Madam President,
I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her presentation. We have taken note of the presentation by Mr. Roger Waters.
As this Council heard two days ago, and again this morning, Russia's military aggression against Ukraine continues to cost lives and increase the suffering of the civilian population in the midst of winter. Moreover, the humanitarian and economic repercussions of this war are felt beyond Ukraine. It is therefore imperative to put an end to the hostilities and to protect the civilian population.
In order to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law, let me emphasize four key points:
Firstly, we call on Russia to cease all combat operations and to withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian territory without delay. Switzerland fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Secondly, Switzerland calls on all parties to strictly respect international humanitarian law and human rights. Even in times of war, there are rules to follow. According to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, distinguishing between military targets and civilians as well as civilian objects is an obligation.
Thirdly, it is important to move towards peaceful, just and lasting solutions. To achieve this, we must rely on international law and diplomatic means. In this regard, and if the parties so wish, Switzerland stands ready to provide good offices and to support de-escalation. Switzerland's neutrality is not in doubt. However, there is no neutrality in the case of a violation of international law or of the Charter.
Fourthly, we recall that there can be no lasting peace without accountability. Switzerland strongly condemns any violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Ukraine. If impunity is not addressed, it encourages further violations. In Ukraine and elsewhere, Switzerland supports national and international efforts to document and prosecute war crimes. In particular, Switzerland has referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court together with some 40 other states, thus enabling the Prosecutor to immediately open an investigation. We encourage all Member States to ratify the Rome Statute and to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court. We are also closely following the discussions on the creation of a Special Tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression in Ukraine. Finally, we also welcome the work of other multilateral mechanisms, such as the Independent International Commission of Inquiry of the UN Human Rights Council and the OSCE fact-finding mechanism, in relation to the situation in Ukraine.
In order to end the war and the suffering of civilians, Russia must immediately stop its military aggression against Ukraine.
Thank you.