YouSaid · the spoken record

Zehnder

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126
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2014-04-28
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2018-05-17
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22
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un-security-council

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  1. “Switzerland is convinced that political solutions and inclusive dialogue are crucial. We welcome the good-offices missions of the Secretary-General and encourage the United Nations to continue enhancing its capacities, in particular in the area of mediation, and to strengthen its cooperation with regional organizations. Fourthly, the Charter recalls the key importance of multilateralism. Today's challenges are too great and too complex to be tackled by a single State. Threats such as those posed by foreign terrorist fighters or the Ebola epidemic are illustrations of the fact that now more than ever we need a forum where all States can work together for effective solutions. Member States have conferred on the Security Council the primary responsibility for international peace and security, and the Council acts on their behalf.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

  2. “The duty to fight impunity when violations of international law have occurred is inherent in the Charter. To ensure that a set ofjointly agreed rules will last, we must ensure respect for them and sanction their violation. Switzerland's emphasis on the fight against impunity demonstrates our commitment to the Charter. United Nations fact-finding efforts, the International Criminal Court and other mechanisms are crucial in that respect. Thirdly, achieving sustainable peace is impossible in the absence of a political solution, as shown by the situations in Ukraine and Syria in particular. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has promoted inclusive dialogue in order to advance in the search for a political solution, in particular to the Ukraine crisis.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

  3. “They must use appropriate means, notably diplomatic and humanitarian ones, in accordance with the Charter, to protect populations from such crimes. Switzerland supports France's initiative to limit the use of veto in the case of mass atrocities. We invite all members of the Security Council - both permanent and non-permanent - to voluntarily to refrain from voting against Council action aimed at preventing or ending mass atrocities. Secondly, the Charter recognizes that the respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is crucial to guaranteeing and maintaining international peace and security. Switzerland aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Austria on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

  4. “Mr. Zehnder (Switzerland) (spoke in French): The maintenance of international peace and security, human rights and sustainable development lie at the heart of the goals that the United Nations system strives for. Switzerland is fully committed to the Charter and to a strong United Nations. It is in that spirit that we approach today's debate and welcome it. I will address four issues. First, the Charter is the expression of our common commitment to the supremacy of law over force. The prohibition of the use of force, as set out in Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter is of fundamental importance. It seeks to ensure the security of all States - big or small, rich or poor. In addition, Member States have the duty to protect their populations, in particular from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.”

    2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source

  5. “In that regard, we should like to highlight the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons on 18 March 2013 (A/HRC/23/44) and encourage all Member States to put them into practice. Furthermore, women's participation in decision-making in refugee camps must be enhanced. Those are the findings of a study conducted by the Women's Refugee Commission in refugee camps in Jordan. That study, funded by Switzerland, analyses the existing links between women's participation in decision-making and their enjoyment of human rights. Finally, allow me to remind the Council that equal participation in political life and access to services and justice as well as the protection of rights are ways of adding to women's emancipation and avoiding sexist practices.”

    2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

  6. “That is why Switzerland will host in Geneva the next donor conference for United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict on 12 November 2014. In addition, Switzerland is committed to contributing to the fight against impunity. To that end, Switzerland supports a mechanism for the rapid administration of justice, an intergovernmental structure that can be rapidly mobilized and provide expertise to the international community. The rapid deployment of specialists in sexual and gender- based violence helps support international or national inquiries and contributes to the development of national capacities. Thirdly, we must do more to ensure access by refugees and displaced women to political decision-making, including peace processes. Their concerns must be taken into account in all transitional arrangements.”

    2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

  7. “Through strengthened dialogue and cooperation, we must find ways to adapt those policies to ensure that women and girls from conflict-affected areas are not subjected to human trafficking or sexual exploitation and abuse. National troops, peacekeeping forces, border police, immigration service officials and humanitarian actors - all have a role to play in fighting and preventing those crimes. Ultimately, we must ensure that those responsible for such crimes are prosecuted and brought to justice. Secondly, Switzerland believes that more must be done to prevent sexual violence committed against displaced persons. We need to respond with a coordinated and integrated approach and strive for gender sensitivity throughout the system.”

    2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

  8. “Mr. Zehnder (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2014/693) and shares his concerns regarding the situation of displaced populations, the majority of whom are women and girls. In Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, women and girls have limited access to the assistance and protection they need, which contributes to making them all the more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and sexual violence. In that connection, Switzerland would like to make three points. First, it is important to develop sound, context- specific policies to prevent the exploitation and abuse of refugees and displaced women and girls. Restrictive migration policies that limit opportunities for women and girls fleeing conflict zones augment their vulnerability.”

