YouSaid · the spoken record

Marschik

lines on the record: 102
first: 2006-02-23
most recent: 2023-12-15
sittings or episodes: 16
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

“We welcome the Secretary- General’s policy brief on the New Agenda for Peace and its focus on small arms, which provides a set of recommendations to step up our collective efforts and address diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons comprehensively. In our work, we should build on the strong and trustful partnerships with United Nations entities, regional and international organizations and non-governmental organizations and seek synergies among the instruments available, where feasible, to prevent the proliferation of arms and armed violence.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Austria is a staunch supporter of the Arms Trade Treaty and the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, and we welcome the adoption of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47), which contributes to countering the diversion of conventional ammunition and, in turn, to harm reduction. Facing the risk of the current multilateral non-proliferation and arms-control regimes further eroding, we must do more to save their integrity and make a credible contribution to preventing harm and reducing human suffering.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Austria actively contributes to those efforts, and this fall, with the participation of all regions, we recently conducted the United Nations SaferGuard Training on the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines for Women Ammunition Technical Experts together with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. For more than a decade, Austria has also been active in the field of weapons and ammunition logistics, including in the Western Balkans, with a focus on the safe and secure storage of weapons and ammunition and the promotion of regional cooperation. While all those measures are important, we must not forget the overriding relevance of strengthening the existing disarmament and arms-control regimes and ensuring their effective implementation in order to effectively contribute to conflict- and violence-prevention.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In short, the misuse and trafficking of small arms weakens crucial progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — which we have all committed to achieving. As we know, small arms and light weapons have a disproportionate impact on children, women and other vulnerable groups, a fact that must be fully taken into account in all measures to counter those effects. In that respect, we must also fully implement the women and peace and security agenda and mainstream a gender perspective throughout the work in this area. The full and equal participation of women and men in all relevant processes is crucial.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I too would like to thank Ecuador for organizing today’s open debate. It is important for the threat posed by small arms and light weapons to be taken into account in the work of the Security Council, even if it is on a Friday afternoon. We appreciate the Secretary-General’s biennial report on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823), as it clearly demonstrates that the misuse, illicit trafficking and diversion of such weapons remain significant drivers of conflict and armed violence. Those weapons undermine peace and security, sustainable development, good governance and crisis-management efforts. They also have devastating humanitarian consequences for civilians and compromise access to education, health care, justice and other civil rights.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We also remain committed to increasing the number of women among our military personnel, including military staff sent on peacekeeping missions, and renew our call for the Security Council’s systematic inclusion of the women and peace and security agenda in all mandates of United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. The implementation of the women and peace and security agenda requires joint action. We must all work together to amplify the voices of women leaders and ensure their full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels of peace and transition processes. That is the only way to ensure inclusive and sustainable peace.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We applaud the important achievements of civil society, local women peacebuilders and women human rights defenders, such as the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders and its partners, who continue to work on the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda on a daily basis, despite the tremendous risks involved. Austria pledged commitments of over €11 million in the context of the Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact. We increased our multi-year funding to the Compact from €5 million to €9.7 million until 2025.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In Ukraine, where the unprovoked and unjustified Russian aggression disproportionately affects women and children, local women’s organizations are playing an enormous role in providing support. We confirm our support for UN-Women and such organizations in Ukraine. Austria also remains deeply alarmed by the situation in Afghanistan, where systematic discrimination against women and girls may amount to gender persecution. We commend the strong Afghan women that continue to persevere in standing up to extreme aggression and voice our continued support to the Women Advisory Group to the Humanitarian Country Team in Afghanistan, which involves Afghan women in humanitarian coordination processes and strategic discussions.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and the use of sexual violence by Hamas against women and children. All hostages must be released immediately and without preconditions. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve respect for their human rights and have the right to live in peace and security. All sides must uphold international humanitarian law, human rights law and international law. While there can be no one-size-fits-all solution to the multitude of conflicts our world faces, local, community-level responses are usually the most immediate to provide relief. Women need to be at the centre of such local solutions in order to successfully rebuild crisis-affected societies.