YouSaid · the spoken record

Chanda

lines on the record: 114
first: 2023-02-09
most recent: 2023-12-18
sittings or episodes: 23
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

“Switzerland, as it has done in the past in hosting critical stages of the negotiations, stands ready to facilitate any diplomatic solution aimed at sustaining the nuclear non-proliferation regime.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Finally, the current state of the JCPOA reminds us that urgent diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent it from collapsing completely. It is significant that the Secretary-General recommends nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament as key actions in his New Agenda for Peace. It is through the negotiation and maintenance of such norms that the true cornerstone of the multilateral framework — trust — is built. We hope for the resumption of talks with a view to reminding the parties concerned the interest we all have in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. To ensure lasting political détente, there must be a return to compliance with the obligations and the spirit of the JCPOA. The Security Council must give this issue its full attention. It must find a common voice on this issue.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“That is why Iran must comply fully with its commitments under the JCPOA and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Secondly, we are particularly concerned about the substantiated indications that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to third countries, such as Yemen and Russia. We stress that, until 18 October, any transfer of items, materials, equipment, goods and technology listed under the Missile Technology Control Regime constituted a violation of resolution 2231 (2015). The recent developments in the region have underlined the extent to which such transfers can contribute to the escalation of conflicts. We also regret Iran’s development and testing of ballistic missiles, which is inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015).”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“The JCPOA is an important element of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and of international security. Consequently, the swift and full implementation by all parties of their obligations is essential. Rescuing the JCPOA depends on three aspects. First, the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) raises many questions about the overall increase in Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, its installation of new centrifuges and the difficulties encountered by the Agency in verifying Iran’s nuclear programme. In order to reassure the international community, the Iranian authorities should cooperate rigorously, transparently and steadfastly with the IAEA. Otherwise, the Agency’s ability to guarantee the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme remains compromised.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, Ambassador Frazier and Ambassador Skoog for their briefings. Barely eight years old, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), rightly regarded as a success story in the use of multilateral diplomacy in non-proliferation efforts, now seems to have become the monument of a bygone era. The implementation of the Plan of Action is failing, and the situation has become more perilous than ever. Switzerland has on several occasions expressed its deep concern both about the United States withdrawal from the JCPOA and the various measures taken by Iran. In particular, Switzerland deplores the fact that, despite the willingness shown by most of the parties to negotiate a rapid return to the JCPOA, no progress has been made.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“To alleviate the suffering, Switzerland increased its humanitarian aid by more than $17 million in recent months. However, we continue to be deeply concerned that South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers. Attacks on humanitarian personnel and assets must cease immediately, and safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access must be guaranteed. Time is running out. We echo the concerns expressed by the Special Representative about the risks to the transition if the necessary decisions are not taken and implemented as a matter of urgency. Switzerland reiterates its full support of UNMISS and its continued commitment within the Council to support the Government and the people of South Sudan.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We welcome the support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in that regard and encourage the Mission to take into account the recommendations of the independent assessment of the protection-of-civilians mandate. Thirdly, it is essential to alleviate the grave humanitarian situation. We are deeply concerned about the growing humanitarian and protection needs. According to the United Nations Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator, who visited South Sudan last week, nearly 60 per cent of the South Sudanese population is suffering from hunger. With the continuing violence at the subnational level, the negative impacts of climate change and the consequences of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan, the situation is likely to get worse. That will have an impact on how the population can participate in the final months of the transition.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“That is an essential condition for the success of the transition and the holding of free and fair elections. We remain deeply concerned about the continuing violence at the subnational level. The recent attacks in Unity have shown, once again, that civilians are the most affected by that violence. By issuing a press statement (SC/15523) on the attacks in Warrap and the Abyei Administrative Area this week, the Council has sent a pre-emptive signal in that regard. Despite the delays, we welcome the recent deployment of the necessary unified forces in Upper Nile. The full implementation of the transitional security arrangements is essential.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We welcome the 10 measures identified by the trilateral joint task force to make the electoral process more credible. We also welcome that in recent days the parties reached a common understanding on some of those issues. We particularly welcome the commitment to a free civic and political space and to women’s meaningful involvement in the transition process, with a minimum representation of 35 per cent. During their visit to Juba and Wau over the past few days, the members of the Informal Group of Experts on women and peace and security, co-chaired by Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, received reports of intimidation of politically active women. That is not conducive to the organization of elections. Secondly, it is critical to establish a safe and secure environment.