    2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source

  9. “Finally, we welcome the Security Council's willingness to carefully consider the implications ofthe Ebola crisis on the current and future configuration of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). As a fully integrated peacekeeping operation, UNMIL should help coordinate and support the international community's effort to tackle Ebola, in close coordination with OCHA and the crisis response mechanism. Switzerland fully supports resolution 2177 (2014), just adopted. My delegation would like to express its gratitude for the leadership of the Council's presidency on this urgent and important subject.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source

  10. “In total, Switzerland has so far allocated some $3.9 million to the fight against Ebola. Following the recent conclusion of an assessment mission to Liberia, Switzerland is currently considering options to further increase its contributions to assist the international efforts. Switzerland welcomes the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to authorize the immediate deployment of an humanitarian, military and civilian mission led by the African Union. We also welcome the efforts undertaken by the Peacebuilding Commission and invite it to further reflect on ways to contribute to a solution to the crisis, including by acting as platform to mobilize international support.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source

  11. “Switzerland acknowledges the emergency appeal made in Geneva by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the WHO and the Senior United Nations System Coordinator for Ebola, with a view to obtaining the means to cover the most urgent needs in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. For its part, Switzerland has so far provided humanitarian assistance through the provision of 14 tons ofprotective medical equipment to the Government of Liberia and has scaled up the capacities of its office in Monrovia to provide humanitarian aid. From the onset of the crisis, Switzerland has provided support to local NGOs in their efforts to raise public awareness. Furthermore, Switzerland is financially supporting Medecins Sans Frontieres, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source

  12. “It is crucial to redouble our efforts to find an effective and safe cure to treat those who have already fallen ill and to prevent the spread of the disease. Switzerland welcomes the Ebola response road map launched at the end of August by the World Health Organization (WHO). While we need to act swiftly, we also need to ensure that our efforts in the field are calibrated and coordinated under the auspices of the United Nations, thereby allowing international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to multiply the impact of their operations. We also need to be prepared to address the crisis over the longer term.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source

  13. “Mr. Zehnder (Switzerland) (spoke in French): Switzerland welcomes the holding of this emergency meeting of the Security Council. My delegation would like to thank the speakers for their analyses of the situation and their briefings. The Ebola epidemic is not just a health crisis, but a potential threat to global security. It requires a global response that addresses both the health crisis and the broader societal, economic, political and security threats to the countries affected. The international community must therefore act quickly to contain and fight the crisis. Our efforts should focus on the needs of the affected populations and should not isolate the countries struggling with it.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source

  14. “The participation of key representatives of the United Nations and the Council of Europe made a major contribution to a fruitful, serious dialogue with participating OSCE States and institutions. The recent signing of a cooperation agreement between the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights marks an important stage in our joint efforts to improve respect for human rights and their protection.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  15. “Finally, we believe that, in future, developing local capacities and constructive coordination between all the relevant national, regional and global actors will be the key to the success of conflict prevention efforts. Current and past examples of successful cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations such as the African Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) support such an approach. In that regard, we would like to share with the Council some of the experience we gleaned from the Swiss chairmanship of the OSCE. Last May, the OSCE convened a high-level event in Warsaw to foster cooperation between regional and international organizations in the area of human rights.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  16. “In order to succeed, they need to assume, among other things, a holistic approach encompassing all stakeholders, enjoy broad political support and have the necessary means and resources. Switzerland welcomes the debate in the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly on special political missions. Discussing the strengths, challenges and needs of such missions is crucial to improving their effectiveness and efficiency. Switzerland will continue to actively participate in those efforts and in the discussions in the Fifth Committee on how to improve support and funding for such missions. We believe that concrete improvements, such as those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, would be an important step forward.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  17. “Initiatives such as the recently established Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes provide indispensable support to efforts to better grasp local and regional complexities. Today, the fact that serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights must be seen as early warning signs of violent conflict is uncontested. It is therefore vital that the entire United Nations system have the necessary means to collect and provide information on populations that are victims of such violations or are at risk of becoming so. In that regard, Switzerland welcomes and fully supports the Rights Up Front initiative. Secondly, special political missions are crucial instruments for the Security Council's preventive diplomacy work.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  18. “The recent crises in the Central African Republic and South Sudan are painful reminders of that fact. A coordinated and committed approach to post-conflict peacebuilding is key to preventing such relapses. As Chair of the Burundi configuration, Switzerland believes that the Peacebuilding Commission can fill the role of a forum where critical situations are discussed very early, in an inclusive manner and with all the relevant stakeholders. The upcoming 2015 review of the peacebuilding architecture will be a valuable opportunity to implement the adaptations necessary to further improve that role of the PBC. The participation of a wide variety of actors through formal and informal meetings has helped to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex situations and to prevent relapses into conflict.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  19. “Through the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) initiative, a cross-regional group of States coordinated by Switzerland that seeks to reinforce the working methods of the Security Council, Switzerland has repeatedly raised the question of improving the preventive capacities of the Council. First and foremost, the Council needs to be alerted as early as possible to potential crises in order to take appropriate action at an early stage. I would like to take this opportunity to briefly highlight a few issues that Switzerland believes are crucial in conflict prevention. First, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), as an intergovernmental advisory body of the Council, has a major role to play in preventing the recurrence of conflicts. Roughly half of all countries emerging from conflict suffer a relapse into violence at some point.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  20. “Mr. Zehnder (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for their statements. Ending a conflict is much more costly than preventing one. It is therefore crucial to ensure, early on, that we understand the warning signs, take decisions and take action. In oder to ensure that the Security Council can fully assume its key role in preventive action and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, it must fully utilize the various tools at its disposal.”