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As the Secretary-General said this morning, in 2022, the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected countries reached 614 million — a 50 per cent increase, compared to 2017. That is paired with an immense backlash against the rights of women and girls. To give another example, at least seven of the women who briefed the Council in 2022 were targets of subsequent reprisals. Clearly, despite a robust framework of applicable international norms since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we are still far from achieving the goals we set ourselves in the women and peace and security agenda. Austria deplores all conflict-related sexual violence, which primarily targets women and girls.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Austria aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. We thank Brazil for organizing this annual open debate on women and peace and security, and commend the Secretary-General, UN-Women Executive Director Sima Bahous and International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger for their briefings and deep commitment to the women and peace and security agenda. Let me also thank the civil society briefers for sharing their insights. This year’s report (S/2023/725) shows that the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda faces more challenges than ever.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Ensuring strong and possibly even automatic consequences to norm violations may also serve as an effective means of prevention. Dialogue, cooperation and strict adherence to international law will help to generate the trust and confidence that we need to enable us to use our multilateral organizations in the way that they were conceived to be used.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Regional organizations may serve as trust-building entities themselves. An example is the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which we know well, because we host it in Vienna. The OSCE was never a club of like-minded countries but has served as a platform for trust-building measures and dialogue to advance collective security. Similarly, the rule of law and compliance with international law, treaties and customary law generates predictability and thereby trust. Austria supports efforts to ensure that all avenues are explored to strengthen the rule of law, especially as regards ensuring appropriate reactions to violations of the most important norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Clearly, more partnerships mean a new form of United Nations peacekeeping, more diverse possibilities and a wider menu of peacekeeping operations, but by no means less peacekeeping. Finally, allow me to touch on an issue very much at the centre of that, especially during the meeting on peacekeeping held last month in the context of the high- level week: the need for more trust. Trust is at the core of peaceful and inclusive societies but also the lifeline of multilateralism. As pointed out in the concept note (S/2023/732, annex) distrust hinders cooperation and dialogue. How do we rebuild trust in these challenging times? We see two key factors: cooperation and the rule of law. We strongly believe that cooperating with each other and strengthening partnerships can increase trust in the international system at the grass-roots level.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Austria hopes to see progress in that regard during this year, but let me be very clear — networked multilateralism and more partnerships does not mean a reduction of, or a departure from, classic United Nations peacekeeping. For Austria, peacekeeping must remain a core function of the United Nations. Closer cooperation with partners will require the Secretariat to provide even more essential services, whether in coordinating and establishing standards, ensuring interoperability, providing information for the mandate and formulation, assisting the establishment of missions on the ground, providing mission elements and possibly over-the-horizon forces if a regional organization leaves, constant monitoring and ensuring accountability and evaluations.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Secondly, we must focus on building partnerships. Conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding require strong partnerships, and the United Nations and the Security Council must foster even stronger partnerships with regional and subregional organizations. Leveraging each other’s strengths is the only way that multilateralism can bring the sheer heft that is needed to tackle humankind’s most fundamental challenges. Austria has been advocating for a new understanding of networked multilateralism on a global level for a United Nations that coordinates and cooperates with regional, subregional or thematic organizations much more strongly. The sustainable financing of the operations of regional partners plays a key role, including the African Union peace support operations mandated by the Council.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“It is our firm belief that prevention concerns all of us, not only certain fragile States. Just like human rights are universal, all countries need to do their share to build, inclusive, just and, ultimately, peaceful societies. We therefore endorse the call contained in the Secretary-General’s policy brief on the New Agenda for Peace for a shift in approach by which all States agree to recognize prevention and sustaining peace as goals that all commit to achieve. In the run-up to the Summit of the Future, it will be crucial to discuss how we can operationalize that call and, potentially, use existing structures such as the voluntary national reviews on the Sustainable Development Goals or the Peacebuilding Commission. We encourage the Secretariat to provide guidance to Member States in that regard.