YouSaid · the spoken record

Hauri

lines on the record: 368
first: 2021-11-22
most recent: 2023-12-30
sittings or episodes: 76
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Switzerland also calls on the leaders of all parties to refrain from any provocation, such as this morning’s visit by Israel’s Minister of National Security. The historic status quo on the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount, including Jordan’s role as custodian of the holy sites, must be respected. Furthermore, Switzerland considers East Jerusalem to be occupied territory. The final status of the city, notably as the capital of the two States, will have to be negotiated between the parties. Secondly, Switzerland is concerned about the acceleration of settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including through infrastructure development. We recall that the settlements are illegal under international law.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari for his detailed briefing. It is a reminder of the ever-increasing cost of a lack of political will. We must all do better. I would like to make three main points. First, in the face of the current spiral of violence, de-escalation and the protection of civilians must be the priority. The number of civilian victims of the conflict continues to rise. In particular, more than 40 children have died since the beginning of the year. This is unacceptable and must stop. Last February’s presidential statement (S/PRST/2023/1) raised hopes of a resumption of dialogue. Switzerland calls on the parties to implement their commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We urge for restraint and express our support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and other actors, including the Government of Türkiye, to facilitate free access to world food and fertilizer markets. While attacks continue in the southern part of Ukraine, the population is committed to rebuilding its city, country and future. We hope that such efforts will enable the city of Odesa to rise from the ashes, as the Transfiguration Cathedral has done in the past. Switzerland reaffirms its solidarity with and support for Ukraine in its pursuit to rebuild the country.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“We also recall that the intentional destruction of cultural property can constitute a war crime, as provided for in the Rome Statute and as reiterated by the Council in resolution 2347 (2017). Thirdly, Russia’s decision not to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its attacks on Ukrainian port cities have repercussions beyond Ukraine. We reiterate our deep concern about the potentially disastrous consequences for global food security, and we call on Russia to reverse its decision. Attacks on port facilities, including on the stretch of the Danube River near the Romanian border, as well as threats to civilian navigation, represent a dangerous possibility of escalation.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Secondly, attacks on areas protected by the World Heritage Convention represent a serious threat to Ukraine’s cultural heritage. UNESCO has reported damage to 270 cultural sites since February 2022. Switzerland shares the concerns the Secretary-General and UNESCO that Russian military aggression represents a growing threat to Ukrainian culture. It is not just walls that are collapsing, it is the country’s cultural heritage that is under threat. We call for strict compliance with the obligations of international law concerning the protection of cultural property, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Switzerland condemns the recent spate of attacks as part of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. I would like to make three observations in that regard. First, over the past 10 days we have been witnessing an increase in the number of direct attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We recall that indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law and must immediately stop. That also applies to humanitarian infrastructure, including personnel and medical supplies, which also benefit from special protection. In that context, Switzerland condemns the damage recently caused during a Russian artillery attack on a cultural centre that had served as a humanitarian facility in Chasiv Yar, in the Donetsk region.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing. Since Russia’s decision last week not to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the population of Odesa has been enduring nights that no one should have to live through. Switzerland is appalled by the considerable increase in the number of Russian attacks on the Black Sea coast, which have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of homes, port infrastructure and grain silos. On Sunday, several cultural sites, including, as we have heard, the Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration, were damaged in Odesa’s city centre, a key area that is protected under the World Heritage Convention, as a result of another Russian strike.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9386 (2023) · source
