UNGA Disarmament Index 2024: H-R

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament, militarism, and war made during the 79th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 24–30 September 2024.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Haiti
Mr. Edgar Leblanc Fils, President of the Presidential Council of the Transition
26 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Armed conflicts also continue to wreak havoc and havoc on human lives. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of forcibly displaced people will reach 110 million in 2023, a figure that has never been so high in human history. Whether in Syria, Ukraine or the Sahel region, these protracted conflicts are exacerbating poverty, destroying vital infrastructure and leading to massive flows of refugees. The world cannot stand idly by while millions of men, women and children flee violence in search of safety and dignity. The commitment of the international community is needed more than ever to find diplomatic solutions and promote peace-building initiatives.”

Cyber, artificial intelligence: “Finally, technological progress brings new opportunities, but also new threats. The accelerating development of artificial intelligence, the proliferation of cyber-attacks and disinformation are threatening the stability of democracies around the world.”

Holy See
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The Holy See is deeply concerned that at this particular point in time, we are witnessing a worrying increase in the number of conflicts worldwide and the severity of their violence. These conflicts are responsible for a significant loss of innocent life and a vast amount of destruction, which presents a challenge in accurately assessing the extent of the damage caused to civilian infrastructure, including places of worship, educational institutions and medical facilities, as well as the impact on the environment.

It seems that seventy-five years after the ratification of the Geneva Conventions, humanitarian law is still being undermined. These four conventions, which set out clear rules to protect people who are not taking part in hostilities, are increasingly being violated. It is evident that the targeting of places of worship, educational institutions, medical facilities, and other civil infrastructure is a prevalent phenomenon. This has resulted in not only the loss of life among those who are not directly involved in the conflict but also an unacceptable disruption to the daily lives of many. On this point Pope Francis is very clear that ‘we must not forget that grave violations of international humanitarian law are war crimes, and that it is not sufficient to point them out, but also necessary to prevent them. Consequently, there is a need for greater effort on the part of the international community to defend and implement humanitarian law, which seems to be the only way to ensure the defence of human dignity in situations of warfare.’ The Holy See calls for the strict observance of international humanitarian law in all armed conflicts, with particular attention to the protection of places of worship.”

Armed conflict: “In times of conflict, there is often a tendency to prioritise military victory over the pursuit of peace. This inevitably result in dynamic unwarranted escalations and casualties, particularly of innocent individuals. It is thus incumbent upon diplomacy to demonstrate unwavering dedication to pursuing, with fortitude and ingenuity, every avenue for negotiation with the objective of establishing enduring peace.”

War, military spending: “‘To pursue peace, however, it is not enough simply to eliminate the instruments of war; its root causes must be eradicated. Foremost among these is hunger, a scourge that continues to afflict entire areas of our world while others are marked by massive waste of food.’ The global population is predominantly poor, with billions of individuals living below the poverty line. While poverty is increasingly discussed in international political and economic fora, it often appears to be addressed as an afterthought, as an add-on or tangential issue, or even as a mere collateral damage. Consequently, the plight of the poor remains largely unaddressed, and they frequently remain at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. As I said during the Summit of the Future ‘eradication of poverty must remain the overarching goal of all future action, bearing in mind that development is the name for peace.’ Nevertheless, the prevailing tendency over recent years has been to maintain the growth in military expenditure, while simultaneously striving to fulfil the commitments made in relation to sustainable development in a timely manner. This is indicative of a deficit of trust between States.”

Autonomous weapon systems, military use of artificial intelligence, armed conflict: “There is a need to ensure and safeguard a space for proper human control over choices made by artificial intelligence. It is precisely in this regard, that Pope Francis insists that ‘in light of the tragedy that is armed conflict, it is urgent to reconsider the development and use of devices like the so-called ‘lethal autonomous weapons’ and ultimately ban their use. This starts from an effective and concrete commitment to introduce ever greater and proper human control. No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being.’ There is an urgent need for a comprehensive ethical reflection involving all States on the utilization of emerging technologies, particularly within the military domain. There is a necessity for the establishment of a binding ethical and regulatory framework to be negotiated, both within the non-military and military domains. Nevertheless, the Holy See maintains that the ethical and humanitarian implications of lethal autonomous weapons are of paramount concern and reiterates the urgent need for a moratorium on their use.”

Nuclear weapons: “The Holy See is convinced that a world free from nuclear weapons is both necessary and possible. In a system of collective security, the presence of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is untenable. As I said during the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, ‘the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons can only be achieved through discussions based on mutual trust. [The Holy See] will continue to build bridges of dialogue with every State, with the aim of safeguarding the common good rather than individual interests.’”

Disarmament, military spending: “Moreover, it is evident that existing disarmament treaties are not merely legal obligations; they encompass a broader range of considerations. Indeed, they constitute moral commitments based on trust among States and among their representatives. This trust is itself rooted in the trust that citizens place in their governments. The adherence to and respect for international disarmament agreements and international law should not be perceived as a form of weakness. Conversely, it serves as a source of strength and responsibility, as it fosters trust and stability. It is thus that the Holy See renews its call for a total and complete disarmament and ‘to devote to the benefit of developing nations at least a part of the money that could be saved through a reduction of armaments.’”

War: “Unfortunately, as Pope Francis says, we are witnessing a third world war fought piecemeal. In the midst of the ongoing tragedy of the Russian war in Ukraine, we are faced with a situation that calls for urgent action to prevent further escalation and to create a path towards a just and peaceful resolution. While diplomatic efforts are crucial, it is evident that military engagement continues to prevail. It is, therefore, essential to find ways to encourage gestures of goodwill and spaces for direct dialogue between the parties involved.”

War, ceasefire: “The Holy See continues to be worried about the ongoing instability in the Middle East, particularly following the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023 in Israel by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups. However, the military response by Israel, considering the high number of civilian casualties, raises many questions about its proportionality. The Holy See calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the West Bank, as well as the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. It is also urging for humanitarian assistance to be granted to the Palestinian population. The Holy See strongly condemns attacks on UN humanitarian agencies, specifically UNRWA, and urges all parties to refrain from using humanitarian aid for military or political purposes. The Holy See reaffirms that the only viable solution is a two-state solution with Jerusalem having a special status. It also emphasizes that both sides must abandon all forms of violence, coercion, and unilateral actions, such as Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “The current situation in Lebanon represents a significant cause for concern for the Holy See. The ongoing intensification of the conflict between Hezbollah and the Israeli military is having a considerable impact on the situation in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, putting at high risk the whole region. This has resulted in a significant number of displaced individuals and a considerable loss of life, including many civilians, among them children. The Holy See therefore demands that all parties adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law and halt the escalation and enter into a ceasefire without delay. The failure to elect a President of Lebanon has resulted in a state of inertia, leaving the country susceptible to partisan agendas. The necessity for a robust Christian voice to steer the nation through this unparalleled crisis is paramount. The Holy See is convinced that Lebanon plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability and urges all stakeholders to support the country and safeguard its message of peaceful coexistence.”

Armed conflict: “The ongoing blood shedding armed conflict in Sudan has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with displaced persons, particularly women and children, succumbing to starvation and malnutrition. Famine has now been officially confirmed in the North Darfur region. Unfortunately, the assistance offered by international donors has so far been insufficient and below expectations. Therefore, the Holy See urges the international community not to forget the ongoing drama in Sudan, to promote peace negotiations and, above all, to immediately provide the population with vital humanitarian aid.”

Armed conflict: “Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique has been affected by armed conflict for seven years now, with almost nine hundred fifty thousand internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are facing significant challenges, including alarming levels of suffering, insecurity and poverty. While these refugees experience a sense of uprooting from the lands of their ancestors, the situation of children without food or schooling is a cause for apprehension. The Holy See calls for more Humanitarian support, especially to reduce the impact on children and innocent civilians.”

Armed conflict: “The situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is deteriorating rapidly, leading to a disturbing increase in the humanitarian crisis. Ethnic tensions, rebel violence, armed clashes, human rights abuses, and conflicts over natural resources are prevalent in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The withdrawal of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) by the end of the year, along with the already initiated process, is likely to create a security vacuum. The peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda have lost their relevance and attention. The Holy See deems that it is crucial to continue supporting diplomatic efforts to find an appropriate and sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict.”

Armed conflict: “The Holy See also follows with great preoccupation the socio-political situation in South Sudan, aggravated by the humanitarian crisis, the recent floods and the conflict in Sudan. It therefore calls on the international community to show renewed and urgent solidarity with the population, already exhausted by economic hardship, and urges all the country's leaders to place the well-being of the people at the centre of the political agenda. At the same time, it hopes that the ongoing dialogue initiatives will lead, with the goodwill of all, to peaceful coexistence and the consolidation of democracy.”

Armed conflict: “The dramatic situation and the dire need for humanitarian aid in Myanmar, which has been exacerbated by an increase in armed conflict in recent months and made worse by severe flooding, are also a source of deep concern for the Holy See. While armed groups and military forces continue to battle back and forth for territory, those who suffer the most are: the young who are deprived of education, the elderly who are forced to flee their homes, the Rohingya who are targeted from all sides and have no place to turn. The Holy See calls on all parties to seek durable, inclusive and peaceful solutions to the situation, and to ensure access for humanitarian aid to all affected communities without prejudice.”

Disarmament: “While disarmament fosters peace among Nations, there is also a need to foster peace within societies.”

Honduras
Ms. Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, President
25 September 2024

War, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “As President of Honduras, my first action was to raise my voice to denounce the genocide against the Palestinian people. More than 40,000 innocent people have already been killed by a bombardment that some countries have rewarded with their silence. From here I also raise my voice to demand an end to this genocide.”

Ceasefire: “Lebanon must not become another Gaza Strip, we demand an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.”

(Unofficial translation)

Hungary
Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
25 September 2024

War, weapons, nuclear weapons, ceasefire: “We have to raise the question honestly whether weapon deliveries have made any sense, and obviously they have made no sense. No sense because weapon deliveries have not changed the situation at the battlefield and they have not brought us closer to peace either. Weapon deliveries have only increased the volume of weapons on both sides of the frontline, causing more casualties and causing the prolongation of the war. And I do hope that those who are still thinking about delivering more weapons to Ukraine will consider this impact and these consequences as well. And similarly, I hope that those who are supposed to make decisions whether the weapons delivered from the West would be allowed to be used against strategic death in Russia will make a responsible decision. Because if Western weapons will be allowed to be targeted at strategic depth for Russia, that would cause a serious risk of escalation for sure. And I do believe that in case of such a crisis situation, we really have to put into consideration the weight, the significance of words, because in such situations, words do have a much more serious significance than in peace times. And we are seriously concerned in Hungary about the open and shameless reference of possible use of nuclear weapons. So dear colleagues, basically nothing has worked out of those measures which have been based on the assumption that there might be a battlefield solution. That means that solution must be looked after somewhere else. And if you raise the question where should we look for this solution, the answer is around the negotiating table. Therefore, Hungary argues in favour of an immediate ceasefire. And the start of peace talks. This would be the fastest way to peace.”

Iceland
Ms. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Military alliances: “For my own nation, 1944 also marked a new beginning, with Iceland becoming a republic. Iceland’s status as an independent nation has been defended not primarily by weapons or alliances but by a robust system of international law, mutually beneficial cooperation, and strong and universally respected international institutions. For us, it is paramount to safeguard this multi-lateral system.”

Armed conflict: “As these staggering changes are taking place in our information environment, the world is facing the greatest number of armed conflicts since World War II, and democratic institutions worldwide are facing a loss of trust."

War: “Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, Sudan’s civil war, and the devastating conflicts in the Middle East all rage on while other longer-running conflicts grow protracted. One thing that all have in common is that innocent civilians bear the highest cost.”

“By invading Ukraine and violently seizing its territory, the Russian Federation has committed a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and derogated from its primary obligations as a Permanent Member of the Security Council to uphold international peace and security.”

Nuclear weapons, war: “The Russian Federation’s repeated threats of using nuclear weapons are reckless and dangerous. In the case of the Russian Federation’s actions, there should be no doubt who is in the right and who is in the wrong. It is Mr. Putin who has concocted a false narrative around his invasion of Ukraine’s territory. It is he who started this senseless war. And it is in the Kremlin’s power to end it at any time by withdrawing its forces from all the territory that is internationally recognized as belonging to Ukraine. The Russian Federation’s disdain for the principles of the UN Charter is on full display in Ukraine, but it is also pervasive in many other parts of the world with ongoing insidious efforts to subvert democratic norms and incite violence and chaos.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “Israel’s right to exist is beyond debate. Iceland condemned, in the strongest terms, the horrific attack on Israel on October 7th. We continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. But no country is above the law, and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is also beyond debate. In the current conflict, the world has witnessed limitations of humanitarian aid, water, and power to Gaza. This is unacceptable. There have been reports of civilian infrastructure and hospitals being used for purposes that can deprive them of their protection under international humanitarian law. This is also unacceptable. And, we have witnessed unacceptable losses of civilian lives – children, aid and health care workers, journalists, and UN staff. And journalists are being denied access to the war zone and silenced. Iceland condemns all violations of international law, including international humanitarian law. International law provides states with rights and obligations. Both are sacred. Again, we call on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and avoid any action that could lead to further escalation. A clear political path to peace must follow a ceasefire, entailing the establishment of two states living side by side in peace and security. With that aim, and as confirmed by the International Court of Justice, Israel must immediately cease all new settlement activities and bring its unlawful presence to an end.”