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Ambassador Biang, Permanent Representative of Gabon, for their briefings. I welcome the Chargée d’affaires of South Sudan to the meeting. In a year’s time, we hope to see the first elections in South Sudan. We are entering the final year of the transition with significant delays, despite some progress. There is an urgent need for political leaders to demonstrate greater political will and transparency. According to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/784), a majority of the population would like to see elections without further delay. I would like to reiterate three priorities in that regard. First, there is an urgent need for progress on the implementation of key political milestones.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Since their creation, the ad hoc international criminal tribunals and the Mechanism have made it possible to bring many perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide to justice and to recognize the suffering of the victims. As the Mechanism enters a purely residual phase, it is essential that we give it our full support until its work is completed. We must continue our efforts to promote justice, accountability and peace.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We deplore the lack of cooperation on the part of certain States in arresting and handing over suspects and urge them to redouble their efforts in this area. We also encourage States to strengthen their regional cooperation frameworks in criminal matters and welcome, in that context, the efforts made by the Prosecutor in the Western Balkans. We also welcome the Prosecutor’s efforts to strengthen national capacities and respond to requests for assistance. We regret that the situation of the seven people who have been resettled in the Niger for over two years still remains unresolved, despite the considerable efforts made by the Mechanism in that connection.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We therefore note, with interest, the Mechanism’s exchange with the United Nations Office at Geneva concerning its digital preservation programme. We also welcome the Mechanism’s efforts to help affected communities, particularly the younger generations, to better know the facts of the crimes committed and to recognize their suffering. Thirdly, an effective fight against international crimes requires sustained and strengthened cooperation. The functions to be performed by the Mechanism are crucial, and it must be able to count on strong support from the United Nations and the Security Council in that regard. In addition, the Mechanism must be able to count on the support of all States.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Secondly, the Mechanism’s future deserves our full attention. Having entered a new phase of operation, the Mechanism will continue to play an essential role in monitoring the implementation of sentences, assisting national authorities, tracking down fugitives and establishing the responsibility of the many people suspected of international crimes. We take note of the new priorities and the elaboration of a framework project for the completion of the Mechanism’s functions and welcomes the determination of the President and the Prosecutor to optimize resources and strengthen the Mechanism’s effectiveness. We wish to highlight the importance of preserving the legacy of the international criminal tribunals and the Mechanism.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“The significant progress made over the past six months shows the determination of the Prosecutor, the President and the judges to bring the perpetrators of international crimes to justice and to combat impunity. In particular, we welcome the conclusion of the latest cases inherited from the international criminal tribunals. The decisions in the Kabuga and Stanišić and Simatović cases, of which we took note, mark the Mechanism’s entry into a purely residual phase. The conclusion of the latest trials, however, in no way diminishes the relevance of the Mechanism. On the contrary, its determination to combat impunity remains crucial to promoting peace and preventing the trends of revisionism, atrocity denial and the glorification of criminals that have been reported to us and which give rise to our deep concern.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their detailed presentations. We would also like to welcome the participation of representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Rwanda in this meeting. Thirty years have passed since the Council decided to establish an international tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. As we prepare to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, the Mechanism has made the transition from an operational tribunal to a truly residual institution. This crucial moment calls for a number of observations, which I would like to echo. Firstly, we would like to reaffirm our support for the Mechanism and commend efforts to implement its mandate.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We ask that the Committee agree without further delay on the appointment of the six proposed experts and thank the chairmanship for its efforts to that end. In short, this briefing attests to our collective commitment to the fight against terrorism and the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Those challenges require a coordinated response, based on the understanding that global security is inseparable from the protection of human rights and respect for international law.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The 1540 Committee continues to be a cornerstone of the non-proliferation architecture. While it is a positive that the Committee was able to agree on a programme of work at the beginning of the year, we note that its substantive work, which had been diligently prepared and submitted by the Chair, has been blocked. The Committee has a duty to help minimize the risks of proliferation among non-State actors. In that regard, we believe that the Committee’s intention to clarify the role of the support mechanism and strengthen it, particularly the support provided by the Group of Experts, is important. If the Committee is to fully provide such assistance to States, it must be able to rely on a functional and fully staffed Group of Experts.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The contribution of civil society is essential in that context, and we welcome the efforts made to ensure that their voice is heard in the country assessments and in the work of the Committee. The collaboration is all the more important because counter-terrorism efforts can have negative effects on civic space. We must be attentive to the needs of those we seek to protect, maintain a constant dialogue and ensure that none of the measures we take serve as a pretext for human rights abuses or violations of international humanitarian law. That is why Switzerland has been advocating an inclusive and a gender-sensitive approach, in particular on the link between terrorism and sexual and gender- based violence. That perspective is essential to the development of targeted and effective responses.