YouSaid · the spoken record

Staehelin

lines on the record: 121
first: 1999-02-22
most recent: 2004-04-22
sittings or episodes: 18
sources: un-security-council

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

“Switzerland welcomes the Secretary-General's report (S/2002/ 1053) and recommendations on small arms of 20 September, presented by Under-Secretary-General Dhanapala, and notes with satisfaction that the efforts deployed to date by Switzerland fall within the lines of action the report prescribes. A certain number of the report's recommendations, in our view, are of particular importance. In his recommendation 1, the Secretary- General expresses the wish that we support efforts to elaborate an international instrument that would allow States to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons in a timely and reliable manner. The French- Swiss initiative, previously mentioned by the French delegation, falls into that category.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Over the last few months, Switzerland's international efforts have been concentrated on four aspects of the problem of small arms: marking and tracing, support for centres of competence, promotion of innovative approaches such as dealing with non- State actors, and in particular, national and regional implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on small arms. In that last category, I wish to mention Switzerland's support for the recent conference in Pretoria on the implementation of the Programme of Action in Africa and our financing of seminars in Latin America.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons represents a threat to human security in certain regions of the world. Switzerland expresses its satisfaction at the success of the 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. The biennial meeting in 2003 will present the first opportunity to examine the progress achieved in implementing the United Nations Programme of Action.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“In conclusion, I wish once again to refer to the right of the Security Council to bring about the suspension of a criminal proceeding, pursuant to article 16 of the Rome Statute. We have no objection to the Council expressing the intention to make use of it in the future in specific cases of powers conferred on it by article 16, provided it is done in accordance with that norm. But generalized preventive usage of article 16 would be contrary to the Treaty.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“The solution is to insert specific clauses into the resolutions concerning the six operations to which I have referred. For example, the case of Bosnia could be resolved without much difficulty. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has primacy in the exercise of international criminal jurisdiction. The resolution could recall this in an appropriate way. Furthermore, the Rome Statute provides for special arrangements to be concluded between contributor States and third States. The ICC could not proceed with the execution of a request for surrender that was contrary to such a special agreement. We wonder whether this option has been sufficiently explored.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Clearly, the best way for a State to render one of its nationals immune to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is to exercise its own criminal jurisdiction. I know that, despite all this, concerns remain. In our view, they can be taken into account in a fully satisfactory way by assuming an approach that takes into account the specific characteristics of every case. It seems to us that only six peacekeeping operations may involve sensitive aspects in terms of the ICC. Moreover, they raise different issues. Seeking a solution through a general resolution, which would thus be applicable to all 15 United Nations peacekeeping operations, would create more problems than it would resolve. It should not be attempted.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“We share that conviction with all those who have expressed it. We even think that safeguards could be provided in that regard. However, we must choose adequate means to attain that objective. The Security Council's adoption of a resolution modifying a treaty that is in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations is inconceivable as a solution. That would be a serious development for the future of international law and of the United Nations, and it would directly affect the authority of the Council itself. We fully share the views expressed on that subject by the Secretary-General. The Rome Statute itself and the rules developed for its application embody numerous safeguards introduced to take into account the reservations of certain States.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): The Security Council is now called upon to tackle a question of considerable import, and for that reason, I am grateful to you, Mr. President, and to the other members of the Council for giving me the floor. The Council is discussing a peacekeeping operation - one to which Switzerland, moreover, contributes. But what is at stake goes well beyond that. Let me explain. Peacekeeping operations are a necessity. International peace and security depend on them in a number of sensitive regions of the world. In our view, the exercise of international criminal jurisdiction is not in contradiction with the carrying out of such operations - quite the contrary. However, it is proper to prevent criminal cases from being brought frivolously or for politically motivated reasons.”
