YouSaid · the spoken record

Seger

lines on the record: 350
first: 2010-10-26
most recent: 2015-06-18
sittings or episodes: 42
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

“Let us not jeopardize this opportunity by prematurely withdrawing. If the Government should sense a certain unease about a prolonged political presence of BNUB and have the feeling that being on the Security Council's agenda may create the impression that Burundi is not a "normal" country, let me offer a response. The only "abnormality" regarding Burundi - and on this I agree completely with Special Representative of the Secretary-General - is the impressive progress it has achieved in such a short time. Being on the Council's agenda does not give the country a negative image; to the contrary, it is another aspect of its success story. Let me conclude with an urgent appeal to all donors present here today.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“For bilateral and multilateral partners, BNUB represents an institutional guarantee that their money is being well spent. I have also conveyed that message to the President himself. Consequently, from my point of view, a continued presence of BNUB on the ground is essential. I am aware that the Government of Burundi would like its mandate to be extended for another year before it is transformed into a country team. That decision of course has to be taken by the Security Council. For my part, I also strongly argue i and all Steering Group members have delivered this message to me - for a sustained BNUB presence, ideally until 2015. We all know that Burundi is not one of the primary concerns of the Security Council, but it is often the "silent" countries that represent the true success stories.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“We explained to them that socioeconomic development was inseparably linked to political and institutional progress, which forms the basis of the Peacebuilding Commission's work. In the future, we envisage a continuing increase in our partnerships. In that connection, I also travelled to Nairobi to meet with the Director of the World Bank's Global Center on Conflict, Security and Development, Mr. Joel Hellman. Let me now turn to my third and last point. The effectiveness of my work as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission is to a large extent based on the excellent role played by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his team. The collaboration with BNUB, for example, has been key for the success of the Geneva conference.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“If this procedure is agreeable to Burundi, my letter and his reply could henceforth form the basis of mutual commitments between the PBC configuration and Burundi. It could replace our outcome document, which has now become obsolete because, as of June 2013, all the peacebuilding review processes will be incorporated in the monitoring and evaluation of the first pillar of the PRSP. My visit last week also marked an important step in expanding the Peacebuilding Commission's partnership with other relevant actors, particularly with the international financial institutions. Building on the success of the Geneva conference, Mr. Philippe Dongier, Regional Director of the World Bank, and I met with high-ranking representatives of the Burundian Government together, including the President and the Second Vice-President.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“The extra-parliamentary opposition is keen on participating, although they realize that at this stage, victory in 2015 amounts to wishful thinking, which therefore puts participation in the elections in a long-term perspective. Those developments are very positive, but risks still exist. Maintaining and expanding the political dialogue between the Government and the extra-parliamentary opposition will be key in avoiding those risks. Similarly, the process of dealing with the past is also critical. It is up to Burundi itself to decide on how the matter is to be approached; that is clear. Nevertheless, I urge the Government to be especially sensitive to the opinions of Burundian society on the issue. I intend to communicate those priorities to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Laurent Kavakure, in a formal letter.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“The strengthening of important institutions, such as the Independent National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Good Governance, which are doing terrific work, is also a crucial factor. Further progress in those four areas is needed and indispensable. This year will prove decisive for the consolidation ofpeace in View ofthe 2015 elections. An open and inclusive atmosphere will be essential for the return of genuine multiparty democracy. The success of the electoral process depends on the opposition and the Government alike; all must contribute. In Bujumbura I sensed a genuine interest from both sides in not repeating the errors of 2010. Government representatives emphasized that they want a real competition in 2015.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“At the political and institutional level, I recommend concentrating the configuration's efforts on the areas in which we have already been cooperating with Burundi: dealing with the past; national reconciliation and transitional justice; widening the political space and the democratic culture, including political dialogue, the return of exiled opposition leaders and the 2015 elections; the rule of law, human rights and reform of the justice sector; and good governance, fighting corruption and promoting transparency. In all of those areas, the Peacebuilding Commission can constitute an important platform for dialogue and exchange and thereby support the efforts of other actors, such as BNUB and the United Nations Development Programme.