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Continuity, effective implementation in national legislation and additional efforts, such as awareness- raising, are needed to promote its understanding by the actors concerned. The Committee also plays an important role in establishing a factual basis for global terrorist threats. In that respect, I would also like to thank the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team for its valuable work. With regard to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) — the Counter-Terrorism Committee — we would also like to thank the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for its work. The Counter-Terrorism Committee’s country assessments are crucial to strengthening Member States’ ability to prevent and combat terrorism effectively and in compliance with international law.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“The targeted sanctions of the 1267 Committee are an important tool of the Council to contain the capabilities of terrorist groups. However, their effectiveness depends on the transparency and fairness of our processes. Thanks to the Office of the Ombudsperson, the 1267 regime has fair and clear procedures, guaranteeing the rule of law and human rights in the implementation of sanctions. Moreover, the humanitarian exemption created by resolution 2664 (2022) is an essential milestone in facilitating the rapid distribution of humanitarian aid and meeting the basic needs of the population. Our initial observations confirm its relevance in the context of the sanctions regime.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Chairs of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their briefings and for their skilful stewardship of our work over the past year. The briefings demonstrate not only the complexity of the challenges we face, but also the interdependence of our efforts to respond effectively. Allow me to make a few remarks about the work of each Committee.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“We once again call on Russia to immediately de-escalate the situation, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9470 (2023) · source
“Military strikes may be directed against only combatants and military objectives. The impact of hostilities on civilians and civilian objects must be taken into account in all military operations. Every feasible precaution must be taken to spare them. Disproportionate attacks are forbidden. Furthermore, we call for the humane treatment of all non-persons hors de combat. We reiterate our gratitude for the tireless work of humanitarian actors in Ukraine and recall the need to facilitate and guarantee rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Ukraine, including to territories under Russian military control, including the occupied city of Donetsk. Switzerland does not recognize the integration of Ukrainian territories into the Russian Federation and condemns the grave violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9470 (2023) · source
“We also recall the serious damage that has been caused to civilian property and infrastructure, as well as the disruption of essential services to the population, including water, electricity, heating and telecommunications. The damage is particularly alarming as the winter season approaches. We echo the warning made by the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs concerning the major impact on civilians of ongoing attacks, including this weekend in southern and central Ukraine, particularly in the cities of Odesa and Kherson. Daily attacks have caused serious damage to energy facilities, schools, hospitals and other public services, affecting in particular the regions in southern and eastern Ukraine. And we take note of Russia’s reason for requesting this Security Council meeting today.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9470 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing. Switzerland once again condemns Russia’s military aggression and underscores its tragic consequences for the civilian population in Ukraine. We call on all parties to the conflict to strictly respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which apply to all armed conflicts, as we remind everyone regularly. We are appalled by the waves of unrelenting attacks to which the civilian population has been subjected for more than 20 months. We condemn the high number of civilians killed and injured, which continues to rise with every passing day of the war.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9470 (2023) · source
“Finally, we encourage the continuation of close collaboration between the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the Office of the Prosecutor, particularly during field missions. Allow me to conclude by echoing the words of Noura Al Jerbi, who briefed the Council in August: “By holding individuals and institutions responsible for past wrongs, Libya can build the foundation of trust, stability and progress that is essential for a peaceful future.” (see S/PV.9402, p.6) Switzerland wishes to reaffirm its full support for the International Criminal Court. As everyone here knows, there can be no lasting peace without justice.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We therefore strongly encourage the Libyan authorities to continue their cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor, particularly with regard to the granting of visas. Those are essential elements for the Office to be able to carry out field missions and ensure its presence in Libya. We welcome the Office’s extensive cooperation with third States, particularly regarding crimes against migrants. Such cooperation demonstrates a positive application of the principle of complementarity, which is at the heart of the Rome Statute. We also welcome the Office’s continued efforts to engage with civil society, and we reiterate our concern about the restrictions imposed on civil society in Libya.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We therefore take note of the digitalization of evidence and the launch of a digital platform. By enabling secure and rapid exchanges of communications, it contributes to the security of victims, witnesses and civil society organizations. In that context, we emphasize that data security and the protection of judicial infrastructure is essential. We condemn even more strongly the cyberattack to which the Court fell victim this summer. Furthermore, for the Court to exercise its mandate effectively, its independence and impartiality must be preserved. To that end, we would like to emphasize here the importance of endowing it with human and financial resources commensurate with the tasks incumbent upon it. Thirdly, cooperation is key in enabling the Court to fulfil its mandate.