YouSaid · the spoken record

Guerber

lines on the record: 64
first: 2011-11-09
most recent: 2013-10-29
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“All Member States, including members of ACT, have a responsibility to support the Council and to hold it accountable for the consistent and effective implementation of its resolutions and decisions. Today's debate on working methods is the fourth in what has become, since 2010, an annual practice. It is an important milestone for all of us and one that we strongly encourage Council members to uphold. ACT pledges to continue to carry on that important dialogue with all Member States, and in particular with the members of the Security Council, constructively and openly.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“We are aware that many of our suggestions are already included in the past commitments assumed by the Security Council in existing President's notes. We encourage the Security Council to ensure the full and consistent implementation of the commitments in the President's notes, and indeed other existing and future recommendations on working methods. Moreover, ACT will monitor the Council's existing commitments in all aspects in order to promote transparency and improve the accessibility of information. Our suggestions and interests cover a wide range of issues, but ultimately have one goal - a Security Council that carries out its duties in the maintenance of international peace and security in a more effective and open manner.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“We are convinced that this pledge indicates the need to find new avenues in order to respond efficiently to crises and to live up to the responsibilities deposited in the hands of the Council. ACT encourages the other permanent members to further explore that proposal. ACT has organized itself in subgroups that have started their work and have already developed concrete ideas on issues ranging from accountability, transparency, follow-up to the note S/2010/507, and improvements in working methods relating to peacekeeping and conflict prevention. During today's debate, various ACT members will inform the Council about the practical work under way in the subgroups. As our work continues to gain momentum, ACT may broaden the scope of its efforts according to needs and relevant developments.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“We are seeing greater interest on the part of Member States, with steadily increasing attendance being a clear demonstration of the value, relevance and demand for such mechanisms. While ACT warmly welcomes resolution 2118 (2013), aimed at destroying Syria's chemical weapons, we should not forget the Council's long paralysis in addressing other aspects of the Syrian crisis, which is a particularly vivid illustration of the need and the imperative to make progress in the field of working methods. ACT welcomes the proposal made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs for France, Mr. Laurent Fabius, that the five permanent members themselves voluntarily regulate their right to exercise a veto in the case of mass atrocity crimes.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Dynamics should be improved between the Council and the peacebuilding configurations, too, in order to maximize the impact on the ground. ACT recognizes past efforts of the Security Council to improve and adapt its working methods. ACT also commends former and present chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, and acknowledges the note by the President of the Security Council (S/2013/515) on working methods issued in August, which detailed ways to improve the Council's dialogue with non-Council members and bodies. ACT takes note with appreciation of the greater level of interactivity achieved in recent months through, for instance, horizon-scanning sessions and interactive wrap-ups. In 2013, wrap-ups have taken place regularly and in different formats.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“In the latter case, all Member States are obliged to implement measures in connection with listed individuals and entities. In all domains, the effectiveness of all decisions - mandatory or not - greatly depends on the support and level of implementation by the Member States. It is therefore crucial for every country to be more involved in the Council's decision-shaping and decision-making. It is our right and our responsibility. The Security Council itself would benefit from the full support of the wider membership. Moreover, the relationship of the Council with other organs can and should be strengthened, for instance, with regional and other international organizations. Concrete action is also needed to improve the Security Council's practice of referring situations to the International Criminal Court.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Under the Charter of the United Nations, Member States confer on the Security Council's primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council acts on behalf of all Member States, and all Member States agree to accept and carry out those decisions. Therefore, all of us have a fundamental interest in the Council's decisions and the process leading to them. Recently, the Council's responses to activities in different areas have shown how much support is needed from Member States. Member States have been ready to join their efforts together, to take risks and, sometimes, to grieve the loss of nationals engaged in missions. That is valid for the domain of peacekeeping operations, but it is also true in regard to special political missions and to economic and/or other sanctions.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Let me be clear: ACT is independent of the negotiations on the comprehensive reform of the Security Council. ACT takes no position on the reform, composition and enlargement of the Council, and it will remain outside of that process. ACT intends to work constructively with members of the Security Council and with the broader United Nations membership to increase the involvement of non-Council members and the accountability of the Council to the entire United Nations membership. Today's meeting is an opportunity to enhance that dialogue, and ACT welcomes today's open debate organized by Azerbaijan and the excellent concept note (S/2013/613) distributed. ACT encourages all States Members of the United Nations to dedicate their energy and their knowledge to the improvement of the Security Council's working methods.