YouSaid · the spoken record

Maurer

lines on the record: 273
first: 1996-08-15
most recent: 2022-01-25
sittings or episodes: 35
sources: un-security-council

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“In that context, I would like to mention the specific example of the project of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Switzerland's 1325 National Action Plan, adopted a year and a half ago, is a reference document for mobilizing human and financial resources. It is thanks to that instrument that we are able to co-finance the United Nations Stop Rape Now initiative. And we are relying on that instrument both to increase the secondment of women to peace operations as well as to encourage women candidacies for higher-level positions within the United Nations. We hope that all contributing countries will succeed in significantly raising the visibility and the influence of women in that field. Finally, the Security Council has the power to integrate gender issues even more systematically into its mandates.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“If we are to increase their participation at the negotiating table, we must make their initiatives visible. My country has supported and will continue to support activities aimed at achieving such participation, for example, the International Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Israeli-Palestinian Peace or projects through programmes to promote peace in Colombia, Nepal or Burundi, for example. The United Nations plays a key role in increasing the inclusion of women. That is why we support the enhancement of gender capacities in the Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations by making available personnel and methodologies. For that same reason, we support efforts to better mainstream gender equality in humanitarian activities.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank you, Sir, for having organized this open debate and to thank all those who made briefings this morning. Following the significant progress made last June with the adoption of resolution 1820 (2008), our present debate emphasizes another key step - the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The Secretary-General's report offers invaluable recommendations for all actors on increasing the inclusion of women at all stages of peace processes. My country is committed to following up on the recommendations and is prepared to contribute. First of all, it is women on the ground who are the vectors of change. Switzerland is concerned by the fact that they are not yet sufficiently represented in the formal structures of peace processes.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that context, the recommendations made by the Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights of internally displaced persons deserve to be taken into account by all parties concerned during the negotiation and peacebuilding process, including the Security Council. In particular, Switzerland urges the Council to take into consideration the framework for durable solutions that has been developed by the Representative of the Secretary-General, which provides an important tool for action in the search for lasting solutions for the millions of displaced persons.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“For 10 years, the guiding principles on internally displaced persons have demonstrated their relevance and effectiveness. We would like to draw the Council's attention to the interdependence between peacebuilding and the taking into account of the needs of displaced persons. On the one hand, the non-resolution of the issue of displacement can lead to instability that can jeopardize efforts aimed at restoring peace. On the other hand, solutions to the issue of displaced persons cannot be lasting unless their needs as regards security, access to basic services, property rights, justice, reconciliation, reparation and post-conflict reconstruction and political transition have been met.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“We invite the Council to take into account the ongoing work that uses those indicators and to encourage debates on this basis. At a different level, a meeting of experts on the subject of humanitarian access in situations of armed conflict will be held from 30 June to 1 July 2008 in Montreux in Switzerland at the invitation of my Government. The main purpose of this meeting will be to discuss and identify measures to improve humanitarian access in armed conflicts, taking into account the existing legal framework and the realities on the ground. It is my hope that the results of this meeting will be useful to the Council. To return to my second point, persons displaced in their own countries in situations of increased vulnerability have specific needs, both in terms of protection and of assistance.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“Here, the establishment of a group of experts on the protection of civilians is an important proposal that should be implemented as a priority. Switzerland intends to support it once it has been set up. We support the Secretary-General's proposal for a systematization of reports to the Council on situations where there are serious difficulties of access. Switzerland also believes that humanitarian access should be the subject of systematic follow-up and analysis, using clear indicators that have been established in advance in order to ensure that the Council is duly informed of the main problems and challenges in this area. The experience of the Council's working group on children and armed conflict is an interesting example. The best practices drawn from this group could be integrated into the evaluation of the problem of access.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“Moreover, we would like to reiterate that respect for and implementation of international law are indissociable from the fight against impunity. Although this task is primarily the responsibility of national jurisdictions, the International Criminal Court plays a vital role when national jurisdictions are unable to prosecute persons suspected of committing international crimes. It is, therefore, essential that the Council ensure, whenever necessary, that States cooperate fully with the Court. I would like to endorse the words of Under- Secretary-General Mr. John Holmes and will concentrate on two aspects. First, the five initiatives presented in his report contain concrete and realistic recommendations.