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

“We urgently call on the leaders of all parties to work for de-escalation and a resumption of genuine talks addressing the root causes of the conflict. Switzerland stands ready, including through its good offices, to support such efforts aimed at restoring a political horizon based on a two-State solution.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“The escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory is alarming, with incidents in 2023 continuing those of the previous year — 126 civilians, including 35 children, have been killed. The death of a two-year-old child from an injury sustained during an Israeli operation in Nabi Salih on 5 June served as a reminder that children are all too often the victims of the conflict. They should never be the target of violence or put in danger. In February the Security Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2023/1) calling on the parties to create the conditions necessary for peace. For a time, the meetings in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh in the spring had made it possible to resume a dialogue with a view to reducing tensions, and Switzerland supports the efforts made in the wake of the presidential statement.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“Switzerland condemns the acts of violence perpetrated in the occupied Palestinian territory, in particular the attack that claimed the lives of four Israelis, including two minors, near the Eli settlement on 20 June. Switzerland also condemns the violence perpetrated this week across the West Bank by hundreds of armed settlers in retaliation, notably in Turmus Ayya, in which one Palestinian was killed and the property of Palestinian residents damaged. We call for those responsible for those attacks to be held to account. In that respect, we have noted the Israeli armed forces’ denunciation of those acts and call for it to be followed by concrete measures. The armed forces must assume their responsibility by protecting the Palestinian population from such attacks.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“In that respect, Switzerland calls on Israel to rescind the change announced on 18 June to the approval procedure for construction in settlements, as well as the announced construction of more than 4,500 new housing units in settlements. Following the operation carried out on 19 June by Israeli security forces in the Jenin refugee camp, which cost the lives of seven Palestinians, including two children, and left nearly 100 injured, we want to remind the Israeli authorities of their obligations under international law. In particular, the use of force must meet the criterion of proportionality and respect all people’s right to life and security. The use of a helicopter gunship in Jenin during that operation and the targeted assassination by drone on Wednesday evening also mark a worrisome escalation.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to join others in thanking Mr. Tor Wennesland, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his detailed briefing. I also took careful note of the briefing by Mr. James Zogby. As we have just heard, June was once again marked by a very high level of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory. Switzerland reiterates that the settlements are illegal under international law. They also constitute a major obstacle to peace based on a two- State solution, as is also noted in resolution 2334 (2016), which obliges Israel to refrain from taking any measures that would introduce permanent changes, in particular demographic and administrative ones, to the occupied territory.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“However, the testimony of the resident of the village of Arr illustrates the need for the Congolese Government to redouble its efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians during this period. Switzerland will continue to work closely with the Congolese authorities, the United Nations and the local communities to ensure a peaceful transition, leading to a peaceful society and sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, a return to stability and security is key to sustainable development and prosperity. Violence against civilians, attacks on civilian infrastructure and schools and the illegal exploitation of natural resources impede development. We call on the Government to step up its efforts to stabilize the country, including through the restoration of State authority, good governance and security-sector reform. In that regard, we support the Secretary-General’s call for ensuring that the draft law establishing an army reserve corps does not lead to the de facto integration of armed groups into the country’s armed forces. Efforts by the authorities to strengthen their security capacities must comply with human rights and international humanitarian law. Switzerland hears the Congolese authorities’ call for accelerating MONUSCO’s transition.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“Those efforts illustrate the importance of mutually reinforcing regional peace initiatives. Lastly, an inclusive dialogue must inform the ex- changes between Kinshasa, the United Nations Organiza- tion Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations country team within the framework of the transition plan. Consid- ering the more than 20 years that the Mission has been in the country, it will be crucial to preserve the gains that the Government has made with the support of the Mission. To that end, a common understanding of the next steps involved in the transition is essential, in particular with regard to the minimum security conditions required for the Mission to make a responsible and sustainable exit.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“Switzerland will continue to cooperate with the Congolese authorities and the African Union in the area of the prevention of violence. Secondly, a sincere and inclusive dialogue is needed to advance the political processes. At the national level, that dialogue has to be established between the Congolese authorities, the political opposition and civil society. That is particularly important in the context of the preparations for elections, as tensions are already being felt. Corrective measures should be taken in that regard in areas where voter registration has been hampered by insecurity. At the regional level, dialogue among the States of the region remains key to the success of the Luanda and Nairobi processes. We welcome the quadripartite summit to be held tomorrow in Luanda under the auspices of the African Union.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“With that in mind, I would like to raise three points. First, international humanitarian law and human rights and the fight against impunity are essential to lasting peace. The reprehensible attack allegedly perpetrated by elements of the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo at a site for displaced persons in Ituri is a sombre reminder of the lack of protection of civilians. The fight against impunity, including impunity for sexual violence — we heard the shocking statistics from the Assistant Secretary-General just now — is a powerful way to prevent future violations. We therefore call on the Government to strengthen investigations and mobile courts in order to prevent and respond to armed attacks on civilians.