On Thursday in New York, the foreign minister deplored the fact that the principles of the UN Charter are being “put to the test”. Cassis was participating in an open debate on the rule of law among nations at the invitation of Japan, which chairs the Security Council this month. The theme of the debate is linked to at least two of the priorities set by the Federal Council for Switzerland’s Council membership: to build sustainable peace and protect civilians.
“It is the duty of every state to respect the norms and principles set out in the Charter,” said the head of Swiss diplomacy at the debate. Seated next to Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzia, he listed the obligations under the Charter as prohibiting the use of force against the territorial integrity of another country, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the guarantee of fundamental freedoms.
“It is our duty, as members of the Security Council, to ensure that these rules are respected,” the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) insisted.
Switzerland is a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2023 and 2024. The Alpine nation will assume the Council’s rotating presidency in May 2023 and October 2024.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign Affairs
How a top Swiss university is screening Chinese students
Media: Swiss medical services done abroad are billed at Swiss rates
This content was published on
In Switzerland, some medical services carried out abroad are still billed at Swiss rates, despite costing less, RTS reports.
This content was published on
Sophie Hediger, a member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team, has died in an avalanche in Arosa. She was 26 years old.
This content was published on
Several Swiss films exceeded the 100,000 admissions mark worldwide in 2024 and received widespread praise at international film festivals.
Swiss Alpine resorts covered in white gold for Christmas
This content was published on
Many areas at low altitudes in Switzerland are enjoying a blanket of snow. In the mountains, intense precipitation has delighted skiers.
SWISS makes emergency landing in Austria after smoke in cockpit
This content was published on
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) made an emergency landing of an Airbus in Graz, Austria on Monday evening after engine problems.
L’Oréal acquires South Korean subsidiary of Migros’ cosmetics brand
This content was published on
French cosmetics firm L'Oréal is acquiring Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, the South Korean subsidiary of the Migros-owned Mibelle group, for an undisclosed sum.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland already makes itself useful in the UN Security Council
This content was published on
Switzerland and Brazil are responsible for a compromise that will guarantee emergency aid deliveries to Syria for another six months.
Switzerland confirms UN Security Council priorities
This content was published on
Switzerland confirms United Nations Security Council targets: sustainable peace, protection of civilians, climate security and greater transparency at the UN body.
This content was published on
Switzerland will be one of 15 countries sitting on the United Nations Security Council for the first time in its history.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.