“We once again call on Russia to cease its combat operations and to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory without delay.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“Everyone must be able to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association, and religion without discrimination. Freedom of religion and belief protects the individual, not religions or religious communities. Any measure restricting the right to manifest one’s religion or belief must be prescribed by law, serve a legitimate public interest and be necessary and proportionate. I also reiterate Switzerland’s opposition to the spread of hate speech and to any form of defamation or discrimination based on religion. We call on religious institutions and leaders to commit to a rhetoric of peace and reconciliation. Switzerland calls for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations in particular.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland condemns the recent Russian strikes against Odesa and other regions. We will address that subject in greater detail in the next meeting. The serious damage suffered by the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa on Sunday gives today’s meeting a sad sense of urgency. Switzerland remains deeply concerned about the violations of international humanitarian law and the grave human rights violations resulting from the Russian military aggression. We join High Commissioner Volker Türk in condemning the appalling price of war. Concerning freedom of religion and belief, I recall the obligations under international human rights law, including those set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
2023-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9385 (2023) · source
“That is exacerbated by the lack of respect for the rules governing the conduct of hostilities by the parties to the conflict, such as the arbitrary arrest and detention of members of the Baha’i community in Sana’a. In that respect, Switzerland reminds the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international law.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“In that context, we note with concern the situation of refugees and migrants arriving from the Horn of Africa, who are at increased risk of exploitation, arbitrary detention and refoulement. We are equally concerned about the increase in hate speech against those vulnerable groups by some political leaders. With regard to children, and echoing our discussions during last week’s open debate (see S/PV.9366), we call on all parties to fully and swiftly implement their respective action plans and other concrete commitments to end and prevent grave violations against them. Finally, Switzerland deplores the impact of the conflict on civilians.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“In that respect, we note the commitment of regional players and stress the need for a concerted approach in line with the needs and aspirations of the population. We also welcome the talks held last month in Amman on a potential exchange of prisoners. We encourage the parties to the conflict to continue those exchanges, which represent important confidence-building measures, and reiterate Switzerland’s readiness to host future discussions on that subject. Thirdly, we call on the parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Freedom of movement for humanitarian workers and the granting of visas and work permits are essential to ensure that all vulnerable people can benefit from humanitarian aid.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“First, we remain concerned about the amplifying effect of climate change and environmental degradation in Yemen, which exacerbates the risks and tensions surrounding access to water in particular, at a time when the country is already weakened by natural disasters and food insecurity. Given those challenges, it will be all the more urgent to step up our efforts to promote peace in Yemen. Switzerland also welcomes the progress made in the rescue plan for the FSO SAFER oil tanker and commends the commitment of the Resident Coordinator and the United Nations system to avert an environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea. Secondly, we reiterate the importance of an inclusive process to reach a peace agreement that serves the interests of all Yemenis.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank our three briefers, in particular the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Yemen, Mr. David Gressly. I also welcome the presence here today of the Vice-Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the representative of Yemen. Switzerland welcomes the unanimous renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Support of the Hodeidah Agreement (resolution 2691 (2023)), which demonstrates the Council’s full support for the Mission. Today I would like to place particular emphasis on climate and environmental issues, as Yemen is disproportionately affected by climate change.”
