The Swiss flag has been flying at the headquarters of the UN Security Council in New York since Tuesday evening. Because Switzerland will also be there for the next two years. After more than 10 years of preparation, it’s about to start. Blick answers the most important questions.
Who is on the Security Council?
Five countries are permanent members: China, France, the UK, Russia and the US. They are also known as veto rights because each of them can block a Security Council decision. There are also ten non-permanent members. Until the end of 2023, these are Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates. Since the beginning of this year there are also Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland.
How did Switzerland get its seat?
The UN General Assembly elected the non-permanent members of the Security Council in a secret ballot for two-year terms, requiring at least two-thirds of the vote. Switzerland achieved a brilliant result with 187 of the 193 possible votes.
What is the job of the Security Council?
The UN Security Council is responsible for nothing less than world peace – that is stated in the UN Charter. Unlike those of the General Assembly, its resolutions are binding on all UN members. He can take measures ranging from economic sanctions to military operations. Nine votes out of 15 are needed for a decision. As a non-permanent member, Switzerland does have participation and voting rights, but does not have to provide troops for the missions of the so-called blue helmet soldiers.
How often does the council meet?
The Security Council must meet at least every two weeks, but in practice meets almost every day, often several times.
Is Switzerland still neutral if it has a seat in a body that can order war operations?
Absolutely, says the federal government. From a purely legal point of view, membership does not actually speak against neutrality. Politically, however, the question is controversial. In particular, the SVP argues that the role is incompatible with neutrality. On Thursday morning, the SVP faction also demonstrated in front of the Federal Palace: Switzerland is now “definitely a war party”. The SVP has tried several times to undo the candidacy, most recently under the influence of the war in Ukraine during the spring session. But without success.
Why has the Security Council not played a more active role in the war in Ukraine?
Because Russia is vetoing any action against itself. The current structure of the Security Council makes it crystal clear that this will continue to be the case in the future. The problem is not new. The veto rights often also block decisions that affect other countries but in which they have interests. The United States has several times blocked resolutions against Israel, while China has opposed the conflicts in Darfur and Myanmar.
What can Switzerland do besides the superpowers that already block each other?
Critical voices say: Nothing at all, because only the five veto powers have the say. But there are also examples of a more optimistic reading. For example, Sweden managed to organize UN peace talks for Yemen.
What good is the seat to Switzerland?
The federal government is debating with vitamin B: as a member of the Security Council, Switzerland sits at the table with the major players, has a say and is closer to the dossiers than a ‘normal’ UN member. In addition, Switzerland hopes to render its good offices, to bring one or the other conference to the country and thus strengthen international Geneva.
It is first and foremost an opportunity, said Federal Councilor Micheline Calmy-Rey (77) recently to Sunday. She initiated Switzerland’s candidacy in 2011. Switzerland can stand up for its values in the Council: an order based on international law and not the law of the strongest. But she admitted: it won’t be a walk.
What is Switzerland risking?
Switzerland exposes itself. Evil tongues say it will hardly be able to find positions on international conflicts within hours, let alone maintain credibility. In addition, there will probably be pressure attempts by the major powers on Switzerland. According to Thomas Biersteker (72), professor of International Relations at the IHEID in Geneva, that pressure was there before. He also emphasized in an interview with Sonntagsblick: “The Swiss diplomats are very well prepared.”
Who is in the Swiss chair?
The Swiss UN ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl (54), who has been representing Switzerland in New York since 2020, takes a seat. She also represented Switzerland at the flag ceremony on Tuesday. “We want to build bridges with all members of the UN Security Council,” Baeriswyl said. She concluded with the phrase engraved on the dome of the Federal Council in Bern: “Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno” – “One for all, all for one.”
And who decides how Switzerland votes?
The Bundesrat decides on the positions based on international law and the federal constitution, but must regularly inform and consult the responsible committees in parliament about the priorities.
In August, the Federal Council set the priorities: promoting lasting peace, protecting the civilian population, strengthening the efficiency of the Security Council and addressing climate security. According to the foreign ministry, Switzerland should base this on its foreign policy profile and the federal constitution’s mandate for peace and security in the world.
How expensive is the connection with Switzerland?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is focusing on 25 additional posts that are needed for the two-year term of office and that will then be phased out again. This puts Switzerland in the “lower midfield” compared to other countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most of the effort must be compensated internally.
(tom/SDA)