforts of the Special Envoy. Switzerland once again stresses the relevance of the Council’s resolution 2254 (2015) to achieving a just and comprehensive solution that ensures peace and security in Syria and the region. The relaunch of the work of the Constitutional Committee would give an important signal of support for the search for a concerted approach to peace. Switzerland remains ready to make Geneva the Organization’s main headquarters in Europe, available to host meetings of the Constitutional Committee, as well as any other type of talks and initiatives aimed at promoting a lasting peace in Syria.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“On the contrary, the current dynamics have unfortunately failed to de-escalate the military situation, improve humanitarian access or relaunch the political process. We regret that the Council was unable to renew the mandate for cross-border humanitarian aid. We recall that not only allowing, but also facilitating the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in need is an obligation under international humanitarian law. The United Nations and its partners must be able to continue to provide assistance to those in need. Despite the current dynamics, we welcome the convening, on 16 August 2023, of the first meeting of the Contact Group set up on the sidelines of the 7 May meeting of the League of Arab States.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I associate myself with the statement made by our colleague, the Permanent Representative of Brazil, and our co-penholder on the humanitarian issue. I would like to add a few points in my national capacity on the political situation in Syria. At the outset, I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen — not only for his briefing, but also and above all for his ongoing efforts in the implementation of his mandate. Switzerland regrets that the regional and international dynamics that emerged in the aftermath of the earthquakes on 6 February have not yet led to a convergence of efforts to improve the political, security, humanitarian or economic situation in Syria.”
2023-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9383 (2023) · source
“It proved that even in the darkest hours, diplomatic solutions can be found in the interests of a wider goal, which is a reminder that humanity and regard for the most vulnerable must — and can — prevail. This week’s events run counter to what we have been calling for since February 2022. The escalatory trend must stop. The longer the military aggression continues, the greater its repercussions will be. We therefore once again call on Russia — and will do so for as long as it takes — to de-escalate the situation, end its combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“We are concerned by the military escalation and the rhetoric since the Russian decision and call on all parties to refrain from any prejudicial action, particularly with regard to civilian shipping. We welcome the tireless efforts of the Secretary- General, as well as those of Türkiye and all the actors involved, to facilitate rapid and unhindered access to world markets for food products and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia. We continue to stand ready to sup- port these efforts, particularly in our role as a host State. As others have said, the signing of the agreements in Istanbul a year ago was one of the few moments of hope after the start of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“The Initiative has enabled more than 32 million tons of food to be exported from Ukraine to 45 countries on three continents, helped to reduce global food prices and made it possible for the World Food Programme to ship more than 725,000 tons of wheat to support humanitarian operations. We reiterate our deep regret at Russia’s decision not to extend this initiative. We fear that this decision will exacerbate situations of distress and particularly affect the poorest people. We are also concerned about the risk of destabilization that food insecurity represents in many parts of the world. Switzerland is convinced that it is in the interests of global food security for the Initiative to be renewed.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“Switzerland is extremely concerned by this apparent escalation, which is once again affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure in southern Ukraine. We recall that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks against the civilian population and infrastructure, as well as reprisals, particularly against protected persons and property. It is imperative that the rules governing the conduct of hostilities be respected. We also join in the condemnation of the Russian strikes against the port facilities of Odesa and other Ukrainian Black Sea ports. Those, like Russia’s decision on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, have repercussions far beyond the Ukraine. The agreements signed in Istanbul a year ago have proved essential for food security worldwide, as we have heard today.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to begin not only by thanking Under- Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Under- Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for their briefings, but also, on behalf of my country, Switzerland, but also by expressing our deep appreciation for their tireless work to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population. Once again, we have come to the end of a week of grim news in connection with Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: more attacks, more civilian casualties and destruction, and more uncertainty for the people of Ukraine and of the world. According to credible reports, in Mykolayiv, near Odesa, an air strike hit houses and a nursery yesterday. These attacks are as cruel as they are unacceptable.”