2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source
“Switzerland also calls for restoring the rule of law, especially through reform of the judicial and penitentiary systems, which would effectively combat impunity and lay the foundations for lasting peace. The Council must show unity in renewing BINUH’s mandate so that it can fulfil its mission effectively.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9368 (2023) · source
“Basic services are still inaccessible and almost half the population is food insecure, while thousands of hectares of arable land have been abandoned as a result of gang violence and crops destroyed by natural disasters. In that regard, early-warning mechanisms and resilient agricultural systems are essential to mitigating the impact of climate change on food security. A response to the complex crises affecting the country can be found only through an intra-Haitian dialogue. We encourage the quest for compromise on the part of all parties with a view to proposing a collective and inclusive political response and the continuation of regional dialogue, in particular dialogue led by the countries of the Caribbean Community.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9368 (2023) · source
“Secondly, given the number of serious violations of children’s rights, Haiti is on the list of situations of concern in the Secretary-General’s most recent report on children and armed conflict (S/2023/363). Children are particularly vulnerable, as they are victims of recruitment, abduction, murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as of attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of access to humanitarian aid. Switzerland therefore supports the inclusion of child protection measures in the renewal of BINUH’s mandate. Thirdly, safe, rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance remains essential for the population in need. The international community must stand by the Haitian people.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9368 (2023) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/492) bears witness to the extent of the deterioration in the security and human rights situation in Haiti. As he stressed during his visit to the country, “every day counts”. Switzerland is ready to work with the other members of the Council towards a support force for the Haitian National Police. In this respect, I would like to highlight the following three points. First, Switzerland strongly condemns sexual and gender-based violence against Haitian women and men. It is essential to strengthen the capacities of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) so as to combat this scourge, notably through additional specialized human resources in the renewal of its mandate. Victims and survivors of such violence must have access to care, and those responsible must be brought to justice.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9368 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Andrew Holness and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. María Isabel Salvador, for their briefings. My thanks also go to Ms. Marie-Yolène Gilles, Executive Director of the Fondasyon Je Klere, for her briefing, and to the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, whose presence in the Chamber today I welcome. I thank Ambassador Biang for his briefing on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022). We call on all States Members of the United Nations to respect and implement the sanctions set out by the Committee. All measures must be taken to prevent the illicit proliferation and diversion of arms and munitions.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9368 (2023) · source
“MINUSMA has made an important contribution to peace and security in Mali and the region. Switzerland offers its sincere condolences to the families and troop- contributing countries that have suffered casualties. We reiterate our full support for MINUSMA and all its staff, who have worked tirelessly since the Mission began, and express our gratitude for their commitment.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“That also means that permission to import the equipment needed for the Mission’s departure, such as fuel, must be granted as soon as possible. The security of personnel must be guaranteed at all times. The Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali remains a crucial instrument for peace, stability and development in the country. Switzerland therefore calls on all parties to resume dialogue and to respect their obligations under the agreement. Furthermore, it is important that the Secretary-General propose concrete measures to ensure the continuity of the tasks currently covered by MINUSMA as part of the agreement’s implementation. It is essential to preserve the gains of recent years and to resume the diligent implementation of the agreement, which is also in the interests of stability and security throughout the region.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“The modalities and duration of the Mission’s withdrawal are of particular importance to Switzerland. We take note of the reasons that led to the goal of a withdrawal in such a short time frame. Nevertheless, we reiterate that, from a logistical point of view, six months is not sufficient for a responsible withdrawal of a peacekeeping operation of MINUSMA’s size. The withdrawal must take place in an orderly and secure manner. The lessons learned from other transitions, as well as the recommendations contained in resolution 2594 (2021), should serve as guidance. We therefore call on the Malian authorities to work closely with MINUSMA and to respect the status-of-forces agreement until all MINUSMA personnel have been able to leave Mali.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“Nevertheless, we would like to make the following points to clarify our position. We are concerned about the future of the people of Mali. MINUSMA’s withdrawal will have a direct impact on the Malian people, which is of concern to a wide range of actors active in the field of civilian protection. It is first and foremost the responsibility of the Malian State to protect its population. We are therefore counting on the authorities to take appropriate measures to protect the civilian population — without discrimination — at every stage of the Mission’s withdrawal and beyond, and to engage in dialogue with the parties. We also call on all parties to respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland thanks France for its efforts as penholder of the resolution (resolution 2690 (2023)) on the withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from Mali. Switzerland acknowledges and respects the decision of the Malian authorities to request the immediate withdrawal of MINUSMA. We regret that we have come to this point. For us, the decision appears to have been hastily made. The environment for an immediate withdrawal is unsuitable. The situation in Mali continues to threaten international peace and security. Switzerland would have liked to have seen a more gradual transition period, while taking into account the situation on the ground. In a spirit of compromise and consensus, we voted in favour of the resolution submitted to us.”