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We also welcome the focus on psychosocial support for victims and support for witnesses in terms of security and medical aid, including with the assistance of national authorities. Moreover, we welcome the Prosecutor’s indication that the Office will be able to present in its next report a potential road map for the completion of the Office’s activities in accordance with resolution 1970 (2011). That announcement demonstrates the Office’s commitment to carrying out its activities by following clear and concrete objectives. Secondly, Switzerland subscribes to the Court’s digitalization efforts, which contribute to its receptiveness to new technologies aimed at enhancing its efficiency. Taking advantage of new technologies while preserving its integrity will allow the Court to optimize its efficiency.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland thanks the Prosecutor for his briefing and for presenting his twenty-sixth report on the situation in Libya. The report is a guarantee of transparency and gives us a clear and complete account of the Office’s efforts over the past six months, in accordance with the mandate contained in resolution 1970 (2011). I would like to address three points. First, we commend the Office of the Prosecutor for the continued and significant progress made in implementing the renewed action strategy for Libya. Switzerland notes with interest the progress made on the four lines of investigation. Of particular note is the progress made in the investigation into crimes linked to the 2014–2020 operations, which will soon be considered complete.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“In a context of growing insecurity and regional tensions, and against a backdrop of the ongoing transition of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Switzerland calls on all parties to exercise restraint and abide by international law.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Switzerland attaches particular importance to respect for the rights of women and girls, given the alarming number of verified cases of sexual violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are concerned about the high levels of systematic sexual exploitation in and around camps for displaced persons, particularly in Goma, and we therefore encourage the States of the region to take every possible measure to protect the civilian population and combat impunity. While it remains crucial to advance regional initiatives, it is imperative to ensure the implementation of commitments already made and to tackle the root causes of conflict.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“We encourage the authorities to ensure that that does not lead to the de facto integration of members of armed groups into the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo, which would run counter to the spirit of the principles set out in the national strategy for the implementation of the Programme. Thirdly, respect for international law is essential if lasting peace is to be achieved. As armed groups continue to attack civilians, Switzerland calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. As communicated at the quadripartite meeting of Chiefs of Staff earlier this month, humanitarian corridors must be established to facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to the population.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“There is also an urgent need for responsible management of the region’s natural resources, which represent a source of prosperity for the people of the Great Lakes. The illegal exploitation of and trade in such resources by armed groups, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, is jeopardizing peace and development in the region. Switzerland also supports the Congolese authorities in advancing the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme. We have noted the Congolese Senate’s enactment of a law establishing a military reserve force.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“If they are to succeed, it is vital to ensure that all the commitments made are implemented and that women are able to participate in a meaningful and effective way. In particular, it is essential that all actors, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, cease their support for certain armed groups. Secondly, the root causes of conflict must be addressed if lasting peace is to be achieved. That will entail strengthening the rule of law and good governance and creating economic and social opportunities. Switzerland acknowledges the considerable potential for sustainable development of the Great Lakes region. For several years now we have been involved in projects aimed at strengthening human rights, combating misinformation, promoting vocational training and creating jobs.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“For it is only together that we can achieve the common objectives of peace, security and cooperation set out in the Addis Ababa Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, which is currently being revitalized. I would like to emphasize three points. First, regional diplomatic and political initiatives must remain the main means of resolving conflict. That is why we are appealing urgently for a halt to the violence and incitement to hatred that can prevent that dialogue. Switzerland reaffirms its support for the Nairobi and Luanda processes. We welcome the adoption of a joint master plan at the recent quadripartite summit and call on all actors to work to harmonize and coordinate the regional mechanisms.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, the Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and Ms. Malimukono for their briefings. I would also like to thank the Peacebuilding Commission for its written opinion and welcome the representatives of the States of the region to the Council. There can be no question that peace in the Great Lakes region requires the cooperation of the entire region. We encourage Special Envoy Xia to continue his efforts to advance a genuine dialogue between all the parties and to ease regional tensions.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Lastly, with regard to the humanitarian needs of millions in Ukraine, humanitarian workers must have rapid, unimpeded and sustainable access to civilians in need throughout the country. Switzerland will continue to advocate for full respect for international law and a stable and prosperous future for Ukraine.