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): First of all, Switzerland would like to stress the importance of the obligations contained in the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. It is clear that only increased respect for and better implementation of international humanitarian law by all the actors concerned will make it possible to alleviate the suffering and better protect civilians, who are the main victims of conflicts. While the parties to a conflict are primarily responsible for complying with and for implementing international humanitarian law, it is equally important for other actors to be involved. Switzerland would, therefore, once again like to invite the Council to demand in its resolutions that all parties to a conflict, as well as peacekeeping forces, abide by their obligations under international law.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“The Secretary-General must therefore strengthen the capacities of the system and optimize collaboration among the United Nations, the World Bank and existing national structures. Moreover, the rosters within the United Nations system in various areas of competence are important resources that could be exploited more systematically and could thus improve selection procedures. Continued concerted efforts aiming at enhancing the quality of international support in the area of early recovery efforts and peacebuilding are both welcome and necessary. I hope that this discussion will be pursued in all of the appropriate forums.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Moreover, it is in the best interests of Member States that the Security Council not create parallel institutional structures and that it ensure that the lines of command and of decision-making are always clearly defined. Thirdly, civilian personnel play a critical and increasingly important role in recovery efforts within United Nations missions. My country will continue to provide expertise in various areas to the United Nations, both by providing training and by seconding experts on the ground. At the national level, there are numerous pools of civilian peacebuilding experts in a variety of areas. However, there is still a lack of the relevant instruments within the Secretariat, and that prevents a systematic and coherent deployment of such experts.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We should have more coherent financial structures that would be able to respond to humanitarian allocation criteria, that is, that are flexible, rapid and realistic in terms of risk. At the same time, such funds must have the predictability and the critical mass of development funds. Secondly, the roles of the United Nations country teams and of the mission leadership on the ground are crucial. The complexity of tasks and of mandates requires that the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and their teams possess a wealth of knowledge and professional skills. We could consider a standard quartet of excellence for complex missions, made up of a Special Representative of the Secretary- General and deputies for the role of resident coordinator/humanitarian coordinator, for civil affairs and for military operations.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Madam President, for organizing this debate. Allow me to stress three points on the subject of peacebuilding that are important for Switzerland. First, we share the analysis that the funding of early recovery activities would benefit from strategic reflection at the highest level and should be dealt with in the context of the peacebuilding architecture as a whole. The experiences of past years clearly show that considerable gaps between promises and the actual disbursement of funds exist; that allocation criteria are inadequate; and that there are multiple funds whose governance remains fragmented. The goal is thus obvious.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Switzerland's support for the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and to encourage it to pursue its work to achieve concrete results so that we may combat more effectively the recruitment and use of child soldiers and other violations of the rights of children, as well as the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for grave abuses and violations against children in armed conflict.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Armed conflict leads to an increase in all forms of violence. Among them, trafficking in small arms increases the vulnerability of children in situations of conflict and of post-conflict transition. Switzerland would like the Secretary-General to formulate, in his next report, specific recommendations on the protection of children in armed conflicts in relation to the use of small arms and light weapons. As a general rule, the gender dimension needs to be taken into consideration more systematically in the international community's response. The Security Council may want to consider the problem of children and armed conflict in conjunction with resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and resolution 1674 (2006), on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Thirdly, although some progress has been made in this regard, it is imperative to remind all parties to armed conflict listed in the annexes to the report of the Secretary-General that they must prepare and implement concrete action plans. Fourthly, child protection advisers should be included in both peacekeeping and political missions whenever appropriate. Furthermore, Switzerland calls upon all the parties to armed conflict mentioned in the annexes to the report of the Secretary-General to continue the dialogue that the Security Council has begun with the Governments concerned, the United Nations agencies as well as national and international