YouSaid · the spoken record

Favre

lines on the record: 48
first: 2018-08-29
most recent: 2020-01-09
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“At a time when the Secretary-General stresses that geopolitical tensions are at their highest level, Switzerland supports his call for resuming dialogue and renewing international cooperation. The seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations and its Charter is an opportunity to recall that multilateral bodies and international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law, are essential to ensuring international peace and security. It is more crucial than ever for the Security Council to fully assume the responsibilities bestowed upon it by the Charter.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“The Charter also provides the basis for action by the Security Council, including its obligations to the General Assembly, in particular the duty to ensure adequate interaction between the Security Council and the General Assembly under Article 24 of the Charter. That is a fact often recalled by the interregional Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, coordinated by Switzerland, which promotes accountability, coherence and transparency in the Council. What unites us is more important than what divides us. The Charter remains the common denominator — our starting point for strengthening multilateralism in the spirit of inclusion and dialogue.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Today more than ever, young people inspire us to assume our responsibility to resolve crises peacefully and to protect natural resources for future generations. But what kind of United Nations will young people need? We welcome the Secretary-General’s reflections on that question. It is crucial that all segments of society express their views and it is our duty to listen to them. In Geneva and elsewhere in Switzerland, activities will take place this year to raise awareness about the Charter, anchor it more firmly in people’s daily lives and remind us of the Charter’s political relevance in the twenty-first century.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Peace and security are also dependent on development and respect for human rights. It would be wrong to disregard them for security reasons. For the security and prosperity of small and medium-sized States, including Switzerland and the vast majority of Member States, an effective rules- based multilateral system remains essential. Respect for international law, including the prohibition of the use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes, is of vital importance to prevent escalations. The similarities between the Charter and Switzerland’s Federal Constitution are striking. Both promote shared prosperity, sustainable development and respect for human rights. Switzerland is a young State Member of the United Nations, fully engaged in the search for and implementation of multilateral solutions.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Vietnamese presidency for organizing this open debate. As 2020 begins, it is very important for all of us States Members of the United Nations to uphold the Charter of the United Nations, which is celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary. Despite its age, it remains wholly relevant. Its role has not diminished, rather quite the contrary. The number of crises and conflicts in the world is of great concern. It is estimated that 168 million people will need humanitarian assistance this year. The world needs our action. While the Charter is neither a magic wand nor a panacea, it remains a powerful tool for conflict prevention and peacekeeping, provided that Member States implement it in its entirety.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, the Security Council must be more consistent in its consideration of the children and armed conflict agenda with regard to all thematic issues and country situations. We welcome the positive role played to that end by the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, as illustrated by the recent adoption of the conclusions on Syria and Myanmar, as well as the work under way on Yemen. Fourthly, Switzerland calls on Member States to take concrete measures to stop attacks on schools and deter armed forces and non-State armed groups from using schools as shields. My country calls on Member States to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration. In conclusion, Switzerland reiterates its full support for the mandate and work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and her Office.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“In accordance with the 2010 annual report of the Secretary-General on armed conflict and children (S/2010/181), the timely implementation of an action plan must be the formal and sole path leading to delisting. Secondly, in order to implement action plans in a timely manner and thereby have a genuine impact on the ground, Switzerland calls on the Secretary-General and Member States to allocate sufficient human, financial and technical resources for the protection of children in armed conflict. It is particularly critical to ensure the adequate allocation of resources and their effective use with regard to action plans involving armed non-State actors. Switzerland supports the deployment and work of child protection specialists, for example, in Syria, whose role is essential to achieving the goals of the action plans.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“First, in order to ensure the effective protection of children in armed conflict, the credibility of the monitoring and reporting mechanism established in accordance with resolution 1612 (2005) must be guaranteed in all circumstances. Switzerland therefore requests the Secretary-General to provide a comprehensive, impartial and accurate list of parties committing grave violations of children's rights, supported by reliable evidence. An evidence-based approach is critical. Furthermore, it is of major importance that all perpetrators of serious violations be listed in sections A or B of the annex to the reports of the Secretary- General according to clear and transparent criteria. It is also necessary that no party concerned be prematurely delisted as long as it continues to commit grave violations against children's rights.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Madam President, and Poland for organizing today's open debate on the issue of children and armed conflict. I also express my sincere gratitude to all the speakers for their valuable contributions. This year we are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, which have been universally ratified. In that regard, Switzerland calls on all Member States that have not yet done so to ratify the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions. Those treaties are essential to the protection of civilians, including children, in armed conflict. I would like to highlight four points.