2002-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4568 (2002) · source
“In conclusion, the Interlaken process has shown that the conceptual, technical and practical elements required to make targeted financial sanctions effective are available. It is now primarily a matter of mustering the necessary political will at the international and national levels to translate this into reality.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“Strategic choices regarding the types of sanctions to be imposed and their modalities depend on a thorough analysis of the vulnerabilities of the targeted country or actors, as well as on the political will necessary to enforce such measures and assess their effects. Targeted sanctions focusing on financial measures are not sufficient alone to force Governments or other actors to alter their behaviour and comply with their obligations, but they represent an important tool that can be used in combination with other measures. In this respect, we were glad to see the German Government continue these reflections with the Bonn- Berlin process, which explored other forms of targeted sanctions, and we welcome of the Swedish Government's intention to cover new sanctions issues.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“This is a key element also for the fight against money laundering and for tracking and blocking more effectively financial flows used for terrorist acts, as demanded by Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). Switzerland, which has strict procedures for identifying not only bank customers, but also the actual economic beneficiaries of funds, has recently made concrete proposals in this regard in the Financial Action Task Force Against Money Laundering, a body established by the G-7. These proposals would leader to higher international standards by improving the effectiveness of know-your-customer rules. (Spoke in French) Targeted financial sanctions are likely to be most effective when they are considered as part of a broader coordinated political and diplomatic strategy.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“The outcome, which we are presenting to the Security Council today, and which will be distributed to all Missions, is a handbook that reflects the results of the Interlaken process and the valuable contributions made by the participants. We hope it will prove useful to those responsible for drafting future resolutions imposing targeted financial sanctions and for implementing them here and in capitals. Let me add that, of course, one of the essential preconditions to making targeted financial sanctions more effective is to be able to define the target clearly. And that also implies the effective identification of the actual economic beneficiary of assets.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“This includes the development of elements for a national legal framework. Finally, discussions also addressed the need for the United Nations to develop greater capabilities for administering and monitoring financial sanctions, including the provision of guidance and technical assistance to help States implement sanctions on a consistent basis. With the aim of further developing and operationalizing the substantive work accomplished in the Interlaken process, the Swiss Government mandated a university institute, the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, to undertake additional research.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“The Interlaken process focused on the practical and technical aspects involved in designing effective financial sanctions and ensuring their successful implementation. The key results so far have been as follows: First, a better understanding of the specific technical requirements of targeted financial sanctions and the preconditions necessary for them to be effective. Secondly, language modules and definitions that can serve as building blocks for future Security Council resolutions. Such standardized language elements would enhance a more uniform drafting and implementation of resolutions in this area, as well as unambiguous interpretation. Thirdly, the identification of the basic legal and administrative requirements for national implementation of financial sanctions.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“In cooperation with the United Nations Secretariat, my Government organized a series of international expert meetings in Interlaken and New York to examine in an informal and technical setting the feasibility of targeted financial sanctions. This so- called Interlaken Process provided a forum for dialogue among representatives from national Governments and regional bodies, central bank authorities, the United Nations Secretariat, the private banking sector and academia. I wish to thank all those States and individual experts who participated actively in this process. Let me also express my thanks to the Secretary-General, who has encouraged this process, and to the members of the Secretariat, for both their participation and valuable support.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“My Government shares the concern that sanctions should be made more effective while minimizing the negative humanitarian impact on civilian populations, as well as the adverse economic effects on third States, that comprehensive sanctions regimes have. The concept of targeted sanctions addresses this concern. They are designed to focus on the individuals and groups responsible for the policies condemned by the international community, while ideally leaving other parts of the population and international trade relations unaffected. In this context, targeted financial sanctions are one of the issues that have received particular attention. As a major financial centre, Switzerland has significant expertise and know-how regarding financial transactions.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“First, I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the Council presidency and I wish to thank you for convening today's meeting and giving me the floor. Over the past decade, sanctions have become an important tool in the hands of the United Nations Security Council and the number of sanctions regimes has increased significantly. Switzerland, as a non- Member State of the United Nations, applies United Nations sanctions on an autonomous basis. It thus underlines its commitment to the promotion of international peace and security and its solidarity with the international community.”
