Thank you, Madam President,
This is our last meeting on the agenda for this year, and I'm going to make my possibly last official intervention on behalf of Switzerland after two years on the Council. This is also about the 70th meeting dedicated to Ukraine. As at every previous meeting on this matter, I once again reiterate today that Russia's military aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, for which there is no justification. And for the 70th time, I repeat that Russia must immediately withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. But this repetition is important. We cannot and must not under any circumstances normalize what has happened in Ukraine, which jeopardizes our multilateral order.
This Council has been unable to act beyond rhetoric for the past two years, due to the potential negative vote of a permanent member. And yet, the principle requiring a party to a dispute to abstain from voting exists, as enshrined in Article 27, para. 3 of the UN Charter.
I am convinced that, rhetoric aside, this Council must remain the place where dialogue will finally enable us to get back on the road to peace.
Madam President,
I thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms Nakamitsu, for her briefing.
We have heard it this week, as we have heard it so many times before: The Ukrainian people continue to endure immense suffering in this war, whose duration is no longer measured in days or months, but in years, and whose end is not yet in sight.
As the cold weather sets in, recent events highlight the unsustainable nature of the situation, including the attacks of the past 24 hours which reportedly caused civilian casualties on both sides of the front line. The Russian attacks damaged homes, schools, hospitals and even foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv. Such actions are unacceptable. Ongoing hostilities in Ukraine are adding to the suffering by damaging and disrupting essential infrastructure and services. Millions of Ukrainians are facing increased risks of deterioration in their living conditions.
To alleviate the plight of civilians, I must insist: International law - in particular international humanitarian law and human rights - must be respected by all parties at all times. The civilian population and civilian infrastructure must be respected and protected.
Madam President,
The international community's call for peace is unequivocal. Yet the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate.
I would like to reiterate three key messages:
1. First, the current dire situation is a direct consequence of Russia's military aggression. And as I stated at the outset, Switzerland continues to condemn this flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter.
2. Second, this war can end at any time if Russia ceases hostilities and withdraws its troops from Ukrainian territory. Until then, Ukraine has the right to ensure its security and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
3. Third, it is urgent to intensify diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Switzerland reiterates its call on Russia to respect its obligations under the UN Charter - obligations which all of us, UN member states, have committed to uphold.
We also call on third parties to refrain from any action likely to fuel Russia's military aggression. We are deeply dismayed that this aggression appears to continue to be reinforced by transfers of arms and munitions to Russia. Moreover, reports suggest that troops from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are not only deployed in Russia, but actively engaged in combat. Switzerland urges all States to strictly comply with their obligations under international arms control agreements, including the relevant resolutions of this Council.
Madam President,
As this year draws to a close and we look to the future with both challenges and opportunities, Switzerland believes that it is our collective responsibility to support efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Far beyond rhetoric, this appeal for a “comprehensive, just and lasting” peace, supported by a large majority of the General Assembly - constitutes the foundation of a genuine peace: a peace that encompasses all aspects of this war, places international law at the center of the discussions and demands a solution that will last. It is a clear commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
This war was launched in violation of the United Nations Charter. Its resolution must respect it. Global confidence in our common principles and collective security depends on it.
Serving and disappearing is in Switzerland's DNA, with one important exception: giving thanks. And so in conclusion, Switzerland would like to thank all the members of this Council, the Secretariat - with Claudia Banz and all her teams, the interpreters, and all the Member States who have placed their trust in us to sit here over the past two years. And I would also like to thank my team, who have been the compass that has ensured that we have always been able to have international law with us and that we have been able to ensure, or try to ensure, that this chamber remains a place of respect. So, together, we would like to reiterate the honour of having accomplished this important task, and we wish the new members who will soon be sitting in this chamber every success.
I thank you.