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Grau

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75

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2009-05-26

most recent

2020-02-18

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14

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un-security-council

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1. “This initiative, entitled "Accountability and Action for the Tenth Anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325", will include monthly assessments of all Council actions and, by means of concrete proposals, will contribute to the systematic implementation of the resolution. However, if this project is to be successful, more partners will be required. We invite all States to join our efforts by providing political and/or financial support. Thirdly, the Council already has excellent instruments at its disposal. The mainstreaming of gender aspects in all peacekeeping operations, the consistent use of the sanctions regime and the establishment of a strong, high-level gender unit are key elements for improving the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”

   2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source

2. “We will improve gender training in all aspects of our foreign policy, including in our programmes to promote peace and development cooperation. Switzerland is pleased to share its experiences with other countries and partners. Secondly, as a member of the Group of Friends of 1325, chaired by Canada, Switzerland will actively support the preparations for the tenth anniversary. However, if we want to have a reason to celebrate, a strategic approach and an intelligent agenda are required. It is essential to enhance the responsibility of the Council, to increase the leadership in this area and to improve overall follow-up on the resolution. To that end, the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, in close cooperation with Switzerland, has developed a concept for monitoring the resolution's implementation.”

   2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source

3. “I refer here to resolution 1820 (2008), and, very recently, resolution 1888 (2009), which were adopted as a result of the commitment of the United States of America and which should now be implemented. Generally speaking, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) remains unsatisfactory. The facts and figures set out in various studies, including by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), speak for themselves. The question thus remains: how can we ensure that the agenda effectively moves forward and that what we have committed ourselves to implementing is actually implemented? First, Switzerland recently evaluated its 2007 national action plan and continues to improve that instrument. Thanks to our pool of experts, we will increase the number of female personnel seconded to peacekeeping operations and as mediators.”

   2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source

4. “Mrs. Grau (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate, as well as the seminar on resolution 1325 (2000), which your country held in Hanoi in July, and which Switzerland had the pleasure of supporting. I would also like to associate myself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network. Today's debate is the eighth on the subject held since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). The Security Council has adopted seven presidential statements concerning its implementation. On one of the key aspects of this resolution - sexual violence in armed conflict - we have seen impressive progress.”

   2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196Resumption1 (2009) · source

5. “Greater participation of women in peacekeeping missions would render the protection and support of victims of sexual violence more effective. It is also of great importance for the prevention and combating of sexual violence that women be more often involved in peace processes as mediators, representatives of the parties to the conflict or civil society partners. Consequently, with a view to the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), I wish to highlight the importance of implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) in tandem.”

   2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

6. “It also requires them to take concrete measures to protect individuals from sexual violence, bring to justice the perpetrators and provide reparations for the victims. Yet, the implementation of those measures remains weak. States should do more to reform their legal systems in order to bring perpetrators to justice and to protect victims and treat them with respect at hearings. The continued support of the international community is necessary to help States to develop and to strengthen their national capacities in that area. In a broader context, today's debate emphasizes one key aspect of resolution 1325 (2000). For resolution 1820 (2008) to have a sustainable impact, an integrated approach must be adopted.”

   2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

7. “In order to ensure a consistent approach, that mechanism should provide for interaction with the Security Council's Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and its informal expert group on the protection of civilians. In that context, Switzerland welcomes the adoption three days ago of resolution 1882 (2009), on children and armed conflict. It makes sexual violence an additional criterion for listing parties to an armed conflict in the annexes of the Secretary-General's reports. That resolution is a major decision in strengthening the protection agenda of the Council. That is why my country decided to join in sponsoring it. However, it is regrettable that that protection formula no longer applies once the victims reach 18 years of age. International law obliges States not only to refrain from committing violations.”

   2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

8. “It is deplorable that sexual violence continues to be perpetrated on a widespread basis, in particular as a tactic of war. Women and girls are particularly at risk and represent the majority of victims. We urge the Security Council to call on all parties to armed conflict to strictly comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international humanitarian law. We call on the Council to use the instruments at its disposal, such as targeted sanctions and the mandates of peacekeeping operations, to combat sexual violence in armed conflict. Switzerland supports the establishment of an appropriate mechanism within the Security Council. That would facilitate consideration and action in line with the measures taken by parties to armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international law.”