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate. As we move closer to the Summit of the Future next year, we welcome this opportunity to discuss the New Agenda for Peace with Council members. Today’s debate also touches on two key priorities for Austria — conflict prevention and building strong partnerships. First, I would like to talk about prevention. In the increasingly challenging environment for peace, the work of the United Nations can be effective only if we invest in prevention and in building sustainable peace. We are convinced that the New Agenda for Peace can be the basis for a unique opportunity to shift attention to its preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding in order to build resilience within societies and address the underlying drivers of conflict.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Austria, true to its tradition as a strong supporter of multilateralism, international law and the rule of law, as well as international solidarity and cooperation, remains committed to working towards common solutions that help those most affected by climate security challenges and encourages the Security Council to actively engage on these issues.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Engagement and collaboration across the United Nations system and with Member States, regional organizations, academic institutions and civil society is crucial — not only to improve our knowledge management, but also to ensure a more tailored response to a complex crisis. At the same time, stronger partnerships could also help reduce the footprint of United Nations peacekeeping missions. Austria therefore suggests enhancing collaboration between the United Nations and regional organizations so as to mitigate the environmental impact of peacekeeping operations. In conclusion, the climate crisis is an issue that affects international peace and security in many different and increasingly alarming ways.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We welcome the deployment of climate advisers in regional United Nations missions, such as in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa. In order to further develop partnerships in the field of peacekeeping, Austria — together with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations — hosted an informal dialogue in April that explored options for more effective collaboration between the United Nations and regional organizations to respond to today’s threats. Climate change was identified as one of the strategic threats that urgently requires further close cooperation.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“At the same time, we should consider making widespread or long-term damage to the environment, commonly referred to as ecocide, a crime under international law. As a first step, we need a common legal definition of the environment. We understand that the Independent Expert Panel already provided a draft definition in that regard, which could be a useful starting point for a discussion. Thirdly, climate change disregards borders and therefore needs to be addressed transnationally, cross- regionally and internationally. Austria therefore supports United Nations efforts to strengthen partnerships in the context of climate and security, especially with regional actors such as the African Union and the European Union.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Establishing further interlinkages between the women and peace and security agenda and climate and security therefore makes sense, and we commend the projects of the Peacebuilding Fund on the gender- climate-security nexus. Secondly, we must explore legal avenues to address the effects of climate change. Legal certainty is needed about State obligations regarding the protection of the climate and environmental system. In that regard, we thank Vanuatu and partners for the successful initiative in the General Assembly to seek an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. It is equally important to clarify effects of phenomena like sea level rise on territorial sovereignty or statehood, as is currently being discussed in the International Law Commission.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Additionally, strengthening analysis capacities and early-warning systems in all regions as to the specific security challenges triggered by climate change are not only important for the work of the Security Council but also essential for United Nations peacebuilding efforts. We welcome the work of the Climate Security Mechanism, which has been instrumental to building this United Nations system-wide capacity on the nexus of climate and security. Appointing a Special Envoy for climate and security could further allow for a more systematic United Nations-wide approach. The impact of climate change on gender equality and women’s rights also has implications for peace and security.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“That the Council addresses issues concerning climate and security as a key priority is therefore not only its right under its mandate, but also its duty — its responsibility under the Charter. Let me add in this context, that Austria also strongly advocates the inclusion of the climate, peace and security nexus in the New Agenda for Peace. With regard to the points we heard from the briefers this morning, I would like to make three comments. First, we need to further strengthen United Nations capacity to address the interlinkages between climate and security. The Security Council has already included climate issues in country and regional peacekeeping mandates, such as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. These missions should have dedicated capacity, both in terms of personnel and training, to deliver on their climate mandates.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Austria also welcomes the Security Council today seizing another opportunity to discuss climate change. It is indisputable that climate change increasingly affects all of our lives — everywhere — including in terms of international peace and security. It is a threat multiplier with severe consequences. Rising sea levels, droughts, floods and other natural disasters lead to displacement and to conflicts over fresh water and fertile land. Science is clear that increasingly recurring natural disasters are a consequence of anthropogenic climate change, exacerbating such challenges as poverty and health. In severe cases, human survival in vulnerable communities is at stake. Under such circumstances, sustainable development is a challenge, and humanitarian efforts and United Nations peace operations are severely affected.