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

“The right to know, the right to justice, the right to reparations and the right to guarantees of non-repetition for all victims, regardless of their affiliation, strengthen a society’s resilience. We welcome the Kosovo Government’s inclusive draft transitional justice strategy. We call on the parties to cooperate in that regard, with a victim- and survivor- centred approach, and with regard to sexual violence committed during the conflict. Switzerland supports a renewed commitment to making further progress on the issue of enforced disappearances and the continued engagement of the International Committee of the Red Cross to that end. We call on Serbia and Kosovo to continue their efforts to build on the progress made towards peace and security in Europe.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“We condemn the increase in intercommunal incidents, which increase the sense of insecurity and mistrust between the communities and thereby undermine their rapprochement. In that context, KFOR continues to play an essential role as a guarantor of stability and security in Kosovo. In recognition of that, Switzerland is providing its largest military peacekeeping contingent to that mission. With respect to the recent local elections, Switzerland regrets that the Kosovo Serb community did not participate. We encourage Kosovo’s leaders to pursue dialogue with the representatives of the Serb minority. Finally, dealing with the past is essential to prevent a resurgence of the conflict.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Sustainable progress can be achieved only through a continued sincere, constructive and inclusive dialogue. Switzerland is contributing to that by providing an informal platform for exchanges between representatives of political parties on both sides, in support of the EU-led normalization process. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women must be ensured throughout the process. My second point is on the security situation, which has deteriorated in recent months. Switzerland deplores the new tensions observed in northern Kosovo in particular. We call on the parties to avoid any action or rhetoric that could hinder the prospects for reconciliation and lasting peace.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“In order for the United Nations is effective, its presence must be commensurate with reality. As such, Switzerland is ready to constructively discuss a possible strategic review of UNMIK. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/247) describes an eventful six months. I would like to emphasize three points. First, it is essential to work on confidence-building between Kosovo and Serbia. Switzerland welcomes the agreement on the path to normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, facilitated by the European Union (EU). The effective normalization of relations remains essential to build common ground, preserve stability and prevent a resurgence of the conflict. The challenge now is to maintain that positive momentum and to ensure that the commitments made in the agreement are fully implemented.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Switzerland is committed to ensuring peaceful, multi-ethnic and prosperous societies — societies that respect and defend human rights and the rule of law — in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans as a whole. We welcome Kosovo’s progress, in particular in the fight against corruption and organized crime. We support Kosovo’s European prospect and its integration into international structures and institutions. Cooperation between Kosovo and the Kosovo Force (KFOR), the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Mission in Kosovo and the Council of Europe, as well as United Nations agencies, have contributed to that positive development. We also recognize the important and long-standing work that UNMIK has undertaken since 1999.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for her statement and for the Mission’s work. This is the first time that Switzerland is speaking on Kosovo as a member of the Security Council. This issue is close to our hearts, both politically and socially. More than 20 years ago, Switzerland welcomed thousands of refugees from all over the Western Balkans. Today they are an integral part of Swiss society and contribute to our close ties with the region. Switzerland was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent State. The future of Kosovo, its people and lasting peace in the region are important to us.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9312 (2023) · source
“There is no alternative to effective multilateralism — a universal, inclusive multilateralism based on international law.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“History will judge whether we have lived up to the Charter. One can deny the facts, use cynical rhetoric and spread misinformation, but the memory of history cannot be deceived. It will judge us. The human family cannot heal until justice is done for the victims and trust is restored. That is also the very first recommendation of the report issued last week by the High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism: rebuilding trust through inclusion and accountability. That requires that we listen to one another. Let us hold a dialogue about what unites us — a constructive dialogue rather than discussions about the number of poles in the world, a dialogue that reminds us of the universal principles to which we have committed ourselves.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“The United Nations estimates that one in four young people are affected by violence or armed conflict, in situations ranging from air strikes on Khartoum, Bakhmut or Sagaing to sexual violence in Port-au-Prince or Goma or being deprived of an education in Kandahar. The principles of the Charter are not a menu from which to pick and choose. We call for unconditional respect for international law by all actors in all circumstances, and we call for the courage to finally and seriously engage in reform of the multilateral system, including the Council, in order to restore confidence in and within that system. With Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) and the New Agenda for Peace, we have not only a unique opportunity but also an urgent need. We must change the course of history quickly. With leadership, political will and confidence, we can do it.