civil society actors. Only through enhanced coordination and cooperation among all concerned parties will it be possible to improve the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Switzerland, which fully endorses the recommendations set out in the report, considers that the Security Council should give particular priority to the following areas. First, consideration should be given to expanding the scope of the monitoring and reporting mechanism to include the six categories of grave violations, in particular rape and other grave forms of sexual violence. Secondly, a series of specific targeted measures should be taken against parties to armed conflict that are responsible for grave and persistent violations against children. The Security Council should refer to the International Criminal Court all cases on which national courts either have not exercised their jurisdiction or have not done so in accordance with their obligations under international law.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the delegation of Panama for having organized this year's important open debate on children and armed conflict. Switzerland takes notes with satisfaction of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/757) and welcomes the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and of UNICEF to prevent abuses and to protect children. Despite certain encouraging developments described in the report, much remains to be done to make the system for the protection of children in armed conflict truly effective. In that context, the Secretary- General's proposals and recommendations deserve our full attention: we need to obtain tangible results on the ground.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We encourage OCHA to organize similar meetings to create awareness of these problems elsewhere in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“We consider it essential that the Secretariat and the Council pursue a more systematic and structured dialogue on the key aspects of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1674 (2006). In this context, the establishment of an expert-level working group on the protection of civilians has received my Government's full attention. In conclusion, I would like to note that the protection of civilians in conflict situations also depends on the capacity of the United Nations to enter into partnerships with regional organizations. It is with this in mind that a regional meeting organized by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with the support of Switzerland and Canada was convened in Dakar in April 2007.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“We call upon the Council to ensure that in its resolutions, parties to a conflict are required to guarantee rapid and unhindered access to civilians in need. The Swiss Government plans to hold a meeting of experts next spring, focusing on humanitarian access in conflict situations. We hope in that way to contribute to the efforts of the international community, and to propose innovative solutions that are in the interest of the victims and that respect the law. Finally, questions relating to the protection of civilians in armed conflict must be better integrated in the discussion of mandates of peacekeeping missions, in efforts at mediation and conflict resolution and in other United Nations missions.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“The International Criminal Court (ICC) has an important role to play in cases where national jurisdictions are unable to judge those who have committed the most serious international crimes. Once again, we call on all States that have not yet ratified the ICC Statute to do so as soon as possible. My second comment has to do with the importance of unhindered access by humanitarian actors to civilian populations in armed conflict. It is important that the Security Council be fully informed of cases of obstruction to humanitarian assistance, and Switzerland supports the Secretary-General's proposal in favour of systematic reporting to the Council on situations where serious access concerns exist.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“It is the duty of the Security Council to remind all parties to a conflict that they are bound at all times to respect international law, and we call upon the Council to systematically do everything possible to demand that the parties to a conflict, as well as peacekeeping forces, respect international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law. We feel very strongly that resolutions establishing peacekeeping missions, as well as all other types of missions, must insist on respect for these obligations. Rigorous efforts to combat impunity for the perpetrators of violations are also implicit in respect for international humanitarian law.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“The written version of my statement now being distributed focuses on compliance with international law, access, the group of experts on protection, sexual violence and the right to shelter, land and property - thus referring to the five actions proposed in the report of the Secretary-General. So as not to take up more time than we are given, I will limit myself to discussing three of these points. First of all, the erosion in current conflicts of the principles of distinction and proportionality is disconcerting, and the indiscriminate attacks against civilian populations and humanitarian actors in the performance of their duties are inadmissible.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank the delegation of Indonesia for organizing today's open debate. We welcome the presence of the Secretary-General this morning, an encouraging signal confirming the Secretariat's commitment on this important issue. I congratulate him on his excellent report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2007/643), and thank the Under-Secretary-General for his briefing. Switzerland fully endorses the report's emphasis of certain challenges, including the denial of access to civilians and sexual violence. We also welcome the practical and operational aspect of the report. We will support operational implementation of initiatives suggested by the Secretary-General.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781 (2007) · source