2023-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9365 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, General Assembly resolution ES-11/6 gives us a broadly supported basis for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the Charter. We welcome the diplomatic efforts that are being pursued in line with those principles. This war is causing immense suffering for the civilian population in Ukraine and increasing instability throughout the world, with unforeseeable consequences, including in Russia. We reiterate our concern about the intention to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus. We once again call on Russia to de-escalate the situation, cease all its combat operations and withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian territory without delay so that a diplomatic solution to be pursued.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“Such transfers and the use of those weapons for targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute multiple violations of international law. We call on all States to respect their obligations, including the relevant resolutions of the Council. We regret the heavy toll this war has taken on the civilian population. Switzerland calls for strict compliance with international humanitarian law. In the conduct of hostilities, the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must be respected. We condemn any attack carried out in violation of those principles and reaffirm that those responsible for such acts must be brought to justice, and that victims must receive the necessary support for their physical, mental, social and economic rehabilitation.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her briefing. We have also taken note of the other briefings. I will focus on three main points today. First, Switzerland firmly condemns Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. We reject all attempts to justify and distort responsibility for that act and its consequences. Through that act, Russia is seriously violating international law, in particular the prohibition of the use of force enshrined in Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations. Ukraine has the right to ensure its security and defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Secondly, several Security Council resolutions prohibit weapons transfers originating from certain countries.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“Switzerland will continue to support UNSOM, Somalia and its people in their efforts to build peace and a prosperous future.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Although humanitarian aid and the recent rainfall have provided relief to populations in need, recovery will take time, particularly in view of the currently severe and widespread droughts, which, together with the recent floods, have contributed to displacement. We must therefore invest in humanitarian response and peacebuilding programmes that take climate adaptation into account. Otherwise, the next extreme-weather event caused by climate change will again leave the country on the brink of famine and exacerbate displacement and conflict. Finally, the risk of famine must be reduced by breaking the vicious cycle of violence and acute food insecurity, in line with the provisions of resolution 2417 (2018). I would like to congratulate the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) on the critical role that it is playing.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Secondly, a coordinated, comprehensive and inclusive approach should guide the efforts related to early recovery, the restoration of State presence and peacebuilding in the areas taken back from Al-Shabaab. That will be vital to restoring and cementing the social contract. In collaboration with the United Nations and non-governmental partners, Switzerland supports promoting forums for dialogue and strengthening local district councils so that they can deliver basic services. We also encourage the active engagement of Somali society as a whole in strengthening inclusive local governance and giving a voice to women, young people and minority clans, all of whom should be heard and included in decision-making processes. Thirdly, we note the cumulative impact of the threats posed by climate change and armed conflict to Somalia’s stability.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“We condemn the ongoing attacks by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups, including Al-Shabaab fighters’ recent attacks on the forward operating base of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Mareer, Shabelle Hoose, and on the Pearl Beach hotel in Mogadishu. We acknowledge the efforts of the Government and ATMIS to counter them. We call on all the parties to respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians, including children. In that regard, we remain concerned about the ongoing conflict in Laascaanood. We call on all parties to facilitate and guarantee rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need, agree on a ceasefire and engage in dialogue with a view to peacefully resolving that conflict.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“The preliminary political agreement reached by the National Consultative Council on adopting a one-person, one-vote electoral model is a important decision, and we welcome it. In that regard, a historic step was taken in Somalia with the elections in Puntland. Switzerland supported the local authorities, particularly the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission, in educating and organizing voters. With a view to advancing national priorities, including closer cooperation between the federal member states and the Federal Government, we will touch on three major points. First, respect for international law must be at the heart of the response to insecurity throughout the country.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to express a heartfelt welcome to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia, whose presence attests to his commitment to working with the Security Council to ensure that Somalia can live in peace with its neighbours and within its own borders. I thank Ms. Laing, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, and Ms. McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, for their briefings. I would also like to congratulate the Special Representative on her recent appointment and wish her a successful term in the important current political context.”