2023-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9382 (2023) · source
“It should be guided by the results emanating from the General Assembly on the related legal framework. The Council must also use its powers to ensure that AI serves peace by anticipating risks and opportunities or by encouraging the Secretariat and peace missions to use this technology in innovative and responsible ways. My delegation used AI for our first debate under our presidency, on futureproofing trust for sustaining peace (see S/PV.9315), as well as in the context of an exhibition in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross on digital dilemmas. We were able to recognize the impressive potential of this technology to serve peace. We therefore look forward to making “AI for Good” an integral part of the New Agenda for Peace.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“Finally, the relatively early stage of AI development gives us the opportunity to ensure equality and inclusion, and to counteract discriminatory stereotypes. AI is only as good and reliable as the data with which we provide it. If that data reflects prejudices and stereotypes — for example, of gender — or if it is simply not representative of its operating environment, AI will offer us bad advice in maintaining peace and security. It is the responsibility of developers and users, both governmental and non-governmental, to ensure that AI does not reproduce the harmful societal biases we are striving to overcome. The Security Council has a responsibility to proactively monitor developments around AI and the threat it may pose to the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“AI does not exist in a normative vacuum. Existing international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and human rights, apply to it. Switzerland is committed to all United Nations processes that serve to reaffirm and clarify the international legal framework for AI, and in the case of lethal autonomous weapon systems, to develop prohibitions and restrictions. Secondly, AI must be human-centred, or, as Mr. Zeng put it earlier, (spoke in English) “AI should never, ever pretend to be human”. (spoke in French) We call for the development, deployment and use of AI to always be guided by ethical and inclusive considerations. Clear responsibility and accountability must be maintained for Governments, companies and individuals alike.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“The Council, too, must work to counter the risks that AI poses to peace. That is why we are very grateful to the United Kingdom for organizing this important debate. Let us consider cyberoperations and disinformation as an example. False narratives undermine people’s trust in Governments and peace missions. In that respect, AI is a double-edged sword. While it accentuates disinformation, it can also be used to detect false narratives and hate speech. So how can we reap the benefits of AI for peace and security while minimizing the risks? I would like to propose three pathways. First, we need a common framework, shared by all the players involved in the development and application of such technology — Governments, businesses, civil society and research organizations — which I think Mr. Clark made very clear in his briefing.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“As we look ahead to a New Agenda for Peace, we have it in our hands to ensure that AI makes a difference to the benefit, and not the detriment, of humankind. Against that backdrop, let us seize the opportunity to pave the way for AI for good by working closely with cutting- edge research. To that end, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is developing a prototype AI- assisted analysis tool for the United Nations Crisis and Operations Centre. That tool will explore the potential of AI for peacekeeping, and particularly for the protection of civilians and peacekeepers. In addition, Switzerland recently launched a call for a trust and transparency initiative in which academia, the private sector and diplomacy can jointly seek practical and rapid solutions to the risks associated with AI.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We are grateful to Secretary-General António Guterres for his participation in this important debate. My thanks also go to Mr. Clark and Mr. Yi Zeng for their valuable and impressive contributions. (spoke in English) “I believe it is only a matter of time before we see thousands of robots like me out there making a difference”. (spoke in French) Those words were uttered by the robot Ameca, speaking to a journalist at the Artificial Intelligence for Good Global Summit mentioned by the Secretary- General, which was organized by the International Telecommunication Union and Switzerland and held in Geneva two weeks ago. While it can represent a challenge because of its speed and apparent omniscience, artificial intelligence (AI) can and must also serve peace and security.”