“As the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, Switzerland very much welcomes its readiness to examine the challenges that climate change and environmental degradation pose in terms of causes of conflicts. The resulting threat to international peace and security is both interdependent and multidimensional; it thus has social and economic repercussions. We hope that this debate will provide impetus, including with regard to the need to strengthen the coherence of the United Nations system and international environmental governance, in the framework of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and other relevant entities of the system, including the Security Council.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Above all, we see added value in that the Security Council, when debating a specific conflict, would have recourse to environmental expertise that could help it understand the drivers of conflict or provide assessments of the environmental impact of the conflict. The United Nations Environment Programme, which we have collectively designated as the central environmental pillar of the United Nations system, must be strengthened so that it can respond to such requests. As we are organized at present, we may get opinions on possible drivers of conflict but rarely get relevant and authoritative advice.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Already, at this early stage it is safe to say that each conflict has its specificities with regard to the environmental drivers of conflict; there are no simple answers. There is therefore an obvious need to strengthen our analytical capacities in order to channel targeted and authoritative input into the Council's policy debate. However, potential risk factors should be examined on a case-by-case basis rather than by predefining priority areas. Where environmental factors are elements explicitly affecting security, the Council may wish to consider creating a specific environmental capacity for conflicts and thus strengthen its own abilities in this area.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“In this respect, I should like to highlight the positive contribution made by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee in adopting the Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters. These guidelines are increasingly being used by humanitarian and development actors and by the Security Council to reinforce those positive effects. The protection of the environment and sustainable development are a pillar of our foreign policy. Switzerland is currently undertaking a more structured analysis of the links between environmental degradation, the use of natural resources and violent conflict. We are therefore ready to contribute substantively to the discussion within the United Nations.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Switzerland would like to invite all stakeholders to participate in the first session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held in Geneva from 5 to 7 June 2007. This high-level event intends to raise awareness and to consider ways and means to move disaster risk reduction higher up on the international policy agenda. Environmental degradation, including climate change, and its impact on all forms of livelihood constitute an additional challenge because they can contribute to forced migration, with all the destabilizing effects that can have on societies in countries of origin, transit and destination. In managing that phenomenon, Member States are urged to respect their obligations under international law.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Switzerland is particularly concerned about the looming food and water insecurity in many parts of the world due to the cumulative effects of population growth, changing food habits, shortage of cultivable land, spreading degradation of the soil and water- resource constraints. The need to produce more and healthier food from less land with less water is a reality that should be tackled urgently by both Governments and the private sector. Climate-related factors of change tend to aggravate this already enormous challenge, because those countries most exposed to their likely negative impact are often those with inadequate means to adapt or to take the necessary preventive measures. As rightly stressed in the concept paper, Member States have the primary responsibility for efforts to prevent conflicts and reduce the risks of disaster.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“We believe that climate change and environmental issues in general are themes that will have to be addressed by different bodies in the framework of their respective mandates. Climate change and conflict are closely linked. However, the problem of climate change constitutes only one important aspect of the broader problem of environmental degradation. Conflicts are often a consequence of dwindling natural resources such as energy, water and soil. The causes of such conflicts will not be resolved by focusing on climate change alone. We therefore should bear in mind the often- neglected environmental dimensions of conflict as a whole and address them at all stages: conflict prevention, conflict management and post-conflict recovery.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): At the outset, I should like to thank you, Madam President, for having convened this timely debate on energy, security and climate. Switzerland welcomes your initiative and shares the passionate arguments and concerns you have raised in your concept paper. It is important that the Security Council contribute to raising awareness about the repercussions of environmental degradation on international peace and security, including through its impact on the drivers of conflicts. We must also reflect on ways to improve our response to such challenges. We do not consider this initiative to be an encroachment by the Security Council on the responsibilities and functions of the General Assembly.”