“Our worst fears, of an escalation, have now been realized with the bloodiest days that Lebanon has seen in years. And still, we must brace ourselves for even worse, with the conflict spiraling further out of control. The parties have been warned of the cost and the danger of this development. It must stop. For the sake of humanity.”

India
Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Clearly, their economic implications for the weak and vulnerable need to be highlighted. But we must recognize that conflicts themselves must also be resolved. The world cannot be fatalistic about the continuation of violence on large scale, no more than be impervious to its broader consequences. Whether it is the war in Ukraine or the conflict in Gaza, the international community seeks urgent solutions. These sentiments must be acknowledged and acted upon.”

Indonesia
Mr. Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Armed conflict, war: “Indonesia cannot, I repeat cannot, sit back and relax seeing the injustice that continues to be committed against the people of Palestine. Indonesia is and will always stand with the people of Palestine to attain their right to have an independent state of Palestine. As I speak now more than 41 thousand people in Gaza have been killed, situation in West Bank Lebanon are deteriorating. Is that not enough? Will the Security Council only take action to stop Israel’s atrocities. When all Palestinian are displaced? Or when one hundred thousand Palestinians are killed? Or when a regional armed conflict breaks out? That will be too late!

“PM Netanyahu yesterday mentioned and I quote: That “Israel seeks peace…” That “Israel yearns for peace…” Really? How are we supposed to believe that statement? Yesterday, while he was here, Israel conducted unprecedented massive air-attacks on Beirut. PM Netanyahu wants the war to continue… We must stop that…I repeat we must stop that. We must pressure Israel to come back to a political solution for two-state solution.

“The overwhelming majority of the UN members strongly support the two-state solution. This is the right time to walk the talk. Recognizing the State of Palestine is the least that we can do now, to give Palestinian equal footing on the world’s stage & to exert pressure to Israel to stop their atrocities. Therefore, I urge countries that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine to do so now. If every each one of us does it, for sure it will give impact. The recognition of Palestine today is an investment that would yield a more peaceful, just and humane world tomorrow. Once again, Indonesia urges the Permanent Members of the Security Council to concretely act, to immediately stop Israel from blatantly violating international law & to end Israeli impunity. The mandate of the Security Council is to maintain peace, to create peace, not to maintain and prolong wars, or even worse to support the perpetrator of atrocities. Inaction means complicity.”

Iran
Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President
24 September 2024

Arms race: "Third, neighboring and brotherly countries should not waste their valuable resources on attritional rivalries and arms races. Our region suffers from war, sectarian tensions, terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, water scarcity, refugee crises, environmental degradation, and foreign interventions. We can collectively address these common challenges for a beter future for coming generations."

Ceasefire: ”It is imperative that the international community should immediately stop the violence and bring about a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and bring an end to the desperate barbarism of Israel in Lebanon, before it engulfs the region and the world.”

JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action): “Iran and global powers achieved a historic nuclear deal in 2015 through that fresh outlook, based on shared opportunities. Iran agreed to the highest, unprecedented level of nuclear oversight in return for recognition of our rights and the lifting of sanctions within the framework of the JCPOA. Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from that agreement manifested a threat-ridden approach in politics and a coercion-driven strategy in the economic domain. Unilateral sanctions target innocent people and seek to undermine the foundations of the Iranian economy. The goal is to securitize Iran; which instead leads to insecurity for all. The policy of the U.S.’ so-called “maximum pressure” was in fact implemented against the Iranian people when Iran was fulfilling all its obligations under the JCPOA, as was verified repeatedly by the IAEA. We are ready to engage with JCPOA Participants. If JCPOA commitments are implemented fully and in good faith, dialogue on other issues can follow.”

Military bases: “Here, I want to address the American people: It is not Iran that has established military bases along your borders. It is not Iran that has imposed sanctions on your country and obstructed your trade relations with the world. It is not Iran that prevents you from accessing medicine. It is not Iran that has restricted your access to the global banking and financial system. It is not we who have targeted your military leaders; rather, it is the United States that assassinated Iran's most revered military commander at Baghdad airport.”

War/armed conflict: “Let’s ask ourselves: Are the roots of wars and bloodshed we see in today’s world anything other than the fact that aggressors have violated the rights of others, overlooked the rights of nations, enforced discrimination and inequality, kept certain groups weak and underdeveloped, and disregarded the rights of individuals? As long as injustice, oppression, greed, poverty, and ignorance prevail in any region, violence and conflict will continue. Unless we confront the root causes of such disorders, we cannot rescue the future of our children from darkness and destruction.”

“Over the past year, the world has witnessed the true nature of the Israeli regime. It has witnessed how this regime carries out atrocities in Gaza; and in eleven months has murdered in cold blood over 41000 innocent people—mostly women and children;

Its leaders label this genocide; the killing of children, war crimes, and state-terrorism as "legitimate self-defense";

They label hospitals, kindergartens, and schools as "legitimate military targets";

They label the freedom-loving and brave people around the world who protest against their genocide as "anti-Semitic";

They label an oppressed people, who have stood up against seven decades of occupation and humiliation, as "terrorists".

It is Israel that has assassinated our scientists, diplomats, and even guests on our soil; and supported - both covertly and overtly - terrorist groups like ISIS.”

“Israel has been defeated in Gaza and no amount of barbaric violence can restore its myth of invincibility. Naturally, blind Israeli state terrorism over the past few days in Lebanon followed by a massive aggression with thousands of victims cannot go unanswered. The responsibility for all consequences will be born by those who have thwarted all global efforts to end this horrific catastrophe, and have the audacity to call themselves champions of human rights. The only path to end this 70 years old nightmare in West Asia and the world is to restore the right of all Palestinians to self-determination. We propose that all the people of Palestine—both those who live in their motherland as well as those who have been forced into its diaspora—determine their future in a referendum. We are confident that through this mechanism we can achieve a lasting peace, with Moslems, Christians and Jews living alongside one another in one land in tranquility and peace, and away from racism and apartheid.”

“Examine the contemporary history of the region: Iran has never initiated a war; it has only defended itself heroically against external aggression, causing the aggressors to regret their actions. Iran has never occupied the territory of any nation. It has not sought the resources of any country. It has repeatedly offered various proposals to its neighbors and international fora aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to safeguard its own security; not to create insecurity for others. We want peace for all and seek no war or quarrel with anyone.”

“We seek lasting peace and security for the people of Ukraine and Russia. The Islamic Republic of Iran opposes war and emphasizes the urgent need to end military hostilities in Ukraine. We support all peaceful solutions and believe that dialogue is the only way to resolve this crisis.”

Iraq
Mr. Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

Nuclear weapons: “In occupied Palestine today, we are witnessing a People who are being attacked by an occupying military force, displacing millions without being deterred and killing thousands. There is public talk of mass starvation to exterminate this people, and of the use of nuclear weapons to eliminate them by senior officials of the occupying entity without any measures to deter them.”

Bombings: “We are witnessing a brutal campaign of indiscriminate killing and the use of technology to carry out bombings remotely, without regard for unarmed civilians, in a dangerous precedent that indicates the extent of the involvement of the occupations government and its indulgence in committing crimes against humanity.”

Aggression: “Iraq today, through its government and its people and under the directives of the supreme religious authority, stands with Lebanon and its brotherly people as it faces a new page of brutal aggression that seeks to plunge the region into conflict, which is something we have already warned against, we will continue to provide all possible assistance to overcome the effects of these attacks.”

War: “We also know the systematic targeting of international agencies and relief organizations in the occupied territories and the audacity to harm their personnel, including United Nations agencies, and including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA in Gaza, which is supposed to be protected under International Law. I would like to recall that these abuses not only disrupt humanitarian action, but also violate international norms protecting civilians and those providing assistance in conflict zones.”

“These recent moves by the occupation seek to threaten the stability of the countries of the region by igniting a large-scale regional war. Iraq as a founding member of the United Nations, hopes that this institution will achieve the objectives for which it was founded in maintaining peace and security and sparing the world the dangers of wars and tragedies that it has experienced throughout history.”

Ireland
Mr. Seán Fleming, Minister of State
30 September 2024

War, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “We face the very real prospect of regional war in the Middle East. I am deeply concerned at the spiralling violence and the situation in Lebanon. Hezbollah has long been a malign actor in Lebanon and in the region. We have consistently condemned its attacks. But massive and ongoing Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas are causing indiscriminate death of civilians and destruction on a vast scale. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee. A ground war would be truly catastrophic.

“All parties to conflict have an obligation to abide by International Humanitarian Law. There can be no exceptions. I call on all parties to immediately de-escalate, to step back from the brink, and to exercise restraint. And I call on all states that have influence, including Iran, to use it constructively. We need to create the space for political and diplomatic solutions, and to ensure urgent humanitarian assistance can get to those in desperate need. The violence must stop now.”

War, ceasefire: “The scale of death, destruction and human misery in Gaza is truly horrific and completely unacceptable. Ireland has consistently condemned Hamas for its heinous attacks in Israel on 7 October. The taking of hostages is unconscionable. However, Israel’s response has been and is completely disproportionate. We need an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal, followed by a massive surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Instead, we are seeing an alarming escalation of the conflict, in the West Bank and now to Lebanon. The violence and killing must stop. It has long been clear that the only viable basis for lasting peace and security, for Israelis and Palestinians, is a two-State solution. The recent adoption by the General Assembly of a Resolution on the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice is a step in the right direction. The international community must now act to implement it. Ireland supports the global initiative launched last week here in New York to support the two State solution, I encourage States to join in this shared effort.”

War: “Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine represents a severe threat to the global multilateral system. A challenge to the norm that borders cannot be changed by force should concern us all. We should all be deeply concerned by defiance of the UN Charter by a Permanent Member of the Security Council. Undermining the rules based order, on which each of our security depends, should concern us all.”

Missiles: “The transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran and North Korea to Russia for use in Ukraine is unacceptable. These transfers are unlawful and threaten international peace and security – they must stop.”

War: “This is not just a European security concern. This is a war with global impacts – on food security, and on energy and commodity prices. Too often, it is those least able to respond who suffer the most. And it is a colonial war, about annexing the territory and destroying the identity of a UN member state. That is why Ireland is committed to holding Russia accountable for its actions, and to bringing about a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. As the global community reaffirmed at the first “Summit on Peace in Ukraine”, the UN Charter can and must serve as a basis to achieve that peace.”

Nuclear weapons: “It is shocking that Russia has threatened the use of nuclear weapons in this conflict. The mere possession of nuclear weapons brings the risk of human and environmental disaster. That is why Ireland will propose a resolution at this General Assembly to further our collective scientific understanding of the dangers these weapons pose. I urge all countries to join that resolution. We cannot allow a new nuclear arms race.”

Autonomous weapon systems: “We must also act to prevent another arms race – for weapons beyond human control – and do so urgently given the pace of technological development. Ireland supports the Secretary General’s call to conclude a treaty on autonomous weapons systems by the end of 2026.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “The situation in Sudan is appalling. 12 million people forced from their homes. Widespread reports of abuses against civilians, particularly women and girls. 25 million face crisis levels of hunger—and now famine. We need to see urgent action. We demand a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians and accountability for human rights abuses. We must do whatever it takes to pressure the parties to come back to the negotiating table, and bring to an end this destructive cycle of violence. And we need to see accountability for those who have committed these atrocities.”

Israel
Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

See statement for references.

Italy
Ms. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers
24 September 2024

War: “The wound inflicted on the rules-based international system by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is having destabilising effects far beyond the borders in which it is being waged, and like a domino is helping to reignite, or detonate, other hotbeds of crisis.”

Protection of civilians in armed conflict: “That is why we cannot turn away from Ukraine's right to defend its borders, its sovereignty, its freedom. Just as we affirm the right of the State of Israel to defend itself against external attacks, such as the horrific one on 7 October, but at the same time we call on Israel to respect international law, protecting the civilian population, which is also largely a victim of Hamas and its destructive choices.”

Ceasefire: “The Abrahamic Accords demonstrated the possibility of beneficial coexistence and cooperation on the basis of mutual recognition. If this is the perspective on which we must all work, and it is, the imperative today is to achieve, without further delay, a ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of the Israeli hostages. We can no longer witness tragedies like those of recent days in South and East Lebanon, involving defenceless civilians, including many children.”

Jamaica
Ms. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
27 September 2024

War, ceasefire: “Jamaica once again condemns the brutal October 7 attacks in Israel and the devastating counter-attacks in the Palestinian territories. The undeniable humanitarian crisis and instability compel all parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We commend the United States, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt and others who are making concerted efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

“We continue to support United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 and believe that a two-state solution, is the best way to achieve lasting peace, between Israel and Palestine. It is in this context that Jamaica has recognized the State of Palestine. We call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages to bring an end to the protracted war and human suffering.”

Arms trafficking: “Jamaica is seeking to comprehensively address the issue of gangs, crime and violence in our own society, fully recognizing the compounding impact of transnational crime, including illicit trafficking in drugs, arms and ammunition.”

Small arms and light weapons, ammunition, arms trafficking: “In this regard, while we appreciate steps taken, we reiterate our call for more concrete action from bilateral partners to stem the illicit flow of small arms and ammunition from their ports. We welcome the recent outcome of the RevCon 4 on small arms and light weapons. More particularly, we welcome the emphasis placed on technical assistance and capacity building, customs control, emerging technologies and through-life conventional ammunition management. These are all critically relevant matters to ultimately turning around crime ridden inner city communities into peaceful and prosperous ones.”