2023-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9381 (2023) · source
“The principles of the Charter and General Assembly resolution ES-11/6, adopted in February, form a basis on which a comprehensive, just and lasting peace can be built in Ukraine. Switzerland is closely following the various commitments aimed at moving towards peace, while at the same time stressing that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Rebuilding Ukraine is urgent. But that will not be enough. We also need to provide justice for the victims and restore global food security. Hunger must never again become a weapon of war. We must therefore continue to close ranks behind international law, in particular the Charter, the shield that protects us all, so that the buildings, supply chains, peace and stability that we will eventually rebuild will rest on a solid and lasting foundation for humankind.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“We condemn Russia’s decision concerning those agreements and hope they will be renewed in the near future. Lastly, we have seen the resurgence of a spectre that we thought we had banished — a sovereign State’s war of aggression against another sovereign State with the aim of territorial expansion. But our certainties have been upended. As we face all of these challenges, we must find a firm footing, which we have in the Charter of the United Nations. We might have thought that a flagrant violation of the Charter would undermine its authority, but on the contrary, we have seen that a vast majority of States have reaffirmed its importance. More than 140 States have condemned the aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“We want to remind everyone that international humanitarian law protects civilians and civilian infrastructure, which should never be targets. In that regard, I would like to express Switzerland’s deep concern about the use of anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions in Ukraine. As a State party to the Ottawa and Oslo Conventions, Switzerland calls on all States and parties to the conflict to refrain from using such weapons. The indiscriminate or disproportionate use of force is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Secondly, restoring global food security is urgent. Millions of people around the world have fallen prey to food insecurity since Russia’s military aggression began. The arrangements reached in Istanbul have made a difference for them.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“The prospect of future reconstruction is essential when in the wake of the Russian military aggression we find that thousands of people have been killed, Ukraine’s infrastructure has been devastated, global food security undermined and certainties shattered. Allow me to elaborate. First, we just heard from the Under-Secretary- General that the loss of human life in Ukraine is enormous. Just last week civilians in the Zaporizhzhya region were killed while receiving humanitarian aid. We can add to that the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, which will be a herculean task to rebuild. The fact that the toll continues to mount is unacceptable. We reiterate our call on Russia to begin immediate de-escalation, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the United Kingdom for paying special attention to the situation in Ukraine. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing, as grim as it may be. And I welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Last month, the second Ukraine Recovery Conference took place in London. Switzerland hosted the first Conference, in July 2022. In both Lugano and London, the international community proved that it was firmly committed to supporting Ukraine in its rebuilding process.”
2023-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9380 (2023) · source
“Secondly, in its cooperation programme in Colombia, Switzerland is committed to making the impact of armed conflict on children visible, and to mitigating that impact. Given the increase in child recruitment, we encourage the Colombian Government to redouble its efforts to prevent and end grave violations of children’s rights and pave the way for their effective reintegration. In that regard, I would like to quote the recommendation of young Ms. Violeta, who courageously addressed the Council last week during the recent open debate on children and armed conflict (see S/PV.9366) and urged that”
2023-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9374 (2023) · source
“First, Switzerland remains concerned about the fact that conflict-related violence continues to affect the civilian population, and we urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law. Clashes between armed groups continue to spread throughout the country, particularly in areas that are a priority for the implementation of the Final Agreement. Security guarantees for members of political parties, social leaders, human rights defenders and former combatants should remain a priority for the Government. We call on the Colombian authorities to implement adequate preventive measures for ensuring the holding of free, secure and participatory elections, especially in the run-up to the departmental and municipal elections in October.”
2023-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9374 (2023) · source
“The recent progress on enacting peace legislation is commendable, and all the parties concerned should prioritize its full implementation. We welcome the progress of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and the measures taken by the Government to implement restorative sentences. The inter-institutional coordination mechanism established for the search for missing persons has also already yielded tangible initial results. Lastly, at Colombia’s request, the Swiss Federal Council approved an agreement to retain a digital copy in Switzerland of the archives of the Colombian Truth Commission, and we were very pleased to see our President visit Colombia and announce that agreement. I want to emphasize three more points.”
2023-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9374 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I welcome the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, His Excellency Mr. Álvaro Leyva Durán, in this meeting, and I thank the Special Representative, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for his briefing. My thanks also go to Ms. Salcedo López. Switzerland has a long-standing commitment to Colombia and continues to support the country’s peace process, particularly regarding coming to terms with the past. I would like to emphasize examples of major progress achieved recently. First, Switzerland welcomes the allocation of specific resources and the commitments stipulated in the National Development Plan aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace.”
