YouSaid · the spoken record

Baum

lines on the record: 36
first: 2006-06-22
most recent: 2008-08-27
sittings or episodes: 6
sources: un-security-council

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“The constant evolution of Security Council working methods and their consistent application are in the interest of members and non-members of the Council alike. Therefore, the implementation of the 2006 note requires the sustained commitment of all Council members; non-members should also stay engaged and actively use the platforms of interaction that the Council offers to them. The Small Five group remains fully committed and stands ready to cooperate with the Council in this process. I would again like to congratulate you, Mr. President on having convened this important meeting, which represents a considerable step in the right direction.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“At the end of this open debate, the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions could be mandated to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the 2006 note and to involve interested non-members in that review. Based on its findings, the Working Group could then formulate a set of measures and present them to the Council before the end of 2008. The Council could then convene a follow-up meeting to discuss these recommendations; on the same occasion, the Council could seek the Views of the broader membership, in particular on those measures which have a direct impact on non-members of the Council. Finally, the Council could adopt a follow-up note by the President reflecting the progress made and containing new measures to improve its working methods.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“Here, I should like to recall some of them: reports to the General Assembly on specific subjects, as well as assessment and analysis of the implementation of Council decisions; additional measures aimed at enhancing the equity of standards for the process of listing and de-listing regarding sanctions; non-use of the veto in the event of genocide, crimes against humanity and grave violations of international humanitarian law; and, finally, announcement in the Journal of the United Nations of all meetings of the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies, including expert-level meetings. The S-5 group sincerely hopes that this public debate will not be an isolated event, but will trigger a thorough evaluation of the 2006 note by the President. Such a process could take place as follows.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“The access of non-Council members to subsidiary bodies has been improved but remains at a very formal level. That is why we invite the Council to explore ways in which directly affected third parties can establish contact and engage in dialogue on specific points with the relevant organs. Finally, before establishing or renewing a mission's mandate, the Security Council should seek to enhance consultations with Member States deploying civilian and military personnel as well as with significant financial contributors. In the past, the S-5 group has submitted various additional measures for consideration by the Security Council.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“However, they should not serve as a pro forma exercise, while the essential information continues to be shared behind closed doors. We share the view that the Council should better explain why it has chosen a particular format and that it should strive to make the best possible use of various forms of meetings, particularly when acting on issues directly concerning non-members of the Council, which would thus like to be involved at an early stage. We hope that briefings to non-members on the monthly programme of work will continue to be systematically given by future presidencies. However, we regret that briefings after important consultations are given only on an ad hoc basis and that they continue to depend on the goodwill and the available time of members of a given Mission.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“The S-5 group welcomed the submission of the 2006 note by the President of the Security Council and considers it a significant step forward. We acknowledge the progress made thus far. However, we think it is also important to proceed more systematically with the implementation of the note if we wish to further enhance the Council's effectiveness. We believe that, two years after the note's submission, the time has come to take a closer look at what has and has not been accomplished to date. We also believe that a further step should be taken, and we encourage the Council to consider measures beyond those envisaged in the note. More specifically, we agree with the analyses presented in the concept paper, to which we would like to add the following comments. The S-5 group welcomes the substantial increase in the number of public meetings.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“President, you have provided us with an excellent concept paper (S/2008/528, annex). It clearly shows that an increased number of Council decisions require active implementation by all United Nations Member States. For example, sanctions regimes have multiplied, and their implementation has become a costly and complex task for Member States. In addition, the increase in the number of United Nations peacekeeping operations is causing an unprecedented burden in terms of personnel, logistics and financing. It is thus important that non-members of the Council be informed in a timely manner about its deliberations and that they enjoy sufficient access to the Council's decision-making process. That is why I should like to briefly explain why the S-5 group requested this debate and why we consider it important.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“Mr. Baum (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I have the honour to speak on behalf of Costa Rica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Singapore and Switzerland. The group of five small countries ("S-5 group") thanks you, Mr. President, for having organized this open debate. We are pleased to note that the Council responded favourably to our letter of 20 June 2008 (S/2008/418), in which our group requested that a meeting be held on the implementation of the measures set out in the note by the President of the Security Council (S/2006/507) and that all interested Member States be invited to participate in the discussion. I shall confine myself to a few general comments, as my colleagues in the S-5 group will make separate statements on specific aspects of the Council's working methods. Mr.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source