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“The ACT group is committed to doing its part in this joint effort and to supporting any initiative, particularly the efforts of elected Council members, towards a more efficient and transparent Security Council.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“We welcome the fact that most of the issues highlighted today have been or are being discussed in the framework of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. As today's open debate demonstrates, the Security Council's working methods are of interest to the entire United Nations membership and improving them is our collective responsibility. It should therefore be a matter of concern to all that no formal progress has been made in the framework of the Informal Working Group since the last open debate on working methods in the Council in February 2018 (see S/PV.8175). We call on all Council members to engage constructively in efforts to achieving concrete and tangible progress on those matters.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“Resolution 1904 (2009), which established the Office of the Ombudsperson, was a significant step forward in improving the fairness and transparency of the sanctions regime for Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and enhancing the rule of law in the implementation of Council decisions. The Ombudsperson mechanism is a key element in preserving the integrity and therefore the effectiveness of the Security Council sanctions system. We therefore call on the Council take all necessary measures to further strengthen the independence and impartiality of the Office of the Ombudsperson and expand the Ombudsperson's mandate to other sanctions regimes.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“The Chairs of subsidiary bodies should have specific responsibilities in decision-making processes and their expertise should be used more consistently through formal and informal meetings of the Council. We want to underline that issues relating to balanced burden-sharing are particularly relevant in the light of tomorrow's elections for non-permanent seats on the Council, which will bring another tranche of incoming Council members. Thirdly and finally, we firmly believe that fairness and clarity in sanctions processes are important factors in the implementation and impact of United Nations sanctions.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“For instance, the consultation process for selecting the Chairs of subsidiary bodies should take place in a way that enables balanced burden-sharing and an equal distribution of work among all members of the Council, including its permanent members. As a general rule, no member should Chair more than two subsidiary bodies, unless members choose otherwise. Enhancing the Council members' responsibilities for drafting Council products is another key route to greater participation by all members in decision-making, for instance by providing more opportunities for any member of the Council to be a penholder and for more than one member to act as a penholder on a single dossier. There is a legitimate expectation that Council members elected by the General Assembly can meaningfully and effectively contribute to Council products.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“If they are to serve their purpose, wrap-up sessions must take place at the end of every month, preferably in the Toledo format so as to enhance interaction. The main purpose of the meetings should be interaction with the wider membership, ideally without extensive time devoted to briefings from Council members. They should also be announced in the monthly programme of work, or at least with sufficient advance notice to ensure wide participation and substantive discussions. Secondly, the responsibilities of Council members for Security Council matters must be more equally shared so as to enhance the participation of all members, including elected members.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“More must be done to improve interaction between the Security Council and the wider membership. For instance, adequate consideration of the annual report of the Security Council to the General Assembly, which is mandated by Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations, must be ensured so as to enable an inclusive and substantial exchange of views. We call on the Council to expedite the adoption of its 2018 annual report and to set a date for its timely consideration by the General Assembly, as per the presidential notes related to this matter, including note 507. At the informal level, wrap-up sessions constitute another important vehicle for transparency and accountability regarding the Security Council's work.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“Today's open debate, with no predefined Council product, but rather the stated intention of the presidency to follow up on action in the framework of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, and thereby listen to the voices of the wider United Nations membership to inform Security Council action, constitutes a good practice that should be replicated. Close interaction is also necessary in situations where the Security Council drifts away from the larger membership, and therefore the world as a whole, including when it is unable to take decisions due to the use of the veto. In that regard, ACT encourages all States, members and non-members ofthe Security Council alike, to join the 119 signatories to the ACT code of conduct and to implement it.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“There are now regular interactions, for instance, with the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Peacebuilding Commission in its role as an advisory body to the Council. We also note a positive trend in seeking interaction with Member States, other organs and civil-society representatives who can provide the Council with useful advice. This typically takes place through regular open debates, whose raison d'etre should continue to be the opportunities they afford the membership to inform Security Council deliberations.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“If we are to safeguard the effectiveness and reputation of the Council and the United Nations at large, as well as gain the support of the wider United Nations membership for the implementation of Security Council decisions, we believe it is important to keep our attention constantly focused on improving the Council's working methods, implementing good practices in a consistent manner and not backtracking from previous decisions and commitments. Today we would like to highlight three areas where the ACT group would like to see specific improvements. First, the relationship of the Council with the membership and other organs is an area where we have been happy to note some positive developments over the years.