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, for her briefing. I also welcome the participation of the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in today’s meeting. I would like to share the testimony of a resident of the village of Arr, in Ituri. “Our children had a good school, but during the conflict everything was destroyed”. Those words illustrate the devastating consequences of the security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including for future generations. They represent an urgent call to all parties to engage in a sincere dialogue and to put the protection of civilians at the heart of all their efforts.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“For us, compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter is the basic requirement in these considerations. The Black Sea Grain Initiative has shown that the involvement of third-party actors with all parties can help mitigate the negative effects of war. We must build on and develop this experience. We regret that the trend is moving in the opposite direction and call on the parties to redouble their efforts to find a lasting solution. Switzerland is always ready to offer its good offices if the parties so wish. Respect for international law is the only way to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. I therefore reiterate today our appeal to Russia to cease all hostilities and withdraw all its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“We call on Russia and Ukraine to strictly respect international humanitarian law protecting civilian objects and structures and facilities containing dangerous forces, and to commit to the five principles established by the IAEA. While our attention is focused on the immediate challenges, we must nonetheless think of the future and keep hope alive. Switzerland welcomes the solidarity expressed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London this week. With the cycle of conferences, we are determined to offer better prospects to the Ukrainian people. It is essential that reconstruction takes place in a participatory and transparent manner, as underlined by the Lugano principles. In parallel with this show of support, Switzerland is closely monitoring the various undertakings aimed at advancing peace in Ukraine.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“We urge the Russian Government to act in accordance with its obligations under international humanitarian law and allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to Ukrainian territories currently under its control. The destruction of the dam illustrates the risks that continued Russian military aggression poses to infrastructure, with disastrous consequences for the civilian population. It also increases the risk of further escalation, including a nuclear incident. Switzerland welcomes the continued commitment of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to protecting the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine. We reaffirm our practical, financial and political support for the IAEA’s work.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“In addition to the protection afforded to civilian property, structures and installations containing dangerous forces benefit from special protection. Switzerland is therefore deeply concerned about the humanitarian, ecological and economic consequences of the flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. The lack of drinking water is compounded by a host of other challenges, including the risk posed by mines and explosive remnants of war displaced by water, which complicate the delivery of humanitarian aid and humanitarian mine clearance. We welcome the ongoing efforts of humanitarian actors, including the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and local actors, to help all those affected.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to start by thanking Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for her briefing and for all her efforts. A few weeks ago, the Secretary-General reminded us that international humanitarian law makes all the difference between life and death, between restraint and anarchy. I regret that, since then, the truth of these words has been sadly confirmed once again in Ukraine, in the context of Russian military aggression. In recent weeks, continuous Russian missile attacks have again hit residential areas in several Ukrainian cities. I repeat that civilian lives and infrastructure must be protected. Switzerland condemns all indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“I want to take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of our former colleague and to wish him good luck and success in a very difficult job. Only a political solution will enable a resolution of the crisis. Switzerland continues to support the Afghan people — and we have taken the recommendations on board — the United Nations and UNAMA in particular, in those efforts.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“And with almost half the Afghan population suffering from acute food insecurity, there is also an urgent need to mitigate the negative effects of climate change in order to improve food security in the long term. In that context, we welcome UNAMA’s work with local communities to strengthen their resilience and their management of climate-change-related risks. Every society must include women and men without discrimination, with the welfare of its entire population as the measure of its common strength. There is an urgent need to ensure greater respect for international law and human rights for all Afghans. That includes ensuring the active participation of civil society and women’s organizations in every area, including the independent assessment provided for in resolution 2679 (2023).”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Humanitarian support and basic needs will therefore continue to be essential. Switzerland would like to point out that the Taliban are responsible for meeting the needs of the Afghan population without discrimination of any kind, and that they have to ensure that humanitarian aid and basic services reach all in need. Switzerland welcomes UNAMA’s close cooperation with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions. Thirdly, Switzerland is concerned about the negative effects of climate change on Afghanistan and the region and of environmental degradation. Recurring droughts, desertification, floods and shortages of drinking water are extremely damaging. The struggle for limited natural resources can potentially create serious conflict, both among communities and between Afghanistan and its neighbours.