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“Where children in distress are concerned, the Convention on the Rights of the Child must be respected, including through respect for the best interests of children and their right to remain with their parents. The same applies to the relevant rules of international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention and its first Additional Protocol. Deportation and illegal transfers are war crimes, and allegations of such acts must therefore be fully investigated. Switzerland takes note of the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in that regard and reiterates its support for the work of the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“We welcome the diplomatic efforts being made to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which must remain the guiding principle for our efforts. As long as the fighting continues, we must work to mitigate the consequences for the population, as required by international humanitarian law and human rights. I will mention just a few of the relevant obligations. In view of the thousands of civilians killed or injured, civilians and civilian objects must be protected. The parties must respect international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“Their lives are marked by constant instability and insecurity. Nearly two out of three children in Ukraine have been forced to leave their homes. The credible reports of deportations of children to Russia and forced transfers of children within the occupied territories are particularly worrisome. Added to that are the immense humanitarian needs. Some 17.6 million people, almost half of Ukraine’s current population, require humanitarian assistance and protection. We are grateful to the United Nations, Ukrainian institutions and volunteers, the Red Cross Movement and other humanitarian actors for mobilizing aid for them. However, access to communities on the front lines and to areas under Russian military control remains particularly difficult. On this commemorative day, I want to say once again that Russia’s military aggression must stop.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“I would like to reiterate that Switzerland does not recognize the integration of Ukraine’s territory into the Russian Federation — that applies to Crimea and to the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhya regions. In addition to the numerous images and testimonies, we also have figures illustrating the disastrous consequences of the war. I would like to highlight three of them. According to figures from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, nearly 10,000 civilians have been killed in the past 18 months. We condemn the fact that waves of attacks continue to hit the country’s cities and areas where civilians gather. In the past few days Russian strikes have again claimed the lives of civilians, including children. And children are particularly affected by the consequences of the war.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing, as well as the two civil society representatives for their testimonies. On the occasion of its Independence Day, I would like to express Switzerland’s support, solidarity and friendship with Ukraine and its people. This is supposed to be a festive day. And yet, it also marks a year and a half of Russia’s military aggression. It has been a year and a half of calls on Russia to de-escalate, cease all combat operations and withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s territory. And it has been a year and a half of calls for respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2023-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9404 (2023) · source
“Finally, Switzerland remains very concerned about the precarious security situation in several areas of the country, where hostilities continue to affect the civilian population with a disproportionate impact on women and girls. As resolution 2254 (2015) and the Council itself have repeatedly emphasized, the imposition of a nationwide ceasefire and respect on the part of all the parties for such a ceasefire remain priority measures for enabling the implementation of peace efforts and humanitarian assistance operations. The Syrian people need them desperately.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“In the worst cases they have no protection from sexual and gender-based violence. We call on all parties to the conflict and every country to respect their obligations and immediately end all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed against civilians in Syria, including women. To that end, we reiterate our full support to the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry 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 fundamental to the fight against impunity.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the close collaboration between the Office of the Special Envoy and the Civil Society Support Room, a platform which ensures the broad participation of civil society in the political process and in which women account for 43 per cent of participants. The Support Room ensures that women’s priorities and realities are taken into account on the ground and in the political process. We note with concern the way in which the very deep humanitarian and socioeconomic crises afflicting the country are affecting women. In that respect, it is essential to ensure people’s access to humanitarian aid throughout the country. In addition, women are often subjected to forced or early marriages or made to operate in an informal labour market that exposes them to all sorts of abuses.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“Switzerland hopes that such a meeting can enable substantial progress to be made towards a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Switzerland shares with the Special Envoy and Ms. Alkanawati a sincere belief that the women and peace and security agenda is central in Syria. In accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), Switzerland once again stresses the importance of the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of Syrian women in the political process. Throughout the country, civil- society organizations, many of which rely on the voluntary involvement of women, play a key role in the quest for a lasting peace in Syria.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“Ms. Chanda (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Ms. Lubna Alkanawati for their briefings. Switzerland joins the Special Envoy in following with interest the dynamics currently at work in the region. In particular, we welcomed the first meeting of the Arab contact group on Syria, held in Cairo on 15 August, following on from the Amman, Cairo and Jeddah declarations in May. We welcome the fact that the declaration issued at the end of that meeting makes clear reference to the Council’s resolution 2254 (2015). We note that the group wishes to ensure good coordination with the United Nations, including in preparation for a forthcoming meeting of the Constitutional Committee. The convening of a Committee meeting as soon as possible would be an important step in the step-for- step approach.”
2023-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9403 (2023) · source
“In that connection, Switzerland recalls the letter addressed to the Security Council by the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions (S/2023/486).”
2023-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9402 (2023) · source