2001-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4394 (2001) · source
“While much remains to be done, my Government assures the Secretary-General of its gratitude and of its support for his praiseworthy commitment to civilian populations that are victims of armed conflict.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The formulation under United Nations auspices of basic standards for humane behaviour, combining the key norms that should be applied by all parties in all circumstances, could make a valuable contribution to the dialogue. Switzerland appreciates the Secretary-General's inclusion as an annex to his report of a summary of the situation with regard to the implementation of the recommendations he made in September 1999. We note with satisfaction efforts to take better account of the humanitarian repercussions of sanctions regimes on civilian populations, and to promote targeted sanctions. Switzerland also takes note of progress with respect to arms embargoes when civilian populations are under threat, and to the safety and security of camps.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Conflicts today are increasingly characterized by the growing role of armed groups, which are bearing responsibility with regard to civilian populations that is comparable to that of regular armed forces. Under article 3 common to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, all parties to a conflict are obliged to respect minimum rules of conduct. Thus, all those parties, including non-State actors, must henceforth understand their true responsibilities. There must be an emphasis on greater dissemination of international humanitarian and human-rights law, and improved promotion of humanitarian principles. Switzerland believes that even politically sensitive contacts with armed groups should be guided by humanitarian imperatives and conducted with pragmatism.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Indeed, the international community has often stressed that safe and unimpeded access to the victims of conflict is a sine qua non for the provision of the international assistance and protection that are provided for in international law. Moreover, it is well known that in today's internal conflicts access can be gained only after sometimes long and arduous negotiations. Here, Switzerland supports the Secretary-General's appeal for closer cooperation among humanitarian agencies, with full respect for their mandates and their independence, with a view to gaining access to distressed populations. Here we welcome the fact that the Inter-Agency Standing Committee has been requested to develop a manual for negotiators. Another of the Secretary-General's recommendations is to develop constructive dialogue with non-State armed groups.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Switzerland fully shares that objective, which - given that civilian populations are the principal victims and often the actual targets of conflicts - is intended to place the human being at the centre of international concerns and to ensure that protection heads the political agenda. Some of the Secretary-General's recommendations for establishing that culture of protection seem to us to be of particular interest. Let me touch briefly on two of them. First is the need for clear ground rules for negotiating access to vulnerable populations, including criteria for engagement and disengagement of humanitarian organizations.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I wish at the outset to thank you, Mr. President, and the other members of the Security Council for having organized this public debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As depositary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional Protocols, Switzerland attaches particular importance to respect for international humanitarian law and to the protection of civilians. Switzerland has therefore been following the Council's deliberations on this item with great interest. Switzerland welcomes the report of the Secretary- General (S/2001/331) before the Council today, and welcomes the Secretary-General's ongoing commitment to civilians in conflict. We are gratified at the report's objective of developing a culture of protection of civilians.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“That Process has clearly received a mandate from the General Assembly to continue its work in this direction. Switzerland intends to be actively involved in these efforts. In conclusion, I would stress that my Government attaches great importance to the promotion of peace and stability in Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries. At stake are not only the security of the people, but sustainable development throughout the entire region.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“These countries require increased vigilance. The Swiss Government therefore regrets the fact that the report of the Panel of Experts e contrary to the recent, similar report on sanctions against UNITA- refers in a partial and incomplete way to the measures taken by Switzerland in this area, which are detailed in the annex to the letter that I have addressed to the President of the Security Council in document S/2000/1232. Allow me to add that my country supports international efforts to design a global certification system to prevent trade in conflict diamonds. We welcome the General Assembly's adoption last December of the resolution on the role of diamonds, as well as the efforts that have been made by participants in the "Kimberley Process".”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We believe that United Nations sanctions aimed, inter alia, at eliminating the economic bases that allow the conflict situation to persist are an important instrument for attaining these goals. In order to make these sanctions truly effective, we need to be mindful of the risk of their being circumvented. This problem is particularly relevant with regard to the illicit importation of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone. In this respect, I wish to recall that my Government has not only fully implemented all the recommendations ofthe Security Council, but has gone even further in many spheres. It has, inter alia, taken additional steps to enforce more effectively the sanctions regime in the free ports and has drawn up a list of countries that are potentially vulnerable to the diamond traffic that sustains conflict.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland rarely addresses the Security Council, but today we believe that a statement is necessary because Switzerland is mentioned in the report of the Panel of Experts established by resolution 1306 (2000) concerning Sierra Leone. At the outset, I would stress that my Government, too, is concerned by the situation in Sierra Leone and by the resulting instability throughout the region. We support the efforts of the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States to provide a speedy and lasting solution to these problems. Switzerland particularly welcomes the various measures adopted by the Security Council to put an end to the conflict and to promote peace and stability in the region.”