Cyber: “Cybercrime is a major threat to citizen security and an obstacle to sustained economic development. International cooperation is necessary to address the matter of cybercrime. Jamaica actively participated in the negotiations, together with our fellow CARICOM partners, on the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime. We therefore look forward to the adoption of the Convention and look forward to future engagements within the framework of this instrument.”

Japan
Mr. Yamazaki Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative
28 September 2024

War: “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine still rages on, and we are witnessing a dire situation in Palestine and Gaza. Unfortunately, divisions and confrontations are deepening. In these difficult times, Japan's position remains unwavering: We should go back to the basic foundations to unite the international community and deepen solidarity. The “rule of law” and “human dignity” remain the key to international cooperation.”

War, nuclear weapons: “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has continued for more than two and a half years, poses a blatant challenge to the international order based on the rule of law and shakes its very foundations. There are a host of issues that need to be addressed, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile development, the situation in Gaza, and conflict and terrorism in Africa.”

Nuclear weapons: “I’d like to start by addressing the challenge of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation--my lifelong work as a politician hailing from Hiroshima. Secretary-General Guterres puts this challenge as the very first recommendation in his "New Agenda for Peace," launched last year. Despite the extended efforts of the international community, the world is now on the cusp of a reversal in the decreasing trend of the global number of nuclear arsenals. We must face up to the situation that nuclear weapons are once again becoming an apparent global risk due to changing geopolitical circumstances and deepening divisions and confrontations in the international community.”

“With these serious concerns in mind, I have been steadily taking nuclear disarmament initiatives under the “Hiroshima Action Plan” to strengthen realistic and practical efforts to realize a world without nuclear weapons. In March this year, as the President of the Security Council, Japan chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Security Council on “Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.” Following this effort, on the 23rd of this month, I hosted the High-Level Meeting to launch the Friends of FMCT here in New York.”

“Next year marks 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan will further strengthen efforts to promote accurate understanding on the realities of nuclear weapons use as the starting point for all nuclear disarmament measures. Japan will also act to further advance nuclear disarmament as we head toward the 2026 NPT Review Conference.”

“Japan will also work even more closely with the international community towards the denuclearization of North Korea, including full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Japan will continue to seek to normalize its relationship with North Korea, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern, such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues, as well as settlement of the unfortunate past.”

Autonomous weapons systems: “The rapid development of emerging technologies is bringing new challenges to disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Focusing on the further development of emerging technologies, Japan intends to actively and constructively participate in international rule-making on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) through balanced discussions, taking into account humanitarian and security perspectives, so that a common understanding can be reached among the international community, including stakeholder states.”

Jordan
Mr. Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King
24 September 2024

Bombs: “The UN is under attack—literally and figuratively. For nearly a year, the sky-blue flag flying over UN shelters and schools in Gaza has been powerless to protect innocent civilians from Israeli military bombardment. UN aid trucks sit motionless just miles away from starving Palestinians. Humanitarian workers who proudly wear the emblem of this institution are disparaged and targeted. And the rulings of the UN’s International Court of Justice are defied, its opinions disregarded.”

War: “The attacks of October 7 on Israeli civilians last year were condemned by countries all over the world, including Jordan, but the unprecedented scale of terror unleashed on Gaza since that day is beyond any justification. The Israeli government’s assault has resulted in one of the fastest death rates in recent conflicts, one of the fastest rates of starvation caused by war, the largest cohort of child amputees, and unprecedented levels of destruction. This Israeli government has killed more children, more journalists, more aid workers, and more medical personnel than any other war in recent memory. And let us not forget the attacks on the West Bank. There, since October 7, the Israeli government has killed more than 700 Palestinians, among them, 160 children. Palestinians held in Israeli detention centres exceed 10,700, including 400 women and 730 children—730 children. Over 4,000 Palestinians have been forced from their homes and lands. Armed settler violence has surged. And entire villages have been displaced.”

“Almost 42,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7. So is it any wonder that many are questioning, how can this war not be perceived as deliberately targeting the Palestinians? The level of civilian suffering cannot be written off as unavoidable collateral."

Militarism: “Over and over, we have watched Israel try to achieve security through military means. Each escalation is followed by a pause, until the next, deadlier one. And for years, the global community has taken the path of least resistance—accepting the status quo of the ongoing military occupation of Palestinians, all the while paying lip service to the two-state solution. But it has never been more evident that the current status quo is untenable. And, as the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion underscored two months ago, it is unequivocally illegal. The Court’s opinion bears a moral imperative to us all. The obligation it carries is one that our nations cannot afford to ignore—for the sake of our world, as well as the future for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Because both peoples deserve to live their lives in dignity, free of violence and fear. And the only way to achieve that is a just peace, one grounded in international law, justice, equal rights, and mutual recognition. That is something we, as nations and people everywhere, can and must unite around.”

Kazakhstan
Mr. Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Dozens of our fellow Member States, represented in this august hall, are gripped by conflict and instability, claiming many thousands of lives.”

Armed conflict: “The plight of millions of conflict victims worldwide, across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa, deserve immediate, decisive and collective action.”

Nuclear weapons, disarmament, non-proliferation: “The pressing risk of another nuclear arms race is exacerbating geopolitical Polarization. For over four decades, Kazakhstan’s people and land were subjected to the devastating effects of 456 nuclear tests. Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are key pillars of my country’s foreign policy. Kazakhstan is therefore deeply concerned by the escalating rhetoric of nuclear threats. We appeal to all nuclear states to adhere to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. I also urge those countries who have not joined the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to do so as soon as possible for the safety, stability and survival of our world. As the Chair of the 3rd Meeting of the TPNW, we will promote establishment of an International Trust Fund for assistance to victims of nuclear testing.”

Cyber, military uses of artificial intelligence: “The rapid development of AI exacerbates cyber threats and brings new challenges. This includes its potential uses in warfare, the consequences for data privacy, the risks of misuse for information wars, deepfakes and more. Kazakhstan believes the UN can and must play a leading role in this revolutionary field. We urge technologically and digitally advanced states to take an active part in developing common ethics and standards to govern AI in the most responsible and peaceful way. The establishment of a UN AI Office would be a welcome step in this direction.”

Kenya
Mr. William Samoei Ruto, President
26 September 2024

Wars, weapons of mass destruction: “The world is at a challenging moment and in a most precarious international security dispensation. The promise of the United Nations Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war has been profoundly shaken. From land to sea and from the air to outer space, global peace, security and stability are increasingly under threat. Conflicts and tensions pervade every frontier, undermining the collective security that international cooperation seeks to uphold. Cases of polarizing narratives, factionalism, social upheavals, organized crime, wars and stockpiling of Weapons of Mass Destruction are at an all-time high.”

Armed conflict: “From Gaza to Darfur, Ukraine, Yemen, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sudan, the Sahel region and the criminality in Haiti, conflict is inflicting a trail of destruction of life and livelihoods in historic proportions. These conflicts have become battlegrounds for armed factions, external interventions, and proxy wars, resulting in unprecedented anarchic situations and long-lasting negative repercussions on global stability and economic development.”

Cyber, autonomous weapons systems: “The perilous security landscape is further complicated by emerging threats stemming from human advancements. Cybersecurity threats and sophisticated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure pose significant risks to national security and global stability. Furthermore, the proliferation of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence in the military domain and autonomous weapons systems, has introduced new challenges for arms control and international regulations.”

Militarism, nuclear weapons, arms race: “Regrettably, the world’s most powerful states have increasingly choosen unilateralism and militarization, over dialogue and diplomacy. As a consequence, the capacity of our multilateral institutions to maintain and enforce peace, even in national crises with significant regional impacts, is severely undermined. Even worse, a resurgence of nuclear arms race, buoyed by the intensifying geopolitical rivalries and tensions, has made the possibility of a catastrophic nuclear warfare a real possibility. Our vision of a world free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is dying incrementally.”

Kiribati
Mr. Teburoro Tito, Permanent Representative
30 September 2024

Nuclear weapons: Kiribati unwavering commitment to global peace is deeply rooted in its tragic history with nuclear weapons. As a nation that has witnessed firsthand the destructive and long-lasting consequences of nuclear testing, Kiribati remain steadfast in our support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), a landmark agreement that represents a collective effort to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons from our world. Kiribati firmly believes that the only path to global security is through complete nuclear disarmament and we stand in solidarity with other states in advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.

War/Armed conflict: “Considering the significant disparity between the United Nations intended mission and its actual outcomes, an in-depth analysis is needed to explore why the organization has been unsuccessful in preventing and resolving conflicts. It is important that the root causes of these failures are identified and addressed. Equally important is the need to stress the crucial role of the UN Secretary General jointly with the P5 members of the Security Council in putting a stop to ongoing conflicts and in preventing new ones from occurring.”

“Peacekeeping remains a cornerstone of international cooperation for maintaining global security and stability. Kiribati is proud to have contributed to this effort by deploying police personnel to support the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan. This marks the second time that Kiribati has sent its Police Officers to assist in peacekeeping operations in Sudan, underscoring our deep commitment to international peace and security. Kiribati remains steadfast in its belief that global peace can only be achieved through collective action and we will continue to play our part in supporting United Nations peacekeeping missions.”

“Kiribati firmly believes that a country without peace, as is the case for countries currently devastated by wars and conflicts, cannot undertake any meaningful development while its people are deprived of enjoying a normal way of life and forced to live in refugee camps or as homeless people surviving through charity and humanitarian donations. People living in such dire conditions have no way of becoming economically productive in order to feel a sense of human pride and dignity and cannot voluntarily free themselves out of such predicament until the conflict has been resolved, peace restored, and life is back to normal. It is therefore crucial that the UN’s core mission of maintaining international peace and security must be achieved first before member countries can meaningfully undertake any development and before their people can participate meaningfully in such developments and thereby gain a sense of self-respect and self- dignity in being able to make ends meet on their own independent efforts. In other words, Development and Human Dignity are not achievable without Peace.”

Kuwait
Mr. Sabah Al Khaled Al Sabah, Crown Prince
26 September 2024

Artificial intelligence, cyber: “Technological innovations, AI, and social media are increasingly being used for incitement, terrorist recruitment, spreading, hate, speech, and disinformation. This adversely affects cyber security. We must give due attention to this issue.”

Illicit arms trade: “Following the progress in this file, we call upon our brothers in Iraq to respect bilateral security and technical agreements on the maritime corridor in Hur Abdullah, these agreements ensure environmental preservation, regulate navigation and contribute to combating terrorism and illicit trafficking in arms, drugs and persons.”

War, airstrikes: “The whole world has been witnessing a dangerous escalation of military operations. By the Israeli occupation forces against our Palestinian brethren in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem and the West Bank, our Palestinian brethren are subjected to collective punishment. Continuous airstrikes are targeting defenseless civilians. They claim the lives of 10s of 1000s of innocent children, men and women, more than 41,000 martyrs. The occupying forces persist in targeting the facilities of international organizations and critical infrastructure. They are persisting in forcibly displacing the residents of Gaza. Peace in our region will not be achieved unless an independent state of Palestine is established with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

War: “The brotherly Sudan, is witnessing unfortunate events as a result of armed clashes. This is cause for concern. We call for immediate cessation of fighting. We call for resorting to dialogue and returning to the peaceful political track to maintain the security of the Sudan its stability and territorial integrity. We support all ongoing regional international initiatives to reach a political solution that ends this crisis, a political solution that provides the necessary protection to civilians and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. It is important to respect the sovereignty of the Sudan and the territorial integrity of the Sudan.”

Airstrikes, war: “Regarding the situation in Lebanon, the state of Kuwait condemns, in the most strongest terms the airstrikes and military operations launched by Israeli cooperation forces against the brotherly republic of Lebanon. These operations have claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, innocent civilians that have nothing to do with the dangerous escalation of the Israeli aggression, which is expanding day after day, in flagrant violations of all norms and international law, including international humanitarian law.”

Kyrgyzstan
Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov, President
24 September 2024

Arms race: “Inequality between states is not only persisting but intensifying. The world faces an important choice. We can continue increasing arms, seeking security through military power, or we can choose the path of sustainable development aimed at eradicating poverty and supporting the most vulnerable.”

Military spending: “We are facing unprecedented challenges – a global climate catastrophe, economic inequality dividing peoples and continents, and, of course, conflicts that destroy hope for a peaceful future. In this context, we observe a troubling paradox: global military spending is growing, while least developed and vulnerable states continue to suffer from a lack of resources for their development and survival.”

“I would like to draw your attention to two conflicting realities of our time. The first reality is unprecedented spending on military needs. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military spending in 2023 increased by 6.8% and reached a record level of US$2.5 trillion per year, or 2.3% of global GDP, the highest amount in decades. Leading powers are spending huge amounts of money on creating and developing armed forces, increasing arsenals and developing new, more destructive types of weapons. Unfortunately, this is happening in a world where many nations and peoples still do not have access to basic services – water, medical care, education. We must ensure that the money that allocates to wars, destruction, death, could go to creation or to solving global challenges for all of humanity, to help countries in their fight against climate change, to prevent mass displacement and global migration. Military spending and armed conflicts have a devastating effect on many countries, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Conflicts and armed clashes lead to the destruction of infrastructure, a drop in living standards and mass migration, creating a vicious circle of poverty and instability. While some countries increase their budgets for weapons, many of those who need help lose the chance for a normal life.”

