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

“The Human Security Network therefore supports the fight against international terrorism based on the principles of the Charter, international law and the relevant international conventions, and it welcomes the strong leading role the United Nations has taken in this field. From a human security perspective, the strength of the United Nations actions against terrorism is commensurate with the respect for the founding objectives of the United Nations. Of particular importance is the adherence to human rights and fundamental freedoms and the observance of the rule of law in situations where the United Nations actions directly affect individual rights, which is the case in the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Because I am speaking on behalf of the Human Security Network, I will deliver my statement in English. (spoke in English) It is my honour to speak on behalf of Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Thailand, South Africa as an observer, and my own country, Switzerland. The Human Security Network is an informal group of States that advocates a people-centred, holistic approach to security, which complements the more traditional understanding of national and international security. Let me join the other speakers in thanking the Chairs of the three Committees for their informative briefings. Terrorism is undeniably a major threat to human security.”
2011-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6536 (2011) · source
“Humanitarian access remains difficult in many instances, including in regions that are not usually at the centre of the Council's attention. Switzerland welcomes the fact that the United Nations in general and the Security Council in particular are addressing another aspect of the protection of civilians more systematically, namely, the duty to investigate allegations of violations of international humanitarian law or human rights and to hold their alleged perpetrators accountable. The recent referrals of situations to the ICC are striking examples of this positive trend. In this regard, Switzerland would also like to stress the importance of the report of the Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka mandated by the Secretary-General.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“The momentum created by recent decisions of the Council may be lost if situations that are just as important as those in Libya and Cote d'Ivoire are not addressed. Failure to do so may lead to the perception of the whole concept of the protection of civilians as purely utilitarian, further endangering civilians and those charged with protecting them on the ground. Among the various situations that would merit the Council's attention, Switzerland is very concerned about threats to civilians in Syria and firmly condemns the human rights violations that have been committed there. We are concerned by the behaviour of the security forces towards non-violent protesters and civilians who are not participating in protests. We must also ensure that the most visible situations do not cause us to lose sight of other, long- term protection tasks.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In particular, I would like to underline the importance of timely and concerted action by the Council, using the whole range of tools that the international community can apply in the case of widespread violence against civilians. This includes, in particular, applying deterrent measures such as asset freezes, travel bans and early ICC referrals. The Council needs to ensure that its actions to protect civilians are coherent and non-selective in order to ensure its political sustainability in the long term. Switzerland therefore urges the Council to devote more attention to situations that are not formally on its agenda, as recommended in paragraphs 102 and 103 of the report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians of November 2010.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Where this is not done, independent international accountability mechanisms should be established. We welcome in this regard the proposals for enhancing accountability contained in the Secretary-General's most recent report on the protection of civilians (S/2010/579), such as the possibility of mandating commissions of inquiry to examine situations where concerns exist about serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. (spoke in French) I would now like to share a few observations in my national capacity. Switzerland welcomes the assertive manner in which the Council has worked to address situations of concern in recent months.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“We welcome in this respect resolution 1894 (2009), which draws attention to the full range of justice and reconciliation mechanisms to be considered, including national, international and mixed criminal courts and tribunals, and truth and reconciliation commissions, as well as national reparation programmes for victims and institutional reforms. In this regard, we support the important and complementary role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and welcome the Security Council's recent consensual decision to refer the situation in the Libyan Arab J amahiriya to the Prosecutor of the ICC. In situations where there are serious allegations of violations of international law and significant civilian casualties, Governments are obliged to conduct effective investigations and prosecutions.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“We also encourage the members of the Security Council to continue to make regular use of the informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians, which provides, inter alia, valuable input to the revision of the mandates of peacekeeping missions involving protection tasks. Respect for and implementation of international humanitarian and human rights law are inextricably linked with ensuring accountability and the fight against impunity. The importance of ending impunity for criminal violations of applicable international humanitarian and human rights law should be seen as part of a comprehensive approach to seeking sustainable peace, justice, truth and national reconciliation.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“The Human Security Network welcomes the progress made over the past months by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in the development of a set of important tools enabling peacekeeping operations to carry out protection mandates in a coordinated, coherent and proactive manner. The strategic framework for protection of civilians strategies will provide guidance to missions in this area and will help to further clarify the roles and responsibilities of all relevant actors. The resource and capability matrix will assist both in planning missions with protection mandates and in drafting protection strategies. Finally, the envisaged protection of civilians training modules will ensure that peacekeepers are adequately prepared for implementing protection activities on the ground.