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is very timely to say this, on the day that we mark the thirtieth anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. We need to remember that independent and pluralistic media are preconditions for advancing peace and security based on facts and evidence. Polarized political and societal discourse, crackdowns on critical voices and independent media, attacks against journalists and media workers, and hate speech undermine the access to accurate and reliable information. Trust needs truth, and truth needs free media and journalists who can work in safety to ensure its dissemination. Once again, I would like to thank you, Sir, and Switzerland for putting trust at the centre of our discussions today and for the opportunity to share our perspective in this open debate.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“We see that in every field of international cooperation: core security regimes, such as that of nuclear disarmament, only function with trust enabled through international treaties and agreements. For years, therefore, Austria has advocated for the strengthening of the rule of law and for more effective mechanisms to ensure the respect for our global norms, including the Charter of the United Nations. Let me be clear: it is not a question of a lack of norms. It is the lack of adherence and implementation that is of concern. If we no longer respect the law, we lose a key instrument in peacefully regulating our international relations, the most effective instruments with which to build trust among nations. I will make one final point, if I may. Trust is also closely linked to truth, to facts and evidence-based information.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“Tomorrow there will be a meeting on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), so allow me to mention briefly that the OSCE was never a club of like-minded countries, but much rather served as a platform for trust-building measures and dialogue to advance collective security. Even in these very challenging times, we must not abandon this core idea, however difficult that may be. Thirdly, let me address the trust deficit on an international level. Trust is about expectations and predictability — that was expressed very eloquently in the concept note (S/2023/283, annex). The respect for international law and the rule of law guarantee predictability on an international level and help to foster trust. When this trust is broken, global cooperation wanes.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“Mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review and the voluntary reviews under the High-Level Political Forum provide useful tools in this respect. Ultimately, they serve to advance peace worldwide. Secondly, trust also stems from reliable partnerships and cooperation. Leveraging and complementing each other’s strengths is the only viable way to tackle the challenges that we face. Austria therefore advocates for a new networked multilateralism on a global level — a United Nations that relies on and cooperates more closely with regional and subregional organizations. Sustainable financing of the operations of regional partners, including of the African Union peace support operations mandated by the Security Council, plays a key role in this regard. Regional organizations themselves serve as trust-building entities.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“The respect for human rights, the rule of law and sustainable development are the best guarantors of peace. The women and peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda provide a useful lens in this regard. Austria also advocates for the inclusion of marginalized groups such as minorities and internally displaced persons. There is more to be done to better understand how climate change affects peace and security, and we call on the Council to further the climate, peace and security agenda. It is important to recall that prevention does not only concern “fragile” countries — prevention concerns all of us. Just as human rights are universal and the Sustainable Development Goals must be implemented by every country, so every country also must do its share to build inclusive, just and peaceful societies.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“(spoke in English) I commend Switzerland for choosing a topic for today’s debate that addresses the core of building peaceful and inclusive societies, but also the lifeline of multilateralism that we live here at the United Nations: trust. I also acknowledge today’s briefers, among them Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, particularly as we will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the World Conference on Human Rights next month in Vienna. As time is short, I will focus on three very brief points: first, inclusive and just societies as a prerequisite for peace; secondly, networked multilateral institutions; and thirdly, the rule of law as a guarantor of trust. In recent years, we have come a long way in understanding that only inclusive and just societies can be a sustainable basis for peace.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“Mr. Marschik (Austria) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the first time in your country’s history. Switzerland and Austria, two neighbouring countries that are not members of any military alliance, with a long-standing tradition of supporting dialogue and peacebuilding, both of which are home to one of the United Nations four duty stations and are unswervingly committed to effective multilateralism, are pursuing similar, if not identical, priorities in the area of international peace and security. I believe Switzerland will bring added value to what we all expect from the Security Council, and I wish you, Mr. President, all the best in this important task.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315 (2023) · source