“Resources that are directed to military needs could make a huge contribution to addressing global challenges - whether it is access to clean water, education for children in developing countries, fighting famine, or financing climate change programs. To make progress in this direction, coordinated efforts are needed from both: rich and least developed countries.”

“Today, we observe that geopolitical conflicts not only require increased defense spending, but, more importantly, international cooperation for their resolution. If the global community can unite efforts to achieve an equitable resource distribution, help vulnerable states, and eliminate the causes of armed conflict, we can create a safer and more prosperous world for all. If we begin investing not in war but in people, if instead of weapons we invest in education, healthcare, and sustainable development, we can build a prosperous world.”

“The future of our world depends on the path we choose. We should not increase military spending, leading to further escalation of conflicts and disasters. Instead, we must direct our efforts toward building a just, safe, and prosperous world for all. Our choice today will determine what tomorrow will be like for future generations. We need relief of international tensions.”

WMD (weapons of mass destruction): “Security is not only about having strong armies and weapons of mass destruction. True security will only achieve with trust, equality and prosperity for all peoples.”

Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The Lao PDR is deeply concerned with the ongoing armed-conflict that is gravitating towards spilling over the entire Middle East region, which would consequence in even more humanitarian crisis for innocent civilians. Therefore, we maintain our consistent support to all international efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and cessation of all violence in Gaza and the adjacent areas, as the fundamental condition for safe and unhindered humanitarian access for the people, as well as rapid peace agreement negotiation. The Lao PDR reiterates its support for the two-state solution for the Palestinian issue, where Palestine and Israel coexist in peace in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, and calls for respect for the inalienable and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and for creating necessary condition for Palestine to become a full-fledged member of the United Nations.”

War: “Many countries all over the world, including the Lao PDR, have experienced and suffered firsthand the consequences of war and solving disputes by force, which directly endanger peace and security with unpredictable destruction to innocent lives. As such, the only way to solve disputes at all levels, with a view towards sustainable peace, is to begin with building mutual trust along with diplomatic negotiations based on respect for sovereignty and adherence to the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.”

Unexploded ordinance, cluster munitions: “The Lao PDR remains steadfast to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on socio-economic development together with environment protection and reduction of poverty. Last July, the Lao PDR presented its third Voluntary National Review of the SDGs implementation at the 2024 High-level Political Forum, which demonstrated that there remains slow progress and off-track goals. Among them, the implementation of the National SDG 18: “Lives safe from Unexploded Ordinance”, has made progress in varying degrees. However, the unexploded ordinance remains a major threat to the lives of the Lao people and pose obstacles to the national development while hindering the progress of other SDGs. We, therefore, take this opportunity to call upon the international community to provide predictable and adequate support and assistance to the Lao PDR in addressing this long overdue and challenging problem, in accordance with the Convention on Cluster Munitions.”

Latvia
Mr. Edgars Rinkēvičs, President
24 September 2024

War, nuclear weapons: “It is already the third year of Russia’s unprovoked full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia is still testing the global community’s resilience and commitment to the rules-based order. This war gravely affects the stability of the region and beyond. It has far-reaching consequences for the principles that uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. We must ensure that the global order remains resilient in the face of aggression. Especially, when the aggressor is a nuclear-weapon state and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.”

Ceasefire: “Latvia together with other European Union Member states has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian access at scale.”

Lebanon
Mr. Abdallah Bouhabib, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants
26 September 2024

Ceasefire: “We welcome the declaration delivered yesterday by the United States and by France, as supported by a number of friendly states, deliver offering the possibility of long-term ceasefire, helping to ensure the restoration of stability along the border, as well as the return of displaced persons. Furthermore, we demand that all possible measures be adopted for this declaration to be implemented.”

War: “What we are currently experiencing in Lebanon is a consequence of the absence of a lasting sustainable solution. It is not the cause of an absence of a sustainable solution. The cause is the occupation. And we wish to reiterate this explicitly, the cause is the occupation; to claim anything else would be a loss of time. So long as the occupation persists, there will be instability and there will be war.”

Militarism: “Today, we desperately need the United Nations to play its role as a refuge for small countries who have been victimized by aggression. These countries include my homeland, Lebanon. Since this tragedy which we've experienced has broken out. Since this bitter reality, we have observed that dialogue is an alternative to the language of weapons to resolve conflict. We have demonstrated ability to be a reliable partner in building consensus, as was the case in October 2022, when the maritime borders were delimitated between Lebanon and Israel. This is the best proof of our commitment to negotiations for peaceful dispute resolution."

Ceasefire, war: “We wish to reiterate today our call for a ceasefire on all fronts for this to be an opportunity and a prerequisite towards the full-fledged implementation of Resolution 1701, of the United Nations Security Council, which has been effective in establishing a relative degree of stability in the South of Lebanon since the end of the July 2006 war, up until 7th October 2023.”

Militarism: “Moreover, are counting on the support of the international community, and specifically in the support of friendly countries, in reinforcing the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the litani river and delivering the necessary equipment. And to ensure that troop levels can be increased in the wake of the launch by the state of a conscription campaign as part of a clear commitment to the implementation of Resolution 1701. In this regard, there will be no weapons without the consent of the Lebanese Government, and there will be no other authority than that of the Lebanese Government. As is stipulated in the above-mentioned resolution, our demand to secure support is not merely a reflection of our commitment to honoring our commitments under resolution 1701, this is also a reaffirmation of the importance of cooperation and support from the international community to surmount security related challenges in order to bolster peace and security in the region. We are all cognizant of the economic crisis that has been plaguing our country, and despite this, our government has taken a decision for 100,000 additional soldiers to be deployed to the south of the country. And this, this is not a mere detail. Quite the contrary, this is a clear political message to the international community, reflecting the fact that Lebanon fully intends to implement resolution 1701, to which we are wedded, and even at the worst times, including the present, we are not standing idly by. We are mobilizing our efforts at the highest level to protect our people, our national institutions, as well as our sovereignty.”

War, white phosphorus, bombs: “Israel in a state of focusing on incessant wars. Israel is continuously radicalizing. One of the gravest challenges Lebanon currently faces is this increase in aggression. The war has expanded and spilled over into Lebanese regions. We are increasingly concerned due to the systematic destruction of Lebanese border villages, the collective punishment imposed on people, the setting of fire to agricultural lands with white phosphorus, thereby rendering these lands unusable for many years. We, in recent days, have borne witness to a detestable, repugnant example of the transformation of telecommunications devices, civilian devices were transformed into ticking time bombs that were deliberately and simultaneously blown up, thereby claiming the lives of dozens, including children, including women, resulting in thousands of people being wounded, hundreds of whom are in critical condition, in addition to hundreds of who were disfigured, maimed, who lost limbs, who lost their vision from this rostrum. We reiterate our warning against this aggression, which will continuously intensifying this attempt to play with fire to plunge the entire Middle East into a conflagration. We reiterate our rejection of war. Our legitimate right to defend ourselves pursuant to the charter of the International of the United Nations and international law. This goes hand in hand with our tireless efforts through our contacts and meetings to avoid falling into the trap of the Israeli occupying power, which is attempting to extend and prolong the war.”

War, bombardment, ceasefire: “The return of Israeli displaced persons to their cities and their settlements cannot be achieved through war. Cannot be achieved through bombardment, fighting, hostilities, or the displacement of Lebanese people. The shortest path for their return is a comprehensive immediate ceasefire, as stipulated in the US French Declaration, which was from yesterday, supported by friendly states. A full implementation of Resolution 1701 as part of a comprehensive framework accompanied by clear, international, guaranteed, transparent and a definitive end to land, sea and air incursions and breaches of Lebanese sovereignty and our internationally recognized borders.”

War: “Has Israel not had enough of the endless war since 1948 when will it be time for Israel to give a real opportunity for peace? Will Israel not embrace the path of peace? When will this happen? Instead of using the language of fire and steel, Lebanon and Arab countries have clearly, without any ambiguity, categorically embraced peace through the Arab Peace Initiative, which was the fruit of the Beirut Arab summit in 2002 with the adoption by Arab states of the two-state solution. Through the demand of Arab states for the implementation United Nations resolutions, which unfortunately have remained dead letter, it is now incumbent upon Israel, both the government and the people Israel as a whole, if they really want peace, to embrace peace, to choose peace, to want peace instead of war, and to go beyond their obsessions and security related anxiety, breaking the cycle of violence in the region, ending escalation. The risk of complete conflagration in the Middle East also requires collective efforts as part of a clear, defined, timeline, together with clear guarantees and recognition of legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination.”

Militarism, conflict: “There can be no justification for the mass murder of civilians. However, as we, as we talk about death and destruction devastation, we also need to endeavor to find solutions. Time is of the essence. There's a need to embrace a political process to end this crisis which is being which is escalating. There's a need to move forward to reach a political solution. We together need to give thought to a political solution to this crisis, instead of bogging ourselves increasingly down in the militarization of this conflict, the escalation of the conflict and the expansion of the conflict. Diplomacy is not always easy, but diplomacy is the only way to save innocent lives and homelands. Lebanon, for our part, we are determined to tread upon this path. Lebanon views the US-French initiative, which was supported by other friendly countries, as an opportunity to generate momentum to take steps towards ending this crisis and diplomacy needs to succeed. There is no other choice.”

Lesotho
Mr. Letsie III, King
26 September 2024

War: “Through collective action, we can conquer the challenges facing humanity and realize a sustainable future for all. However, this will require leaders with humanity, mildness, a love of peace and justice, horror of war, and forbearance under extreme provocation. These are ideals that can be achieved.... The enjoyment and exercise of human rights and attainment of sustainable peace and development require a deliberate fundamental shift and commitment by the world’s leadership. In the words of another of my ancestors, ‘always be slow to take arms…. At all times, I beseech you, lean upon this rod of peace. Always keep it clear in your mind that it is, far more profitable to harvest food in the grain fields than to kill men in the battlefields.’”

Arms trade, small arms, conventional weapons, cyber: “Global peace and security are under threat from terrorism, illicit arms flows, organized crime, cybercrime, and financial crimes, hindering progress towards sustainable peace. This worrying state of affairs demands collective and resolute action to protect global peace, security and stability for the benefit of all humanity.”

War, ceasefire: “The situation in the Middle East, especially the ongoing human rights violations in Gaza, requires urgent attention. We renew our call for a ceasefire, as both the General Assembly and the Security Council have repeatedly advocated for one. The high cost of war is a burden humanity should not bear. We believe in a two-state solution that allows Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely. Genuine dialogue and mediation, respecting the rights and concerns of both parties, are crucial for resolving the Palestine question.”

Liberia
Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President
25 September 2024

War: “Liberia has enjoyed uninterrupted peace for almost two decades following 14 years of civil conflict.... In addition, the country has taken a major step in confronting its conflict past to ensure accountability and justice for crimes and other human rights violations committed during the war and promote healing and national reconciliation. A significant development in our transitional justice process was the signing on May 2, 2024, of Executive Order 131 to create the Office for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Courts for Liberia, a key recommendation from the truth and reconciliation process in Liberia.”

War: “The threat of conflicts to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace. Therefore, we support all the UN's efforts to address peace and security issues worldwide.”

Militarism: “Liberia firmly stands with the rest of West Africa in the resolve to maintain our fifty-year-old regional economic commission (ECOWAS) intact. We oppose efforts to disintegrate our union and will not accept the region being used for proxy conflicts. We look to the AU and the UN to support us in keeping the regional body united.”

War, ceasefire: “Similarly, at the global level, we call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East to provide civilians with essential humanitarian relief. We urge both the Israelis and Palestinians to engage in negotiations toward lasting peace, including a two-state solution. Additionally, we see the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a threat to global peace and security. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution that also respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”

Libya
Mohamed Younis A Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State
25 September 2024

Armed conflict, war: “Libya has suffered for over more than a decade from successive transitional periods tinted with unjustified conflicts and wars among brothers. They were fuelled by foreign interference aimed at weakening the state, deepening divisions, and controlling its natural resources as well as its political and social decision. This necessitates a strong stance today to regain control.”

“We stress the need for all stakeholders to participate constructively to reach a peaceful settlement based on a Libyan solution, away from any foreign dictations or interferences. We cannot reach sustainable solutions without a serious and honest dialogue among Libyans, without any foreign interference.”

War: “The genocide and ethnic cleansing committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples represent a violation of international law.”

War: “We stress the need to work in addressing the situation and eliminate the spectre of war in the region through addressing the situation in Gaza and putting an end to the egregious violations against Palestine. We stress the right of the Palestinian people in self-determination, establishing their independent statehood with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Liechtenstein
Ms. Dominique Hasler, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2024

War: “For us, the people and the Government of Liechtenstein, the main purpose of the United Nations remains peace and security to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war in the immortal words of the UN Charter, it saddens me to say that this purpose has lost none of its relevance today the aggression against Ukraine, planned and perpetrated by those who wield power in the Russian Federation, has not only destroyed the European security architecture, it has undermined the international legal order as such, and It has created a real risk and genuine fear of future illegal war making, not just in our part of the world.”

War: “After enjoying long decades of peace, which is much more than the absence of war, our people have been able to live in prosperity and with full respect for human rights as a small state without Armed Forces, the guarantor of our sovereignty is respect for international law, which the UN embodies like no other organization.”