2001-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4264Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We have reason more systematically than in the past to try to achieve cooperation among representatives of the humanitarian community, the States concerned and the economic actors. Finally, the development of, and respect for, codes of conduct and thorough work within the framework of the global covenant proposed by the Secretary-General could also yield the innovative solutions that we urgently need.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Our agenda in this field must include the marking of small arms and light weapons, measures to monitor their trade and the development of codes of conduct and actions to reduce the number of these weapons already in circulation in areas of conflict. The Security Council, as the organ with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, can also contribute to these efforts and provide an impetus for all partners concerned to do likewise. Lastly, I wish to mention here the need more closely to involve the economic actors, and in particular the private sector, in the search for lasting solutions to armed conflict. Recent discussions on Angola and Sierra Leone have made this clear.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“As we reflect on these issues, we must necessarily be guided by common article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which enshrines the minimum rules of conduct that apply to all of the parties to a conflict and which admit no derogation. The second priority also falls within the framework of the human security strategy. In addition to what should be a continuing struggle to eliminate anti-personnel mines and to strengthen victim assistance programmes, the question of small arms and light weapons must be at the forefront of our concerns. My delegation believes that it is urgent to establish stricter control over these weapons and their transfer, which would involve preventive and regulatory measures alike.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is therefore important to ensure respect for the rule of law and for humanitarian principles by non-State armed actors. We are obviously aware of the concrete problems that this poses. Suffice it to mention the question of recognition of these actors as subjects of international law or the question of the legitimacy accorded them by involving them in a political dialogue. Yet it must be noted that armed groups often have considerable power over the territory under their control. As military entities, they may also be called upon to ensure protection of the civilian population and to facilitate humanitarian operations in the areas under their control. They are also actors who must be taken into account if peace negotiations are to begin.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The proliferation of complex and prolonged emergency situations, as seen recently in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and many other countries challenges the bases on which human rights and international humanitarian law instruments have been developed. Respect for the provisions of these legal instruments is broadly based on the responsibility of States; but we see that non-State armed actors - armed groups, private militia - tend to be increasing. It is deeply disturbing to see that in the most recent internal conflicts, civilians not only are the victims, but are becoming targets for the warring parties. Many studies have been made of this situation, including very recently in the excellent report of the Secretary-General on the millennium.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In earlier statements, I have had the opportunity to affirm my country's priorities for action in the humanitarian field, such as respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilian populations, unimpeded access to victims of conflict and the security of humanitarian personnel. I will therefore confine myself today to three specific points that I believe to be of major importance and deserving of in-depth consideration. First, the question of the protection of civilian populations in armed conflict compels us to consider the current evolution of these conflicts throughout the world.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I would first of all like to thank you, Mr. Minister, and the Canadian presidency for having organized this debate, thus giving us the opportunity to express our views on an issue of crucial importance. I welcome the participation of the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in this morning's debate, and I wish to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of the ICRC on behalf of the victims of armed conflicts throughout the world. Switzerland welcomes the draft resolution submitted to the Security Council for consideration, which describes the initiatives that the Council and the entire international community could undertake in order to improve the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts.”
