Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd at the UN Security Council

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports

Bern, 25.09.2024 - Statement by the President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the UN Security Council, open debate 'Leadership for Peace', New York, Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

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Mr Secretary-General,
Mr President of the Security Council,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen

Mr President, I am pleased that you are giving us the opportunity to debate the topic of 'leadership for peace'. This discussion makes us realise how important it is to fulfil our responsibilities, especially as members of the Security Council.

Upon its election to the Council, Switzerland made a commitment to creating added value for peace, to be 'A plus for peace'.

Now that we have embarked on the last hundred days of our mandate, it is a good time to consider where the Security Council stands and how it can best fulfil its responsibilities. I would like to emphasise two points in particular:

Firstly, leadership means setting standards, upholding them and holding those who violate the law accountable.

Today, international law, including international humanitarian law, is very often and gravely violated; be it in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan or Myanmar.

The international community cannot stand idly by and watch the breaches of law in these different contexts as well as the discord in the world. We condemn the disastrous consequences of the hostilities on the civilian population, including many children.

The Security Council must speak with one voice to ensure compliance with international law and the protection of the civilian population.

In the light of current events, I would like to underline that my country is deeply concerned about Israel's air strikes in Lebanon and the rockets fired by Hezbollah into Israel.

I reiterate our call for a cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy to resolve the conflict, as well as full respect for Resolution 1701 and international humanitarian law.

The civilian population must be protected!

As a member of the Security Council, Switzerland is firmly committed to international peace and security.

The extension of the peace mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by Switzerland in 2023, and the call by the ten elected members of the Council for a ceasefire in Gaza are two examples of this.

With the resolution introduced by Switzerland on the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel, and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we are reaffirming our commitment to the protection of vulnerable civilian populations.

We hosted talks on Sudan. We also advocate for fair procedures in the UN sanctions regimes. We are committed to the implementation of humanitarian exemptions and to ensuring that humanitarian actors can continue their life-saving activities.

Switzerland never tires of repeating its appeal for compliance with international law, regardless of the context. We are grateful that many here on the Council share this responsibility.

Now to my second point, which is our responsibility to anticipate challenges, prevent dangers and recognise opportunities.

The effects of climate change are further exacerbating and fueling existing crises and conflicts. Switzerland is working both within and outside the Security Council to ensuring that the international community addresses this challenge together.

In view of the many challenges, it seems likely that peace missions will be more agile in the future. We also consider it a matter of urgency that peace work becomes more inclusive. Women make an important contribution to building and sustaining peace. We must recognise and strengthen this.

This includes addressing the gender-specific impacts of conflicts and crises in a targeted manner. It will be an honour for me to chair a Council debate on the role of women in peace processes in a month's time.

Prevention is particularly important. In the recently adopted Pact for the Future, states have committed themselves to doing more to prevent conflicts instead of merely alleviating their consequences. The New Agenda for Peace is essentially geared towards conflict prevention. Prevention includes development and security aspects, but above all respect for human rights. Without the protection and promotion of universal human rights, there can be no lasting peace.

Finally, I want to emphasize that we can only lead together. This principle applies to the multilateral system in general and to the Council in particular: no one can succeed alone. Partnerships, courage and trust between states are needed.

Equally important is the dialogue with civil society, business and science. International Geneva has long been a place where humanitarian tradition and scientific innovation are united in the 'esprit de Genève'. Switzerland is proud to promote this spirit through the organisations in Geneva.

Regional partnerships are also valuable, as demonstrated by the African Union in the area of peacebuilding. I am pleased, therefore, that next month, under Switzerland's chairmanship, we will be welcoming the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to New York.

Mr President,
Excellencies,

Sustainable solutions require the will of all parties involved. Peace remains possible, especially if states and their leaders reflect on common human values. By agreeing to work together, we help everyone - including ourselves.

Thank you.

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