War: “More than two years of brutal war of aggression have brought immeasurable human suffering, economic devastation of immense proportions, and environmental damage for decades to come. Many of these outcomes are sadly irreversible, but together, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to bring about a just peace, and indeed, there will be no peace without justice.”

Protection of civilians, ceasefire: “We have witnessed with horror the terrorist attack on the civilian population of Israel on the seventh of October, and we are shocked and appalled by the suffering of the civilian population of Gaza, the many 1000s of innocent victims, a very large number of children among them, which is simply unacceptable. The protection of civilians is a key priority on the agenda of the United Nations. However, it seems to be a mere afterthought for those making the decisions on both sides of the conflict whose actions cause human suffering and threaten stability in the region. We are deeply concerned about the next level of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah and joined the call for a 21-day ceasefire in order to prevent a further conflagration in the region.”

Lithuania
Mr. Gitanas Nausėda, Presiden
24 September 2024

War/militarism: “And then, more than 10 years ago, something entirely different happened. A permanent member of the Security Council began military aggression against a peaceful member state. At first covertly. Then more and more openly, breaking ever more international norms. And finally, Russia started the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Today, even though we face yet another distressing crisis in the Middle East as well as rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the Russian war of aggression is the most dangerous threat. The entire international order, defined by sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, is under assault in Ukraine. Each and every member of the United Nations – every sovereign nation – has also much to lose.

“To fully understand what is presently at stake, we must all start paying attention to the words of Russian leaders and their representatives at the United Nations Security Council. How many times have they openly admitted that the Kremlin intends to wipe Ukraine from the face of Earth! If any sovereign nation is under the threat of complete destruction, no country is truly safe anymore. If the international community looks away and ignores the unpleasant truth, no country is truly safe anymore. And if mass killings, deportations and deliberate attacks on civilian population become the new norm, no country is truly safe anymore. That should be perfectly clear to anyone. That should disturb us all.

“What Russia presents to the world is a return to the era of imperial conquest, colonial domination and genocide. And I do not believe we are ready to follow this path. I do not believe any of us want to see powerful neighbors convincing themselves that from now on every dispute should be settled by force. Therefore, right now, Ukraine is fighting not only a war of self-defense. Ukraine is also fighting for the future of all those countries who believe in the United Nations Charter and its principles. Ukraine is fighting for us all!

“And yet our joint collective response to this day has been insufficient. We have not been able to stop this madness. We have not been able to force Russia to reconsider its dangerous course. We have not been able to hold it accountable for so many violations of the United Nations Charter! Why was that the case? Because to this day, the aggressor is hiding under the cover of the Security Council’s permanent membership. Hiding in plain sight. Mocking every one of us with its unrestricted veto power. It is a terrible blow to the very credibility of the United Nations system. And still, we keep hearing some calls for Ukraine to surrender, to compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, or to accept Russia’s ultimatums.

“Why should the aggressor be rewarded? Why should appeasement work this time, when it failed so spectacularly almost 90 years ago? Why should the victim agree to the demands of the terrorist-in-chief, sitting safe in the Kremlin after so much bloodshed and loss of innocent lives?

“Ukraine is still fighting. Ukraine is still going strong, regardless of all the appeasers and doomsayers. And only Ukraine has the right to determine the actual conditions for peace. Meanwhile, we have the duty to support Ukraine. To restrict Russia’s ability to wage war and ensure the accountability of those responsible for the crime of aggression and crimes against humanity. To reform the Security Council and to rebuild the credibility of the United Nations Charter. To withstand enormous pressure and win this war, Ukraine will need more military equipment, ammunition, medical supplies. Ukraine also urgently needs humanitarian and financial aid.

“This upcoming winter will be extremely difficult for the Ukrainian people. Constant deliberate Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure have destroyed more than 80 percent of Ukraine’s thermal energy generation and a third of its hydro generation. To prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, our assistance should be swift and focused on the energy sector.”

Arms trade: “Lithuania calls on other parties, including Belarus, Iran, North Korea, and China, to stop providing Russia with military support, including the transfer of dual-use materials. More arms for Russia means more civilian deaths. More civilian infrastructure destroyed. More chaos.”

Use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “The war could enter the end phase tomorrow if only Russia agrees to disengage and withdraw its forces from all the occupied territories. Ukraine does not want Russia’s territories. It wants to liberate its own people – not Russia’s. It wants to see prisoners of war and abducted children – thousands of them – returned. It wants the constant deliberate bombing of civilian infrastructure, of so many schools, hospitals, and power stations, to finally stop.”

War/militarism: “To achieve lasting peace, more actions will have to follow. Justice will have to be served. Russia will have to atone for its many crimes and pay damages. The main culprits of the war of aggression and numerous war crimes will have to stand before the court.”

Luxembourg
Mr. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2024

War, armed conflicts: “How should you explain to someone in Palestine, in Lebanon, in Kyiv, in so many different places around the world that we want to leave no one behind that's just because of war? How would you explain to some of the countries now that after some national elections, the development and the aid for those more poor country are cut it by saying no one behind. How do you want to say to people waiting outside, demonstrating outside, that we came here together to find solutions. About all the troubles that we have nowadays, I can tell you that for them, we are just discussing, but not acting. We are like a very barking dog without teeth, sparking all the time, but leaving so many people behind. That's just a not so optimistic introduction. But this is the case how it is today, when I see that for the moment, 60 conflicts are existing, and about 50 conflicts could start tomorrow. So in total, we have about 115 conflicts potentially are existing already, and they go from Congo to Yemen, from Sudan to Myanmar, from Syria to Venezuela, from Haiti to Libya, from Armenia to Azerbaijan. Could happen tomorrow. So you see, the whole world is, in fact, if you look geographically, in conflict. You have these big conflicts we speak a lot about, but you have also all these little conflicts who are not on our agenda every day, but where people suffers that much also.”

War: “This week, we had President Zelensky here, and a lot of you have been to Kyiv. You've been there to support Ukrainian colleagues. And I remember the discussions that we've had here. And I remember I see a couple of colleagues from the Russian Federation here. That's good. It's something new. Very often they leave the room. I'd like to ask them today why there is this war. Why this war? I remember at the beginning of this conflict, a lot of you felt that this wasn't my role, but I tried to dialog with President Putin, and also have a dialog with President Zelensky. And I remember the arguments that were put forward. I won't tell you details of my discussion with President Putin, but asking why Russia has attacked Ukraine, and it was we were told that it was Ukraine that wanted to make Russia fearful, that it was a danger to Russia. Beginning a war is easy. Ending a war is what requires greatness. And you can have peace conferences. They are organized, but without the presence of Russia or China, believe me, these are moments of moral support for Ukraine.”

Landmines, explosive remnants of war: “Luxembourg does what it can. We have supported demining, for example. And don't forget, I just visited Laos 30 years after the war, 40 years after the war, people are still dying from remnants of war, and don't forget that, if tomorrow the war in Ukraine comes to an end, there will still be victims tomorrow and the day after and the day after that. As human consequences of having placed mines everywhere.”

War: “I have to refer to the Middle East. This week, we've had discussions with partners to find a two state solution. For me, what is important today is that we have to be conscious of the fact that there won't be a winner of this war what's been caused here. How do you explain to a young Israeli that Palestine is a friendly country when their brothers or sisters are held hostage by Hamas? How do you want to explain to a young Palestinian that Israel, its neighboring country is its friend when they buried their friend the day before. That's the reality on the ground. What are we doing here? It's generations of hate for the next 20, 30 years, future generations where people won't get around the table.”

Madagascar
Mr. Christian Ntsay, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War: “Today, this is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the various global challenges and the need for a collective, united and resolute response. Peace, the fragile foundation of a divided world, is now being undermined by a multiplicity of crises with profound and dangerous geo-strategic ramifications. Far from being a regionalised conflict, the war in Ukraine is undermining the international order, exacerbating geopolitical tensions, worsening food and energy insecurity, and jeopardising world peace and security.”

Proliferation of weapons: “Terrorism and transnational crime continue to sow terror and desolation, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. The proliferation of weapons and drugs, particularly in conflict zones, fuels a vicious cycle of violence and instability, hampering long-term development efforts and mortgaging the future of generations to come.”

Malawi
Mr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President
26 September 2024

No relevant references.

Malaysia
Mr. Mohamad Hasan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

War, armed drones, weapons: “From the dust of the Second World War, we emerged, many of us as new nation-states, with a shared goal to build a safer world. Yet, for many of us, it is NOT a safer world, than it was 79 years ago. For many, it has only become, a DEADLIER world. It has become a world, in which war can be waged remotely, and with impunity. A world in which a drone strike, can fatally interrupt a lesson in a school, a surgery in a hospital, or a convoy delivering humanitarian aid. We have LAWS against these practices, yet our calls for peace, are REPEATEDLY ignored, and vetoed away. In other words, it is a world in which the mighty, continue to silence the meek, with far greater weapons than before.”

War, ceasefire: “Nowhere does this ring truer, of course, than in Gaza. We stand, at a CRITICAL juncture in world history, on the failure of global governance to address, the genocide of Palestinians. And it has echoed across the world, on the abysmal response by world leaders, to end these horrendous crimes. Yet, there are also many of us who have pursued justice for the people of Gaza. For almost one year now, we have raised our voices in protest, and sought to establish a ceasefire. Again and again, our voices have been shot down in the Security Council, through the power of veto. It is clear: the mechanisms of the Security Council have been ABUSED, to enable mass atrocities. Our failure to establish a ceasefire is no longer justifiable. We have run OUT of excuses. It is time to address the problem. The veto should not be exercised at will. There MUST be exceptions, in cases of crimes against humanity, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.”

Missiles: “Understand this: Our willingness to reform is a matter, of life and death, for countless innocent people. There are children DYING, between missile strikes, and between the words that we speak today.”

Arms embargo: “Malaysia demands that the Security Council, invoke the powers under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, and impose an immediate arms embargo against Israel.”

Weapons, arms trade: “Therefore, our task is threefold. a) One: we must limit, or abolish, the veto. b) Two: we must continue to empower, the voices of the oppressed within this General Assembly. c) And three: we must HALT the flow of weapons, to rogue states who have proven, a hundred times over, their willingness to commit crimes against humanity.”

Militarism: “ASEAN centrality must also involve managing, the most critical issue of the South China Sea. This body of water, rich in resources and carrying vital shipping lanes, has become a flashpoint of rising geopolitical tensions. Escalation of rhetoric is a dangerous path to follow. We must not allow the situation to become dominated by growing distrust. This benefits no one. It only further undermines security, and destabilises global trade. We must collectively pursue a different vision of the South China Sea: a future in which this region is a zone of peace, stability, and cooperation. We must adopt a collaborative approach, embedded in diplomacy and dialogue. Thus, I call upon all countries to abide by the UNCLOS in the conduct of maritime governance. We MUST prioritise peaceful coexistence.”

Maldives
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President
24 September 2024

War/militarism, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “This is why the ongoing massacre – the genocide – by Israel in Gaza, is a travesty of justice and the international system. The repeated destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, humanitarian infrastructure; the repeated cycles of killings of men, women, children, babies; thousands upon thousands. The world is struggling to process the deaths of so many civilians in Gaza and now Israeli raids in Lebanon are claiming hundreds more civilians lives there. Their cries haunt anyone with humanity. Their tears, bitter on our conscience."

“Israel’s targeting of journalists – the eyes and ears of humanity, the killings of journalists, Palestinian journalists, Lebanese Journalists, Al-Jazeera journalists, the closure of Al-Jazeera offices – how can we interpret this as anything other than brutal attempts to prevent the world from knowing about the crimes taking place?

“Israel must be held accountable for these acts of terrorism, for these violations of international law & UN resolutions. We must accept a sovereign and independent Palestinian State on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We welcome the decision to seat our brothers and sisters from Palestine with us here in the General Assembly, for the first time, instead of behind us. Now, we must ensure that Palestine becomes a full member of the UN.”

War/militarism: “The United Nations is the epitome of the multilateral system. It is well positioned: to promote sustainable development; to maintain peace and security; to promote and protect human rights; to enforce equality, the rule of law, inclusivity, and representativeness. But what we are witnessing is the opposite: inability to stop climate change and environmental degradation; inability to stop war and genocide; inability to stop exploitation and suffering; inability to stop unequal representation.”

Mali
Mr. Abdoulaye Maiga, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2024

NATO: “Mali's tragedy dates back to the allegiance to Al-Qaeda of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, the Algerian GSPC, on 11 September 2006, exacerbated by NATO's haphazard military intervention in Libya in 2011. The destabilisation of this sister country has exacerbated the factors of insecurity in our countries, namely terrorism, trafficking of all kinds, money laundering, community conflicts manipulated by terrorists and their foreign state sponsors, and the violent actions of isolated individuals.”

Drones: “Furthermore, on 26 August 2024, your [Algeria] Permanent Representative to the United Nations stated: ‘... this morning I learned from the media that a drone had carried out a strike in the north of Mali, killing around twenty civilians; those who press the joystick of this drone are not accountable to anyone for these strikes...’.”