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“While I welcome the Government's plans, I urged it to prepare the conferences with utmost care, even at the price of having to postpone them. Setting priorities, identifying one's target audience, and defining expectations and needs will be crucial aspects for the success of the conferences. The international community lend Burundi a strong helping hand in that regard. Geneva was but the first step; the challenges of implementing the PRSP-II have only just begun.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“The latter relates to the Geneva follow-up process. From my conversations with the representatives of Burundi, both in New York and Geneva, I gather that the Government wants the Burundi configuration of the PBC to maintain its commitment support until 2015 and beyond, which I consider to be very positive. I reiterate my willingness to continue advocating and counselling Burundi, and I will try my best to ensure that the pledges made in Geneva will be kept. From my meetings with the relevant stakeholders, I learned that the Government, starting in April, intends to organize sectoral conferences on infrastructure, transportation and security, the development of the private sector, health care, good governance and the environment.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“I visited Bujumbura last week, where I met with the main governmental representatives, including the President, representatives of all political parties, including the extra-parlimentary opposition. I also met with civil society members, the private sector, the President of the National Independent Electoral Commission, the President of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, the Burundi Revenue Authority and international partners. The main purpose of my visit, as I mentioned, was to discuss the future steps of the Configuration's engagement with Burundi, including the follow- up process to the Geneva Conference. Building on the dynamics of the conference, I proposed to the governmental authorities that we continue with our political, institutional and socioeconomic engagement.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“On the other hand, the trust shown by the partners present in Geneva should encourage the Burundi Government to redouble its efforts to implement much-needed reforms in the political, institutional and socioeconomic spheres. In that regard, during my meeting with Burundi President Nkunrunziza in Bujumbura last Wednesday, I was encouraged by the President's message that he regarded the commitments of Geneva as reciprocal. I recommended that he announce a number of concrete steps in the coming weeks and months to follow up on Burundi's engagements. At the same time, I have asked all donors to honour their pledges and to continue to follow Burundi in its reform efforts.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“I will try to limit my remarks on the Geneva Conference to a minimum, which Council members will certainly remember as I have already described it in depth a letter sent 28 November 2012. Seeking to promote Burundi's second-generation Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP-II), the Geneva meeting in late October 2012 was a success. It also marked a critical phase in the strengthening and institutionalization, on the basis on the PRSP-II, of the partnership between the Government of Burundi and its international partners, traditional and new alike. The reinvigorated partnership rests upon two assumptions. On the one hand, the international community, through its strong financial and political commitment, clearly acknowledged the far-reaching and impressive progress achieved by Burundi so far.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“Secondly, I will offer a briefing on my most recent trip to Bujumbura, which took place from 14 to 16 January, where I met a wide variety of stakeholders who gave me a general sense of the situation in the country, to see for myself how the follow-up process to the Geneva Conference is unfolding, and to discuss further PBC engagement with the relevant authorities. Thirdly, I will explain to the Security Council why a one-year extension of the political mandate of the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB), with the option of prolonging it beyond that, would be of great help to me in my task of supporting Burundi in my capacity as the country- specific configuration.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“In my capacity as Chair of the country-specific configuration on Burundi of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to address the Security Council. I should like to thanksto the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, for his briefing here today - which I fully endorse - and for his relentless efforts in assisting Burundi. I shall structure my remarks around the three following points. First, I will briefly cover the main messages of the Conference for Burundi's Development Partners, held in Geneva on 29 and 30 October 2012, and its aftermath.”
