Thank you, Madam President.
We thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his presentation and welcome the participation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in our deliberations.
Switzerland condemns the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, apparently of what appears to be a new type, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads. The DPRK's ongoing development and operationalization of nuclear delivery systems, together with its nuclear program, represents a threat to the entire international community. This test takes place in a tense security situation, and Switzerland is concerned about the risk of escalation inherent in such actions. The use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. We must step up our efforts in favor of non-proliferation, disarmament and uphold the nuclear taboo.
In the face of these repeated challenges, we must not waver in our collective duty. This is why it is essential for this Council to assume its responsibilities. I would like to highlight three aspects:
Firstly, these launches are a violation of legally binding Security Council resolutions, and therefore of international law. It is therefore our collective duty to condemn the DPRK's ballistic missile tests. The DPRK is obliged to implement its obligations under the resolutions of this Council, and to take concrete steps towards the complete, verifiable and irreversible abandonment of its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programs. We recall that while the obligations arising from the resolutions apply first and foremost to the DPRK, they also apply to all other States, which are required to effectively implement this Council's sanctions. In this respect, we are deeply concerned by reports of possible serious violations of Security Council resolutions by Russia, which we referred to last week.
Secondly, the people of the DPRK must not be left behind. Serious and systematic human rights violations and the impunity of the perpetrators must stop. There is a link between the nuclear program and certain violations of these rights, and the Council should consider how it might further address this link. We welcome signs that the DPRK is easing its heavy restrictions in connection with the pandemic. These restrictions should no longer be a major obstacle to humanitarian assistance. The opening of the DPRK's borders must go hand in hand with rapid, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. To achieve this, the entry of international personnel into the DPRK is essential.
Thirdly, the Council and the United Nations as a whole has an important role to play in encouraging dialogue, de-escalation and the search for diplomatic solutions. There is a willingness to engage in dialogue with the DPRK and to support these dialogue efforts, and we welcome any attempts at exchanges between the parties and any de-escalation measures on their part. We encourage recourse to the Secretary-General's good offices, and call on the DPRK to engage in constructive dialogue with the Council and the UN system.
Madam Chair,
Disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation have always been a priority for the UN and this Council, and in the framework of the Compact for the Future, we have all committed ourselves to strengthening them and preventing any erosion of existing international norms. We must not fail in this task. To find a political solution, the Council must break its silence. To be effective, any call for dialogue must be founded on a unified stance. Switzerland encourages and supports all efforts in this direction.
For its part, Switzerland will continue its commitment within the Council, the Sanctions Committee and on the ground to a denuclearized and peaceful Korean peninsula.
Thank you.