“His remarks make serious and unfounded accusations: on the one hand, the media's characterisation of the civilian nature of the victims is adventurous and defamatory; on the other hand, by asserting that drone operators are accountable to no one, he is fuelling a disinformation campaign against Mali, while at the same time supporting the idea that Mali's valiant Defence and Security Forces are incapable of piloting drones. I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the increase in the strength of FAMA is not a figment of the imagination, but a tangible reality that has enabled the country to regain control of its entire territory. As far as the use of drones is concerned, the operators are indeed Malians who act professionally, like the rest of the Malian Defence and Security Forces, and deal with terrorist targets according to procedures that comply with international standards. As a reminder, a few years ago, human rights activists determined to tarnish the anti-terrorist performance of the Algerian National Army raised the subversive question of ‘Who kills whom? Today, we are disturbed that the Algerian Permanent Representative has joined the manipulative human rights trend to attack the Malian Army.”

War: “We are therefore concerned by the level of violence in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territories. The people of Mali reaffirm their support for the brotherly Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for self-determination. The Government of Mali reiterates its support for the two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within secure and internationally recognised borders. We condemn, without reservation, the indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli army against the Palestinians.”

Malta
Mr. Robert Abela, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War: “When we gathered this time last year, little could we have predicted that – just a couple of weeks later our world would be plunged into even greater turmoil by the despicable attacks of October 7th. In the twelve months since, we have seen continued loss of life and a humanitarian emergency on such a scale that it is all too easy to give up hope. All too easy to believe that nothing can be done. All too easy to turn the other cheek.”

Arms trade, armed conflict: “Europe can only be secure, and at peace, if its neighbours are secure and at peace. Which is why – both in the Security Council and in the OSCE – our guiding watchwords are always promoting Sustainability, Peace and Security. This approach sits well alongside the OSCE’s comprehensive conception of security as not just about ending military conflict, but also addressing the social and economic tensions that create and exacerbate international tensions. To that end we will continue to press for all nations to comply with the Arms Trade Treaty. The failure of too many countries to comply with international rules poses too great a threat to too many innocent citizens.”

War/armed conflict: “Amidst the tragedy of events in Israel and Gaza we have worked with others to prioritize the relief of humanitarian suffering. We used our seat on the Security Council to work for Resolution 2712, which demanded urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and the provision of corridors through Gaza to supply critical supplies needed by so many civilians, not least children. The resolution also called for the release of hostages held captive by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. We are proud that this led to the release of 105 hostages during the negotiated seven-day pause. Similarly, I am pleased Malta played a key role in the Security Council adopting Resolution 2728 – which demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan, alongside the immediate release of all hostages. This was the first joint motion from the non-permanent members on a geographic situation in the Security Council’s history.

“Understandably, much of the world’s attention has been on Israel/Gaza since October 7th, which has now expanded to a dangerous and deeply worrying escalation in Lebanon. We stand firm in our belief that we must all strive to ensure that the flames of this conflict do not engulf the whole region, and that we all take decisive steps to resolve this conflict before it is too late.

“Furthermore, it is imperative that we, as a global community, do not lose focus on those other parts of the world where war and the killing of civilians is also all too present, and all too tragic, a daily reality. Sudan, Yemen, Syria and, of course, Ukraine.”

Militarism, mercenaries, arms embargo: “As friends and neighbours of Libya, we can and must help. But for the process to truly succeed, it must be Libyan led and Libyan owned. To which end, we unequivocally call for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya. And Malta re-emphasises the need for a full impletion of the Libyan arms embargo in line with all the relevant Security Council resolutions.”

Children and armed conflict: “During our term on the Security Council, Malta has worked hard to do just that. Malta has chaired the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. In the last eighteen months, the Working Group has issued conclusions on the role of children in the conflicts in South Sudan, Nigeria, Mali, Afghanistan, CAR, Colombia, Iraq and Somalia. That list is a sad testament to the magnitude and gravity of the repeated violations against children in crisis zones. We must never let up in our outrage and action at these persistent and flagrant abuses of the rights of the child – as enshrined by this United Nations.”

Marshall Islands
Dr. Hilda Heine, President
25 September 2024

War: “For nearly a year, nations around the world have expressed grave concern regarding extreme violence in Gaza and Israel - not just the horrific events which led to this grave conflict, but also the disproportionate and devastating response visited upon an innocent civilian population.”

Nuclear weapons: “The Marshall Islands experienced 67 known atmospheric nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958, resulting in an ongoing legacy of death, illness and contamination. The impacts are handed down, generation to generation. These impacts continue to challenge our human rights. In our culture, our identity is our land. Testing impacts left behind deep scars, with communities remaining in exile from their home islands, billions of dollars in unmet adjudicated claims, and a social and environmental burden upon our youngest and future generations. To help ensure nuclear risk is eliminated, the Marshall Islands is working towards accession to the 1963 Partial Test Ban treaty as well as the Treaty of Rarotonga and its nuclear free-zone.

“We did not choose this nuclear fate - it was chosen for us. UN Trusteeship Resolutions 1082 and 1493, were adopted in 1954 and 1956 respectively, despite petitions to the contrary by our Marshallese leaders. These tests were undertaken by the United States, acting as the United Nations Administering Authority. These resolutions remain the only time in which any UN organ has ever explicitly authorized the detonation of nuclear weapons. We can't undo the past. But as a United Nations, we owe it to ourselves to make amends through the adoption of a resolution which formally apologizes for the failure to heed the petition of the Marshallese people. By doing so, all of us will begin the process of healing, and to re-establish faith and trust in this institution.

“Our strong work on human rights and nuclear testing impacts is a fundamental and foundational effort to address transitional human rights - and we call attention to document HRC/57/77, the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands and its human rights impacts. In particular, I emphasize my nation’s unequivocal support for the High Commissioner’s important conclusions and recommendations on further action for my own government, for the United States and for the United Nations.

“As a nuclear-affected state, we seek to work with other affected nations and peoples including in Kiribati, French Polynesia, Australia, Algeria, Kazakhstan, North Korea, in the Xinjiang Province of mainland China, and within the United States. All should realize that the responsibility to fully address the harms resulting from the use, detonation, or testing of nuclear weapons lies, respectively, with the Member States that have done so. This is the basis of UN General Assembly resolution 78/240, on victim assistance and environmental remediation. And all must know that the scars upon our collective lands and peoples are firm lessons for nuclear weapons elimination.”

War: “Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine is a threat to basic democratic norms, human rights, and international accountability. As island democracies, and as vulnerable nations in the shadow of changing geopolitics, the war in Ukraine is of great concern to the Pacific Islands as though Eastern Europe was next-door.”

Mauritania
Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President
24 September 2024

War, armed conflict: “We would like to reiterate the following. Our strong condemnation of the war of genocide practised by Israel against the defenceless Palestinian people in flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. We demand the immediate end of this war and reiterate our commitments to the right of the Palestinian people to dignity and sovereignty within the framework of an independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital, as provided for in the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions. Our condemnation of the current Israeli attacks on Lebanon and our demands that they end immediately. Our call to find a solution that preserves the unity and sovereignty over the Libyan state and our commitment to supporting African and international efforts in this regard. Our support for the security and stability of brotherly Sudan and its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as our call to ensure that dialogue and reason prevail to resolve the outstanding issues leading to an immediate end to the war, ending the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Sudanese people and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law. Our commitment to serious efforts to achieve a political solution that preserves the unity of the Syrian Arab Republic, its independence, the dignity of its people and their right to live in peace and security. Our support for the brotherly Yemeni people and our call for peaceful solutions in accordance with Arab Initiatives and relevant international resolutions. Our firm position in the conflict Western Sahara and our support for the United Nations and all relevant Security Council resolutions in finding a lasting solution that is acceptable for everyone. Our concern about the continuation of the Russian Ukrainian war and our demand that a solution be found that ends the war and takes into account the concerns of both parties, under and in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, thus sparing the region and the world for the tragedy and destruction.”

Mauritius
Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun, President
26 September 2024

War: “The UN emerged out of the ashes of war and untold sufferings. We have a moral obligation to ensure that the ultimate sacrifice of millions of women and men was not in vain.”

Armed conflict: “Behind protracted conflicts around the world, lies inestimable human cost. The devastation and sufferings in Gaza are heart wrenching. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost. We urge the international community to find a solution for a de-escalation in the region, for a just and lasting peace. And, we are convinced that the two-State Solution, based on relevant UN resolutions and international law, will uphold human dignity and equality for all. We welcome the advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. There is an urgent need for a renewed commitment to diplomacy and constructive dialogue. As, in many parts of the world, conflicts, instability and challenges to security are still unabated.”

Mexico
Ms. Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Arms race, war: “Arms races and wars have returned to international geopolitics; environmental devastation is advancing; frustration and discontent are manifesting themselves in extremism, in proposals that deny rights and deny democratic values; the institutions of the international system are losing legitimacy.”

War, nuclear weapons: “With these flags, we strongly condemned at that time the arms build-up, the invasions of Manchuria, Austria, Ethiopia, the advance of fascism in Europe. And after the end of the World War, of the Second World War, Mexico led the declaration in Latin America and the Caribbean as a nuclear-weapon-free territory.”

War: “In the face of these scenarios, we defend territorial integrity in all geographical contexts, including in Ukraine and Palestine. We advocate a political solution and negotiations that include both sides: Russia and Ukraine, and we welcome the initiative of Brazil and China on the formation of a peace group in New York. The war has gone on too long and affects us all. We all lose except the mercenaries of death, except those arms companies that profit from the pain and loss of millions of children and entire families.”

Nuclear weapons: “In the face of this worrying reality, it is imperative that we redouble our efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons: their devastating effects, which cannot be contained in space or time, make them contrary to international law and the survival of humanity.”

Firearms: “But firearms are also a source of violence and insecurity around the world. Mexico suffers from the flow of more than half a million weapons illegally into its territory each year.”

“The arms industry needs to be held accountable for its negligence and Mexico has gone to court for this purpose, convinced that the arms industry is a key player in both the expansion and solution of this phenomenon.”

“Mexico is well aware that the illegal flow of arms is the flip side of the illegal flow of drugs and organised crime, particularly along Mexico's northern border.”

War: “Humanity is breaking down in Gaza in the face of the international community's inaction. More than 70 per cent of the victims of this war are children and women; more than 85 per cent of civilians have been forced to flee their homes; the majority of the population lacks access to food, water and electricity. Mexico therefore requested to intervene in the case brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice on the application of the International Convention against Genocide. And together with Chile, we referred the Palestinian situation to the International Criminal Court and submitted a friend-of-the-court brief to highlight the court's jurisdiction. We reject the false dilemma between the sterile violence of terrorism and the disproportionate punishment of governments cloaked in double standards.”

Micronesia (Federated States of)
Mr. Wesley W. Simina, President
26 September 2024

War, ceasefire: “As we gather today, we are reminded of the importance of global peace and security, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and between Israel and Palestine. Micronesia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue. We condemn the invasion of Ukraine and the killing of innocent civilians. We also condemn the attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens on October 7th, and we believe that every nation has the right to defend its people and territory. We urge for the immediate and safe release of hostages and cessation of hostilities, and urge all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution. It is our profound hope that both Israel and Palestine can resume meaningful negotiations, with the goal of establishing two states living side by side in peace and security, with clear and recognized borders. We commend the constructive efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in supporting the peace process, and we remain hopeful that through diplomacy and cooperation, lasting peace can be achieved. Micronesia remains committed that the protection of innocent civilians everywhere, is of paramount importance, as peace can only be sustained when the lives and dignity of all people are respected.”

Moldova (Republic of)
Mr. Dorin Recean, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War: “Very next to us, Russia’s unprovoked and unjust war of aggression against Ukraine threatens the fabric of our international order. It throws us back to the times of great power politics, when a large state pursues cynical geopolitical designs to divide the region into spheres of influence and annex smaller neighbours, denying them a say in their own destiny. For Moldova, this is not a mere distant memory - it is a looming threat. Moldova knows all too well the consequences, and we are determined to never return to those times. Don’t forget: Kremlin doesn’t want us at the table. Kremlin wants us on the table. Never mind all the excuses and the circumstances.

“Compulsion and raw force are perpetuated and complemented now with hybrid warfare, malign influence and subversion of the democratic state. These latest developments, Ladies and Gentlemen, are threatening not only Moldova. We see them escalating throughout the democratic world. Even mature democracies find it difficult to cope with, witnessing polarisation and division.

“Therefore, Ukraine is now fighting not just for its statehood, nation, and its very existence. It is fighting for each nation’s freedom to choose and pursue its own national aspirations. Moldova stands by and in solidarity with Ukraine in defence against Kremlin’s aggression. And we urge the international community to timely provide all necessary support to Ukraine.”

Militarism: “Moldova is also committed to a just, peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict, with full respect for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. For this to happen, Russia’s illegal military presence must end. I call on the international community to reaffirm the need for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Russian military from Moldova. This is not just about Moldova; it is about upholding international law, safeguarding regional stability, and ensuring that no country’s sovereignty is compromised by foreign military presence.”

Monaco
Mr. Albert II, Sovereign Prince
24 September 2024

Arms race, nuclear weapons: “At a time when we are facing a growing number of challenges, we are witnessing an increase in regional conflicts, a resumption of the arms race and nuclear proliferation, and a sharp decline in collective security.”

Armed conflict: “Targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, are flagrant violations of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Similarly, the use of famine as a weapon of war is a heinous crime.”