2023-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9356 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Switzerland urges the Government of Libya to continue to find sustainable solutions for such people in order to meet their needs, including by improving access to basic services and undertaking reconstruction efforts. Switzerland believes firmly that there can be no lasting solution — in Libya and elsewhere — without ensuring the human rights of every individual, especially those who are vulnerable. That is why we are ready to continue our commitment and cooperation in this area.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“Any legislation pertaining to those organizations must comply with Libya’s national and international obligations under such agreements as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Libya is a signatory. In particular, the Covenant protects the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association, as well as the work of civil-society organizations and human rights defenders. The old law no.19 of 2001 does not meet those standards, which are binding for Libya. On the security front, we have followed with concern reports of the use of force, including in populated areas, as in the recent case in Zawiya. We call on all actors to take the necessary measures to guarantee the protection of the civilian population — and that includes internally displaced persons.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“The meeting concluded with the signing of a declaration of intent between the Presidential Council and the Working Group’s co-Chairs aimed at ensuring the centrality of human rights at all stages of the political and reconciliation process, as well as establishing a permanent and inclusive dialogue to improve the human rights situation in Libya. Thirdly, Switzerland notes with concern that security agencies and other actors have been increasingly using populist discourse to justify excessive oversight procedures that restrict fundamental rights. In that context, we are concerned about the recent introduction of a new procedure at Mitiga airport that restricts women’s freedom of movement. Furthermore, we regret that bureaucratic restrictions continue to criminalize the work of Libyan and international civil- society organizations.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“Switzerland therefore urges all Libyan stakeholders to engage constructively, sincerely and substantively, with the mediation of the Special Representative, who will be working to develop an outline of the pre-electoral agreement. Secondly, Switzerland encourages the international community to support the Special Representative in a united and coherent manner. We are ready to provide that support, particularly at the various levels of the Berlin process. In Tripoli on 22 May, Switzerland and the other co-Chairs convened a plenary meeting of the Working Group on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“While they represent an essential step in the political process, electoral laws alone will not pave the way for elections. An inclusive pre-electoral agreement is needed to guarantee an environment conducive to the elections and to acceptance of their results. In that agreement, the Libyan stakeholders should commit firmly to guaranteeing the security of the electoral process, respect for freedom of expression and association and the full participation of civil society. The agreement should also include clear benchmarks and specific deadlines. That process can be carried out only under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and through the personal commitment of the Special Representative, to whom Switzerland reiterates its full support.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily and the briefers for their insights. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya in today’s meeting. Before I elaborate on three points, I just want to mention the tragic incident in the Mediterranean in which an overloaded boat capsized and sank off the coast of Greece on its way from Libya. Thousands of migrants are dying and disappearing every year in the Mediterranean. We are saddened by the news of the shipwreck, and I want to express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. First, Switzerland takes note of the work done by the 6+6 joint committee in Bouznika, Morocco, to reach agreement on draft electoral laws.”