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“We are also convinced of that fact because the Charter and multilateralism have enabled humankind to make remarkable progress, including having averted, so far, a nuclear confrontation; decolonizing many regions of the world; reducing poverty; improving access to health-care and education systems; making economic progress; and even walking on the Moon and creating artificial intelligence. We have managed, in this forum, to negotiate the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which, if we finally implement them in full, could save our planet and give rise to greater equality for our children and grandchildren. It is clear that the effectiveness of the Charter depends on the willingness of States to implement it, and that will is too often lacking. We are living in a period of polycrisis.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“The seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year will be an opportunity to reaffirm its universality. Switzerland is convinced that effective multilateralism remains the only way to achieve the vision of a peaceful and just world; a world where the rule of law prevails, not the law of the strongest and where human dignity is always — always — respected; and a world in which the entire population benefits from social and economic progress. We are convinced of that because respect for the Charter remains vital for a small or medium-sized State such as ours and for most States Members of the United Nations, regardless of whether the world is unipolar, bipolar or multipolar.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“That is our duty not only today but also every time we call for the protection of civilians, every time we condemn violations of international law and every time we urge the parties to a conflict to silence their weapons and return to the negotiating table. That is our duty under the Geneva Conventions, which represent a success story of multilateralism because they are among the few international treaties that have been universally ratified. When those Conventions mark their seventy-fifth anniversary next year, States must take concrete steps to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law. It is also a duty, in time of peace as well as in time of war, with respect to the human rights that serve to protect human dignity.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“For more than a year, State sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force continue to be flouted by the military aggression of a permanent member of the Security Council against its neighbour. The most effective way to preserve multilateralism and the integrity of the Charter is therefore to respect it. Switzerland emphatically condemns the military aggression against Ukraine, and I reiterate here Switzerland’s firm call on the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine without delay. This open debate is presented as an opportunity for the Council to demonstrate its commitment to the Charter and to discuss the strengthening of multilateralism.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“Those principles placed all countries, no matter their size or might, on an equal, or almost equal, legal footing. The privileges of the great Powers were already being debated intensely in San Francisco, but were finally accepted on condition of a clear promise, which was the greater responsibility of the permanent members of the Council for international peace and security. As Member States, we all subscribe to the principles and values of the Charter, and we reiterated that commitment in the excellent Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations. Yet the Charter is being violated on a massive scale.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the Secretary-General for his statement. First of all, I would like to express our concern about the current violence in the Sudan, which is having an intolerable impact on the country’s civilian population. Switzerland joins the call of the Secretary- General in that regard. The adoption of the Charter of the United Nations on 26 June 1945 signified a fundamental paradigm shift. War, previously considered a legitimate means of conducting foreign policy, was prohibited; territorial expansion by force, previously the privilege of the great military Powers, was outlawed, and the prohibition of the use of force, coupled with the obligation to resolve conflicts peacefully, was revolutionary.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“We already stressed here in this Chamber last month (see S/PV.9282) that, without the additional funding, we will not be able to avoid an environmental disaster that could have negative consequences for peace in the region. In that context, we welcome the conference organized by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in May 2022. Finally, those contributions should in no way prejudice the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Yemen. The Council must remain fully engaged and support the renewal of the truce in Yemen and the prospects for change that appear to be emerging in the country. Switzerland stands ready at all times to host discussions in order to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“We are also concerned about the recent escalation in violence, particularly in Ma’rib and Shabwah, and urge the parties to remain calm and exercise restraint. The truce agreed upon a year ago has strengthened the protection of civilians, but efforts must be made to ensure that those responsible for all violations of international humanitarian law are prosecuted and held to account. Thirdly, we welcome the progress in the implementation of the salvage plan for the FSO SAFER tanker, and in particular the fact that the replacement vessel NAUTICA has set sail for the Red Sea. While that is a key step forward, $29 million is still needed to complete the first phase of the operation. As such, the participation of Member States that have not yet contributed, as well as that of the private sector, to make up the lacking funds is crucial.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Such welcome, but fragile, progress must pave the way towards the realization of an inclusive political settlement under the auspices of the United Nation and a national dialogue with the participation of all of society. In this respect, we welcome the work of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. Nevertheless, Switzerland is also aware that there is still a long way to go to resolve the conflict in Yemen. That is why we urge the parties to quickly find concrete solutions that will benefit the entire population. Secondly, we remain concerned about the excessive restrictions to which humanitarian actors, especially women, are subjected. We condemn those obstructions and call on all parties to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in need, including access to women and children.