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“The working methods of the Security Council have been a subject of discussion almost since the creation of the United Nations and of the Council itself. Over the years, there has been some progress, as demonstrated by the subsequent updates and improvements contained in the note by the President (S/2017/507), note 507. However, we have to acknowledge that overall progress has been slow and the implementation of what has been agreed on has been uneven.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“I am pleased to be taking the floor on behalfofthe members ofthe Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group - Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Gabon, Ghana, Hungary, Ireland, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sweden, Uruguay and my own country, Switzerland. One of the core objectives of the ACT group is to encourage better working methods in United Nations organs, particularly the Security Council. We commend the efforts deployed by Kuwait to that end in its capacity as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. We thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's open debate, and we also thank today's briefers for their statements.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“To that end, Switzerland encourages all States, the financial sector, donors and humanitarian actors to bolster dialogue on managing and sharing the risks and responsibilities linked to the fight against the financing of terrorism.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“For those reasons, Switzerland calls upon the international community, including the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies, to ensure that counter-terrorism measures are as focused as possible and in line with international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Switzerland regrets that today's resolution 2462 (2019) is not more explicit concerning those aspects. It must therefore be ensured that the implementation of the resolution is fully consistent with international humanitarian law. In that regard, Switzerland calls on Member States to take all the necessary precautions to avoid any counter-productive or detrimental effects, both on the essential work carried out by humanitarian organizations and legitimate economic activities that drive the development of the States concerned.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“That has a considerable impact on the capacities of humanitarian organizations to fund their activities in line with international humanitarian law, particularly in regions controlled by listed terrorist groups. Switzerland recalls that humanitarian activities that are neutral, impartial and independent should never be considered as lending support to terrorism. However, disengagement on the part of the financial sector not only affects people in need of humanitarian aid but also legitimate international trade in general and the fragile economies of developing countries in particular.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Secondly, although laws against terrorism and terrorist financing are critical, they do not address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, the lack of governance, corruption, inequality, the lack of education and a dearth of future prospects for people. Efforts to combat terrorism must therefore be deployed upstream and targeted at preventing violent extremism and radicalization, which are conducive to terrorism, as well as fostering economic development and international cooperation. The strengthening of standards in the fight against the financing of terrorism in recent years, together with the sanctions system, in some cases has led to disengagement within the financial sector, particularly among international banks.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“First, in order to be effective at the global level, combating the financing of terrorism requires a strong commitment on the part of all States, particularly within specialized multilateral forums such as the FATF and FATF-affiliated regional entities. The key strength of those bodies, which makes them undeniably effective, is the system ofmutual assessment based on a common, precise and transparent methodology of evaluation and monitoring. In that regard, we must be careful so as not to duplicate evaluation efforts, but rather make them complementary, share results and ensure a follow- up process in put in place.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the organizers for this opportunity to address the important topic of combating the financing of terrorism. The fight against terrorism, and in particular its financing, as well as preventing the violent extremism and radicalization conducive to terrorism, are priorities for Switzerland. As a financial centre of global importance, Switzerland has a particular responsibility. Its commitment has been recognized by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to which it has demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of its anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism- financing mechanisms. Switzerland is actively involved in the development and implementation of international standards in this area. I would like to highlight two points and make an appeal.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Effective coordination should be established so that the topics of climate change and security can be adequately tackled and addressed. In conclusion, we must take proactive and systematic measures, including in the Council, in order to ensure international peace and security in a context in which the risks of climate fragility, extreme disasters and slow-onset hazards are increasing. Another excellent opportunity to address climate change in the specific context of disasters will be the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which will meet in May in Geneva.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“That requires early-warning systems to systematically identify situations in which climate change acts as a risk multiplier, in order to develop adequate responses. The Security Council has an important role to play in this context, particularly on two points. First, the Council must systematically integrate climate risks into the regional and country situations already on its agenda. Secondly, the Security Council must be able to take full advantage of the existing information and resources available within the United Nations system. Climate data collections, climate scenarios and early-warning systems already exist and are being successfully applied today. It is therefore vital to exchange that knowledge and utilize synergies within the United Nations, including the Security Council.