    2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source

  21. “To that end, a conference will be held in July 2014 with the participation of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The draft resolution that the Security Council will adopt today will provide supplementary support and momentum for security sector reform and thereby strengthen efforts under way throughout the world. We hope that the structures concerned, in particular the security sector unit and specialized teams deployed in peacekeeping operations and in special political missions will enjoy the resources they need to respond to the growing needs in this area. Switzerland remains fully engaged and will continue to be so, including in the informal group of friends.”

    2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source

  22. “At the political level, we supported the creation of a group of friends for security sector governance, chaired by the Slovak Republic. The objective of the group of friends is to raise awareness among States on the matter of governance of the security sector. At the technical level, we have tasked the secretariat of the OSCE to establish an interdepartmental working group on governance of the security sector, which will be tasked with raising awareness within the OSCE and to intervene as an interlocutor in relevant questions in this area. The working group will also draft internal directives on security sector governance. The Swiss chairmanship also plans to work closely with the United Nations so as to benefit from its experience in governance of the security sector.”

    2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source

  23. “Thirdly, the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/480) underscores the importance of close work collaboration with regional organizations in order, inter alia, to promote local ownership. We fully support this approach. The contributions of regional organizations must be maintained and better linked to United Nations efforts. In this context, I should like to share some of Switzerland's experiences in this area since my country has assumed the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The strengthening of governance in the security sector is among our priorities as Chairman of the OSCE in 2014. Switzerland plans to focus its efforts on two levels - the political level and the technical level.”

    2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source

  24. “Switzerland will explore this and other possibilities so as to strengthen its support for efforts aimed at strengthening the security sector reform on the ground and at the conceptual level, among others, in discussions held here at United Nations Headquarters. Secondly, we believe it essential that the competent United Nations authorities continue their essential work to draft common standards and technical directives. The publication of the Integrated Technical Guideline Notes for security sector reform was an important step in this process. Given its global reach, the United Nations has an advantage on this issue. We therefore encourage it to pursue action in this important area.”

    2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source

  25. “The global focal point for police, judiciary and penitentiary activity coordination for promoting the rule of law after conflicts and other crises could offer the possibility of strengthening these links. We must also strengthen the inclusive nature of security sector reform efforts pursuant to resolution 2122 (2013) by integrating the gender perspective. The importance of this point was brought up on numerous occasions during the open debate in the Security Council last Friday on women and peace and security (see S/PV.7160). Women must included fully and on an equal footing in the security sector reform process and the different needs of men, women, boys and girls must be taken into account.”

    2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source

  26. “Mr. Zehnder (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank Nigeria for convening this open debate. I will limit my remarks to the three following points. First, Switzerland shares the opinion of the Secretary-General that security sector reform should be placed in the broader context of peacebuilding. This approach considers security sector reform to be a vast multidimensional task that contributes to conflict prevention and a lasting transformation to a peaceful society. That is why it is important not only to better explore the existing links between security sector reform and other dimensions such as the rule of law, human rights and development, but also to reflect on partnerships in this matter.”

    2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source