2023-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9374 (2023) · source
“We will continue to engage with all Council members to ensure that humanitarian aid keeps reaching those in need. Last night, the mandate for the cross-border mechanism expired and left millions of people wondering if they will continue to receive much-needed life-saving humanitarian aid. We, the members of the Security Council, cannot fail the millions of people in Syria who depend on assistance. We cannot fail the thousands upon thousands who help them day by day, and we cannot keep watching the situation on the ground get worse. The Council has a responsibility to renew the mandate for cross-border aid, and we will keep on working to find common ground and to ensure that we collectively live up to that responsibility.”
2023-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9371 (2023) · source
“The earthquakes in February have further compounded an already very complex humanitarian crisis. We have continuously stressed the need for all modalities, including cross- border and cross-line, to be available for humanitarian actors across Syria. The cross-border operation remains a lifeline for millions of Syrians who are dependent on humanitarian aid. We welcome the engagement from all sides during this negotiation process. We are thankful for the support that our approach and text received from the vast majority of Council members. We deeply regret that this compromise was rejected through the use of one veto. As co-penholders, Brazil and Switzerland are guided by the humanitarian imperative. We will therefore not let this veto cease our tireless efforts to find a solution.”
2023-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9371 (2023) · source
“The Secretary-General, as well as humanitarian partners working on the ground, have stressed that the 12-month mandate duration would provide humanitarian actors with the predictability necessary for their operation planning. Even though we hear and support their call, we made a further compromise — for a nine-month extension. This timeline would allow for bridging the harsh winter months and still enable the expansion of humanitarian activities, including early-recovery efforts called for by the draft resolution. And in a context of humanitarian needs worldwide that is far outgrowing the available funds, it would still improve the cost efficiency of the whole-of-Syria humanitarian response. The briefings the Security Council receives monthly leave no doubt that the humanitarian needs in Syria are greater than ever before.”
2023-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9371 (2023) · source
“Brazil and Switzerland are very disappointed that the Security Council did not adopt the draft resolution on cross- border humanitarian aid into Syria, on which we have just voted (S/2023/506). Over recent weeks, we engaged with all Council members, as well as partners in the region, and did not spare any efforts — any efforts — to accommodate concerns and reach common ground. We engaged constructively and in good faith, always keeping one single and clear aim in our minds: to ensure that millions of people in need would get the humanitarian assistance on which they rely to survive in the most difficult circumstances. The text would have ensured that life-saving humanitarian assistance continued to reach those in need in north-west Syria by all modalities, cross- border and cross-line, and by all humanitarian actors with no exception.”
2023-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9371 (2023) · source
“As such, we are encouraged by the efforts to hold dialogue, both in the region and beyond. We hope that those talks will enable the parties involved to recall our collective interest in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. In order to be sustainable, political détente must be accompanied by a return to compliance with the obligations and spirit of the JCPOA. The Council must give the issue its full attention. Switzerland stands ready, as it has done in the past by hosting negotiations, to facilitate any diplomatic solution aimed at maintaining the nuclear non-proliferation regime.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“Secondly, we regret Iran’s development and testing of ballistic missiles — actions that are incompatible with resolution 2231 (2015). We are also concerned by allegations of transfers from Iran of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to third countries. We stress that any transfer of items, materials, equipment, goods and technology listed in the 2015 Missile Technology Control Regime is a violation of resolution 2231 (2015) if it has not received the prior approval of the Council. In that regard, we encourage the Secretariat to make full use of its flexibility to independently review the information provided and to respond to invitations for an on-site review. Finally, the current state of the JCPOA serves as a reminder that urgent diplomatic efforts are needed to avoid its total unravelling.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“First, the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) shows progress has been made in overcoming outstanding issues concerning nuclear safeguards, as well as monitoring equipment at certain sites. That is a step in the right direction. However, in order to assure the international community that Iran’s nuclear programme is indeed peaceful, the Iranian authorities must cooperate rigorously, transparently and unequivocally with the IAEA. Otherwise, the Agency’s ability to provide guarantees on the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme remains compromised. That is why the commitments made under the JCPOA and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons must be fully respected by Iran.