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“And we are dismayed by the Taliban-controlled Supreme Court’s recent decision to impose the death penalty, which is incompatible with respect for human rights and human dignity. UNAMA has also reported numerous cases of corporal punishment, whose prohibition is a fundamental principle of international law. We therefore encourage UNAMA to continue its engagement with the Taliban to put an end to all such practices and thank the Mission for that commitment. Secondly, with regard to the economic situation, while we note that it has stabilized at a low level, the vulnerabilities of the population remain a cause for concern. The Afghan economy’s capacity to cope with those shocks is weak. We heard from the Special Representative that she believes that the humanitarian crisis is the worst such crisis in the world.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“We encourage the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to continue its commitment to the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and girls in public life. In that regard, I would like to highlight three points in particular. First, with regard to respect for human rights and international law, the Taliban’s blatant disregard for human rights has tragic consequences not only for women but for entire families and communities. That lack of respect for rights also affects children. All children, girls and boys alike, should be able to benefit from access to a safe, quality education. We heard that again today. Not only is that their right, but schooling helps to reduce their vulnerability and is essential to Afghanistan’s future stability and prosperity.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“We have been able to assess the scope of that during Switzerland’s regular missions on the ground. The increasingly severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban lead to the effective exclusion of women and girls from public, political, economic, cultural and social life. That in turn exacerbates the suffering of the entire population of Afghanistan. The Council has repeatedly condemned and called for reversing these illegal, morally reprehensible and above all economically disastrous measures. To date, although resolution 2681 (2023) clearly calls for it, none of those restrictions have been officially revoked. Switzerland congratulates all the actors and non-governmental organizations that have been able to retain a space to continue their work.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Otunbayeva for her briefing and, above all, for her invaluable work under very difficult circumstances. I also thank Ms. Shabana Basij-Rasikh for her briefing, which cannot leave anyone here indifferent. As she said, she lived as (spoke in English) “a child attending secret schools”. (spoke in French) And now, once again, a similar situation is unfolding. As the Secretary-General concluded at the end of the recent meeting of special envoys on Afghanistan, “it is difficult to overestimate the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan”. Today’s briefing affirms the extent of the multidimensional crisis. The oppression of women and girls, while certainly not the only aspect of the crisis, is the most glaring one.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“We commend UNMISS for providing protective escorts to humanitarian partners, enabling food to be distributed before the onset of the rainy season. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our full support to the Special Representative and UNMISS. Its new mandate underlines the importance of taking account of the negative effects of climate change and affirms the necessity of protecting civilians and fully implementing the road map. The coming months will require all actors to work together to meet the needs and expectations of the population. To that end, Switzerland recently renewed its partnership with the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, which are key instruments for moving the transition forward.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“We stress the importance of promoting accountability in order to break the cycles of violence. We therefore welcome UNMISS’s support to the Government in deploying ad hoc and mobile courts to strengthen the rule of law. Thirdly, we remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, which is affecting more than three quarters of the population. To date, the humanitarian response plan for 2023 is funded only to 30 per cent. The international community must do more to meet those fundamental needs. In that context, attacks on humanitarian personnel and convoys are unacceptable and illegal and must cease immediately. We call on all the parties to respect international humanitarian law and to allow and facilitate the safe, rapid and unhindered passage of humanitarian aid.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“For such debates, which can encourage acceptance of a new constitution, to occur, a free political and civic space, in which the freedoms of expression, assembly and press are guaranteed, is imperative. Secondly, in terms of international law, the protection of civilians remains critical to ensuring the success of the political transition. Despite the decrease in intercommunal and subnational violence, we are concerned about the dramatic increase in human rights violations and violent incidents affecting the population. In that regard, we express our deep concern about the renewed violence at the protection of civilians site in Malakal. We call on all parties to promote conflict prevention while equally taking into account the impact that the conflict in the Sudan could have on the social fabric, above all in border regions.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“First, with regard to the political process, we strongly encourage the parties to respect the deadlines set out in the road map and to set up without delay the bodies that have been planned. The adoption of the electoral law and the establishment of the joint task force to support the constitution-making and electoral processes are encouraging steps. The drafting of a new constitution must be done in an inclusive way, by taking into account the voices of all, including those of women and young people. In collaboration with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other partners, Switzerland helped to sponsor a debate on constitutional governance, organized by the University of Juba.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“The consequences of the conflict are putting increased pressure on social cohesion, the political situation and the humanitarian needs and necessary response to that situation in South Sudan. That is why, at the high-level event on the crisis in the Sudan and the region, held in Geneva yesterday, we announced additional funding to support the humanitarian response. While the international community’s attention is focused on the Sudan, efforts must be redoubled to achieve the key benchmarks of the transition that will determine the future of South Sudan. Switzerland reiterates its commitment to supporting the Government and the people of South Sudan during the transition. Let me underscore three aspects.