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“I am pleased to take the floor in my capacity as the coordinator of Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT), a cross-regional group of 22 States. ACT is currently composed of Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Estonia, Finland, Gabon, Hungary, Ireland, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania and Uruguay. ACT was launched in May 2013 as a new initiative to improve the working methods of the Security Council. The name is an acronym - accountability, coherence and transparency - which stands for our common conviction that these qualities are needed in all the Council's activities. ACT is convinced that the Council, whatever its composition, can and should improve its working methods through a set of pragmatic and concrete measures.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Despite the existing legal framework, humanitarian actors face increasing difficulty in gaining access to those affected. That is why Switzerland has started drafting two publications, in conjunction with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the ICRC, aimed at supporting humanitarian actors in their efforts to obtain access to victims of armed conflict and disseminating widely the existing legal framework that applies to humanitarian access issues. Finally, as a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group (ACT), a transregional group of 22 States whose objective is to improve the working methods of the Security Council, Switzerland welcomes the fact that open debates are held regularly, particularly on the protection of civilians.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Indeed, a growing number of States are participating in substantive discussions within the framework of that process in Geneva. We remain very concerned by reports of serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Syria. We call on all parties to fully comply with their obligations, to put an end to the violence and to resolve the conflict through negotiation and dialogue, as laid out in the Geneva communique of 30 June 2012. Given the extent of the violations and the number of victims in Syria, a holistic approach will be required in order to address the victims' right to know, right to justice, right to reparation and guarantee of non-recurrence, within the framework of a political solution to the conflict. In many areas, access to victims and affected populations remains one ofthe most complex challenges.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“(spoke in French) I will now make a brief statement in my national capacity. A longer version of my statement has been distributed in the Chamber. I would like to thank the Argentine presidency of the Security Council for holding this debate. This year we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was founded in 1863 by a group of Genevan citizens. During the high-level week of the General Assembly in September, Switzerland will host a high- level breakfast, aimed at addressing the issues of protection of civilians and humanitarian aid. Respect for the law regarding protection varies considerably from one context to another. Switzerland notes that its joint initiative with the ICRC to enhance respect for international humanitarian law is generating positive momentum.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I therefore wish to thank the United States presidency for having held a debate on the protection ofjournalists last month (see S/PV.7003), as well as the current Argentine presidency for keeping the protection of civilians high on the Security Council's agenda. To ensure a meaningful discussion on the protection of civilians, a comprehensive humanitarian and human rights perspective is essential, and we welcome the diversity of expertise represented around the table today. This is of particular importance at a time of internal review processes that aim at strengthening the protection architecture of the United Nations. With a view to maintaining the momentum, we very much look forward to having a further substantive debate on the basis of the next report of the Secretary-General, which is due in November.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“More must be done, within the framework of the United Nations Charter, to ensure accountability but also prevent grave instances of deliberate delays or denials of access for humanitarian operations, as well as attacks against humanitarian workers. In that regard, we recall that attacks on humanitarian workers constitute a war crime under article 8 (e) (iii) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and that accountability and legal protection are therefore stronger with an increasing membership in the ICC. There is a lot to discuss, and the fact that this is the third open debate under this agenda item this year so far is encouraging.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“In particular, increasing numbers of humanitarian workers, including medical personnel, have been deliberately harmed or even killed recently; there is thus a clear need to find ways to enhance their safety and security. At the same time, humanitarian access must be maintained and negotiated with all relevant parties in order to reach those most in need. Parties to conflict must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage and distribution of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, in full compliance with the guiding principles of humanitarian assistance enshrined in General Assembly resolution 46/182. We therefore consider progress on the question of access as highly urgent, as the imposition of constraints is often done in an arbitrary manner.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I am pleased to take the floor in my capacity as chair of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians and speak on behalf of the delegations of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Ensuring the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a task that requires our constant attention. Unfortunately, the core challenges identified in the last three reports of the Secretary-General have not been sufficiently addressed. Parties to conflict too often fail to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, which requires all parties to conflict to spare the civilian population from the effects of hostilities.