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“Switzerland has repeatedly expressed its deep concern about the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the various measures taken by Iran, which are incompatible with its nuclear commitments. In particular, Switzerland deplores the fact that despite the willingness shown by a majority of the parties to negotiate a rapid return to the Plan, no progress has been made in the past six months. The JCPOA is an important element of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and of international security. Consequently, the swift and full implementation by all parties of their obligations is essential. A revitalization of the JCPOA depends on three aspects.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, Ambassador Frazier and Ambassador Skoog for their briefings. Eight years ago, we were pleased to welcome the news of the agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. The conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was rightly seen as an achievement for diplomacy in the service of non-proliferation and regional political détente. In that respect, we were delighted to have been able to host critical stages of the negotiations in Switzerland. Today the implementation of the JCPOA is faltering and the situation is more perilous than ever before.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“We must not underestimate the importance of long-term reintegration programmes that also open up economic prospects and address gender- based needs. This is an effective way of countering the risk of further recruitment. Although the annual report paints a grim picture, let us keep in mind what Ms. Violeta illustrated in her briefing today: children, with their creativity, ambition and recommendations, to which we have listened carefully, can change the world, or, to once again borrow Graça Machel’s words: “In a world of diversity and disparity, children are a unifying force capable of bringing people to common ethical grounds.” (ibid., para. 6)”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366 (2023) · source
“We call for a meaningful engagement of all listed parties with the United Nations to prevent and end all grave violations. The task now is to mobilize additional resources, including for the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, which Switzerland supports in several countries. Secondly, verified attacks on schools and hospitals have more than doubled in one year, which is simply unacceptable. There has also been a marked increase in the use of this infrastructure for military purposes. We call on all states to sign and respect the Safe Schools Declaration, and to implement resolution 2601 (2021). Realizing the right to education is the key to a better future and to lasting peace. Thirdly, the successful reintegration of children previously associated with armed groups or forces is fundamental.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366 (2023) · source
“Respect for international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law is fundamental in this context, and we must intensify our collective efforts to protect children in armed conflict. To this end, we must focus on the following three points. First, the tools developed by the Security Council will remain effective if and only if they are used independently, credibly and impartially. The criteria for including parties in the annexes to the annual report, or for removing them, must be transparent and objective. The listing of Myanmar’s armed forces for additional grave violations, as well as that of the Russian armed forces and armed groups affiliated with them in the context of the military aggression against Ukraine, is consistent and important.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366 (2023) · source
“312). The Security Council has responded to this call by developing the Children and Armed Conflict agenda through 13 resolutions that offer important tools for protecting children. While the Children and Armed Conflict agenda has helped to change the lives of thousands of girls and boys, the annual report (S/2023/363) reminds us that the situation of children caught up in armed conflict remains disastrous. Twenty-seven thousand grave violations of children’s rights are 27,000 grave violations of children’s rights too many, and although more than half of the total number of violations emanate from armed groups, it is worrisome to note that, as Mrs. Gamba de Potgieter mentioned, Government forces have been responsible for the majority of child killings, attacks on schools and hospitals, and obstacles to humanitarian access.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to join others in congratulating the United Arab Emirates on its presidency of the Security Council in June, and I wish you, Madam President, and your team, every success in the month of July. Madam, you can count on Switzerland’s support. I would also like to thank you, Madam President, for organizing today’s debate, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Gamba de Potgieter and Deputy Executive Director Abdi for their in-depth analysis and crucial work. My special thanks go to Ms. Violeta. Almost 30 years ago, Graça Machel made an urgent appeal in her seminal report on the impact of armed conflict on children: “We must look beyond what seems immediately possible and find new ways and new solutions to shield children from the consequences of war” (A/51/306, para.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366 (2023) · source
