Fifth Bali Democracy Forum, General Debate - Ansprache von Bundesrat Didier Burkhalter (EN)

Mr Chairman
Mr and Madam Co-Chair
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

We are here to discuss in this unique platform “how democratic global governance contributes to international peace and security, economic development and effective enjoyment of human rights”. It is an honour and a pleasure for me to be here today.

Switzerland is invited as an observer. But on these questions we want not only to observe, we also want to act. And if we act together we can really bring more democracy in a changing world.

Switzerland has a long tradition of direct democracy. In our system, the people exercise far-reaching control over the national, cantonal and local authorities. The fact that virtually any parliamentary decision can be challenged in a popular vote, forces the authorities to adopt well balanced policies. This also forces the governments to take always the protection of minorities into account. The result is a political culture where inclusiveness, equality and stability are valued.

The first question is how democratic governance contributes to international peace and security?”

It is often said that democracies don’t go to war with each other. A democratic system creates an ideal basis for economic and social development, innovation, economic and financial stability – and the world needs stability. Switzerland is a democratic and a stable country – there is a link between. We want to help develop both of this in our changing world. This is why Switzerland supports the preparation and the staging of elections, the prevention of electoral conflicts and the drafting of constitutions, provides advice in terms of federalism and the separation of powers.

We strongly believe that principles such as participation, inclusiveness, accountability and transparency should also be upheld in the governance of the international system, for they contribute to peaceful development also at the international level.

The United Nations is the centrepiece of the global system of governance and it enjoys a unique legitimacy. We must support the efforts to reform the Organization rapidly, increase its efficiency and adapt it to current realities. Essential reforms are under way: the revitalization of the General Assembly and of the ECOSOC. Even more importantly, the Security Council needs important reforms: more transparency, more efficiency and more democracy.

Switzerland acts with partners. We launched important initiatives – together with Singapore and others - and we will continue to do so. We are also ready to act from inside, being a candidate for the Security Council for 2023-24.

If the UN fails to act, other groups representing only a few countries will step in. Such groups lack legitimacy by virtue of their limited composition. Inclusiveness is a key if we want to be successful. We are happy to hear positive messages in this regard from important G20 countries.

The second question is about “economic development”

A basic principle of democracy is to take care of the interests of minorities. Democracy must not be the dictatorship of the majority but an inclusive process, with protection of minorities and checks and balances. This allows to develop all regions of a country and to spread social, economic and hence political stability.

Democracy also allows liberty: the freedom to think, believe, speak and innovate. As one of the most innovative, competitive and democratic countries in the world, Switzerland can testify: liberty is the heart of science and innovation and both of them allow to solve challenges and to create economic development. Actually democracy is a powerful ally of stability.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. A clear majority of the Swiss people has decided so on no less than seven occasions in the recent years. The main reason is to preserve our sovereignty, our federalism and our direct democratic rules.

But we also want to develop trade and economic relations. This generates win-win opportunities and tremendous job creations.
In the same way we want to help developing democracy and economy in Myanmar by supporting a Centre for vocational training in Yangon for instance. It is our common calling to give young people job perspectives and to give Myanmar a democratic prospect.

Ladies and Gentleman, the third and last question is about “the effective enjoyment of human rights”.

Democracy allows liberty and liberty is the ground on which grow human rights. But we must be careful and fight against some threats. Corruption is a serious threat: it hampers democratic global governance and the rule of law.

It also causes market distortions which harm any national economy as well as job creation and fair repartition of revenue.
Switzerland very actively participates in international efforts to fight corruption. We made Asset Recovery a policy priority over 25 years ago – a priority in an effort to combat corruption and to protect our financial centre from the inflow of illicit funds. In the last 15 years, Switzerland has returned overall around 1.7 billion US dollars to their countries of origin. It is more than any other financial center in the world.

Asset Recovery is also an issue for human rights and democracy. This link is best illustrated by the most prominent case we have encountered so far: the restitution, in 2003, of the funds of the former President Marcos to the Republic of the Philippines – some 683 million US dollars.

When Switzerland transferred the Marcos assets, it was recognized that the Philippines would establish a compensation scheme for the victims of the Marcos regime. The adoption of the Human Rights Compensation Bill by the Filipino Congress is far advanced. It will provide the agreed mechanism to bring closure for the victims of human rights violations.

I also want to mention the “Arabic Spring”, with the example of Egypt. Switzerland was the first country to freeze the former regime’s assets in order to protect the interests of the Egyptian population when the regime changed – we froze around 700 million US dollars.

Today, Switzerland and Egypt are working together very closely. Provided that the illicit origin of these funds can be proven, Switzerland is determined to return these funds as quickly as possible.

Both cases show an important aspect: the need for a close co-operation and the establishment of working relations of partnership and trust between the judicial authorities of both States. The rule of law is a fundamental prerequisite for any success in recovering illicit assets.

The rule of law in itself must be rooted in the principles of democracy. To quote Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a father of democracies, who was born 300 years ago, “It is to law alone that men owe justice and liberty.” A young and promising democracy must respect, and if necessary, learn these fundamental principles. It is not only necessary, it is important on the way to democracy.

Based on these experiences we continuously work to improve our legal set-up dealing with illicit assets of politically exposed persons. A draft law on the administrative freezing of such assets is currently being elaborated by our government.

Switzerland is also dedicated to provide a platform for a regional exchange on asset recovery issues in general and on the lessons learned in the Marcos case in particular.

Switzerland is ready to work with interested countries and institutions to organize a corresponding event. Switzerland is ready to share its experiences and to explore possible avenues to benefit from the lessons learned. We are convinced that such cooperation will reinforce democracy and the rule of law in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen

All this shows how important this Forum is. We have to discuss and work together on important democratic issues at the local, national, regional and international level. Thank you for your leadership and your engagement.