In an open debate under the presidency of Sierra Leone on consolidating and maintaining peace in the UN Security Council, Switzerland emphasised the central importance of preventing conflicts and violence. Preventive measures often do not receive the recognition they deserve, even though they can save countless lives and prevent humanitarian disasters. Preventive measures are still not prioritised enough. Not only do they save countless lives and prevent disasters, they are also more successful and cost-effective than post-conflict reconstruction, as studies demonstrate. In New York, Switzerland welcomed the Council's discussion in the context of the New Agenda for Peace, which calls for the prioritisation of conflict prevention and the development of national prevention strategies.
During the debate, Switzerland emphasised aspects that are central to strengthening the prevention of conflict and violence. The trust of societies in security, state institutions, the justice system and the guarantee of freedom as well as the inclusion of marginalised groups in political decision-making processes has a preventive effect. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the international community more than 75 years ago, postulates the right of everyone to participate in society in addition to basic civil and social rights. They must be observed and strengthened in order to promote trust in societies and thus conflict prevention.
Switzerland also pointed out that prevention is not only relevant for countries that are directly threatened by armed conflict. Violence in all its forms is a challenge that affects all states. Switzerland recognises this by delegating numerous competencies to the regional and local level and, for example, promoting civil society initiatives to combat extremism, violence and marginalisation.
Finally, Switzerland called on the Security Council to fully utilise its preventive role by making greater use of its instruments and providing better support to regional missions mandated by the Council in order to identify conflict risks on the ground at an early stage and mitigate them sustainably.