“We welcome the holding, two days ago, in Geneva, of a meeting of the task force mandated by resolution 2254 (2015) to verify the implementation of the urgent ceasefire, of which we have just heard. In that context, we call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, in particular measures to protect the civilian population. Respect for human rights is also essential — to protect the dignity, life and freedom of every individual. Switzerland would like to reiterate its full support for the Human Rights Council’s commission of inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, whose work is fundamental to the fight against impunity. In Syria, as elsewhere, there can be no lasting peace without justice.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Switzerland remains ready to make Geneva, the main headquarters of the United Nations in Europe, available to host the Committee’s meetings. Among those initiatives, Switzerland supports the Civil Society Support Room within the Special Envoy’s office in Geneva. The Support Room brings together Syrian civil society and helps guide United Nations efforts to promote intra-Syrian dialogue and trust between the parties. Those efforts for peace and dialogue cannot bear fruit without a commitment from all parties to the establishment and observance of a nationwide ceasefire. Hostilities, such as the latest escalation in Idlib, continue to affect the civilian population, including children. I would like to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this recent violence.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria for her briefing on the recent exchanges of the Special Envoy with regional and international players, including the members of the Astana platform last week. Switzerland shares the conviction that only a political solution, within the parameters defined by resolution 2254 (2015), can put an end to the conflict in Syria. We therefore welcome the support expressed for the implementation of this resolution, both in the Joint Statement of the Astana meeting on 21 June, as well as in recent statements by regional actors, including in the framework of the League of Arab States. We also join in the calls made by the same actors, and repeatedly by Council members, for the work of the Constitutional Committee to be relaunched.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“The Secretary- General, his Emergency Relief Coordinator, OCHA, the Special Envoy for Syria and all humanitarian actors operating on the ground keep underlining that the 12-month timeline is needed for ensuring rapid, safe sustainable and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for all civilians in need. This timeline is also necessary in order to facilitate the further expansion of early-recovery activities. It is our shared responsibility to stand in solidarity with the people of Syria. We call on all Council members to work constructively over the coming days in order to live up to our collective responsibility to the Syrian people. (spoke in French) Allow me to add a few points in my national capacity on the political situation in Syria. I thank Ms.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“We commend the Organization’s constant efforts to enable cross-line deliveries, as well as the assistance that reached those in need through last week’s convoy — the first since the earthquake. But much more is needed. As the Secretary- General indicates in his special report, cross-line operations remain essential, although they currently cannot replace the size or scope of the Organization’s cross-border mechanism. The members of the Security Council will soon be called on to decide on the continuation of the cross- border mechanism, which continues to be a crucial lifeline for millions of children, women and men in Syria — even more so after the earthquakes earlier this year. As co-penholders, Brazil and Switzerland are guided solely by the objective of ensuring that assistance continues to reach all those in need.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“It is crucial that the funding pledges made by donor countries at the Brussels Conference lead to an increased funding of the humanitarian response plan. For aid to reach those in need in the most direct and effective manner, all modalities, including cross-line and cross-border, need to be available for the humanitarian actors. According to the Secretary-General’s special report, the authorization by Syria for the United Nations to use Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai has allowed for more direct and efficient access to affected populations in northern Aleppo. It is important that this access remain available for as long as needed. We urge all parties to eliminate impediments to humanitarian deliveries across Syria and to allow and facilitate rapid, safe, sustainable and unhindered access to all civilians in need.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“Amid the disheartening statistics presented by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), we are confronted with the stark situation of children in Syria, who are disproportionately affected by the drivers of the crisis According to UNICEF, the education system has been devastated by the conflict, with over 7,000 damaged or destroyed schools. The earthquakes further impaired educational facilities, limiting children’s access to education. More than 2 million children are out of school, and another 1.6 million are at risk of dropping out. The recruitment and use of children in this conflict is also an increasingly worrisome trend. We must do everything we can to stop this situation.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source
“I wish Eid Mubarak to all those who have been celebrating. I deliver this statement on behalf of Brazil and Switzerland, as co-penholders on the Syrian humanitarian file. Let me first thank Ms. Najat Rochdi, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, and Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under- Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their briefings, and I thank the Secretary-General for his reports (S/2023/419 and S/2023/464). As we just heard from Mr. Griffiths, the humanitarian situation in Syria is worse than ever before in its 12- year history of conflict. The earthquakes in February compounded the already dire circumstances, and 70 per cent of the population is in need of humanitarian aid and protection in every district in Syria — for the first time.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9363 (2023) · source