   2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

9. “Mrs. Grau (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate on the subject of women and peace and security. We commend the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2009/362) on the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008) and for his recommendations. Last year's adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) was a major achievement. The resolution focuses on sexual violence during and after conflicts, which is one of the three pillars of resolution 1325 (2000). The Secretary-General's report describes the measures taken by the international community to prevent and combat gender-based human rights violations. In this regard, Switzerland has supported various multilateral initiatives, such as the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict.”

   2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

10. “We are convinced of the importance of qualified leadership in the countries concerned, supported by an able team. In that regard, we would like the funds, programmes and specialized agencies to recognize strengthened authority of the Resident Coordinator vis- a-vis the United Nations country team, particularly when the Coordinator holds the post of Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We propose that the Chief Executives Board make a decision in that regard. I would like to conclude by emphasizing the importance of measuring all improvements in processes and institutions by their positive impact in the field.”

    2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source

11. “Peacebuilding is not the exclusive preserve of any one body, but is the responsibility of all actors under the active leadership of the Secretary-General. Thirdly, the United Nations and the World Bank, as well as our capitals, must provide the personnel in the field with the best possible support by establishing a more effective, coherent and coordinated support system. The report shows us that there are already a number of instruments that favour a joint approach, such as, for example, the Post-Conflict Needs Assessment or integrated task forces. We must ensure the effective use of those instruments and not multiply the reporting and the number of planning and monitoring instruments. That effort must be made jointly with the development banks, regional organizations and the donor community.”

    2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source

12. “Only if the complementarity of instruments and the transparency of financial flows are considerably improved will there be more effective, flexible and predictable funding for peacebuilding. Secondly, the report stresses the need to develop national and regional capacities and the skills of the senior managers and of the teams deployed on the ground. We welcome those recommendations, and my country is willing to share the experience acquired through our own pools of national experts. The credibility and the effectiveness of the United Nations depend above all on the skills of its permanent staff and on a cross-cutting awareness of conflict issues within the various institutions of the United Nations system.”

    2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source

13. “We support the proposal that the Chairs of the country-specific meetings of the Peacebuilding Commission be invited to participate in the work of the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council concerning the countries in question. Before us, we have specific examples of the challenges of coherence, in the reports on mediation and on peacebuilding and in the New Horizon non-paper on peacekeeping. To head up those efforts concerning the crucial and complementary aspects of the United Nations system, we would like to see a note by the Secretary-General that highlights their complementarity and gives us an overview of the various available financial instruments.”

    2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source

14. “Mrs. Grau (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate. Allow me to focus on three aspects of the report (S/2009/304) that we are discussing today. First, we welcome the exemplary consultation process for this report. That way of proceeding well illustrates the potential role of the Peacebuilding Support Office as a catalyst. To be effective, the Office should play that role in conjunction with strong leadership of the Secretary-General. The Security Council has an important role to play in supporting that combination by recognizing the functions of the two actors and by supporting them. In mission management in particular, we invite the Council to increase its consultation of the Peacebuilding Commission, whose potential asset is its ability to mobilize the skills of a wide range of actors.”

    2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source

15. “In this context, we hail the establishment of an informal group of experts on the protection of civilians within the Security Council and support the recommendation calling for the group to meet prior to the establishment or renewal of the mandates of peacekeeping missions. The group can thus play an important role by drawing the Council's attention to any alarming situation with regard to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Fifthly, as recent humanitarian crises have shown, humanitarian access in armed conflicts is central to the protection of and assistance to persons in distress. The annex provides systematic information on situations where such difficulties prevail. We encourage the Secretary-General to continue to gather and share with the Council the relevant data.”

    2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source

16. “Thirdly, it is crucial that there be investigations of any alleged violations of international humanitarian law, whatever the armed conflict or the perpetrator. We therefore support the recommendation to systematically request reports on allegations of violations of law and consider the creation of commissions of inquiry. In this regard, Switzerland recalls the existence of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission established by the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions. We encourage the Security Council to give a mandate to that permanent commission rather than appointing ad hoc commissions of inquiry. Fourthly, the Security Council should have instruments to enable it to tackle the aforementioned challenges.”