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“First, we welcome the prisoner exchange negotiated in Switzerland and take this opportunity to thank the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Special Envoy for their significant efforts in achieving that positive outcome. The prisoner exchange represents not only an important confidence-building measure between the parties to the conflict, but also a renewed sense of optimism for hundreds of families in Yemen. It is impossible to remain unmoved by the images that we all saw last weekend, including those of a father hugging his son and of a brother seeing his family for the first time after more than five years. All will be reunited to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. In that context, the peace talks in Sana’a are a positive milestone.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, to whom I wish a speedy recovery, and the Deputy Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Ghada Mudawi, for their briefings and, above all, their significant efforts to promote peace and the protection of civilians in Yemen. While the events of the past months attest to the growing political will to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, we believe that the current opportunities must be translated into lasting peace. In that regard, Switzerland would like to underscore the following three points.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source
“Improving information-sharing to advance the search for missing persons is also necessary. Finally, Switzerland hopes that the Security Council can once again show unity by responding to Colombia’s call to expand the Verification Mission’s mandate to include ceasefire monitoring. Should that be the case, Switzerland stands ready, based on its long-standing experience, to support such efforts. We reiterate our full support for the full implementation of the Peace Agreement and remain ready to assist efforts in favour of dialogue towards a lasting peace. I wish to conclude with words from the National Centre of Historical Memory in Bogota: (spoke in Spanish) “Recognizing, making visible, dignifying and humanizing the victims are commitments inherent in the right to truth and reparation, and in the State’s duty to remember them.””
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Secondly, Switzerland welcomes the commencement by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace of the eleventh and final case on sexual and gender-based violence, thanks in part to the continued advocacy of civil society. The participatory development of recommendations on reparations underscores the victim-centred approach in the transitional justice process in Colombia. In preparation for the first reparations awards by the Special Jurisdiction, it is essential that their future implementation be ensured so as to respect the rights of the victims. In this regard, Switzerland calls for the optimization of institutional coordination and the allocation of funds across the system as a whole, in order to ensure adequate capacity for implementation, particularly of the Truth Commission’s recommendations.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Switzerland supports the Secretary-General’s call for increased State presence in conflict-affected regions to combat violence. Furthermore, the widespread use of explosive devices by non-State armed groups and their humanitarian consequences remain a cause for concern. Switzerland condemns the use of anti-personnel mines, which disproportionately affect civilians. As part of our comprehensive mine action programme, we support Humanicemos Desminado Humanitario, an organization founded by former combatants, which exemplifies the reintegration and confidence-building efforts achieved through the implementation of the Final Agreement.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Switzerland underscores the outstanding work and adaptability of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia in carrying out its mandate, as well as its close cooperation with all stakeholders. For the first time since the expansion of the Mission’s mandate, the Security Council has received a comprehensive progress report (S/2023/222), including with regard to the implementation of the rural reform and the ethnic chapters of the Final Agreement. I would like to highlight the following three points. First, violence directed against social leaders, human rights defenders and former combatants remains alarming. The conflict-related violence and the resulting displacement and confinement of civilians, most of whom are of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous origin, require humanitarian and rapid de-escalation measures.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“We are aware that building lasting peace is rarely a linear process, and we therefore welcome the renewed commitment of the parties to advance the full implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. As a partner State in the peace negotiations between the Colombian Government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional, we commend the progress made in the second round of negotiations and highlight the Colombian Government’s efforts to pursue dialogue with all major actors and armed groups. Following the recent violence, we call on all armed actors to keep the channels of dialogue open and step up efforts to reach ceasefire agreements and end hostilities.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I welcome the participation in this meeting of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Leyva Durán. His presence attests to the continued cooperation between Colombia and the Security Council. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu and the Permanent Representative of Croatia, Mr. Ivan Šimonović, in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, for their briefings. My thanks also go to Mr. Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri for his statement. For more than 20 years, Switzerland has actively supported efforts to achieve lasting peace in Colombia, including through citizen participation and dealing with the past.”