Artificial intelligence: “The Principality of Monaco is committed to ‘seizing the opportunities offered by safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development’. The dazzling technological advances we are witnessing can both accelerate development and provide fertile ground for organised crime and terrorism. It is now up to the international community to establish appropriate standards for the ethical use of this technology, respecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone and ensuring that its use cannot be misused for military or terrorist purposes.”

Mongolia
Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President
25 September 2024

Militarism: ”In the early years of the 21st century, ideological conflicts that divided the world became history, while traditional military threats receded and non-traditional threats such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, cybercrime, and refugees gained increasing attention. However, this situation has changed drastically in recent years, with traditional threats resurfacing and negatively impacting international security and sustainable development. In other words, the overlap and expanding scope of both traditional and non-traditional threats require countries around the world to pay special attention and strengthen their collaborative efforts.”

Disarmament, Non-proliferation, WMD (weapons of mass destruction): “The collective efforts of countries around the world towards non-proliferation, disarmament, and the total elimination of nuclear weapons, as well as the expansion of nuclear-weapon-free zones, must not be overlooked.”

Nuclear weapons: “At present, humanity is alarmed by the deepening global geopolitical tensions, which ignite the fires of war and heighten the nuclear threat.”

“Mongolia has made significant contributions to the elimination of nuclear threats, by having its nuclear-weapon-free status recognized at the international level. We reaffirm our commitment to continue pursuing and supporting nuclear-weapon-free policies and initiatives. Mongolia calls upon all countries to collaborate in ensuring peace and stability, particularly in creating a world free from nuclear threats. We propose the convening of a special gathering on this issue within the framework of the United Nations.”

War/armed conflict: “However, tensions, armed conflicts and wars continue to escalate in many parts of the world, fueled by geopolitical tensions stemming from prejudice, extreme ideologies, mistrust, misunderstanding and disrespect. Mongolia believes that strengthening multilateral cooperation based on international law and the UN Charter is essential for ensuring international peace and security. Dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust are the foundations for sustainable and peaceful coexistence. To sustain peace, combat climate change, protect public health, reduce economic inequality, and establish justice, the international community must seek optimal solutions and foster innovative cooperation that addresses the evolving dynamics of our era.”

“Therefore, my country upholds the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the commitment to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. In addressing disagreements and conflicts, we call upon countries and nations around the world to prioritize diplomatic dialogue over confrontation, promote unity over hostility, and pursue collective goals rather than divisiveness in order to consistently cooperate in strengthening international peace and security.”

Montenegro
Mr. Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War, cyber: “National based narrow approaches instead of global solutions still dominate the international environment, and rather than uniting in joint endeavours with positive global circumstances, we are losing ground to authoritarianism and unilateral behaviour. In addition to the crisis in the Middle East, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, civil war in Sudan, instability in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Haiti, we are facing a number of other issues, including the climate emergency, growing food insecurity, erosion of democracy and human rights, growing terrorism and violent extremism, cyber threats and backsliding on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), only contributing to an already alarming global situation.”

Disarmament: “We commend and support the Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace, which offers and identifies, indeed, the needed tools and measures for generating a quality response to the ongoing challenges – especially through disarmament, more investments in diplomacy and mediation, mitigation of geopolitical influence on the population, prevention of further fragmentation of global trade rules, effective tackling of the climate change issues, as well as prevention of violence and human rights violations.”

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “In view of the volatile situation in the Middle East, I would like to express Montenegro’s deep concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the destruction of infrastructure, lack of water, food and healthcare. We call upon all the parties to deescalate and engage in a meaningful dialogue.

“Our position is clear – we have condemned the indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel from October 7th 2023. At the same time, however, we also condemn every act of violence against the civilian population, as well as the interruption of water, food and energy supplies in the Gaza Strip. It is of absolute importance that the humanitarian corridors are opened and humanitarian aid provided to civilians. Any response to a terrorist attack must be undertaken in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“We call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, during which negotiations would be conducted towards a two-state solution, as only a two-state model guarantees lasting and sustainable peace in the region. Again – regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, the international law must be upheld by all the parties to the conflict and all hostages still in captivity released immediately and unconditionally.”

War, children in armed conflict: “Montenegro also reiterates its strong condemnation of the destruction that the Russian aggression has caused in Ukraine, including the killing of civilians, as well as unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure, sexual and gender-based violence, and reports of child abductions.

“We emphasize yet again that there can be no impunity for war and other heinous crimes and that we must ensure responsibility, as a precondition for ensuring a durable peace. In this regard, we support all accountability initiatives to fight impunity and ensure justice.

“As the aggression has been particularly devastating for children, we call on the Russian Federation to fully respect the international humanitarian law and to immediately implement measures to protect children. In addition, we call on the Russian Federation to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure and allow aid to the affected civilian population, including areas under temporary Russian military control.”

Armed conflict: “The increasing number of conflicts, as well as ever growing threats to international peace and security, require a change in the current global practice and the application of a holistic and coordinated approach within the UN system based on prevention. It is in this context that we must take a better advantage of the preventive capacity of the Human Rights Council.”

Disarmament, arms control, non-proliferation, cyber: “Furthermore, we hope the New Agenda for Peace will contribute to the preservation, implementation and further strengthening of the global architecture for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as multilateral export control regimes, strengthening, at the same time, multilateral capacities to address the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism, hybrid threats, as well as cyber risks.”

Morocco
Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government
24 September 2024

Armed conflict, ceasefire: “We have been working in order to achieve a peaceful solution to the issue of Moroccan Sahara and this on the basis of the Morocco Autonomy Initiative, in the context of Moroccan sovereignty, which will allow for the development of this region.”

“We support the efforts of the Secretary General of the United Nations and those of his special envoy to relaunch the political roundtables with the participation of the four parties concerned in order to achieve a realistic, sustainable political solution based on consensus and based on the relevant Security Council resolution.”

“His Majesty King Mohammed VI told the Secretary General that there can be no political process outside of these roundtables. The parameters of these round tables have been set out by the United Nations, with comprehensive participation by Algeria as well. No solution other than this Morocco Autonomy Plan can happen, no political process without a ceasefire of the armed militias is possible.”

War: “In his statement at the 25th anniversary of his accession to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI recalled the tragedy lived by the Palestinian people, which is a brotherly people, so we join various other Muslim and Arab countries in expressing our extreme concern at the serious situation that is affecting the occupied Palestinian territory. Since the end of 2023, millions of victims, mainly civilians, women and children, have fallen victim to this aggression against Gaza, which is a blatant violation of international law and of all human values.”

War: “I wish here to express the total solidarity of the Kingdom Morocco with the brotherly country of Lebanon which is experiencing genuine aggression. We respect the territorial integrity of Lebanon.”

Mozambique
Manuel José Gonçalves, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

Protection of civilians in armed conflict, Armed conflict: ”In the Middle East, in violation of the principles of international law and international humanitarian law, the conflict continues to take human lives among the civilian population, particularly children, women and the elderly, as well as destroying civil infrastructure, causing the tragedy that we unfortunately witness. We call for the cessation of hostilities and the protection of innocent civilians from the conflict. The vision of the existence of two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, as full members of the United Nations, is the fairest formula that will ensure sustainable peace and stability in this region.”

Armed conflict: “Therefore, we encourage all Member States to accelerate the materialization of the commitments made, including the reinforcement of mutually beneficial cooperation, to respond to prevailing challenges, including the fight against poverty, conflicts, terrorism and climate change.”

“We are encouraged by the continued collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union to overcome conflicts within the context of maintaining international peace and security. Resolution 2719 adopted by the United Nations Security Council on 21 December 2023 is a significant milestone for African Union-led peace support operations. It strengthens collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union, promoting greater regional and national ownership of peace initiatives. We hope that it will effectively ensure access to adequate, predictable and sustainable financing required for the operations of the African Union.”

“We believe that this collaboration will contribute to giving greater strength to efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts towards a prosperous and peaceful Africa, the Africa We Want, as established in Agenda 2063 of the African Union.”

“The escalation of tensions and conflicts in various parts of the world is deeply worrying.”

“In Ukraine, unfortunately, there are still no encouraging signs for an end to the conflict. We believe that the safest path is dialogue between the parties. It is up to all of us, as members of the United Nations, to persuade the parties to the conflict to end hostilities and opt for a dialogue towards Peace between these two countries.”

“In Africa, we are also concerned about the conflict in Sudan, which has killed thousands of innocent civilians, including refugees, causing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. We reiterate our calls to the parties to the conflict to end hostilities and the need for dialogue to restore peace and stability.”

“In the last two years, Mozambique has made its direct contribution to peace and security in the world, collaborating in addressing all topics on the Security Council's Agenda, including, highlighting Peace and Security in Africa, Combating Terrorism, Women, Peace and Security and the Nexus between Climate, Peace and Security. We presided over the body in March 2023 and in May 2024. We are leading the AdHoc Working Group for Preventing and Resolution of Conflicts in Africa.”

“In this regard, we would like to reiterate our appreciation and gratitude to all bilateral and multilateral partners who have spared no effort in supporting us in the fight against terrorism and for the restoration of peace and tranquility to the victim populations and for the reconstruction of economic and social infrastructures in areas affected by terrorist actions.”

Namibia
Mr. Nangolo Mbumba, President
25 September 2024

War, ceasefire: “Turning to international peace and security, there is an urgent need for this Assembly to support the modalities to actualize the advisory opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Prolonged occupation does not justify or make acceptable the hardships and injustices endured. This is particularly true for the people of Gaza, who continue to be brutally massacred. As a country that has endured genocide, Namibia believes that Israel, by intent and by action, is committing genocide. Namibia continues to call for a ceasefire and for humanitarian assistance to flow unhindered into Gaza.”

Nauru
Mr. David W.R. Adeang, MP, President
24 September 2024

Nuclear waste: “Nauru is proud of our strong and growing friendship with China and we further commend their recent agreement with Japan on the ocean discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water. This historic accord represents a significant step towards addressing a pressing issue of global concern.”

War: “As we know, conflicts and tensions persist across many regions of the world. In our shared pursuit of progress and prosperity, it is crucial to acknowledge that conflict impedes growth and undermines community stability. Therefore, we must intensify our efforts to foster peace and development free from the shadow of conflict.”

Nepal
Mr. K P Sharma Oli, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

Military spending, arms race: “Military expenditures are skyrocketing along with an unabetted arms race.”

Nuclear weapons: “The spectre of nuclear conflict looms larger than ever before.”

Armed conflict: “Nepal firmly believes that dialogue and diplomacy are the sole means to resolve conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East. It is through love and compassion that hostility and hatred can be overcome, paving the way for lasting peace. On the issue of Israel-Palestine conflict, we continue to support a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully and securely within internationally recognised borders, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.”

Disarmament, non-proliferation, weapons of mass destruction: “Disarmament and non-proliferation issues must be prioritised. Nepal strongly advocates for the general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction. As the host country to the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, Nepal firmly believes that regional efforts, including the Kathmandu Process, serve to strengthen the global disarmament regime.”

Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
Mr. Dick Schoof, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

War, cyber: “Our world is changing fast. And unfortunately, in some ways not for the better. War and conflict in so many places. Climate change, whose effects are becoming clearer by the day. And cyber threats we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago.”

Disarmament: “The history of the UN has shown time and again what can be achieved if we join forces and persevere. Without the UN, there would have been no climate agreements. No disarmament treaties.”

War, cyber: “In other areas, too, we must adapt much more quickly to the new reality. Because, while war and conflict are as old as time, the manner in which we wage them is always changing. And words we have used since the dawn of memory, are no longer sufficient. Words like ‘war’ and ‘peace’. Everyone knows what they mean. But the world is no longer black and white. In recent years we’ve been confronted with something that seems neither one nor the other. More and more countries are developing offensive cyber programmes. And these pose a growing threat to our critical infrastructure, our security, our earning capacity and our intellectual property.”

Cyber, outer space: “With the UN Pact for the Future we have taken big steps in the right direction. From reforming our international financial architecture, to tackling issues of cybersecurity and outer space.”

War: “There are many more countries that feel forgotten. Who wonder why the world is not paying attention to their suffering. Their day-to-day reality is also one of war, hunger and poverty. Take Sudan, where 25 million people are facing acute hunger. We cannot close our eyes to this. We cannot turn away. We have a duty to listen. And to take action.”

War: “In Europe, for a long time we thought that we no longer needed to worry about human rights, peace and security. We thought that they were a given. But we were wrong. Very wrong. Some of you may be thinking, ‘Not Ukraine again.’ But we need to address this. Because the victims of this Russian war are not limited to Ukraine alone. This war affects everyone. As people in vulnerable countries know all too well. Since the global food supply has been deployed as a weapon of war, millions of people have been pushed back into hunger and poverty. They too are the victims of Russia. So to anyone still in doubt I would say: This is not only a war between Russia and Ukraine. It is a war of aggression against everything that we in the UN stand for.

“The Charter of the United Nations, the very basis of our partnership, is clear on this subject: no state may use force against the territorial integrity of any other state. And although it is up to Ukraine to set the conditions for a just and lasting peace, we cannot leave the responsibility of

achieving that in practice to them alone. Ukraine deserves our help and support at every stage of the process. That means arranging and participating in a new dialogue on finding a path to peace. It means challenging those countries who support Russia’s defence industry or help it circumvent sanctions. And it means calling Russia to account for its actions. There can be no impunity for its flagrant violations of the Charter.”