    2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source

17. “In this regard, Switzerland, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, has taken an initiative that resulted last year in the Montreux Document. We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his support of this document. Secondly, the fight against impunity is one of the pillars of implementation of and respect for international humanitarian law. States must take the necessary measures at the national level in order to ensure that international crimes do not go unpunished. Regarding the International Criminal Court, Switzerland particularly welcomes the recommendation that the Security Council do everything within its power to ensure the full cooperation of States with the Court.”

    2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source

18. “At the operational level, we would like to welcome the systematic work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in particular, but also of the United Nations and certain non-governmental organizations that are committed to ensuring that armed groups respect their obligations with regard to civilians. The organization Geneva Call shows the potential in this area. In this regard, Switzerland supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General requesting a meeting held in accordance with the Arria Formula. Furthermore, it is important to clarify the international law applicable to other non-State actors in armed conflict, such as private military and security companies.”

    2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source

19. “In this context, I would like to focus on the following aspects of the report: the challenges with regard to non-State actors, the fight against impunity, the ways by which the Security Council can enhance the protection of civilians, including the commissions of inquiry, and systematic information on humanitarian access. First, Switzerland entirely shares the Secretary- General's analysis regarding respect for international norms by non-State actors. We believe that it is indispensable that the international community support initiatives of humanitarian organizations that engage non-State groups in order to improve the protection of civilians.”

    2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source

20. “Mrs. Grau (Switzerland) (Spoke in French): Mr. President, allow me to thank you for organizing this open debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (8/2009/277) and the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. John Holmes, for his briefing. My delegation would like to associate itself with the statement made by the Costa Rican presidency of the Human Security Network, of which Switzerland is part. The concept of the protection of civilians is based on respect for the rules of international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law.”

    2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source

21. “One of the recommendations that emerged was to hold regular meetings of national coordinators and focal points of Member States to review the status of efforts to combat terrorism at the national and international levels. With the support of the relevant bodies of the United Nations, Switzerland envisages the holding of informal international and regional meetings that would provide Member States with a platform to address their practical counter-terrorism needs. Such a platform could also serve as an informal forum to increase interaction between representatives of national agencies with the relevant United Nations bodies. Switzerland and the other sponsors will soon provide more detail about this idea.”

    2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128 (2009) · source

22. “In the new resolution that will review the measures set forth in resolution 1822 (2008), the Security Council may wish to take into account growing concerns about the respect of human rights in the fight against terrorism. By doing so, it would enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of its sanctions regime. Switzerland welcomes ongoing efforts to increase coordination between the three counter-terrorism Committees of the Council. It is essential to ensure the integrated implementation of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and coordination between the relevant parties in that regard. In that context, Switzerland, along with other States, launched an international process on global counter-terrorism cooperation in 2007.”

    2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128 (2009) · source

23. “Switzerland itself is a defendant in a case before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The applicant is challenging the legality of our domestic measures to implement United Nations sanctions, while in fact targeting the United Nations sanctions system as a whole. The outcome of this case will affect not only Switzerland but also the 46 other States members of the Council of Europe. The proposal by Switzerland and other countries last year to establish an experts panel appointed by the Security Council to assist the sanctions Committees in the consideration of delisting requests could be a way to strengthen the existing procedures and to help targeted sanctions to withstand appeals in national or regional courts.”

    2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128 (2009) · source

24. “We welcome the important improvements that are reflected in resolution 1822 (2008) and in the Committee's revised guidelines adopted last December. However, some concerns remain, as highlighted by recent studies, including the report by the Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights and the latest report of the Monitoring Team. Critics see the continuing lack of fair and clear procedures within the current sanctions regime as undermining the effective implementation of targeted sanctions. Several States face major legal challenges in implementing the 1267 Committee's sanctions regime. Member States find themselves in a dilemma when national or regional courts question the legality of domestic measures to implement sanctions.”

    2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128 (2009) · source

25. “Mrs. Grau (Switzerland) (spoke in French): At the outset, allow me to thank the Chairmen of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their informative briefings. Switzerland is firmly committed to combating terrorism and has a great interest in effective and legitimate measures to ensure the full implementation of United Nations sanctions. I shall limit my remarks to two issues: first, the challenges in implementing the sanctions regime of the 1267 Committee and, secondly, the need to improve coordination in order to increase the effectiveness of the collective response to terrorism. Switzerland commends the efforts of the 1267 Committee to improve listing and delisting procedures.”

    2009-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6128 (2009) · source