2023-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9303 (2023) · source
“The continued support of the Council and the work of MINUSMA are vital for resolving the multiple challenges that threaten the security and the future of Mali. Restoring peace requires, first and foremost, a firm commitment to unconditionally respect human rights and international humanitarian law, implement the peace agreement without delay and take the necessary measures to build mutual trust — and not to undermine it.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“The number of grave violations against children continues to grow, including the cases of their recruitment, exploitation and abduction. Similarly, sexual and gender-based violence is increasing, in particular violence related to armed conflict, in areas in which the humanitarian situation is precarious and armed groups are present. We urge all parties to the conflict in Mali to immediately end such violations and release all children within their ranks. We also call on the authorities to prosecute the perpetrators in order to combat impunity. Without respect for those fundamental rights and for accountability, achieving lasting peace will be impossible. Over the past 10 years, the Security Council has repeatedly adapted the Mission’s mandate to best meet the needs and expectations of the Malian people.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“The challenge now is to implement the strategy without delay, in close collaboration with MINUSMA. In order to combat the current growing insecurity in Mali, all actors must act in a concerted manner. MINUSMA’s freedom of movement and increased coordination with the Malian Defence and Security Forces must be guaranteed. Flight restrictions reduce both the safety of the Mission’s personnel and its ability to fulfil its mandate for the benefit of Malians. Thirdly and lastly, international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be respected in all circumstances. In particular, both the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security recently have noted a worrisome trend in Mali.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“However, the implementation of the agreement currently appears to be at an impasse. We encourage the Government and the signatory movements that have committed to the agreement to resume regular dialogue through the established mechanisms. Switzerland welcomes the efforts undertaken in that regard by the members of the international mediation, led by Algeria. We remain committed to supporting the implementation of the peace agreement. Secondly, in order to strengthen security in Mali, the launch of the strategy for the stabilization of the central regions and its 2022 to 2024 action plan is an important step. We support that consolidated approach, which is aimed at restoring peace, security and social cohesion, as well as improving governance and strengthening justice.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Women’s participation in the elections, both as candidates and voters, must be substantial. It is a matter of “winning with women”, a motto that was echoed in an initiative supported by Switzerland and the United States Agency for International Development, which enabled the political parties to assess women’s representation within their official ranks. In view of the parameters presented by the Secretary-General in the internal review of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), let me highlight three key points concerning the overall situation in Mali: First, the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali is a critical instrument for peacebuilding. It must remain the central framework in order to avoid a resumption of hostilities among the signatory movements.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General El-Ghassim Wane for his briefing. Switzerland condemns the violence and attacks perpetrated since our previous meeting (see S/PV.9251) against Blue Helmets, the Malian armed forces and civilians, and at the outset I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/236) notes progress in the political transition process. The next milestone will be the timely holding of credible and transparent elections. The seating of the 15 members, including four women, of the Autorité indépendante de gestion des élections is a positive development in anticipation of the elections to be held in the first quarter of 2024.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“We thank it for its work and recommendations, particularly at this critical time when the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to significantly accelerate its illicit nuclear weapons programme and when pandemic- related restrictions continue to impede humanitarian access and assistance to the country. Today’s mandate renewal enshrines the implementation of resolution 2664 (2022), which reflects the Council’s efforts to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian assistance.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9292 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Let me begin by welcoming the unanimous adoption of resolution 2680 (2023) and by thanking the United States for facilitating the process that led to the renewal of the mandate of the Panel of Experts that supports the work of the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2016). We are also grateful to all the members of the Security Council for their commitment to consensus. The Panel of Experts performs a particularly important task. Its reports are an invaluable source of information for the Committee and for Member States regarding the implementation of sanctions.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9292 (2023) · source