“Austria therefore stresses the need for stronger partnerships at the international, regional and local levels. We particularly advocate strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations in the field of peace and security and look forward to contributing to that, among other objectives, in the discussions on the New Agenda for Peace. In all those efforts, full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains the goal and purpose. We look forward to the SDG summit this September and call for an ambitious and action-oriented outcome, reflecting our resolve to create the foundations for sustainable and lasting peace.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As a country committed to disarmament and a champion of responsible trade and export control, Austria also understands silencing the guns in a more literal way. Eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, eliminating the exorbitantly high number of such arms and tackling the challenges of ammunition storage and ammunition diversion are all key to limiting the spread and use of weapons that account for most casualties worldwide. Clearly, that requires international cooperation and assistance. Austria has therefore partnered with Senegal to improve weapons and ammunition logistics. And we look forward to expanding that project regionally in Africa. In conclusion, let me reiterate that sustainable peace and development need to be addressed though collective action.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, Austria also participates in the European Union mission in Mozambique, which provides training and support to protect the civilian population and restore security in the Cabo Delgado region. Our commitment to the triple nexus is also the basis of our work to enhance coherence within the United Nations system, both through strategic guidance and a strong Resident Coordinator system. In addition, we must redouble our efforts to promote the rule of law, democracy and the resilience of institutions to foster the cohesion of societies and promote inclusion and democracy, as well as human rights, to strengthen resilient communities that are built on trust. It is therefore no surprise that Austria places particular focus on SDG 16 and the women and peace and security agenda.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“First, Austria cooperates with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to enhance its Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism systems in the Horn of Africa to strengthen the prediction, prevention and response to transnational security threats and to increase capacities for preventive diplomacy, mediation and civilian peacebuilding, thereby benefiting more than 10,000 participants in total. Secondly, through the Local Development for Peace Consolidation programme, Austria cooperates with partners to improve the livelihoods of rural communities in conflict-affected districts in Mozambique. More than 400,000 people benefit from improved access to markets, public infrastructure and professional training.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We need more collective efforts and solidarity towards a more peaceful world, and we need to bring the SDGs back on track. One of the fundamental tenets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. That sounds good, but it also makes a lot of sense. To address the root causes of conflicts we need to adopt a holistic approach to peacebuilding, as well as effective development programmes. The Austrian Government, committed to implementing the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, supports inclusive and democratic governance and operationalizes its development policy coherently through a whole-of-Government approach. I thought it would be best to give three concrete examples.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“First, let me thank you, Mr. President, and Mozambique for convening this open debate on the Silencing the Guns initiative. We welcome the focus on preventing conflict, promoting transformative conflict resolution and ensuring sustainable peace through development policies. Recent years have shown the interlinkages of global challenges. The coronavirus disease pandemic and the consequences of climate change have exacerbated many causes of conflict, as well as inequalities, tensions and violence. And over the past year, we saw how geopolitical tensions and conflict further derailed our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Those challenges especially affect the African continent but should not be faced by Africa alone.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In sum, this is an issue that dramatically affects the peace and security of a number of United Nations Member States. In its tradition as a strong supporter of multilateralism, international law and solidarity, Austria remains committed to working towards common solutions that help those most affected by climate-security challenges, and it encourages the Council to actively engage on those issues.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, from a legal perspective, sea level rise has implications for several issues, such as territorial sovereignty, statehood and the delimitation of maritime boundaries, as well as entitlements, such as exclusive economic zones and questions with regard to the protection of the people affected. In our view, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which largely reflects customary international law, must be globally and uniformly applied. But many questions remain. Does a State continue to exist if it loses its territory? What happens to its population and resources? Austria welcomes the fact that the International Law Commission has taken up the topic. It is important to look at creative solutions while making use of all technological possibilities.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Council should address issues related to climate and security as a key priority more often. Secondly, sea level rise does not just affect States. Primarily it affects people. Whether those people live in coastal areas or in small island nations, rising sea levels destroy their livelihoods, leading to displacement and conflicts over fresh water and fertile land. Exacerbated by droughts and other natural disasters, as well as conflict, crime and poverty, the very existence of those people is threatened and their fate must not be ignored. We need to be there in solidarity.