2000-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4130Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The main conclusion of the Interlaken seminars is that targeted financial sanctions are technically feasible, but that concrete measures are required at the national and international levels, as well as in the United Nations Secretariat, to make the sanctions more effective. Interlaken has shown that the technical and practical elements for the implementation of targeted financial sanctions are available to the Security Council. Above all, therefore, the question now is how to mobilize political will so as to translate these elements into action.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Secondly, standard language and definitions have been drafted, which should facilitate the work of the Security Council when negotiating the text of a draft resolution. Thirdly, technical guidelines have been drawn up enabling the better implementation of sanctions by Member States. Fourthly, model laws have been developed, which should make it possible for Member States to draft their national legislation relating to financial sanctions. Fifthly, an informal mechanism for international cooperation between national Governments, the financial sector and the academic world has been established.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“The choice of kinds of sanctions and the modalities for their application depend on a meticulous analysis of the vulnerability of the targeted country as well as of its elite. Furthermore, the political will to maintain these measures over the long term is essential. The Interlaken seminars basically cover the practical and technical aspects of the measures to be taken so as to ensure their effectiveness. I should like to refer so some of the results achieved at Interlaken. First, greater knowledge has been gained of the functioning of the instrument of financial sanctions and of certain technical aspects, including data collection with regard to the economic and financial profile of the targeted country, the role of offshore centres and technologies for monitoring the flow of funds.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“These seminars, known as the "Interlaken process", have established a place for dialogue among representatives of national Governments, central banks and the United Nations Secretariat, as well as of the private banking sector and the academic world. The Interlaken discussions have shown that targeted financial sanctions are an effective instrument for directly targeting the decision makers in countries subject to sanctions regimes. However, financial sanctions alone are not enough to influence the behaviour of these Governments. Such sanctions must be integrated into an overall strategy and accompanied by other targeted measures, such as arms embargoes and travel and visa restrictions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“In this way, it joins the efforts of the United Nations to maintain and promote peace and security. One of the concerns of my Government is to make sanctions more effective and at the same time to minimize the negative humanitarian consequences that comprehensive sanctions regimes may have on the civil population. As a financial centre with specific expertise and skills, Switzerland has a particular interest in the question of financial sanctions. We are aware that only a coordinated effort of all the main actors can help to achieve the desired political objectives. Switzerland has therefore, for two consecutive years, organized expert seminars on targeted financial sanctions. These meetings have made it possible to examine, in an informal and technical context, specific proposals to improve the administration of sanctions.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland) (spoke in French): First of all I would like to thank the Canadian delegation, and you personally, Mr. President, for placing this important issue on the agenda for an open debate in the Security Council. Over the last few years, as we all know, the number of sanctions regimes imposed by the United Nations has increased significantly. Targeting sanctions against elites, Government officials and selected entities has been identified as an important objective in order to strengthen their effectiveness and to lighten their undesirable side effects. In this respect, the idea of better targeting of financial sanctions has been given particular attention. Switzerland, as a non-Member, applies United Nations sanctions autonomously.”
2000-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4128 (2000) · source
“It is imperative that all parties to a conflict guarantee unhindered access to victims, whether that conflict is domestic or international, and that they guarantee the security of the personnel of humanitarian organizations. Denial of humanitarian access in violation of international law is inadmissible. Without secure, immediate and full access to victims, humanitarian assistance may be manipulated or may simply not be provided. Switzerland is convinced that an extensive dissemination of humanitarian law and principles can make a tangible and positive contribution to the promotion of a culture of peace, reconciliation and understanding among people and countries.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In that context, Switzerland calls upon the States parties to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols to fully assume their obligations for the suppression of such crimes at the national level. It urges them to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Switzerland looks forward to the early entry into operation of the International Criminal Court. Full respect for the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence is a necessary condition in order for emergency assistance to reach the people in need - whether they be injured persons, civilian populations or prisoners.