“We remain particularly concerned about the continuing grave violations perpetrated against children. Ensuring justice and combating impunity are prerequisites for a lasting peace. In that connection, Switzerland supports, for example, the work of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria. We would also like to underscore the role that the Security Council can play in combating impunity. It is important to prevent such violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, from being repeated in the future in Syria or elsewhere.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“Switzerland supports the Special Envoy’s efforts to rebuild trust between the different parties in the current context so that this moment can be a turning point. We call for the United Nations to play an active role in the search for a political solution to the conflict, and we will continue to make Geneva available to host all types of talks and initiatives aimed at promoting a lasting peace in Syria. Switzerland is concerned about the continued violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by all the parties throughout the country since 2011. We call on all the parties to the conflict to respect their obligations in that regard in order to put an end to the disastrous situation in which civilians and the people who are deprived of their liberty because of the conflict find themselves.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“In order to improve women’s social, material, human and political conditions in their country, we support the full, equal and meaningful participation of Syrian women in decisions that affect their future, their needs and their aspirations for the future, whether they are citizens, refugees or political or civil society representatives. That is in line with the women and peace and security agenda and resolution 2254 (2015). In that regard, we welcome the inclusive nature of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board and its efforts to promote dialogue. As Special Envoy Pedersen recently said, “the situation in Syria is untenable, and to carry on in the same manner defies humanity and logic”.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“The repression of the civic aspirations of an entire generation of Syrians, the destruction of infrastructure and cultural and social ties, and the forced displacement of millions of people both inside and outside the country have changed it forever. After 12 years of conflict, the detention and enforced disappearance of tens of thousands of Syrians continues to weigh heavily on Syrian society. The issue of detainees and missing persons remains a key peace and security concern. In the face of the gaping void left by those disappearances, and by the ashes and rubble caused by the conflict and more recently by the earthquakes, finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria remains of the utmost importance, and Syrian women have an important role to play in that regard.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I make this statement on the political situation in Syria in my national capacity. With regard to the humanitarian aspects, I echo what our colleague from Brazil stated on behalf of our two countries, and I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Mr. Talahma. In March 2011, Syrian people marched through the streets of Dara’a and Damascus in search of reform. In many parts of Syria, the walls still bear traces of those first months in the form of graffiti that reflects not only the sadness and anger of Syrians but also their unshakeable determination to build a new future. Some 12 years after the first demonstrations, Syria remains marked by conflict.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“The option of issuing a presidential statement, in our view, is a way to achieve that, and we support all members in seeking to establish a consensus on it.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, the Council has a role to play in encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the quest for diplomatic solutions. While the Council’s prolonged silence on the issue is a cause for concern and is preventing it from functioning as a political actor on the Korean peninsula, there is still a collective and individual will to engage in and support a dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as we have heard over and over in previous statements. We welcome the call for using the good offices of Secretary-General and encourage the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to engage constructively with the Council and the United Nations system. That call for dialogue should be based on a united position of the Council, and Switzerland will support every effort to achieve that unity.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the implementation of sanctions, Switzerland welcomes the attention the Council has committed to ensuring that the provision of humanitarian assistance remains possible. The Council demonstrated its commitment and unity in that regard in its adoption of resolution 2664 (2022), which must be implemented. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) plays an essential role in facilitating humanitarian assistance through a system of exemptions. That mechanism now carries a humanitarian exemption applicable to all sanctions regimes. We therefore hope that once the severe pandemic-related restrictions on international humanitarian assistance are lifted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, that assistance can be quickly resumed.