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In addition to enhancing compliance with international law and strengthening national protection capacities, we recognize the major role of United Nations peacekeeping operations, the majority of which are mandated with protection-related tasks, in the protection of civilians, including in the area of prevention. Peacekeepers cannot stand by when civilians are attacked. The international community, in close coordination with troop-contributing countries, must ensure that peacekeeping operations are provided with the necessary resources and capabilities, as well as with operational guidance, to implement their protection tasks effectively. Force commanders have the responsibility to develop comprehensive and effective strategies for the protection of civilians, and to ensure that they are implemented vigorously.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In our view, peace and security, development and human rights are indivisible and interdependent. Therefore, human security threats and vulnerabilities, such as the lack of development, poverty, inequality or human rights violations, have to be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated way. The active empowerment of the individual, especially of those that are most vulnerable, is an effective protection strategy. All parties to an armed conflict must respect obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. Recent events have once again highlighted how humanitarian assistance is crucial in times of conflict. The Human Security Network condemns all attacks on humanitarian workers. All parties to conflict bear the responsibility of allowing and facilitating access for the delivery of such assistance.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“We also believe that such initiatives as the so- called horizon-scanning briefings of the Secretariat, if held at regular intervals, can be a useful means to enhance the Council's capacity to prevent violations and should be continued. The systematic monitoring of situations of armed conflict, as well as the inclusion of detailed information relating to the protection of civilians in country-specific reports of the Secretary- General, is also important. We welcome the fact that the Secretariat is currently developing guidance in that regard. The Human Security Network advocates a people-centred, holistic approach to security. That includes a focus not only on the protection of civilians once a conflict situation occurs, but also on prevention in a broader sense.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“The Security Council should strongly, systematically, consistently and promptly respond to serious violations of international law concerning civilian populations in all situations and without distinction, as it has done with the adoption of resolution 1973 (2011) in response to events in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, and of resolution 1975 (2011), reinforcing the protection mandate of the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire. The Human Security Network would like to reiterate the importance of appropriate and determined action by the Security Council to stop and prevent further violations of international law. The recently updated aide-memoire on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (see S/PRST/2010/25, annex) serves as a useful tool in that regard.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Significant progress has been made in recent years in the normative and institutional framework with the adoption of important resolutions, most recently resolution 1960 (2010), which established a monitoring, analysis and reporting mechanism on conflict-related sexual violence. However, emphasis must now be placed on progress in enhancing protection on the ground. The worrying recent increase in the number of conflict situations, in particular in countries in North Africa and the Middle East, leaves no doubt that we need to strengthen our efforts so as to protect civilians from the impact of armed conflict and from becoming targets of attacks. We are deeply concerned by the use of force against civilians and by ongoing violations of international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“We would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head of the New York Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for their presentations today. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a priority of the Human Security Network. We highly value the continued attention that the Security Council is giving to that important issue. The holding of informal consultations of the Security Council on protection issues last February was a welcome step to address the three pillars of the protection architecture - namely, the protection of civilians, children and armed conflict, and women and peace and security - in a comprehensive and coherent manner.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): As I an taking the floor on behalf of the Human Security Network, I will deliver my statement in English and thank you, Sir, for your understanding. (spoke in English) It is my honour to speak on behalf of the Human Security Network, namely, Austria, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, and South Africa as an observer. We would like to thank the French presidency of the Security Council for having organized this important debate.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“I am thinking of processes such as the preparation of reports of the Secretary-General, mission planning, continuing education for personnel and within integrated mission task forces. For the countries on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, the importance of such cooperation no longer needs to be proven, and we are pleased to be able to actively participate in it with regard to Burundi.