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“In addition, Switzerland has commissioned impact studies and an assessment of existing climate change and safety measures to implement the adaptation measures needed to protect its population. Switzerland's concerns about the effects of climate change on peace and security are reflected in its international commitments. For example, Switzerland launched the Blue Peace Initiative in 2010, which aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation on water resource management. We note that climate change also affects human security, that is, the material and immaterial security of individuals in areas as diverse as the economy, health and culture. In order to mitigate those effects, the focus should be on prevention.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“For example, during the heat wave of 2018 in our region, shipping on the Rhine, which is of high strategic importance to our country's economy, was heavily hindered by high temperatures, insufficient rainfall and, consequently, low water levels. That interrupted import and export trade, leaving landlocked Switzerland with limited access to Vital goods, such as fuels. In a globalized world economy, the acceleration of climate change will have an increasing impact on human and economic activities. Such developments threaten our collective stability and security. In order to prepare for these new challenges, Switzerland has adopted a national strategy on adaptation to climate change.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We thank the Dominican Republic for organizing this debate on a crucial topic. Switzerland welcomes this opportunity to discuss the nexus between climate-related disasters and peace and security in the Security Council. We recognize the urgent need to take proactive steps to limit the impact of climate change on international peace and security. Today's open debate clearly demonstrates the global dimension of climate change, the effects of which differ according to the specific characteristics of each country. Switzerland is also increasingly experiencing the consequences of climate change.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“As Coordinator of the interregional Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group and one of the Chairs of the Human Rights and Conflict Prevention Caucus, based in New York and Geneva, Switzerland is committed to continuing to support the Council in the effective use of these tools.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“We are convinced that the Secretary-General's reforms will help the United Nations to work in a more integrated manner across the three pillars - peace and security, development, and human rights. These reforms will enable the United Nations to address current challenges and act more effectively, particularly with regard to the sustainability of peace. This brings me to my last point - the role of the Security Council. The Council has the primarily responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. In particular, Chapter VI of the Charter provides it with important tools to ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes and to contribute as well to conflict prevention.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, Switzerland has a tradition of providing good offices to conflicting parties and platforms for international peace talks. The launch of the Secretary-General's agenda for disarmament in Geneva is therefore no coincidence. Houses are built on columns, while multilateral systems are built on institutions. It is vital that we do not turn our backs on the multilateral institutions that we have built together, from the Human Rights Council to the World Trade Organization and the International Criminal Court. Supporting strong institutions also means ensuring a strong United Nations that is fit for purpose and able to respond to current crises. It is necessary for the United Nations to be able to create better conditions on the ground.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“That is illustrated, for example, by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. However, the challenges facing the international community have not decreased over the years. A strong multilateral system therefore remains as important as ever. Like every good relationship, multilateralism needs the continued engagement of all States. As a federal State, Switzerland is accustomed to building bridges across different political perspectives, cultures and languages. It is therefore second nature to us strive actively for a strong, rules-based multilateral system. Geneva hosts the second United Nations Headquarters, which is the operational heart of the multilateral system.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate. At a time when many items on our agenda may divide us, we should remember what unites us. The central institution of our multilateral system, the United Nations, was built on the conviction that future generations must be saved from the scourge of war. The Charter of the United Nations remains the common denominator and the starting point for our ongoing dialogue. It envisages friendly relations among nations and international cooperation to solve international problems. It commits all Member States to settling their international disputes peacefully. We have achieved important milestones during the past seven decades.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Echoing the appeal launched by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, we wish to emphasize the need for holistic action to advance the women and peace and security agenda. We again thank Bolivia for broadening the approach to that agenda and we are determined to build on the results of today's open debate.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We look forward to working closely with civil society organizations with a strong global network and relevant experience and hope to build on the best strategies for economic empowerment as an enabler of participation in peace processes. My third, and final, point relates to the engagement and empowerment of men and boys in the context of gender parity. By focusing exclusively on women, we tend to forget the role of men in political and economic empowerment. Highlighting the privileges and vulnerabilities of men may be a game-changer. Thanks to the work of many champions of gender equality and the commitment of the Secretary-General to the cause, we are on the right track.