2023-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9351 (2023) · source
“We reiterate the importance of a peaceful political transition, enabling credible and transparent elections to be held on schedule and leading to a stable, democratic and civilian Government. We welcome the constitutional referendum scheduled for Sunday, and we hope that it will be held throughout Mali. In the face of multiple challenges, the Security Council’s continued support for Mali and MINUSMA is crucial. Switzerland believes that the Mission’s priorities remain relevant, which is why we reaffirm our full support for its important mandate, in particular the protection of civilians and the implementation of the peace agreement.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Violations must be impartially, independently and effectively investigated and prosecuted. Switzerland is convinced that impunity is an obstacle to lasting peace and continues to fuel cycles of violence in Mali. Thirdly, the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement remains as crucial as ever. Despite delays in its implementation and ongoing blockages, it has made it possible to maintain the ceasefire since 2015. We cannot and must not lose the benefits of nine years of work, dialogue and efforts towards national reconciliation. Switzerland calls on all parties to resume dialogue by establishing concrete confidence-building measures, with the support of international mediation. Diligent implementation of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in its entirety would enable a united front to be forged against the new threats.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Yet the Mission continues to face restrictions, including the non-authorization of reconnaissance flights. Secondly, we are concerned by the persistence of allegations of violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law committed throughout Malian territory. We were deeply concerned to learn of the report published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the events that took place in Moura in March 2022 as part of a military operation. Switzerland strongly condemns all these violations, some of which could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. It calls on all parties to the conflict — State, non-State and private, Malian and foreign — to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“In view of the renewal of the mandate, I would like to highlight three key points. First, as we have just heard and read in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/402), MINUSMA’s ability to fulfil its mandate effectively and predictably is being hampered. A complex operational context combined with the vast perimeter of the zone of intervention and the lack of personnel make this mission particularly arduous. Adjustments are therefore necessary. Indeed, we need to reconcile the Mission’s tasks with current realities, while leaving it the necessary flexibility to use the resources at its disposal. MINUSMA’s effectiveness will also depend on better cooperation with the Malian authorities and their progress on the four parameters identified by the Secretary-General last January (S/2023/36), including freedom of movement.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. El-Ghassim Wane, for his briefing. I welcome His Excellency, Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali. Switzerland condemns all the violence and attacks perpetrated against peacekeepers and civilians since our last meeting (see S/PV.9302). I express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. I would also like to acknowledge the losses suffered by the Malian Armed Forces. In the face of insecurity, population displacement and an alarming humanitarian situation, the efforts of the United Nations and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) remain crucial to peace, stability and sustainable development in Mali.”
2023-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9350 (2023) · source
“We deplore the fact that certain proposals were not retained and call for the progress made in recent years on the international legal framework and the agreed language on women’s rights and gender equality not to be called into question. Finally, we reiterate the importance of tackling discrimination in all its forms. We call on all States to respect the obligation on non-discrimination and to strengthen their commitment to creating a society in which all are free and equal before the law and in which no one is left behind, including those affected by intersecting or multiple forms of discrimination. In our view, it is clear that it is in that spirit of compliance with international law, in particular international human rights law, that this resolution will be interpreted and implemented.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“That is why Switzerland has ensured that the term is sufficiently contextualized and that human rights are anchored in the text. We would also like to stress that the word “extremism” should be used to describe actions and not ideas. In that regard, we regret that the resolution does not include references to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, throughout the negotiations, Switzerland worked to ensure that all references to women’s rights, gender equality and the women and peace and security agenda reflected the highest and most recent standards established by Security Council resolutions.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“The freedom of expression — a priority of Switzerland’s foreign policy on human rights — is the cornerstone of any pluralistic and inclusive society. We firmly defend the position that States must guarantee that all voices, even the most critical ones, can be expressed in their societies. However, the freedom of expression in no way authorizes discriminatory or racist comments that undermine human dignity. The text’s approach to “extremism” was the subject of intense discussion and was of particular importance to Switzerland. We reiterate our concern that the term “extremism” without the word “violent” leaves room for a broad interpretation that could be used arbitrarily against individuals and groups exercising their freedom of expression and opinion.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“Mr. Hauri (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland thanks the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom for their efforts to achieve a text acceptable to all. Switzerland recognizes that hate speech, discrimination, intolerance and violent extremism are relevant aspects in the context of conflicts and their prevention. In a spirit of compromise and consensus, we therefore voted in favour of resolution 2686 (2023). Nevertheless, we would like to make the following points to clarify our position. Switzerland condemns all forms of discrimination, intolerance and incitement to hatred or violence. At the same time, Switzerland attaches the utmost importance to respect for international human rights law, including the freedom of expression, both online and offline.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9347 (2023) · source
“Switzerland will continue to work to ensure that the term “fraternity”, highlighted by today’s debate, includes everyone, including women and girls, regardless of their origin or sexual orientation. In that way, we will be able to continue to build stable and inclusive societies in order to promote and maintain lasting peace.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source