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We believe that the Voluntary Principles can play a key role in preventing conflicts linked to the exploitation of natural resources by encouraging companies to analyse risks and enter into a genuine dialogue with communities, local authorities, and public and private security forces. We encourage the Council to continue its deliberations on the available instruments for the sustainable management of natural resources by focusing on the issues of transparency and compliance with human rights in the exploitation of and trade in natural resources.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“It is an active participant in international initiatives and certification processes, such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, of which Switzerland is a Board member, the Kimberley Process, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. Switzerland is convinced that partnerships among the various stakeholders - Governments, the private sector and civil society - are pivotal and calls on those countries that do not yet participate in such partnerships to join them. Switzerland currently holds the chairmanship of the initiative on Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, aimed at companies that are active in the extractive and energy sectors, and is working to strengthen its implementation.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“All stakeholders - the Governments of the host countries and of countries where mining companies are headquartered, international organizations, private enterprise and civil society - must bear their share of responsibility. Switzerland expects that those international companies that are headquartered there will comply with the legal provisions currently in force, meet their human rights due-diligence obligations and refrain from contributing to conflicts. That applies in particular to complex environments where the rule of law remains insufficiently developed and to conflict zones. To that end, Switzerland is committed to the promotion of United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“A significant number of missions mandated by the Security Council, along with country teams, are operating in countries where extractive industries play a major economic role. It is therefore essential that such United Nations mandates take due account of the link between conflict and natural resources and facilitate our efforts to help national Governments to manage their extractive industries. Given its composition, the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission seems to us to be an institution ideally suited to promoting a management of natural resources that takes due account of conflicts. It is just as important that private-sector actors, particularly multinational companies involved in large-scale projects in fragile environments, adopt approaches that take account of conflict and human rights.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“We agree with those who say that the legal, transparent and sustainable management of natural resources is essential to preventing conflict and safeguarding human rights. Furthermore, the equitable distribution of revenue from the exploitation of and trade in natural resources can contribute sustainably to human well-being, stability and peacebuilding. The main responsibility in that respect lies with those States on whose territory natural resources are being extracted. But the United Nations and donors can also play a role by assisting the States concerned, at their request, on the basis of full respect for their sovereignty. Such support can take various forms, from strengthening governmental capacities and institutions to consolidating the rule of law in fragile States and in post-conflict situations.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Mr. Guerber (Switzerland) (spoke in French): At the outset, allow me to resolutely condemn the attacks against the United Nations that took place this morning in Mogadishu. On behaf of my country, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to those affected by the attacks and to their families. Referring to natural resources as a curse may seem paradoxical and even cynical. But there is no denying the fact that the Earth's greatest natural wealth is often found side by side with great human misery. The fight over natural resources is often the trigger for and a cause of conflicts, while the exploitation of natural resources is a source of funds that can prolong conflicts. I would therefore like to thank the United Kingdom's presidency of the Security Council for this important debate.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Switzerland is therefore pleased to report that its joint initiative with the International Committee of the Red Cross to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law has gained momentum, with an increasing number of States engaging in substantive discussions on this issue. A second meeting of States will take place in June in Geneva to strengthen the dialogue on this important issue. Non-State armed groups constitute a particular challenge with regard to compliance with the rule of law in most modern conflicts. We must find a way to ensure that those groups comply with their obligations and allow humanitarian access. The latest report of the Secretary-General is insightful. Whenever the issue of engagement with non-State armed groups is raised, the consequences for civilians should be the most important criterion.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We must therefore find ways to minimize the number of persons who are beyond the reach of humanitarian aid. Securing continued access to the population is also pivotal in the context of Mali. Despite the speedy progress of military operations there, we should not forget the significant needs of vulnerable populations. We are witnessing once again how difficult it is to prevent atrocities, protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations. We welcome the fact that Mali has referred the situation to the International Criminal Court. In general terms, enhancing compliance with international humanitarian law remains the greatest challenge.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In view of the escalating violence and the absence of any prospects of credible criminal prosecution, Switzerland, supported by 57 other States, recently called on the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. No lasting peace is possible in Syria if determined action is not taken to ensure accountability and prevent impunity. We hope that other countries will join this initiative by signing the list of supportive States and that the Council will act by taking the necessary measures. We would also like to share our deep concern about the ever-worsening situation with regard to humanitarian access in Syria. It is unclear how the delivery of assistance is coordinated and implemented in disputed areas or so-called areas under the control of opposition groups.