2007-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5663 (2007) · source
“As highlighted by the Secretary-General, the establishment of an international force should be supplemented by a set of political and security measures that would ensure that the ceasefire is sustainable and that the situation does not relapse into the status quo ante. Switzerland welcomes the efforts of all actors who are working to resolve the current crisis. However, it is imperative not just to manage the crisis but to find a real solution for all the unresolved conflicts in the Middle East. The crisis in Lebanon, like that in the Palestinian occupied territory, cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of terrorism and counter- terrorism. A comprehensive approach to settle the totality of Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts is required.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“In order to respond effectively to the present crisis, such a mission would need to have a mandate to guarantee a ceasefire, secure the Israeli-Lebanese border and facilitate, by its presence, a negotiated settlement of territorial disputes. Such an international security and monitoring force could also temporarily take control of the Sheba'a farms area while a settlement of that territorial disagreement is awaited and in order to reduce tensions resulting from it. The force should also make it possible to contribute to the implementation of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), in particular as regards the disarmament of all militias.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Secondly, we call for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to make it possible to provide full and unrestricted access to victims. We must ensure that access to basic goods and services is ensured. Supplies of water and electricity are becoming precarious. Such humanitarian corridors between Beirut and southern Lebanon, between Beirut and Cyprus and between southern Lebanon and Cyprus, as well as between northern Israel and southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, would guarantee safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian personnel and goods. They would also enable the transport of injured and sick persons to hospitals and the evacuation of civilians from combat zones. Thirdly, Switzerland supports the proposal for the deployment of an international security and monitoring force to southern Lebanon.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“It is also important to underscore that the situation in Lebanon must not cause the international community to lose sight of the scale of the humanitarian, economic and social crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially in Gaza. In that context, under international humanitarian law it is incumbent upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian civilian population and facilitate the rapid, secure and unimpeded passage of equipment and aid personnel. In order to respond to the crisis in Lebanon, Switzerland would like to stress three proposals. First, we call upon the parties to the conflict to establish an immediate ceasefire. A ceasefire is necessary, given the serious and steadily deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Switzerland condemns all acts of violence, provocation and terrorism. There is no doubt that Israel has the right to protect its territory and its population against such acts committed by Hizbollah. Nevertheless, in the light of law and the facts, Switzerland considers the reaction of Israeli armed forces in Lebanon to be clearly disproportionate. The repeated air strikes of recent days against civilian targets are a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The indiscriminate firing of rockets by Hizbollah against population centres in Israel also seriously violates the rules of international humanitarian law.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The parties to the conflict are obliged to authorize and facilitate the rapid passage of all humanitarian aid and to take all practical and possible precautions to avoid attacking them. In view of the magnitude of the political and humanitarian crisis, the international community has a responsibility to act, and Switzerland hopes that the Security Council is in a position to take such action. Switzerland supports the efforts of the United Nations and the special good offices mission conducted by Mr. Nambiar and his colleagues. In that context, I would also like to commend the Secretary-General for his judicious suggestions with regard to the establishment of a sustainable ceasefire. My country hopes that the Council will seriously consider the proposals and act swiftly upon them.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Switzerland reminds the parties to the conflict that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians who are not directly participating in hostilities, as well as attacks on civilian property. It reminds the parties of their obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian and military infrastructure, to take all the necessary precautions to preserve the lives of civilians and to avoid damaging civilian property, to respect the principle of proportionality in all military operations, and to refrain from any form of collective punishment against the population. The personnel, installations and vehicles bearing emblems recognized by the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are protected by international humanitarian law and must be respected in all circumstances.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Let me begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to present Switzerland's view on the current crisis affecting the Middle East. If my oral statement appears limited, as requested at the beginning of the meeting, I refer Council members to the written text. Switzerland attaches the greatest importance to respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. It has repeatedly reminded the parties concerned of their obligations in that respect and will continue to work in that direction. Respect for the law is not a matter for negotiation, nor is it subject to principles of reciprocity. The effects of the violations now being committed in the Middle East can be measured in terms of death, injury and destruction. Those acts also impede humanitarian action.”