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“For example, in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Switzerland supported communities and women to secure land rights through a certification system. In addition to promoting the economic empowerment of the people concerned, that approach has been decisive in the peaceful mediation ofland disputes. In the Great Lakes region, Switzerland has also worked to improve the economic prospects of victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Self-help, savings and credit groups have been found to play a vital role in improving the economic situation of victims. The link between women's economic empowerment and their participation in peace processes is a significant element of Switzerland's fourth national action plan on women and peace and security.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Actions undertaken in that regard include mentoring potential female candidates for local elections and promoting the political leadership of women while raising awareness among men, including in particular husbands, and advocacy within political parties for a better positioning of women on electoral lists. In Bangladesh, Switzerland supported a network of elected women representatives in the national Parliament and local Government councils, both by setting up a network of mentors and advocating among male elected representatives for structural change. Secondly, women's economic empowerment is a precondition for their participation in political processes. The experiences of Switzerland's development cooperation show that prioritizing women's economic empowerment contributes effectively to conflict prevention.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Allow me also to underline that enabling women to participate effectively in peacebuilding efforts and preventing sexual violence against women, but also against men, are core objectives of Switzerland's engagement and an essential part of our recently adopted fourth national action plan on women and peace and security. Both those objectives are closely linked to the successful political and economic empowerment of women. Today I would like to focus on three aspects. First, women, like men, must be involved in the political process from the beginning and at all levels. With Benin, we work on a project to promote women's participation in decision-making at the local level.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to start by thanking Bolivia for having proposed this year's open debate on women and peace and security in the broader context of political and economic empowerment. The link between the women and peace and security agenda and sustaining peace has made both of them stronger and more effective. We also welcome the fact that parallel discussions continue at the regional level. That was the case last week in the context of the African Union Peace and Security Council, where the discussions focused on the crucial role women, together with men, can play in conflict prevention and peacebuilding at the grass-roots level.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We are making a concrete contribution to achieving that objective, specifically thanks to the master's degree in mediation in peace processes offered by the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich with the support of the Governments of Switzerland, Finland, Germany and Sweden. We welcome the progress that the United Nations has made in the past decade in enhancing the effectiveness of its mediation efforts. We especially welcome the establishment of the Mediation Support Unit within the Department of Political Affairs, which is enabling the United Nations to become an effective and professional global mediator, and we propose that it be further strengthened in the future.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, sanctions imposed on specific parties to a conflict can sometimes affect perceptions of the impartiality of the United Nations and acceptance of the mediators whom it mandates. It is important for the Security Council to carefully evaluate the impact of its sanctions in conflict situations where the United Nations is also conducting mediation activities, so as to ensure complementarity between the sanctions and mediation processes. Switzerland is currently giving support to academic research on the link between mediation and sanctions. Thirdly, we strongly believe that mediation's effectiveness lies in the professionalism of the mediator.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“In that regard, as was the case during the conflict in Yemen in 2011, a careful warning from the Security Council announcing the potential imposition of United Nations sanctions may help a mediator to convince the opposing sides to sit down at the negotiating table. Sectoral sanctions targeting sources of funding essential to parties to a conflict can influence their cost-benefit analysis and thereby contribute to their decision to participate in negotiations. However, Security Council sanctions can also complicate mediation efforts. For example, sanctions on entire groups can stigmatize them and complicate the task of mediators, who will find it more difficult to communicate with them.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“In addition, mediation initiatives should be launched at the right moment, when a conflict is ripe for resolution. It is equally important to ensure that mediation processes are truly inclusive, so that parties with a vital role to play in the peace agreement, and those affected by its consequences, are consulted and involved throughout the negotiation process. Mediation is a tool that can be used at several stages of a conflict, including before violence has broken out and after agreements are signed, in order to contribute to sustainable peace. Secondly, the Security Council is a key player, capable of strongly influencing the conditions needed for good mediation.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Mr. Favre (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland warmly welcomes the holding of this Security Council open debate on mediation and the peaceful resolution of conflict. Switzerland fully supports the efforts of the United Nations in peacefully settling disputes. In the light of our long experience with the use of our good offices and our partnership with the United Nations in the field of mediation, I want to focus on the following three points. First, mediation is a valuable tool for conflict resolution, but experience shows that it cannot be considered a cure-all. It cannot work effectively unless certain conditions are met. Above all, it is voluntary, and the parties to the conflict themselves must be willing to participate.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source