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Security Council could function more efficiently if it were able to benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of the situations it monitors, in particular of the root causes of conflicts, taking account of the socio-economic and environmental dimensions and other factors that threaten peace and security. Secondly, strategic cooperation between the United Nations and the World Bank is essential. In this regard, the World Bank's World Development Report 201]: Conflict, Security and Development comes at an opportune time. Periodic exchanges with development players and those involved in the peacebuilding architecture could be more effective if they were systematized and intensified.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“For our other substantive arguments, I invite the Security Council to refer to the statement made by my colleague, the Permanent Representative of Belgium, on behalf of the five Chairs of the country- specific configurations of the Peacebuilding Commission. We fully associate ourselves with that statement. First, lasting peace and development cannot be achieved in any society without the promotion of human rights and justice. The reform processes of the United Nations relating to peace and security, operational development systems and human rights must be implemented in a coordinated manner.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): The 2005 World Summit Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1) underscored the importance of interlinkages between development, peace and security, and human rights, and of their mutual reinforcement. The urgent need to do everything possible to carry out the vision presented in the Millennium Declaration (General Assembly resolution 55/2) is now more evident than ever. We therefore welcome the initiative of the presidency of the Security Council to place this issue on today's agenda. Given the late hour and the long list of speakers, my statement will be extremely brief and limited to two points.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The issue discussed in this open debate is high among our priorities. We remain committed to contributing to achieving the goals of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009).”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Resolution 1888 (2009) introduced the mandate for women's protection advisors who, once operational, will provide additional, important points of reference for the women-protection efforts. Finally, we invite the Council to systematically link thematic and geographical issues. When considering a conflict situation, it is crucial to include a thematic perspective, because the thematic issues on the Council's agenda are cross-cutting issues. To link that to today's subject - as deplorable as it is, sexual violence has become characteristic of many conflicts. It therefore calls for a consistent approach by the Council. 10-69905 Lastly, I should like to reiterate that we fully associate ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network.”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The deployment of rapid response teams on the rule of law, as provided for in resolution 1888 (2009), is an example of such support. In this context, we would like to mention the Justice Rapid Response initiative, initiated by Canada and supported by my country. The initiative provides, for example, rapidly deployable criminal justice professionals who collect information in cases of sexual violence in a timely fashion. Fourthly, we encourage United Nations agencies to continue efforts to increase the capacity of their personnel in matters of conflict-related sexual violence. This is particularly important with a View to the establishment of a monitoring and reporting arrangement.”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“To that end, the Security Council has a range of tools including, but not limited to, the use of the sanction system or the competence to refer matters to the International Criminal Court. We encourage the Security Council to make full use of the available tools in order to give teeth to measures concerning women, peace and security. Thirdly, we support the idea that all parties to conflict should prepare specific plans of action for ending acts of sexual violence in conflict situations on the Council's agenda. This would enable the international community to provide specific support to the actors concerned in fulfilling their obligations. Further, it would contribute to a transparent and objective follow-up by the Security Council.”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Such information should be provided by competent and well-coordinated sources on the field and serve as a basis for concerted action by the Security Council. The mechanism should take into consideration the experience of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on the six grave violations against children in armed conflict identified in resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009). With a separate mechanism for women and girls, the Council would assure consistency in countering the use of 10-69905 systematic sexual violence in conflict situations on its agenda. Secondly, it is important to increase pressure on conflict parties and individuals to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, and to enhance efforts to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence.”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General's report explicitly states, and we probably all agree, that this year was further proof of our inability to prevent sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. We need to do better in the future. The recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General indicate the way to advance, and we fully support them all. In particular, we should like to highlight the following points and call on the Security Council to take action accordingly. First, Switzerland supports the establishment of a monitoring, analysis and reporting mechanism, as provided for in resolution 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday. The mechanism will collect timely, objective, accurate and reliable information about conflict-related sexual violence, for example on incidents, trends and patterns.”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We are here today to concretize the strategic lines of action developed in resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) to fight conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls. We therefore thank you, Madame, for organizing today's open debate. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604), which provides an excellent basis for today's discussion, and wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, for her excellent work. Her mandate is important and challenging. We assure her of our full support and encourage her to build strong synergies with the United Nations operational system.”