“Fourthly, the Security Council may wish to consider the problem of sexual Violence against women and girls, as referred to in resolution 1325 (2000), in conjunction with resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1674 (2006), on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and resolution 1612 (2005), on children and armed conflict. Finally, Switzerland supports implementation of the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy on this issue and the establishment of conduct and disciplinary units in all peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, cooperation with the Office of Internal Oversight Services should be strengthened. The goal is clear: all United Nations personnel - military or civilian - must be trained in the highest standards of conduct and be held responsible for maintaining them.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Thirdly, the Security Council should consider establishing a monitoring mechanism to increase accountability and ensure the integration of resolution 1325 (2000) into country-specific and related thematic work. To this end, the Council should also set up a structure for obtaining timely, accurate and reliable information on sexual violence committed in situations of armed conflict. United Nations field missions could be entrusted with this task and thus serve as an early warning system. In addition, the Security Council could ask the Secretary-General to submit reports on best practices, based on the expertise of specialized agencies or programmes, such as the United Nations Development Fund for Women and UNICEF, and take into account the security assessments of local and international women's organizations.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Secondly, systematic gender training should be given to personnel working in the security sector, including those in the armed forces, police and justice systems, as well as United Nations personnel. Security personnel must be able to respond in an appropriate and timely manner to the different security needs of women and men. It is therefore crucially important that senior management personnel be included in gender training programmes to ensure that dealing with sexual violence against women forms an integral part of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We welcome the specific references to the matter in the draft resolution.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“However, when States are unwilling or unable to prosecute acts of sexual violence amounting to war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, such cases must be referred to the International Criminal Court. The Court clearly has a crucial role to play in fighting impunity. It is therefore essential to build up national law enforcement capacities to ensure that States are able to prosecute the perpetrators of sexual violence. Without improved understanding of the root causes, the mechanisms and the consequences of acts of sexual violence, the perpetrators of gender-based and sexual violence will continue to enjoy impunity. Furthermore, disciplinary measures at the unit commander level cannot be a substitute for military criminal prosecution.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Switzerland has adopted an action plan for national implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), and it attaches the highest priority to combating gender- based and sexual violence in the context of armed conflict. 08-3908] Practical measures are urgently needed in order to strengthen prevention of and protection against sexual Violence. To this end, the following four priority lines of action should be considered. First, Switzerland stresses the importance of fighting against impunity. Acts of sexual violence must not go unpunished. The prosecution of persons suspected of having committed such acts is, first and foremost, the task of States.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Mr. Baum (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the United States for organizing today's open debate and giving us the opportunity to speak on this very important issue. Sexual violence in armed conflict shows a very serious gap in the protection of civilians that was rightly recognized and addressed in resolution 1325 (2000). We look forward to the adoption today of the draft resolution, of which we are co-authors, affirming that the prevention of acts of sexual violence can contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. We are deeply troubled that sexual violence against women and girls is still prevalent in situations of armed conflict. Such conduct is unacceptable, and even more so when committed by peacekeeping personnel.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Such indicators should serve as a basis for setting the measurable goals needed to achieve progress in the fight against the scourge of armed violence. In particular, we share the Secretary-General's View that developing measurable goals on armed violence towards 2015 will offer the opportunity to integrate security-related themes in the follow-up to the Millennium Development Goals. In that respect, I would like to mention that the core group of States promoting the implementation of the Geneva Declaration - which is coordinated by Switzerland - is developing a measurability methodology in the field of armed violence. The core group has also initiated discussions in view of developing security for development goals. We hope that this work will support the United Nations efforts.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Convinced of the importance of addressing the problems arising from armed violence in a broader development approach, Switzerland, together with other like-minded countries, launched in June 2006 the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development. Open to all States, the initiative has already been endorsed by more than 70 countries, which have committed themselves to achieving measurable reductions in the global burden of armed violence, as well as tangible improvements in human security, by 2015. In view of today's debate, the Geneva Declaration, as well as a short briefing note, were distributed in advance to all Member States. Switzerland is pleased to note that the Secretary- General recommends in his report the identification of key indicators for the area of small arms.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that context, particular attention should be given to the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. Despite the efforts undertaken to date, the problem of the illicit trade in light weapons remains acute. We need to continue to act in light of experience on the ground. In recent years, intensive research has been undertaken into the links between security and development. The findings confirm, as the Secretary- General's report notes, that armed violence represents a major constraint to achieving the Millennium Development Goals because it diverts means and resources.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Mr. Baum (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for having convened this open debate on small arms. Switzerland welcomes the report of the Secretary- General on small arms and the recommendations contained therein. We appreciate the holistic approach of the report and agree with its analysis, in particular on the impact of armed violence on human security, human rights and social and economic development. The United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects is key. Switzerland will continue to support its full and comprehensive implementation. The upcoming Biennial Meeting of States will give us the opportunity to review the achieved results and to further enhance our implementation efforts.”