2013-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6909 (2013) · source
“The fact that the PBC closely follows the countries on its agenda allows Council members to concentrate their efforts on other, more pressing situations. In return, on the other hand, the PBC needs the Council's full support along with swift and flexible access to it in the event of a sudden deterioration on the ground. To conclude, I reiterate our belief that the challenges of peacebuilding should be urgently addressed and that the United Nations has an important role to play in that regard. We will continue to fully support efforts to that end and stand ready to contribute our share.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Considerable progress has been achieved, and my view is that development banks are taking a more active role in peacebuilding. Those factors must be exploited to the fullest possible extent. Thirdly, with direct reference to my previous point, the relationship between the Security Council and the PBC is crucial. Regular exchanges between the two bodies, whether through open debates such as today's, or more informal exchanges such as the dialogue organized by Colombia in July, are very useful. We are convinced that the Peacebuilding Commission can bring added value to the Council's discussions. In particular, it can serve as a safety net for fragile countries that are not the immediate focus of the Council's attention but that nonetheless require a degree of support.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“First and generally, we believe that there is further potential for peacebuilding actors to play a more central and strategic role within the overall United Nations architecture. That is particularly true for the PBC, as a consultative intergovernmental body, as well as the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO). It appears that their roles and added value have been neither understood nor exploited to the fullest extent possible. Secondly, increased efforts must aim to broaden dialogue and link the actors concerned. The PBC is uniquely placed to fulfil that role. It has - in large part thanks to the PBSO - invested considerable effort to reach out to the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council and other international organizations, such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The Secretary-General's seven-point action plan for gender-responsive peacebuilding (see S/2010/466) represents a useful starting point. Progress has been encouraging, but further progress is needed, especially in governance and economic recovery. With the creation of UN-Women, the Secretary-General can count on the support of a strong partner. We expect to see a more systematic consideration and inclusion of gender-specific issues in peacebuilding in the future. Clearly, we were particularly interested in the section on the Peacebuilding Commission. We agree that further progress should be achieved, particularly on the points covered in the 2010 review (S/2010/393). Let me make five specific remarks in that regard.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Even if it appears difficult, we should try to set targets for successful peacebuilding and develop a vision ofthe United Nation's role in relation to other peacebuilding actors. Such a strategic discussion would also help us to better understand the existing links among the peacebuilding architecture and other core processes, such as the post-Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) process. The increasing gap between conflict- affected countries and other developing countries in achieving the MDGs is, indeed, worrying and constitutes a challenge to our effective efforts. We therefore strongly support the inclusion of peacebuilding considerations in the post-2015 development agenda. Thirdly, further progress is necessary on gender mainstreaming.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The New Deal represents a useful framework for implementing measures aimed at mutual accountability, and, as noted in the report, transition compacts can help in formalizing long-term commitments among States and their partners. Secondly, we believe that a clear long-term vision for peacebuilding would help to better streamline our efforts. The present report sets clear priorities for effectively continuing earlier efforts. However, a strategic outlook for the overall peacebuilding architecture would be equally important. Discussions should not only address ways to respond to current challenges, but also elaborate a vision of United Nations peacebuilding in the next five to ten years.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Our own experiences - particularly through the Swiss chairmanship of the Burundi country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) - confirm that those priorities are critical in successful peacebuilding. The recent donors conference for Burundi, held in Geneva at the end of October, is a good illustration in that regard. It allowed an alignment of donors around a common agenda that had been prepared by Burundi through an inclusive process. The conference represented an important milestone in Burundi's peacebuilding process, and we are optimistic regarding its long-term positive impact. The three principles also form important elements of the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, which was agreed in Busan last year and of which Switzerland is a signatory.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland thanks the Secretary-General for his report on peacebuilding in the aftermath of conflict (S/20l2/746). We remain convinced that, in order to respond to the challenges of our times, peacebuilding in general must be strengthened, and in particular, the United Nations peacebuilding architecture. The United Nations has a lot of experience behind it. We commend the Secretary-General and the Organization for the progress made to date. However, further progress is in order. Allow me to begin with three general comments on the report. First, the Secretary-General notes three peacebuilding priorities, namely, inclusivity, institution-building and sustained international support and mutual accountability. We welcome both the choice and the order of the three priorities.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“I know it is lunchtime and I would very much have preferred to provide members with more material sustenance, but I do hope that this intellectual nourishment will also be ofinterest to the Council.