2010-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As I said from the outset, I believe that a strong and active political presence of the United Nations is important. In that context, it is important to appoint a new United Nations Special Representative soon. I conclude by reiterating that I greatly appreciate this opportunity to speak before the Council and hope the tradition will be maintained in the future. I believe that the famous document S/2010/507 offers an opportunity for the Chairs of the country-specific configurations to speak more regularly to the Council and to help it with its task. I remain fully available to do so at any time in the future.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“Thirdly, the rule of law, institutional issues and human rights aspects must be addressed. We talked about the issues of corruption, the rule of law and human rights that, I believe, we should improve and further support. Fourthly and lastly is perhaps the most delicate and difficult issue; I am not sure. That is to promote that culture of dialogue among the various parties in the country. I think it important to consolidate and stabilize the country politically and to help the parties that support moderation and reconciliation. That is more or less my vision for the future and we will endeavour to broaden it with the Government. I also express my gratitude for the Security Council's trust in the configuration to work with Burundi.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“I touched on the socio-economic, political and institutional aspects that we should address together. I think that we will be able to do that now in the context of the current Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding, which will be completed in early 2011. We are working with the Government towards that. To sum up, I think that I see four areas on which the configuration could work. First is to support the country in its integration into the East African Community. I believe that is an important element for the economic and political stability of the country. Secondly, I think that it is necessary to incorporate conflict-sensitive aspects in the socio- economic aspects, that is, in the poverty reduction strategy, in order to implement the principles of there being no peace without development nor development without peace.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“What is positive is that the country - as I realized during my visit in July - has a Vibrant, active and very committed civil society, as well as a very involved media. I believe that in the configuration we also have the task of supporting that civil society, supporting freedom of expression and supporting the media. We have the will and are ready to work with the Government on those points. That brings me to the vision, perhaps by way of a preliminary comment. The goal of the configuration is to contribute to the country's achieving a degree of stability and security sufficient to terminate the configuration's help. In other words, my mandate is to make myself obsolete. So we are working with the Government towards that goal, but I believe that there is still work to do, and I think the Minister agrees with me.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“It also seems important to establish and encourage a culture of political dialogue in the country. The election process and the boycott by the opposition have left wounds. I believe it is necessary now to encourage the moderate groups that are calling for reconciliation and dialogue, in order to isolate potential radical elements that could advocate violence and oppression. I primarily refer to the politically motivated acts of violence that are mentioned, as the Council will no doubt have read, in the Secretary- General's report, and even cases of extrajudicial executions. I should also say that there a several members of the configuration that are particularly concerned about an appreciable increase in human rights violations, which is also mentioned in the Secretary-General's report, including cases of torture.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“On the economic and social side, I believe that above all it is necessary to be aware of the fact that the people of Burundi expect what I would call a peace dividend. Now, following the elections, they want the economic and social development to continue. I believe that we have a task - a moral and political obligation - to support them in that. I am thinking in particular of the young people, who are rightly expecting results. On the political and institutional side, in my view it is necessary to continue to improve the situation in the areas that Charles rightly mentioned. Among others, I will mention the fight against corruption - which, moreover, is a priority of the Government - but also sectors such as transitional justice. There are important and useful elements there that can be developed.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“I believe that now, after the electoral cycle process - which concluded to the satisfaction of the observers - a new phase, a new chapter, has opened in Burundi. There are several positive aspects. There is the establishment of a democratically elected, stable, recognized Government and, in particular, the prospects for Burundi's integration into the East African Community, and others. I believe that for that progress to continue, it will be necessary to promote an institutional and political environment conducive to economic and social development and, above all, to create a stable environment attractive to foreign investment. In other words, it seems to me that we must continue to work on two elements: the economic and social aspect, on the one hand, and the political and institutional aspect, on the other.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“My predecessor Peter Maurer and I visited the country. We also held meetings with the Burundi Government and the configuration here in New York. Thirdly, I also visited the World Bank to try to involve the Bank in the economic and social development process. I believe that there are important elements in merging the peacebuilding and socio- economic efforts, because I am of the view that there is 10-68327 no peace without development, nor is there development without peace. Hence, fusing the political efforts of the United Nations with those of the World Bank seems important to me. Very briefly, with regard to the assessment of the current situation, first of all, we fully share the excellent analysis contained in the Secretary-General's report.