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Haysom and the interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Mr. Gituai, for their briefings. We also thank our partner, the Community of Sant’Egidio, and appreciate its efforts towards facilitating an inclusive dialogue for lasting peace in South Sudan. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan. First of all, I would like to commend the solidarity demonstrated by South Sudan towards the women and men fleeing the devastating conflict in the Sudan and the Government’s efforts to support a peaceful solution to the conflict.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“In the future, let us work together to ensure that women are no longer invisible victims, but recognized actors in peace and security in the Central African Republic.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Finally, Switzerland remains concerned by the serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by certain peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. We welcome the strong commitment of the Secretary-General and especially his Special Representative to ensuring zero tolerance of such incidents. We cannot consolidate peace as long as daily violence continues to affect half the population. The response to the country’s insecurity lies in inclusive political processes, based on international law, guaranteeing women’s rights and creating a safe and respectful environment for their participation. In that context, we also support the four principles proposed by the Executive Director of UN-Women.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Women victims of sexual violence continue to be stigmatized, and those violations are often settled outside the formal justice system. For that to end, the regular justice system must be strengthened, and public confidence in it must be increased. As the Minister of State for Justice, Human Rights Promotion and Good Governance stressed last week, “Justiceisaprerequisiteforbuildingand strengthening the rule of law.” Nevertheless, the Special Criminal Court still lacks resources, and the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission is facing major delays. We therefore encourage the Government and the international community to support those institutions, which can lay the foundations for reconciliation and lasting peace in the country.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Indeed, on the borders with the Sudan and Chad, illicit arms trafficking, illegal taxation and attacks on the civilian population are increasing. That makes humanitarian access even more difficult. And yet again the greatest impact is on women. Traditionally engaged in field work, they are more exposed not only to the presence of armed actors, but also to the improvised explosive devices which are scattered throughout certain rural areas. We call on the Central African authorities to ensure the protection of the civilian population and their rights. In that regard, we welcome the initiatives undertaken by the Government to help some 13,000 refugees and returnees from the Sudan. Thirdly, the fight against impunity must be stepped up.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“We note the Central African Government’s announcement of a constitutional referendum, a direct democracy tool which is dear to Switzerland. We therefore call on the Central African authorities to guarantee an open, transparent, free and fair process — a process that ensures the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. The same applies to the upcoming local elections, where women candidates must be able to present themselves free of all threats and reprisals. In that regard, we encourage the Government to redouble its efforts to implement the gender parity law, which requires at least 35 per cent of political posts to be held by women. Secondly, despite an improvement in the security situation in certain regions, armed groups continue to operate, as we heard today from the Special Representative.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Yet, as a representative of Central African civil society shared during the visit of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic earlier this month, “Central African women are pillars of peace, but they are too often sidelined.” We therefore welcome your call, Madam President, to pay particular attention to the women and peace and security agenda in our deliberations today. It is vital that Council members include and support women’s commitment to peace. I will therefore focus on the women and peace and security agenda for three points that I would like to raise. First, for peace to take root and endure, women must be at the forefront of all political processes.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her statement and her valuable daily work on the ground. I also would like to take the opportunity to thank the Executive Director of UN-Women; the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; and the Head of Association of the Jeunesse en Marche pour le Développement en Centrafrique for their statements. I would like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic and the representatives of the States of the region. There can be no doubt that women are indispensable actors in the struggle for lasting peace in Central Africa and elsewhere.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“We therefore look forward to the next meeting on general cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, to be held in Geneva in 2024.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“The joint holding of a conference in December 2022 on drought, food security and climate resilience in Somalia demonstrated the added value of that kind of collaboration. I would like to emphasize another important point related to public life in the Arab world, which is the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women. That can be encouraged by a variety of mechanisms under the auspices of regional and international organizations. Such efforts must be complemented by an environment enabling women’s participation at the national level, including legal frameworks that guarantee women’s equal rights. Sustainable peace will either be built with women, or it will never be built at all. Switzerland supports efforts to achieve sustainable peace and maintains close relations with the countries of the region.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Such a solution would also be central to ensuring regional security. The League of Arab States, which has evolved in the context of the conflict, has an important role to play in that regard, for example through the Arab Peace Initiative. However, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders with influence to commit to finding a solution that takes into account the aspirations of young people in particular. Finally, in Yemen, we have seen encouraging progress in peace negotiations in recent months. It will nevertheless be important to pursue efforts to conclude a new truce agreement and take steps towards an inclusive peace process. Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States remains critical to overcoming the challenges that concern us all, including climate change, as we heard earlier this morning.