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“It is the second edition of the Handbook and examines the degree to which the Security Council has incorporated women, peace and security into its geographical work over the past 12 years, specifically in the Council's country-specific resolutions. The Handbook also contains important recommendations and is available electronically as a smartphone application so that all can have access at any point to language involving women, peace and security. We encourage all Council members to use the Handbook to better strengthen the links between geographical and thematic work. IfI may, I would like to distribute a copy of the Handbook to each member of the Council.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Allow me to conclude with a quick advertisement. The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security has prepared a report parallel to the work of the Security Council entitled "Mapping Women, Peace and Security in the UN Security Council: 2011-2012". We recently launched the report with Liechtenstein, and we warmly encourage all Council members and the entire United Nations membership to read it and to take into account its recommendations in their daily work. Finally, I have the pleasure today to announce the launch of another important publication supported by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Handbook on Women, Peace and Security, by the NGO Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Women's perspectives and needs must be an essential component of all four principles of the fight against impunity: the search for truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence. On security sector reform, gender-based violence can be rooted in traditional values and norms, stereotypes and structures that are transmitted through education and perpetuated by civil society. These stereotypes, values and norms are mirrored in the security sector, which is also one of the key areas to focus on in the fight against discrimination and gender- based violence. If the security sector is to be effective in fighting impunity for crimes committed against women, it must be reformed, taking into account sexist cliches and patterns of deep-rooted discrimination against women, and by including women's networks in the process.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“First, on mediation, the Secretary-General's report provides us with important facts and figures. Unfortunately, it comes to the conclusion that progress remains limited with regard to the inclusion of women in peace talks and the inclusion of women's issues in peace agreements. Our challenge today is to identify opportunities for their participation and to offer them such opportunities at all levels. There is no shortage of capable and well-trained women, as a number of mediation training events for women and women's networks have taken place all over the world. In the framework of our programme dedicated to dealing with the past, we have attached great importance to a gender-sensitive implementation of the transitional justice mechanisms.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland thanks the Guatemalan presidency for proposing this discussion, as well as the Indian presidency, which took it up again after Hurricane Sandy. We would also like to thank the Deputy Secretary- General for having presented the report (S/2012/732) on the implementation of the strategic framework for the promotion of women and peace and security. The report shows, in our view, the usefulness of the global indicators in measuring progress - or sometimes the lack of progress - in a systematic, transparent, honest and critical way. Let me first address the main topic of today's open debate, the inclusion of women's civil society networks in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts and peacebuilding. I will concentrate on three main issues that we believe to be crucial.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Switzerland attaches great importance to the question of Security Council working methods and will continue to engage in joint efforts aimed at improving them. While considerable progress has been achieved in a number of areas, much remains to be done in others. We therefore intend to continue our engagement in the former group of five small nations under a new configuration, and we are currently holding promising consultations to that end. We look forward to continuing the dialogue on working methods in a constructive spirit with all members of the Council. It is said that imitation is the most sincere sort of complement. We therefore hope that another presidency will imitate yours, Sir, and hold a follow-up debate next year.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“Such a practice would be perfectly in line with the spirit of the veto, which was conceived as a mechanism to protect vital national interests. We commend France for its offer to take a step in that direction and encourage other permanent members to follow that example. Those are just some ideas on ways to continue improving the working methods of the Security Council, which we submit for the Council's consideration. Members have certainly heard ideas from many other delegations, and we hope that the members of the Council will not simply listen patiently to our appeals but will take them up in a constructive spirit. We are aware that there are some encouraging signs, and we applaud the efforts the Council has made to enhance transparency and inclusiveness within the Council itself and in its relations with the wider membership.