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“I would first like to express my gratitude for the excellent cooperation with the Burundi Government, which has greatly facilitated our work. I count on continuing that excellent cooperation in the future. As Charles said, during the past year in the configuration we basically focused on the facilitation of the elections in Burundi, the entire election cycle. We concentrated chiefly on financial aspects. The donors within the Burundi configuration contributed greatly to the success of the electoral process. Just to give a few figures - of the $46.5 million that the elections cost, the greatest part was paid by the contributors. Burundi assisted with $7.9 million. Also, the Peacebuilding Fund contributed $3 million to the elections. Furthermore, we continued to help with political support for the country.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“As the Council knows, in resolution 1902 (2009) the Security Council welcomed the configuration's commitment to continue its work in Burundi and requested it, with support from the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi, to lay the foundations for sustainable peace and security, reintegration and development in Burundi and to mobilize resources to that end. In my report, I will briefly touch on the activities of the Burundi configuration, assess the current situation and try to set out a Vision of the configuration's future tasks. In the interest of time, I will summarize my written statement, which, I believe, will be distributed, and I would simply ask Council members to refer for the details to the statement. With regard to the activities, Charles Petrie has already mentioned several.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“On behalf of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, I thank you, Madame, for this opportunity to address the Security Council today. I am speaking in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration. I would also like to convey my thanks to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/608), which covers all the pertinent aspects of peacebuilding in a comprehensive and balanced way. To finish my thanks, I join with your thanks, Madam President, to Charles Petrie, his team and his predecessors for the excellent work they have done. I have personally greatly 10-68327 benefited from Charles' support, and I will miss him. I can only hope that his successor will be as competent and excellent. I believe that the Burundi configuration and the United Nations need a strong personality in Burundi.”
2010-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6439 (2010) · source
“This initiative, the first of its kind, was jointly launched by Switzerland and industry associations. The code should be considered as just part of a series of initiatives. Indeed, in 2008, Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross presented the Montreux Document, which reminds States of pertinent international obligations and good practices related to operations of private military and security companies during armed conflict. In conclusion, we think it appropriate to continue to follow the issue of explosive weapons, especially with a view to better implementing international humanitarian law. The use of certain explosive weapons in densely populated areas is clearly a major source of suffering for civilians in situations of armed conflict.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“We also wish to reiterate that it is the primary responsibility of States to provide their people with protection and aid. To do so, States must ensure swift and unrestricted humanitarian access. In that regard, the Security Council needs to continue in its efforts to monitor constraints on humanitarian access and, where necessary, take the necessary measures to eliminate any such obstacles. Thirdly, with regard to the normative framework in conflict situations, private security companies are playing an increasingly important role. It is essential that those companies undertake to abide by and respect international norms. We therefore welcome the recent signature of an international code of conduct by some 60 private security companies, under which they have committed to respect human rights and humanitarian law in their activities.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“We are concerned by the impact that the adoption of lists of terrorist groups may have on efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians. In our view, it is important rather to gain a better understanding of the motivations of non-State groups and to identify strategies to ensure that they fully respect the law. In that connection, Switzerland welcomes the work of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights referred to in the report. Secondly, humanitarian access remains a crucial element for all protection and aid activities relating to people affected by armed conflict and violence. Switzerland expresses its concern with regard to the growing restrictions on access granted to humanitarian actors in conflict zones.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“We therefore encourage the Security Council, and in particular its informal group of experts on the protection of civilians, to take that into account in their work. I would like to focus my remarks on four central aspects of the report of the Secretary-General before the Council today, which are: engagement with non- State armed groups, humanitarian access, the standards governing the activities of private security companies, and, lastly, the issue of the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons. First, Switzerland agrees with the Secretary- General's evaluation of the need for greater respect for the law by non-State armed groups and stresses the importance of preventing obstacles to the efforts of humanitarian organizations in that regard.