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Switzerland once again urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fulfil its obligations under the Council’s resolutions and to take concrete steps to abandon its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. We also call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, together with all the other annex 2 states, to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We would like to point out that while the obligations under the Council’s resolutions apply primarily to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, they also apply to all other States, which are required to ensure and enforce the effective implementation of the relevant Council sanctions.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“We have therefore been following with concern the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s increases both in ballistic-missile launches and cruise-missile tests, in addition to its development of increasingly dangerous and expansive nuclear delivery systems. We are meeting again today in circumstances similar to those of last month (see S/PV.9264) and exchanging similar remarks. However, our meeting and discussion today are still important, because we cannot ignore our duty and responsibilities in a number of areas. First, in the area of nuclear non-proliferation, it is our collective duty to condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ballistic-missile tests. Those launches are in violation of Security Council resolutions and therefore of international law.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Baeriswyl (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We join others in thanking Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his briefing. The second launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile this year is a demonstration of the unfortunate escalation of security tensions in the region. Switzerland reiterates that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme is a threat to the entire international community. The disastrous humanitarian consequences that would result from the use of nuclear weapons must prompt us to redouble our efforts in favour of non-proliferation, disarmament and maintaining the nuclear taboo.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Until the Ukrainian population can enjoy such peace, we will emphasize as often as necessary that civilian people and objects are not a target.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“We call on all parties to redouble their efforts to find a lasting solution to alleviate the consequences of the war. We note the importance of a long-term perspective that allows for greater predictability. That is essential for the Initiative’s planning and implementation. Switzerland welcomes the good offices of the Secretary-General in that regard and stands ready to provide its support, particularly in its role as host State. The international community continues to send clear signals in support of solidarity and against divisions, in support of dialogue and against violence and in support of peace and against war. We all are called on to contribute to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Secondly, Switzerland demands that humanitarian workers be given unhindered access to the nearly 18 million people in need in Ukraine, including those in the areas occupied by Russia. Thirdly, we reiterate the fact that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, along with the memorandum of understanding on the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers, is critical to global food security. Facilitated by the Secretary-General and Türkiye, the Initiative has allowed the export of 24 million tons of grain and more than 1,600 secure vessel voyages through the Black Sea. The Food Price Index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has been falling for the past 10 months, after reaching record levels in March 2022. The Initiative must continue.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our support for the mandate and the continuation of the work of the Commission. We call on Russia to immediately begin to de-escalate, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops without delay from all Ukrainian territory. The humanitarian consequences of the war are being felt throughout the world. Food and energy insecurity has increased. That is particularly acute for people who are suffering the consequences of armed conflict or who live in extreme poverty. I would like to focus on three points. First, Switzerland condemns the continuing strikes on civilian infrastructure, including Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Switzerland reiterates its call that international humanitarian law must be fully respected. Nothing can justify targeted attacks against civilian persons and objects.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“In that resolution, all States are called upon to refrain from any action or contact that could be interpreted as recognizing a change in the status of the Ukrainian regions declared annexed by Russia. I thank Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for his briefing and underline Switzerland’s appreciation for his efforts, in particular those aimed at extending the Black Sea Grain Initiative. As has been said many times in this Chamber: civilian persons and objects are not a target, and international humanitarian law and human rights must be respected. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. Switzerland is troubled by the report and conclusions of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine that were published this week.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source