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“Another aspect that we would like to highlight here is the potential for improving relations between the Security Council and the International Criminal Court. As many countries mentioned during the open debate on the rule of law held on 17 October (S/PV.6849), the Council should consider taking concrete steps to strengthen the synergies between the two bodies. As the representative of Liechtenstein remarked, it could, for example, set up a subsidiary mechanism tasked with addressing questions arising from their relationship. Finally, the question of the veto must be addressed. Switzerland has repeatedly suggested that member States using the veto be obliged to explain their reasons for doing so and to refrain from blocking action in cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“While a presidential note on conference resources was indeed adopted (S/2012/402), the second part ofthat note, which proposed establishing systematic horizon-scanning meetings of the Council with the Department of Political Affairs as a tool of preventive diplomacy, was unfortunately not retained. A second note, on a more transparent way of allocating the chairmanships of subsidiary bodies and penholders within the Council, has still not been adopted. Along with other delegations, we therefore encourage the Council to return to the tradition of regular horizon-scanning and make another effort to finalize the note on subsidiary bodies and the issue of penholders. We also hope that the allocation of committee chairmanships will be more transparent, enabling all members elected in 2013 to participate.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“Portugal has done valuable work as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, and I would particularly like to thank Ambassador Moraes Cabral for his personal commitment to that effort. We hope that a new Council member will take up the torch with the same enthusiasm and persistence. That having been said, we became convinced during the discussions in May with the permanent members of the Security Council of draft resolution A/66/L.42/Rev.2 that the Working Group could make substantial progress. Like the representative of Liechstenstein, we believe that the annex to the draft resolution forms a basis for future discussion.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“We have always seen improvement of its working methods as an ongoing process during which we should maintain a sustained and constructive dialogue with the Council, which derives its legitimacy from the membership as a whole. That is why I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having taken the initiative to convene this open debate and for drafting a concept note that gives food for thought (S/2012/853, annex). The note is a reminder and an excellent review of the practical measures that can be taken to improve the Council's transparency, efficiency and interaction with the membership of the United Nations as a whole. I take this opportunity to thank another member of the Security Council, whose term ends in a month.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“Similarly, it has shown no haste even in dealing with more promising developments, such as the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. In Syria, civilians are dying or being deprived of humanitarian assistance while the Council debates procedural questions. Six months ago, the group of five small nations introduced draft resolution A/66/L.42/Rev.2 in the General Assembly on the Security Council's working methods. While the draft resolution was subsequently withdrawn, the group nonetheless received very positive reactions from the wider membership before, during and after its introduction. Switzerland has repeatedly stressed that change in the Security Council must first come from within.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): At a time when the world is witnessing the deterioration of several crises in various parts of the globe, there is only one organ mandated under the Charter of the United Nations to play a key role in preventing, mediating or ending conflicts. That is the Security Council. It sometimes lives up to its mandate and to the expectations of the peoples concerned. It has thus been able to make some decisions in the space of only a few hours, including, for example, resolution 2076 (2012), seeking a way to resolve the crisis in Goma. I hope that the Council will pursue its efforts to stop the violence and to find a framework for a political solution to the cr1s1s. That said, the Council has proved incapable of reacting quickly to the crisis in Syria and the recent events in Gaza.”
2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source
“We believe that our concerted efforts and those of the group are inspired by our sincere desire to strengthen the sanctions regimes and to increase the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Security Council. We are convinced that the approach proposed by our group will help to achieve those objectives.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“My second and last point is that the sanctions regime under resolution 1267 (1999) is not, as members know, the only body that has an impact on the enjoyment of the human rights of individuals and entities affected by targeted sanctions. Other sanctions regimes do not have mechanisms that allow for the imperatives related to the principle of the rule oflaw to be taken into account. We therefore encourage the Security Council to consider the proposal of the group of like-minded countries that other sanctions regimes be provided with mechanisms similar to those established by the Security Council in the framework of the Al-Qaida sanctions Committee.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Many Governments, regional and national parliaments and national and regional courts share that view, as does the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. Until the United Nations system offers the possibility of an effective and independent judicial review of the sanctions lists, the dilemma faced by Member States will continue, in that they are obligated to apply Security Council sanctions while also possibly required to comply with contrary rulings by a court of law regarding their own human rights obligations. That is my first point.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): In line with your wishes, Mr. President, I should like to read only a condensed version of my statement. I would ask that the full text be distributed later on. I will skip the congratulations, but I wish to state that I agree fully with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands on behalf of the group of like-minded countries. While we welcome the important measures taken by the Security Council in adopting resolution 1989 (2011) in June 2011, we cannot but note once again that respect for the rule of law, including the right to a fair public hearing before an independent and impartial mechanism established by law, remains insufficient.”