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“With regard to Syria, Switzerland is following current developments in the region with interest. Accordingly, we welcome the willingness expressed at recent meetings of the League of Arab States in Cairo and Jeddah, and today by the League’s Secretary-General, to work together to implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2254 (2015), with a view to finding a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict. We also welcome the attention that the League of Arab States has given to pursuing the continuation of the cross-border aid mechanism endorsed by the Council. Turning to another area, we must urgently find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Meaningful dialogue leading towards a negotiated two-State solution is needed to enable the parties to escape the spiral of violence.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“In accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, the League, like other regional organizations, is therefore a very important partner for the Council. Prevention, mediation and the building of lasting peace require the participation of regional communities in multilateral action, which was one of the main conclusions of the Council’s open debate on 3 May (see S/PV.9315). As Yemeni peacemaker Muna Luqman recently recalled, “there is a big gap between the local needs and what is happening globally.” The League can help bridge that gap by bringing the Council and the populations of the League’s 22 member States closer together, which is all the more necessary as challenges persist in the region. I want to speak about three such challenges.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s meeting. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, for their briefings. We welcome in particular the presence of Ms. Omnia El Omrani, who has enriched our discussion. The Security Council and the League do well to give a meaningful place to the views, needs and transformative power of young people in their deliberations. Not only were the League of Arab States and the United Nations founded in the same year, but they also share a common mission, the promotion of peace and security in the quest for solidarity and unity.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating Switzerland’s full support for UNITAMS, the Special Representative and all the staff, who have worked tirelessly since the beginning of the conflict.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9337 (2023) · source
“It is also crucial for the Council to demonstrate unity in support of regional efforts, in particular those under the leadership of the African Union (AU) and through the expanded mechanism, in order to implement the AU road map for resolving the conflict in the Sudan. The United Nations, together with the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as members of the trilateral mechanism, play an essential role in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We call on the two parties to immediately silence the guns, respect international humanitarian law and fully implement the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of the Sudan and the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9337 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): As I take the floor for the first time since you began your presidency, Madam, allow me to congratulate you, wish you every success and assure you of our full support in the month of June. Switzerland welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2685 (2023), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) for six months. That is a sensible step given the current circumstances. We thank the penholder country for its tireless efforts in achieving consensus among the members of the Security Council on the renewal of the mandate, and for today’s press statement (SC/15257). It is important for the Council to speak with one voice on the need to end the violence in the Sudan and protect the civilian population.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9337 (2023) · source
“Beyond its commitment to protecting Syrian women and men from armed violence and arbitrary restrictions on their fundamental rights, Switzerland will continue to support their aspirations to participate fully, equally and inclusively in the decisions that shape their future. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“In the face of those violations, Switzerland reiterates its full support for the Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, whose work is indispensable in combating impunity and preventing further violations. The concerted pursuit of a credible political process, anchored in resolution 2254 (2015), is capable of restoring hope to Syrian society as a whole, in particular women and the younger generation. After more than 12 years of armed conflict, they deserve to live in peace and security.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“Switzerland calls on the parties to put an end to the practices of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance and to allow specialized humanitarian organizations access to all places of detention in Syria. Enabling the many families concerned to get answers about the fate of detainees and missing persons is necessary to restore confidence within society and open the door to a lasting political solution. Last week’s open debate (see S/PV.9327) clearly attested to the need to protect civilian populations suffering the consequences of armed conflict, including children. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, civilians have been the first victims of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We remain at their disposal to support those efforts and to facilitate all types of talks and initiatives aimed at promoting a lasting peace under the aegis of the United Nations, notably through the Geneva platform. In that respect, we welcome the determination expressed in the Amman communiqué of 1 May to work “on the resumption of the activities of the Constitutional Committee as soon as possible”. The same communiqué also refers to the need to resolve the issue of detainees and missing persons. Resolution 2254 (2015) and the Special Envoy explicitly stress the importance of that as a confidence-building measure in the peace process.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We welcome the fact that the States parties to the League’s ministerial committee, which was established on that occasion, wish to support the step-by-step approach, with a view to a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict in Syria, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). That demonstrates once again the relevance of that resolution to achieving a political solution to the conflict that ensures peace and security for Syria and the region. In that regard, coherence among the various international efforts under the aegis of the United Nations is essential. Switzerland calls on the countries of the region to intensify the coordination of their efforts with those of the Special Envoy.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source