2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We think that the time has come for the General Assembly to seriously take up this issue, during its sixty-second session, on the basis of the Secretary- General's most recent report on the prevention of armed conflict.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“However, strengthening capacities for conflict prevention, mediation and good offices alone cannot depend upon the good will of contributors. New resources in the form of assessed contributions will also be necessary. Conflict prevention should not merely be a desirable activity for the United Nations, it should have the status of a principal activity of the Organization. Switzerland supports a strong and effective role for the Security Council in the area of conflict prevention. We also believe there is a need for a well- informed and structured debate on how to strengthen the institutional capacity of the United Nations in this area.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“Reconciliation cannot be based solely on the establishment of a new order; it must also ensure that past injustices and abuses be brought before the courts and that fair compensation is provided. It is for that reason that the Secretariat should maintain regular contacts with the regional organizations and institutions concerned, so as to think these matters through together and identify best practices and innovative approaches. Thirdly, the Department of Political Affairs should be strengthened in order that it can fulfil its mandate in the area of conflict prevention. The establishment of a Mediation Support Unit is a first and very important step towards that end. Switzerland will continue to support those efforts.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“First, cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union to resolve the conflict in Darfur is an example of a productive and innovative partnership between the two organizations. Switzerland welcomes the joint communique issued by the Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on 16 June 2007. My country encourages the Security Council to continue to explore ways of strengthening cooperation and improving the sharing of tasks with the African Union. Secondly, preventing, managing and resolving conflicts begins at the local and regional levels and must involve all parties concerned - in particular, civil society, women, young people and the victims of violence. Ceasefire and peace agreements must be based on an inclusive approach and be acceptable to all.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“Mr. Baum (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Important financial resources have been dedicated to the management of conflict, but the funds invested in the prevention of wars and crises have remained modest. This, despite the fact that effective conflict prevention would save not only innumerable lives but also reduce excessive spending. Thus, we consider the subject of today's debate very timely and we thank you for the concept paper you have provided us. Switzerland, which is Co-Chairperson of the Group of Friends on conflict prevention, is grateful to you, Mr. President, for the opportunity you have given us to take up this very important issue. Today I shall focus on institutional aspects.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“We should further explore lessons learned in setting up and implementing suitable property rights systems, which must also take the local customary practices into account if they are to be effective. The work of the Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor, and in particular of its Working Group on Property Rights, should be taken into consideration in this undertaking. Let me conclude by underlining that consumption patterns in industrialized countries can result in scarcity and in price increases of natural resources. This in turn raises the risk of conflict and is an incentive to the illegitimate control or illegal exploitation of these commodities. Therefore, efforts must be made to reduce global consumption of those particular resources, such as oil, gas, and water, to an equitable and sustainable level.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Sixthly, Switzerland is concerned about the risks arising from overexploitation of renewable natural resources. Water and soil should receive greater attention in the context of conflict prevention. Scarcity of these resources and their mismanagement, and lack of equitable access to them, can lead to famine, forced migration, poverty, political instability and eventually to armed conflict. We must develop measures to deal with those potential causes of conflict. One measure could be to promote integrated water resources management rather than focusing mainly on increasing the availability of water. Another measure relates to the promotion of property rights.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The question of wealth-sharing in peace processes is essential to ending conflict, and also in providing the signatories with the necessary means for beginning post-conflict reconstruction. As such, it should facilitate the transformation of war economies into peace economies for beginning the benefit of the civilian population, which pays the highest price in conflicts. Political power-sharing without wealth-sharing will lead to a fragile peace agreement that is likely to fail. Therefore, greater efforts are needed to pool experience on the role of wealth-sharing, especially at the local and community level where the exploitation of natural resources happens. Here, the Mediation Support Unit within the Department for Political Affairs could play an important role, on condition that it is provided with the necessary resources and support.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“In addition, when establishing a United Nations peace mission, the Security Council should examine the usefulness of creating an environment and natural resources management unit, as in, for example, the case in Liberia. Moreover, new legal and economic instruments may have to be developed to specifically target the illegal exploitation of natural resources. Existing instruments such as the Kimberley Process and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative have set good examples in this regard. Fifthly, wealth-sharing is a pivotal question in peace negotiations. Prime examples are the wealth- sharing clauses in the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement or the Aceh Memorandum of Understanding.