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“United Nations peacekeeping operations have an important role to play in enhancing the host Government's capacity to protect its civilians, including through the strengthening of national rule-of- law and security institutions. We should therefore strive to ensure that missions have the capabilities and resources they need to discharge their mandate related to the protection of civilians as effectively as possible. (Spoke in French) I should now like to speak briefly in my national capacity. The full text of my statement has been circulated in the Chamber. I should like to begin with the issue ofaccountability in the case of Syria.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“To reach that objective, international assistance requires a spirit of cooperation based on mutual acknowledgement and national ownership that transcends the actions of individual actors involved in protection. The support of the international community should be based on the recognition that security and development are closely interlinked, mutually reinforcing and key to attaining sustainable peace and, therefore, to preventing situations where civilians might face the threat of violence. Conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes are also key to the protection of civilians. The international community must vigorously and continuously seek to exhaust all diplomatic means available to ensure the protection of civilians under the threat of violence.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In many cases, access continues to be difficult, and there has been a marked deterioration in the past 10 years. In today's armed conflicts, securing and maintaining such access in order to help and assist civilians is becoming increasingly more difficult. We urge all parties to conflict to allow and facilitate rapid, full and unimpeded access so as to allow humanitarian actors to reach civilians in need, consistent with the well-established guiding principles of humanitarian assistance. Before concluding, the Group of Friends would like to recall that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians lies with the State. Enhancing the capacity of national Governments to sustain longer- term efforts to protect civilians should always be the key objective of international action.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Also, timely recourse to fact-finding mechanisms, including, when appropriate, the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission established by article 90 of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, is crucial to ensuring the credibility of the international community in that regard. It is particularly important, however, for the Council to act where credible information has been provided by such fact-finding mechanisms. The Security Council should also consider referrals to the International Criminal Court when and where national jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. In addition, humanitarian access remains a critical challenge.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“As called for in resolution 1820 (2008), the Security Council should address the root causes of sexual violence and consider including it as a criterion in country-specific sanctions regimes where relevant. In addition, steps must be taken towards full compliance by all parties to a conflict and full accountability for violations. Resolution 1894 (2009) reaffirmed the importance of ending impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. We are convinced that the Council should become a driving force in the area of accountability and promote an appropriate combination of justice, reparations and institutional reforms, with a view to satisfying the essential rights of victims of such serious violations and to preventing their recurrence.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We also note the practice of the Emergency Relief Coordinator briefing the Council, which we find essential and would like to see continue in the future, as the Emergency Relief Coordinator is, inter alia, an advocacy channel for the wider humanitarian community. We would also like to reaffirm the obligation to protect all categories of persons protected under international humanitarian law, taking into account their specific vulnerabilities, in particular children and women. We share the Secretary-General's concerns that sexual violence, including rape, continues to be a prominent feature of conflict and remains widespread, affecting not only women and girls but also boys and men.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“To ensure greater predictability in the treatment of the protection of civilian by the Council and in order to have a greater impact in the field, the Group strongly advocates for regular biannual debates and for a standing reporting requirement so that the Secretary-General is in a position to report every 18 months, as is the case for the issue of children and armed conflict with the adoption of resolution 2068 (2012). The briefings provided by the Secretary-General during such debates are very important. Up-to-date information is a necessary condition for meaningful debates among Member States.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“International humanitarian law requires all parties to conflict to spare the civilian population from the effects of hostilities. All too often, however, parties to conflict fail to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Civilians, including children and women, are subjected to acts of violence with severe humanitarian consequences. Also, the targeting of schools and health-care facilities places civilians at risk. We therefore regret that the Security Council does not debate the issue on a more regular basis.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I am pleased to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians, which comprises Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. I would like to thank the Korean presidency of the Security Council for organizing this debate, which is long overdue. Ensuring the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a challenging task that requires our constant attention. Unfortunately, the core challenges identified in the three most recent reports of the Secretary- General (S/2009/277, S/2010/579 and S/2012/376) remain and the way forward set out in resolution 1894 (2009) needs to be pursued as a matter of priority.