2006-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5493Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Germany, Sweden and Switzerland wish to pursue the dialogue on this important matter with the Security Council and its subsidiary organs. We are committed to strengthening the Security Council's instruments to fight terrorism in conformity with the very principles on which this Organization is founded.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“Sixth, much could also be gained from identifying a set of common standards and best practices applicable to the different sanctions committees. Sll'V.5446 Seventh, a review mechanism should be developed to enable individuals and entities to ask for a review of their listing. That step is likely to pose the biggest challenge. However, we believe that this is the most important issue to address, because the lack of such a review mechanism raises questions of due process and it is the deficiency that is most often brought up in courts. The Watson Institute's report lists several options to be considered, ranging from a simple reviewing mandate assigned to the Monitoring Team to a full-fledged appeal system by independent courts or tribunals.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“Third, ways to notify targeted persons and entities should be found. The report argues that the United Nations has a responsibility to notify the targets of sanctions, and it presents several ideas on how to do so. Fourth, a periodic review of listings, at least every two years, should be introduced. Excessively long intervals between reviews tend to change the preventive character of sanctions into permanent punishment, which could be very difficult for national or international courts to accept in the long run. Fifth, an administrative focal point should be designated within the Secretariat to deal with all delisting and exemption requests, as well as to notify targets of listing. That proposal was put forward some time ago by a member of the Security Council. It has our full support.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“In our view, that includes the following elements. First, the listing criteria must be further refined. In recent years, the scope of targeted sanctions has been extended considerably to include broad categories of individuals and entities. Much has already been done to make the listings as clear and as unambiguous as possible. We welcome in particular the fact that Security Council resolution 1617 (2005) has given a more precise definition of the term "associated with Al-Qaida or the Taliban". However, we believe that the criteria for identifying the individuals or entities targeted by sanctions could be further developed and refined. Second, standards for statements of case must be developed. The report's suggestion seems to be very much in line with the Monitoring Team's proposal to introduce a standard cover sheet.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“Secondly, the report summarizes the improvements made over time by the sanctions committees, particularly by the 1267 Committee, but concludes that shortcomings remain with regard to listing, delisting, notification of individuals and entities, and especially the right to an effective remedy. Thirdly, it describes the lack of periodic review of those listed, the limited time to resolve delisting requests and the open-ended nature of the present sanctions regimes. Finally, it concludes that the aforementioned issues may infringe upon basic principles of human rights protection. We believe that the best way forward is reform on a step-by-step basis. The Security Council and its committees could start with the most urgent issues and where progress can be achieved rapidly or at least within a reasonable time.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“The written text of my statement that has been distributed contains a summary of the report and a brief overview of its recommendations. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the following main findings and recommendations. First, the report describes the legal challenges against sanctions measures that have been brought before various courts in Europe and elsewhere. In the past, those courts have shown that they were well aware of the primacy of the United Nations Charter and the special responsibility of the Security Council. Nevertheless, some courts have also expressed their willingness to ensure that Security Council decisions comply with the compulsory norms of international law relating to the protection of human rights - the jus cogens - from which neither the Member States nor the United Nations may derogate.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“On an earlier occasion, I informed the Council of an initiative launched by Germany, Sweden and Switzerland in the field of targeted sanctions and human rights. That initiative is a continuation of the Interlaken, Bonn-Berlin and Stockholm processes and aims at strengthening the implementation of targeted sanctions by addressing concerns of due process. As members know, our three Governments have commissioned the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University to draft a report on the subject. We would like to share the report's content with the Security Council and Member States with a view to contributing concrete ideas for strengthening the instrument of targeted sanctions. To that end, we have asked for the report to be circulated as an official United Nations document within the next few weeks.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“Mr. Maurer (Switzerland) (spoke in French): On behalf of Germany, Sweden and Switzerland, I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing this meeting and for the opportunity to address the Security Council. I also thank the three chairmen of the committees for their informative and timely briefings. Today, I would like to focus on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), which is currently reviewing the listing and delisting process with regard to sanctions. I would like to share some new thoughts and proposals on how to enhance the effectiveness of targeted sanctions. Although my S/l'V.5446 statement will focus on the 1267 Committee, those reflections are also relevant to other Security Council sanctions committees.”
2006-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5446 (2006) · source
“In that context, Switzerland supported the drafting by the United Nations of a manual of field practices on humanitarian negotiations with armed groups. The manual, which will be released in the coming weeks, is being drafted in response to a recommendation made by the United Nations Secretary-General in his second report on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Finally, to conclude, Switzerland welcomes the references to the responsibility to protect, contained in the draft resolution under review.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source