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for organizing this meeting on sea level rise. Austria is a mountainous, landlocked country, so why are we speaking here today? We are here because we care. We care about the States whose security — if not their very existence — is threatened by the consequences of climate change. We care not only today, on Valentine’s Day, but every day. I should also point out that we align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by the European Union, but I would like to add three short points in our national capacity. First, Austria welcomes the fact that the Security Council is dealing with a key question related to climate change. It is indisputable that climate change is increasingly affecting States and therefore eventually international peace and security as well.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“But the concept of bringing all the nations of our planet together in one forum to discuss the challenges of our times, seek solutions together and help and support each other — that concept remains brilliant. And when we adhere to the rules, serve the purposes and contribute constructively to the Organization, we enable our United Nations to be effective and successful, which benefits all of us. Austria remains honoured to be a Member of this family and will continue to abide by the rules, serve the purposes and contribute constructively where we can, with mind, heart and soul.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Let me therefore conclude with a strong appeal to everyone here, as well as the current and future members of the Security Council, to let ourselves be guided by the purposes of the Charter and the interests of the United Nations as a whole. Austria is fully committed to acting on those principles when it next has the honour to serve as a member of the Security Council, and we of course hope to count on everyone’s support at the elections in 2026 for a term in 2027–2028. Austria joined the United Nations 67 years ago on this day, 14 December 1955. And after 67 years, we have no regrets. The United Nations is a large and very diverse family of nations, and like in all large families, we sometimes disagree, argue and fight, and sometimes we fail in our efforts and goals.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“At the United Nations, effective multilateralism requires not only speaking, but also listening; and not only demanding, but also offering. Multilateralism only works if there is a willingness to compromise. We live in a world where individual or national interests often dominate. Approaches of “my State first”, “take it or leave it” and “with me or against me” do not permit multilateralism to work particularly effectively. Of course, we all have national ambitions and interests that we pursue. But at the United Nations we must also, in parallel, pursue the interests of the world and our global United Nations community.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“That also means that members of the Council should take clear positions on issues and act in the best interest of the United Nations — not out of national interest. They should demand compliance with the principles and rules of the Charter and international law, speak out against violations, condemn wrongdoing, demand compliance and enforce the law. That is their mandate. That is what we want all of them to do. The ability of the United Nations — and other multilateral institutions — to be effective and deliver on its mandate ultimately depends on the Member States using the Organization appropriately. The United Nations was not designed solely as a stage for political messages. It was established to allow States to come together to find solutions to challenges together.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We welcome the impact of the veto initiative on the work of the Council and continue to support the ACT code of conduct and the French-Mexican initiative. Austria also consistently advocates for a Security Council that acts in recognition of the fact that it draws its legitimacy from the wider membership of the United Nations. Whether elected or permanently mandated through the Charter, Council members shoulder their responsibilities on behalf of all Member States. Everyone here around this table serves on the Council for all of us — not for national interests. Ultimately, a State deserves to be on the Council not because of its size, population or power, but because it contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security. That — and that only — is the legitimate reason to be on the Council.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“That could help the United Nations react promptly to challenges to the system, enabling the Organization to stay fit for purpose, as outlined in the concept note. Today’s debate seeks a new orientation for multilateralism. Over the years, many options have been proposed to render our United Nations more effective. For example, last month (see S/PV.9181), Austria emphasized that the Council should foster stronger links with other parts of the United Nations, such as the Peacebuilding Commission and specialized organizations, in order to tackle the interlinked nature of peace and security and acknowledge the link between climate and security, poverty, human rights and development and peace. We also support addressing the use of the veto, particularly when it is used to halt action against a member that violates the Charter.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Such acts shake the very foundation on which our system of collective security at the United Nations rests. They sow doubt as to the effectiveness of our international system based on law. Let me be very clear: there is no lack of international norms. There is, however, an appalling disregard for the rules, as well as a lack of compliance and implementation. We clearly need to seek new ways to enhance compliance in order to increase the political and legal costs of violations of the Charter. We could therefore perhaps look at creating a mechanism whereby massively illegal acts or acts entailing grave risks for humankind would automatically — or almost automatically — trigger a clearly defined set of serious consequences. Such automaticity of consequences could contribute to the prevention and deterrence of breaches of international law.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source