2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source
“In order to establish a stable and just world order for all, we need to strive unremittingly for peace and justice. Peace cannot be sustainable where injustice persists and, conversely, justice is an illusion when war drags on. From time to time, there may be situations where efforts for peace seem to jeopardize efforts for justice, in the short term at least. However, such a situation should not lead us to play peace off against justice, but to work harder on reconciling both goals in the long term. It is true that it is a great challenge, but we are convinced that we can and will meet it with success.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In the past, the Security Council advanced international criminal justice like no other institution, by establishing two ad hoc tribunals that were financed by the United Nations. It would only seem consistent that the United Nations contribute to the costs of referrals to the International Criminal Court. Likewise, deferrals should not provide for exemptions for nationals of non-State parties. Furthermore, it is necessary that the Security Council determinedly follows up on referral resolutions. As shown by the high number of outstanding arrest warrants, cooperation from States is one of the most significant challenges faced by the Court, particularly in deferred situations. Referrals should not be the end of the Security Council's commitment to end impunity; rather, they should be the beginning.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“At the very least, the Security Council should send a clear warning to all parties to the conflict, urging them to fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict. It should also declare its intention to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court unless a credible, fair and independent mechanism is rapidly implemented in order to try and to punish the perpetrators of the violations. We note that an increasing number of Member States support our appeal. We encourage all other States to join our initiative for a letter on Syria to be addressed to the Security Council. Our second point that we wish to underscore is the need for referrals to be made in a strong and coherent manner.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We deplore the fact that, to date, the Syrian Arab Republic has not responded to the repeated calls of the international community for it to establish a credible, fair and independent mechanism to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of those crimes. Switzerland therefore calls on the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the Court so that all allegations of grave crimes, irrespective of who committed them, can be investigated. It falls to the Council to find a political solution that brings lasting peace and reconciliation for the Syrian people. The imperative of accountability is, for us, a necessary precondition of such a solution.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In order to ensure a significant deterrent effect and to uphold the credibility of the Court and the United Nations in their fight against impunity, there can be no double standards. When a State fails to assume its primary responsibility, namely, to protect its population, on the one hand, and to investigate mass atrocities and prosecute their perpetrators, on the other, the International Criminal Court must be tasked to intervene as a measure of last resort. The Security Council must ensure that there is justice for all victims of the worst crimes, not only for some. In that context, the situation in Syria, where heinous crimes are being committed daily, is of particular concern.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this very timely debate. (spoke in French) The role of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security and the mandate of the International Criminal Court to fight impunity go hand in hand. We must therefore do our utmost to maximize the synergies between the two bodies. In my statement, I will focus on the powers of the Security Council to refer situations to the Court in order to highlight two points. First, the decision to refer a situation to the Court should be reasoned and consistent, as nearly all previous speakers have stated.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Thus, as that case shows, there are alternatives and they should be promoted in situations where States impede cooperation between non-State armed actors and the United Nations. Switzerland would therefore like to pay tribute to the outstanding work of Geneva Call. In conclusion, Switzerland therefore calls on all parties to support complementary activities by States, international organizations and civil society in the interests of Children who are victims on the ground.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“To that end, as my colleague from Luxembourg has just said, it is essential that close cooperation be established between the Security Council and national and international courts striving to put an end to serious Violations of international humanitarian law. Moreover, even more effective steps with regard to non-State armed actors should be taken. For example, as the Secretary-General underscores in his report, the Government of Myanmar refused to negotiate an action plan between two non-State armed actors and the United Nations. However, in that regard, the Geneva Call made possible the signing of the Deed of Commitment under Geneva Call for the Protection of Children from the Effects of Armed Conflict by those same non-State actors.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“However, the position of children affected by armed conflict remains of concern at the global level. Children have been killed, mutilated and recruited by armed groups, have been Victims of sexual Violence and are denied humanitarian aid. In order to strengthen the protection mechanism for children affected by armed conflict, two more types of serious violation should be included: abduction and denial of access to humanitarian aid. Furthermore, Switzerland calls on States that have not yet ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict to do so. We should increase pressure on perpetrators of violations that persist in their acts.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Last but not least, the Human Security Network encourages the Council to enhance its efforts to approach the protection of civilians in armed conflict in a systematic and coordinated manner that recognizes the particular vulnerability of children and women. We encourage Council members to hold further discussions on the issue on an open and inclusive basis. (spoke in French) Allow me now to speak briefly in my national capacity. Further to what I have just said on behalf of the Human Security Network, it is encouraging to note the rapid progress. Since last September, for example, five parties to conflict in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia and Myanmar have signed action plans with the United Nations for the protection of children. To date, those action plans have been signed by five of the 10 Government forces listed.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source