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Switzerland, as depositary of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, attaches special importance to respect for this law. The people affected by conflict are more and more the civilian population, particularly women and children. The proportion of civilians among those affected is constantly increasing, and has reached, in certain recent conflicts, an alarming figure of more than 90 per cent. Given the large number of non-international conflicts, Switzerland would like to recall here that the Geneva Conventions also contain certain rules that are applicable to these types of conflict. Furthermore, it is indispensable to seek out new ways and means to exert greater pressure on the parties to a conflict to prevent violations of humanitarian law and to combat the impunity of the perpetrators.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Moreover, the attention and the resources of the international community should be mobilized in comparable terms in crisis situations and in the period of transition towards the solid and sustainable reconstruction of societies affected by a conflict. The consolidated appeals mechanism is an important planning tool. For its part, Switzerland endeavours to ensure an equitable allocation of the resources and means it provides for the various phases of a crisis. Likewise, Switzerland endeavours to ensure balanced regional distribution of these resources and means. Humanitarian action is necessary, first and foremost because of the serious violations of international humanitarian law of which we are regular witnesses through the media.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“My delegation is of the view that, to ensure a comprehensive approach that takes account of the various aspects of a crisis, the humanitarian dimension should be integrated from the very start of planning and mounting a peacekeeping operation. Switzerland will follow discussions on this subject with interest. With respect to humanitarian actors, better coordination is necessary. But coordination is also essential between humanitarian and political actors. The development of strategic frameworks, such as the one adopted for Afghanistan, responds to this need and seems to us a good instrument. These efforts should be continued.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“While it is generally recognized that this type of international operation involves a humanitarian component, that component cannot and must not be confused with the military and political aspects of a mandate. Humanitarian action cannot replace political action. Furthermore, without a political solution as a foundation for a stable and peaceful future, there is a risk that humanitarian action may provide only immediate and provisional answers and that it may be unable to realize its full stabilizing and integrating potential for the reconstruction of societies affected by conflict. For this reason, too, all of the actors present during and after a conflict should be prepared to manage the transition from an emergency phase to the period of reconstruction and rehabilitation that, as we all know, is always delicate and fragile.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Mr. Staehelin (Switzerland)(spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. Minister, as well as the Bangladesh delegation, for having organized this open debate on the humanitarian aspects of issues before the Security Council in the context of the maintenance of peace and security. The number of statements made today in this Chamber, beginning with that of the Secretary- General, underscores the timeliness and the relevance of this topic. At the present time, an armed intervention of the United Nations is sometimes the only possible solution to quell massive, repeated and deliberate violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Switzerland considers that the Security Council must be able to fully assume the functions and responsibilities assigned to it by the United Nations Charter.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Taken individually, each of the recommendations of the Secretary-General represents progress in efforts to ensure the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts. These days, however, attacks on the rights of these populations represent such a grave problem that only systematic implementation of these measures can lead to real breakthrough in the fight against these violations. Even in the case of such a coordinated implementation, intense efforts will remain indispensable. The outcome is uncertain, but the fight must be waged. The PresidentzThe next speaker is the representative of Finland. I invite her to take a seat at the Council table and to make her statement.”
1999-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation participated in that debate, and therefore I will confine myself to repeating here that my country is convinced of the importance of raising to 18 years the minimum age for recruitment - be it voluntary or mandatory, by regular armed forces or armed opposition groups - and for direct or indirect participation in armed conflicts. Finally, my delegation supports the Secretary- General's recommendations regarding sanctions. For some time now my country has been supporting efforts for a maximum reduction of the humanitarian impact of sanctions and to introduce appropriate mechanisms for humanitarian exemptions. In the framework of the Interlaken "smart sanctions" process, the Swiss Government has also facilitated reflection on the subject of targeted financial sanctions.”
1999-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is only in this way that our action will lead to more effective protection for civilians in armed conflicts. In the area of light weapons, my delegation believes it is urgent to establish closer control over their transfer and their presence in society. This should be done by preventive and by regulatory actions. The marking of weapons, measures to control trade, the development of codes of conduct and arms-reduction measures must be on the agenda in this field. Switzerland hopes that a forceful plan of action can be developed and adopted in the context of the conference being planned for 2001. My country has offered to host this conference in Geneva. The protection of children affected by armed conflicts was the subject of a recent Council debate.”
1999-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046Resumption1 (1999) · source