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“Encouraging progress has been made, especially in terms of establishing general standards, as well as in taking into account the specific protection needs of women and children. Other bodies of the United Nations system have followed the Council's lead, showing that the protection of civilians is by no means the prerogative of a single body. For example, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations has worked over the past three years on a common definition of the strategic framework within which a mission must perform its tasks relating to the protection of civilians as defined by the Security Council. However, the impact of those developments will have little value if they are not transformed into a tangible improvement in civilian protection on the ground.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for having convened this open debate. I also thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2010/579). Switzerland welcomes the adoption of the presidential statement today, which reaffirms the importance of the achievement made so far in the protection of civilians. I would also like to warmly congratulate Ms. Valerie Amos on her appointment to the post of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Over the past ten years, the activities of the Security Council have been increasingly influenced by the issue of the protection of civilians.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427 (2010) · source
“Here is the handbook, it is available, and I urge participants to use it. As Member States, we are also called upon to systematically apply a gender perspective in our political processes. Switzerland adopted a national action plan early on, which has proved to be a useful instrument. Our second and revised national action plan will come into force within the next few days. When participants leave the building today, I encourage them to take another look at the exhibit in the entrance hall. Walking on the red carpet, they will see which countries have adopted national action plans to date. And they will notice that there is still plenty of space for many more.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Resolution 1820 (2008) affirmed the Council's intention to consider targeted sanctions against parties to armed conflict who commit rape. In addition, we have international criminal justice instruments at our disposal, in particular the International Criminal Court, to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished. However, it should be kept in mind that States bear the primary responsibility to prevent such crimes and to bring perpetrators to justice. The representative of Liechtenstein just mentioned the monthly action points of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, which we support together with them. In addition, we are offering the Council a handbook, prepared by PeaceWomen, highlighting the various obligations that derive from the resolution, with many best practice examples as guidance.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“However, the application of these indicators calls for political leadership by the Council. Switzerland therefore supports the idea of a "1325 lead country" and the creation of a single comprehensive framework to support the implementation of the resolution. UN Women could contribute to this goal by creating a 1325 office within its institution. We hope that Margot Wallstrom, who was appointed under resolution 1888 (2009), will play a significant role as an interlocutor for conversations between the United Nations system and the Security Council. We also hope that she will provide the Council with detailed information on instances of sexual violence. The recent events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remind us of the urgent need to put an end to the cruel practice of using rape as a method of warfare.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Today, I would like to carry the voices of these women into this Chamber, commending them for their courage and determination. In fact, I had promised them that I would wear this scarf at my first appearance before the Security Council, and I am going to keep that promise. As the Council can see, the word "amahoro" is still here, which means, ifI am not mistaken, "peace" in Kirundi. But civil society is not the only one with the capacity and responsibility to create peace. It is also up to the Security Council, as the parent of resolution 1325 (2000). The Council must use of all the instruments at its disposal. We welcome the establishment, in that regard, of a set of global indicators, which the Council will endorse today. This represents important progress in ensuring follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000).”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“You saw the curtain with the portraits of the 1,000 women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, looking down at the rickety peace table on the opposite side of the hall. I hope that, 10 years from now, these women will not be looking at that table, but sitting around it, as active and respected negotiating partners in all peace processes. You are perhaps surprised, Sir, that I am wearing a scarf today. As chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, I travelled to Bujumbura a few weeks ago, and I had the opportunity to meet with women's organizations there. During the elections, they had decided to wear a white shawl like this in public to show their desire for peace. That initiative had a significant impact in successfully limiting the violence during the election phase.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We thank you, Sir, for having convened this debate. The participation of a number of ministers shows the importance that Member States and the Security Council attach to the topic of women and peace and security. We also welcome the presence of Under- Secretary-General Michelle Bachelet. Switzerland associates itself with the joint statement of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, delivered by the representative of Canada, and the joint statement of the Human Security Network, delivered by the representative of Costa Rica. When entering the building this morning, participants passed by our exhibit "N0 Women - No Peace" in the entrance hall.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source