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The Security Council must thus be prepared to react swiftly to changes in the way in which armed groups obtain their revenue. Thirdly, the Security Council could considerably strengthen its sanctions regimes by always providing its experts and monitoring groups with clear mandates and precise terms of reference, as well as adequate administrative support from the Secretariat. It should devise tools to improve coordination among those groups, establish institutional memory, create best practices and take advantage of lessons learned. Fourthly, sanctions are not a panacea. The link between conflict and natural resources generally arises in States with weak institutions. Therefore, sanctions must include a comprehensive strategy to fight corruption, rebuild institutions, re-establish the rule of law and diversify the economy.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The Security Council should thus have a well-informed discussion and identify the sources of a conflict before taking a decision. The Secretary-General should inform the Council about the links between natural resources and conflict in general and, if necessary, examine that relationship in country- specific reports. Secondly, conflicts are often financed through the exploitation of natural resources. The Security Council has made much progress in formulating sanctions capable of reducing the revenue of armed groups in specific conflicts. It has imposed embargoes on some resources, such as oil, diamonds and timber. The case of Liberia has shown that the parties to the conflict rely on various resources to finance their activities.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Mr. Baum (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate, because the issue of natural resources and conflict is important to Switzerland. We also thank you for the high quality of the document (S/2007/334) with which you have provided us. There is no doubt that natural resources are among the principal factors causing many armed conflicts. The issue is broad and complex. Different types of natural resources give rise to different challenges, which also vary in terms of the local or regional context and the actors involved. I shall thus confine myself to highlighting a few aspects, and my statement will focus on six points. First, if we want to resolve a conflict, we must know its root causes.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“06-4010] I shall limit myself here to repeating that various improvements must be undertaken and that, in the opinion of the Swiss Government, the right to an effective remedy requires a review system with an independent and impartial authority that would at least be able to issue recommendations to the relevant sanctions committees.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474Resumption1 (2006) · source
“That would help to avoid the occurrence of unnecessary tensions between peace negotiations and the fight against impunity. Concerning the question of sanctions regimes, in late May we had the opportunity, on behalf of Germany, Sweden and Switzerland, to submit to the Security Council the conclusions and recommendations of a study on strengthening targeted sanctions through the creation of clear and equitable procedures. In the interests of time, I shall not repeat what we have already stated before the Council. Greater detail can be found in the written text of my statement.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Concerning the second area of today's debate, the fight against impunity, I would like to stress first of all that most of us have come a long way over the past few years towards understanding the essential fact that ending impunity for international crimes is a major factor in post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding. Nevertheless, unfortunately, there still are times when we create false dilemmas in that we continue to see justice and peace in opposition to each other, with the result that the national and international institutions of criminal justice do not yet receive all the necessary support on the ground. As one concrete measure to improve that situation, we suggest compiling a set of rules and best practices in the area of fighting impunity and making them available to mediators involved in peace processes.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474Resumption1 (2006) · source
“First, it can adopt a set of principles on the issue of authorizing the use of force, as suggested in the Secretary-General's report "In larger freedom" of March 2005. Secondly, it can recognize the responsibility of each individual State to protect its populations against genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. With regard to the question of human and financial resources available within the United Nations for the promotion of the rule of law, Switzerland strongly advocates increasing the resources allocated to the Office of Legal Affairs, whose current capacities are no longer commensurate with the importance now attached to the notion of the rule of law and do not meet the needs of activities to promote the rule of law, in particular at the operational level.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We expect this discussion to help clarify the notion of rule of law and to lead to concrete measures for promoting that concept at the national and international levels, without being limited solely to conflict and post-conflict situations. As one of the principal organs of the United Nations, the Security Council has important responsibilities with regard to the promotion of the rule of law. On the one hand, the Council must respect the rule of law in its own actions at all times, and on the other, we expect the Council to promote the rule of law in all areas of its activities. I would like to mention just two areas in which the Council can contribute practically to promoting international law.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Mr. Baum (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Madam, for organizing this open debate and for the excellent discussion paper on which we will base this debate. I will focus my statement on three of the topics you raised in your paper: the promotion of the rule of law, ending impunity for international crimes, and the United Nations sanctions regimes. According to the United Nations Charter, the General Assembly is responsible for the codification and progressive development of international law. We therefore support the recent initiative of Liechtenstein and Mexico requesting the inclusion on the agenda of the General Assembly of an item on the rule of law at the national and international levels. Switzerland intends to contribute in a substantive manner to the discussion of that topic within the Sixth Committee.”
2006-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5474Resumption1 (2006) · source