I will now make a statement in my national capacity.
Like my colleagues, I would like to thank the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for his presentation and all his precious work. I would also like to express my very sincere thanks to Ms Sarah Kyabu for her valuable contribution and her commitment in a difficult context. I welcome the representatives of the States from the region, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs..
As the Special Envoy has stressed today, peace and security in the region can only be achieved through cooperation and the restoration of mutual trust. The proliferation of state armed actors and military technologies in eastern DRC has exacerbated regional tensions, increasing the risk of a larger-scale conflict. In light of the continuing suffering of the civilian population and the recurrent violations of international law, we must redouble our efforts to find viable political solutions and prevent an escalation of the conflict. I would like to raise three points in this regard:
Firstly, a political solution remains the only viable path to lay the foundations for lasting peace in the region. There is an urgent need to put an end to the escalation of tensions. Switzerland welcomes regional initiatives in this respect and supports the Luanda Process. The ceasefire on 30 July signed by the DRC and Rwanda represents a significant step forward, which has already led to a reduction in clashes. This agreement must be fully respected and the commitments made fully honoured.
As Ms Kyabu pointed out, regional processes must also guarantee the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. This is an essential condition for lasting peace, and we welcome the efforts undertaken by President Lourenço and the Special Envoy. The High-Level Regional Forum of Women from the Great Lakes Region, scheduled for 18 and 19 October in Luanda, represents a significant opportunity to strengthen their participation in peace processes. Switzerland is working with the women's delegations to support their participation.
Secondly, the civilian population must be protected at all times and their rights must be respected. The violence perpetrated by all parties to the conflict has led to an alarming humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes, making this region one of the most affected by forced displacement in the world – as we have heard. The repercussions of this crisis are particularly devastating for women and girls, who, as Ms Kyabu so aptly pointed out, endure extreme forms of sexual violence and exploitation. This situation is intolerable. Furthermore, in the DRC, the intensification of the fighting has significantly worsened the vulnerability of children. In view of this, Switzerland once again calls on all parties to immediately cease all violations of international law.
Finally, it is crucial that the states in the region work together to tackle the root causes of the conflict. In recent months, clashes between armed actors over the exploitation of and illicit trade in natural resources have intensified. This dynamic fuels hostilities and undermines peace efforts in the Great Lakes region. In this respect, we are particularly concerned by the seizure of mining areas by armed groups, such as Rubaya by the M23. It is therefore imperative to strengthen the transparent governance of natural resources and combat illegal activities that fuel conflicts. We encourage mineral transit and destination countries to commit to responsible supply chains, particularly by improving mineral traceability.
Dear colleagues,
Peace has not yet been won, but there are real opportunities in the Great Lakes region today. The Security Council must therefore fully assume its role in supporting the states of the region in the search for lasting solutions. The Framework Agreement for Peace, Security and Cooperation remains an essential instrument for stability, and deserves to be revitalised. Switzerland, for its part, will remain firmly committed to supporting regional initiatives and promoting peace and stability in the region, both through its representations in the Great Lakes region and in multilateral forums.
Thank you.