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“With the threat of terrorism becoming more widespread and networked, we must better integrate civil society in our efforts to prevent and combat terrorism. Non-governmental organizations, academia, independent research centres, religious organizations and other social networks play an essential role in advancing global counter-terrorism objectives, even without openly declaring it. That role can also be assumed in terrorist kidnappings because, in our view, paying a ransom is not an option. Civil society actors have a constructive role to play in preventing and countering kidnappings for ransom in order to rescue hostages and to ensure their safe and sound release. We are absolutely convinced that States will be able to prevent terrorism only with the assistance of societies.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Together with the CTITF, we are preparing another global counter-terrorism coordinators meeting, to be held in Geneva in June. By specifically focusing on the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and on regional cooperation, we seek to better understand the complex reasons that make people from different regions of the world become terrorists in order to find appropriate regional solutions to destroy the appeal of terrorism at the local level. For Switzerland, a global approach also means a close and mutually beneficial relationship among States, the United Nations and other international, regional and subregional organizations and institutions, such as the new Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. However, we cannot content ourselves with international efforts.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In Switzerland, the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs chairs the Interdepartmental Group on Counter-Terrorism, in which over 30 agencies from across the Swiss federal administration take part. Since its adoption in 2006, Switzerland has actively supported the integrated implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Together with other countries, and in close cooperation with the United Nations, in 2007 we launched the International Process on Global Counter-Terrorism Cooperation. The Process seeks better coordination of the national, regional and global counter-terrorism efforts towards the implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy. Since the establishment of the Strategy, several meetings have taken place at the global and regional levels.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Strategy also asserts that counter-terrorism efforts must respect human rights, due process and the rule of law. Success in the fight against terrorism depends on the equal implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy. At the United Nations level, such a balanced approach should be systematically reflected in the resolutions adopted by its organs, in the composition of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and in the subjects dealt with by its various working groups. The appointment of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator remains a priority for Switzerland. A holistic approach to counter-terrorism is also needed at the domestic level.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“They seek to undermine the security of aircraft, ships and nuclear facilities. The preparations for terrorist acts, their financing and the recruitment of their perpetrators take place both in the real world and in cyberspace. Switzerland fully subscribes to a comprehensive approach when dealing with the various aspects of terrorism. At the multilateral level, this approach is best reflected in the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, which is the foundation of the United Nations counter-terrorism programme. The Strategy integrates four different pillars into one common vision: the use of non-military tools, capacity- building, law enforcement cooperation and addressing the underlying societal and political conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Guerber (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the Government of Pakistan for organizing today's open debate on a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism and for the related concept paper (S/2013/3, annex). I take this opportunity to express Switzerland's sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Pakistan for the losses it suffered as a result of the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in Quetta and the Swat Valley on Thursday. Switzerland condemns terrorism in all its forms and rejects any association of terrorist acts with a particular race, ethnicity, civilization, nationality or religion. The manifestations of terrorism are manifold. Terrorists arbitrarily kill or injure people and kidnap targeted individuals for ransom. They destroy property and hurt our economies.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The structures set up by resolutions 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010) are still in a testing phase, and only proof of the reality will make it possible to assess their effectiveness. The path is steep and rocky. However, we should move forward prudently and resolutely in strengthening the protection architecture. The establishment of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict is a significant part of that course.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Secondly, in resolution 1820 (2008), the Security Council resolved to take acts of sexual violence into consideration when establishing or renewing State- specific sanctions regimes. That opportunity should not be forgotten. It thus provides the means to take targeted measures against, for example, the parties and individuals mentioned in the Secretary-General's report on sexual violence in conflict. Finally, in his report, the Secretary-General calls on the parties to include training on conflict-related sexual violence in training programmes for peacekeeping troops. In that regard, I would like to draw the Council's attention to the handbook prepared by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, entitled "Standardized Best Practices Toolkit on Gender and Policing in Peacekeeping Operations". The handbook was co-financed by Switzerland.