Mister President,
I would like to thank Under-Secretary General Jenča for his intervention.
Earlier this week, Ukrainians in different parts of the country once again woke up to the sound of warning sirens and explosions. Russia's massive attacks on cities and power grids in recent days have again claimed victims and caused extensive damage. Switzerland condemns the continuing strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure. These developments remind us that two and a half years after the start of the military aggression, human losses, the destruction of homes and the collapse of all certainties continue unabated.
From the outset, Switzerland has unequivocally condemned Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. This is a violation of the fundamental rules and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. A few days after the anniversary of its independence, I reaffirm Switzerland's firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
After 30 long months, and as we watch with concern the particularly intense hostilities and tensions in eastern Ukraine and the border areas, three actions require immediate attention:
Firstly, respect for international humanitarian law must be an absolute and nonnegotiable imperative. We have just commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Together, we reminded ourselves of the universally adopted obligations. In particular, the protection of the civilian population and civilian property must be guaranteed. According to OHCHR figures - and as Assistant Secretary Jenča pointed out - last month was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since October 2022. On average, every day a school, hospital or medical clinic is damaged or destroyed in Ukraine. Switzerland urges all parties to the conflict to comply strictly with their obligations, including those arising from the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities. Every violation of international humanitarian law is unacceptable.
Secondly, accountability efforts must continue. Investigations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, and the prosecution of international crimes, are essential to restoring justice. Switzerland supports accountability efforts at both national and international level, in particular the work of the International Criminal Court. In this respect, we welcome Ukraine's decision to ratify the Rome Statute. Its full accession is crucial for the ICC to deliver justice to victims and deter future atrocities. We also stress the need for holistic support for victims and their families. Initiatives such as the Register of Damage, as well as special attention to psychological needs, are crucial.
Thirdly, it is essential to advance peace in accordance with the UN Charter. We urge all those involved to work concretely and constructively towards a peace process aimed at a just and lasting peace, based on the fundamental principles of international law. Switzerland remains committed to supporting these efforts, and underlines its conviction that peace is achieved through dialogue. We reiterate the appeal made at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine to the parties concerned to guarantee, among other things, nuclear safety and security. It is crucial to engage in an exchange of views that will lead to concrete measures in this area. International humanitarian law, as well as the five principles established by the IAEA in this Council, must be respected.
Mister President,
Let me conclude with the words of a Ukrainian couple: “We had everything we needed, but now we are just happy to be alive”.
I would like to express Switzerland's solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have suffered the ravages of this war for far too long. For the sake of international peace and security, this war must end. We therefore renew our urgent appeal to Russia to cease all hostilities and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.
I thank you.