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“First, prevention is a priority as it is an essential part of our efforts to protect, in which many stakeholders have a role to play. Specific and time- bound commitments to put an end to all acts of sexual violence and to bring their perpetrators to justice can help to break the cycle of violence. We strongly support more systematic measures to enhance protection against sexual violence and prevention of its recurrence through transitional justice mechanisms. Such measures should link the fight against impunity and recognition of victims' rights, for example through appropriate reparations, but also include strengthening the national capacity to combat the causes of violence and, at the same time, to prevent new cases.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In that regard, we would like to underscore the importance of the continued and transparent communication of the Office of the Special Representative with United Nations country teams so as to foster ownership and results-oriented implementation of the new structures and processes in the field. We note with great satisfaction that several activities have been launched with UN-Women. We hope that such productive cooperation will continue. Switzerland recently contributed 3 million Swiss francs to the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which is administered by UN-Women. The Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence contains useful recommendations to the Security Council, Member States and regional organizations. I would like to recall three of those, in particular.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Resolutions 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010) on women and peace and security constitute a robust machinery, which demonstrates that the Security Council and United Nations members are firmly resolved to move from advocacy to the effective implementation of their commitment to combat conflict-related sexual violence. The establishment of new mandates always raises the crucial issue of coordination and the efficient use of existing structures. We welcome the fact that it is intended to preserve the full flexibility of the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements in order to adapt them to the country-specific needs and circumstances.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The collection of timely, accurate, reliable and objective information on conflict-related sexual violence is crucial to tailoring the Council's responses, as well as to enhancing action to prevent sexual violence. We also wish to encourage the deployment of women protection advisers to United Nations peacekeeping and special political missions in order to strengthen the response of the relevant mission components to conflict-related sexual violence. We strongly hope that the Council will be able to reach an agreement on the presidential statement later today. (spoke in French) I will now make a statement in my national capacity. A more detailed version of my statement can be found in the distributed text.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Preventing crimes is as crucial as delivering justice and supporting the victims. To that end, we have to be able to improve the early warning systems and monitoring mechanisms already in place and to build upon them where needed. They must be capable of detecting signs of possible crimes and must mobilize the political and judicial authorities in order to prevent them. They must involve all relevant levels, from the community level to the provincial and national levels. Regional organizations can also play an important role in the creation of an efficient early warning system. Finally, we appreciate the information provided on the progress made in implementing the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“One of the key issues in a post-conflict country is security sector reform. Security is not a "men's issue"; it is a gender issue, and women must be involved in all relevant discussions and negotiations from their inception, and they must also be part of the higher military ranks, which is where security-related issues are usually discussed. The gender perspective must be part of the reform and training of all security forces. The Human Security Network emphasizes the importance of the full and equal participation of women in political processes, including in peacemaking and peacebuilding. Their involvement ensures the success of those processes. At the same time, conflict-related sexual violence and the specific needs of women and girls have to be addressed adequately, both in ceasefire agreements and in peace agreements.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“But, at the same time, this constitutes a challenge for the international community as a whole, especially for regional and subregional organizations. Their role in supporting the efforts of those countries is crucial. The message must be clear; there shall be no impunity for the perpetrators of such crimes, and the countries affected and the international community will not rest until there is accountability and justice is done. The provision of genuine support, protection and the relevant services to the victims and their families is equally as important as rendering justice. In that context, the support given at the community level is vital. Projects that directly assist victims and their families to help them overcome the trauma inflicted upon them are of particularly great value.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“However, it is deeply disturbing that today we continue to witness rapes of women, girls and children in general, in countries in armed conflict but also in other situations, including post-conflict situations. We recognize the efforts made by some Governments to put an end to these crimes, to strengthen judicial systems and to bring those responsible to justice. However, as the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/33) shows, progress remains slow, and in practice the perpetrators of crimes against women and girls often go unpunished. The Human Security Network therefore urges Member States to increase their efforts to prevent conflict-related sexual violence by undertaking all necessary efforts to implement all applicable legal provisions in the matter. The primary responsibility is theirs.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source