War, ceasefire: “Almost a year has passed since October the seventh. Almost a year since the terrorist organisation Hamas committed its atrocities, and war broke out in Gaza. The suffering since then has been extreme. Far too many innocent civilians have been killed, abducted or wounded. Far too many people have been forced to flee, and have lost their loved ones and their property.

“In the past few days there have been a large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon. And countless others in the region could face the same fate if the violence continues. That cannot be allowed to happen. A major regional war must be prevented at all costs. And so must any new attack on Israel. That begins with supporting international diplomatic initiatives, such as the proposal by the United States and France for a temporary ceasefire, which is supported by many countries, including in the region.

“We call on Israel and Lebanon to support this plan: Give diplomacy a chance. I know that when it comes to Israel and Gaza, people quickly revert to their entrenched positions. Entire generations have grown up full of mistrust, fear and even hate towards the other side. But if we try to take a longer view, we will see that there are no winners in this war. And any suggestion of ‘winning’ for one side, amounts only to a loss in the end. Loss on both sides. That’s why political leadership and courage are needed now. On both sides. To break the endless cycle of violence and help them see ‘the other’ for who they are: People in search of a safe place to live. A place to live alongside each other, instead of at odds with each other.

“The first steps are obvious. An immediate ceasefire. The immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Rapid, large-scale aid for the people of Gaza. And all parties must comply with international law.”

Aotearoa New Zealand
Mr. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Racing
26 September 2024

Armed conflict: “Across the globe, armed conflict is once more on the rise; hard fought development gains are being reversed, human rights challenged and eroded, and geostrategic tensions are threatening global security and stability.”

War: “And since war and instability is everyone’s calamity, diplomacy is the business of us all. We observed that at this moment in time the ability to talk with, rather than at, each other has never been more needed.”

War: “Contrast that leadership with the catastrophic and ruinous path that has been followed in Gaza. This misery was caused by both Hamas’ monstrous terrorist attacks last year and the now overwhelming nature of Israel’s response. We are most concerned about the generational consequences of this level of suffering and violence, with no end in sight and which sees us on the precipice of an even wider conflict.”

War: “New Zealand has sacrificed many of its young men to wars in faraway lands. Fully 10 percent of the total population of New Zealand fought in the Great War, and we lost a fifth of them. So every year, on the Twenty-fifth of April, we commemorate their loss at Gallipoli, the site of terrible carnage. This year in a dawn address we recalled that despite the horror of war on the Gallipoli Peninsula, fraternal bonds were forged between warring nations, countries who were once enemies became friends. New Zealand never wants to experience the catastrophe of another World War. There must never be another San Francisco conference picking up the pieces after another descent into global annihilation and human suffering. So we must do more. Demand more. And deliver more. We must reject and resist those who seek to conquer and control. We must always seek the path of peace because the lasting victories of humanity are those of peace, not war.”

Nicaragua
Mr. Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

War/armed conflict: “Cataclysm after cataclysm, we are spreading war as the savage method of Imperialism while Capitalism, also savage, barbaric and fierce, leads towards the extinction of all Living Beings by refusing to accept that only Peace should prevail.”

“Every morning we awake, in so many parts of our planet, to find the dead and then more dead, sacrificed at the bonfires of the insipid superiority of the few... Dead and more dead that weigh or should weigh on the conscience of the warmongers, the merchants and traffickers of apocalyptic wars, imposed by those who with blood and fire, go razing Human Beings, Cultures and Lands, enslaving and crucifying, pretending that Life must be as they please, according to their whim and convenience.”

“We are not silent, and we will not be silent! We denounce and condemn the genocide that the Government of Israel and its allies in the First World have committed, are committing and seek to continue to commit against the Glorious Palestinian People, against the Brave People of Lebanon, and against so many other Brave, Valiant, Dignified Peoples who do not subordinate themselves when faced with brutality.”

“We are not silent, and we will not be silent! We denounce and condemn the aggression against Syria, Iran and so many other great and combative Brothers and Sisters on all Continents.”

“We are one with the Russian Federation in its Great Battles against bestial Fascism, Battles which will be won by us all for sure.”

Niger
Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister for Foreign Affairs
30 September 2024

War: “In this respect, I would like to welcome the participation in this session of Palestine, which has been overlooked. We hope that its well-deserved presence among us will constitute a decisive step towards the advent of a free, independent and sovereign Palestinian State, living in peace with its neighbours and within its 1967 borders. Niger reaffirms its support for the Palestinian cause and believes that only a two-state solution can put an end to the cycle of violence and guarantee peace and security in the region. My country also deplores the situation in Lebanon and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”

Nigeria
Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON Vice President
24 September 2024

War, nuclear weapons, military spending, militarism: “From last year's summit, and indeed from previous years, we have carried over the numerous challenges of terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, racial discrimination, human rights abuses, food crises, hunger, irregular migration, piracy, global pandemics, hyper-inflation, nuclear proliferation, grinding debt burden, climate change, and a host of other vexations. The continued manifestation of these challenges testifies to our failings rather than to any lofty achievements on our part. Billions of dollars are being committed to the prosecution of wars and the fanning of the embers of conflict.”

War: “The return of unconstitutional changes of government and forceful military take overs in some countries of the Sahel underscore the fragility of democracy when it is not backed by economic development and sustained peace and security.”

Militarism, ceasefire: “Conflict prevention is the main reason why the UN exists. But the task of prevention becomes all the more difficult when conflict becomes normalised, when even the condemnation of violence and civilian casualties, and calls for a ceasefire, are somehow regarded as controversial.

War: “Today, we are all witnesses to the heart-wrenching situation in Gaza and other Palestinian Territories. We cannot discuss war and peace, conflicts and reconciliation or humanitarian imperatives today without reflecting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has been raging since 7th October last year.

“Of course, the conflict predates this period and has been simmering for a better part of half a century. What this tells us is that the international community has failed to live up to the spirit and aspirations of the United Nations to rid the world of inequality, violence and domination of one people by another. Justice is antithetical to revenge.

“Freedom is an inalienable right and a natural entitlement that cannot be denied to any people. The Palestinian people deserve their independence. They deserve to have a home of their own on territories already recognised by this very Assembly and by international law, which is being routinely ignored. Nigeria continues to urge efforts to bring back on track the ‘two state solution’ that offers the prospect for a new beginning for the region.”

Militarism: “Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to supporting United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. We recognise the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies to meet the multiple challenges we face. Consequently, we reiterate the call for international support to operationalise the African Standby Force, in addition to the provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the upgrade, take-off and effectiveness of a Centre of Excellence on issues of counter-terrorism in Africa.”

North Macedonia (Republic of the)
Ms. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President
26 September 2024

War, militarism, arms race: “Let me start with the most important thing: peace. Is a just peace possible when we are faced with more and more wars and flagrant violations of the Charter of the United Nations? Is a just peace possible with the deepening militarization of politics and the new arms race?”

Armed conflict: “Is human dignity possible in a double standards environment, when human life is not equally valued and when the sufferings of innocent victims in conflicts are not treated equally?"

War: “The United Nations has prevented another world war, but it failed to prevent and preclude regional conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the bloodshed in the Middle East, the scenes of which resemble Picasso’s Guernica.”

Arms race: “But the competences, structures and procedures of the United Nations seem to have been frozen at the time of its founding in 1945. Instead of increased cooperation and action on pressing issues, the geopolitical rivalry and the new arms race are intensifying that are rapidly pushing us towards a state resembling a new, second cold war and Orwell’s world too!”

War, militarism: “To overcome this political marginalization, a new spirit of multilateralism is needed that will alleviate geopolitical rivalries and increase trust and cooperation among states around shared challenges. That multilateralism rests on three pillars."

“1. The first pillar is the consistent compliance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, which exists to protect the weaker from the predatory instincts of the stronger."

“In this context, the Macedonian state firmly perseveres on the stance that territorial claims and the attempt to acquire territory by force are a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. When dangerous precedents go unchallenged, they transform into tolerated practices that threaten world peace and security. Therefore, we support efforts for a sustainable, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on international law, including the UN Charter. In that regard, we fully complied with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, we joined political platforms and humanitarian coalitions, and, together with our strategic partners, we also sent military equipment. This is important for us, since wars and conflicts also affect peace and stability of South-East Europe and the Western Balkans.”

Norway
Mr. Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

War: “The Charter codifies the key principles of international law, including the prohibition of the use of force, but in self defence or upon the authority of the Security Council. Effectively, wars of aggression were outlawed, whereas the inherent right to self defence was reconfirmed.”

War: “For the first time in 79 years we have a major, inter-state war in Europe. In its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is in blatant violation of the very essence of the Charter. It violates the principle of sovereignty, inalienability of borders, and the prohibition of use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of another Member State. These principles safeguard the equality of all states, large and small, always and everywhere and are fundamental for member states’ security. Norway stands by Ukraine. Like so many friends of a free and independent Ukraine, we contribute significant military and civilian assistance and we are determined to do so as long as it takes. We want Ukraine to prevail. We want peace in Ukraine. But, it must be a just peace, in line with the key principles of the UN Charter. An unjust peace would imply that we, once again, are living in a world where might makes right and where borders can be changed by force. We must all reject such an outcome. It would set a terrible precedent.”

War: “Even wars have rules. International humanitarian law, as embodied in the Geneva Conventions, lays out the key principles of distinction and proportionality. Warring parties are obliged to follow these rules irrespective of whether the war itself is legal. Every member of this Assembly is bound by the Geneva conventions. They are as much a part of our common commitment to a rules-based order as the Charter itself. The principles under international humanitarian law are obligatory. Not optional. For the rules to work we have to be consistent in their application. We must treat similar cases similarly, irrespective of the context. We must speak out if our adversaries violate these rules. It is equally important that we speak out if our traditional friends violate them. In fact, it is in the latter case that we demonstrate that we do see the rules as universal.”

War, ceasefire: “The immense suffering inflicted on the Palestinian population in Gaza is beyond comparison. Much of Gaza has been turned into rubble. At least 41000 people have been killed, and many more are injured and maimed for life. I echo the Secretary General when he says that nothing can justify such collective punishment. Norway was among the very first Western countries to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. We have condemned the violations of international humanitarian law. We have expressed great concern about the severe limitations on humanitarian access, and the shocking number of UN staff, aid workers, and journalists killed. We stood on UNRWAs side when it was subjected to smear and defamation. While so many countries suspended their funding, we increased ours and we reached out to co- donors to encourage them to return. I am pleased to see that almost all donors are now back.

“The Middle East is going through one of its darkest hours. In the West Bank, illegal Israeli settlements are expanding at an alarming pace. Settler violence is rampant. As we have gathered at the UN this very week, Lebanon has seen its deadliest days in decades. We are at the brink of a major regional war. Even neighbouring countries that long ago entered into peace agreements with Israel, are under immense pressure. The situation is worsening by the hour. And make no mistake: the conflicts in the region are deeply intertwined.

“Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed this assembly. His core message was that we all have to choose - either we are with Israel, or we are with Iran and its proxies. He also stated that there could only be peace once Hezbollah and Hamas were totally defeated. President, We have seen this film before. I didn't like the ending. 22 years ago, in response to the terrorist attacks on this very city, another leader stated that we were either with him, or with the terrorists. This division into a simplistic notion of black and white, leaving no space for nuance and complexity, let alone impartiality, and with an excessive trust in military force alone, is utterly dangerous. And indeed - it did not end well. We need to learn from past mistakes.

“However, President, in every crisis lies an opportunity. I remain convinced that there is no credible alternative for lasting peace other than a two-state solution. While ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon are most urgently needed, ending hostilities must not be confused with lasting solutions. Serious thinking is required, here and now, to prepare for the day after. Two days ago, almost a hundred Member states took part in a meeting called by Saudi Arabia, the EU and Norway, launching a Global Alliance to implement the two state solution. Three decades after the Oslo Accords, more and more states are realising that endlessly waiting for the right moment to negotiate will not work. I call on those states that have not yet has done so, to recognise the State of Palestine and to allow it to become a full member of this organisation. We call on everyone who can, to help to build Palestine’s institutions, and on regional actors to help embed a political settlement in a broader regional framework.”

Oman
Mr. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

Ceasefire: “The Sultanate of Oman—its leadership, government, and people—believes in the use of legitimate and peaceful means to resolve conflicts and issues. Accordingly, Oman calls for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, and the Red Sea region. We emphasize the need to address the root causes of these conflicts by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and achieving justice for the Palestinian people, based on a two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the 1967 borders.”

“Moreover, Oman stresses the necessity of granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations and ending the genocidal policies carried out by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, alleviating the humanitarian suffering they endure.”

Pakistan
Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War, armed conflict: “Today, we are facing most daunting challenges to the world order: Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza; a dangerous conflict in Ukraine; destructive conflicts across Africa and Asia; rising geopolitical tensions; resurging terrorism; risking poverty; stifling debt; and the mounting impact of climate change. We feel the chill of a new Cold War!”

War: “Today, I stand before you to express the searing pain and anguish of the people of Pakistan, at the plight of the people of Gaza. Our hearts bleed, as we witness the tragedy unfolding into the Holy Land, a tragedy that shakes the very conscience of humanity.

“Can we, as human beings, remain silent, while children lie buried, under the rubble of, their shattered homes? Can we turn a blind, eye to the mothers, cradling the lifeless bodies, of their children? This is not just a conflict, this is systematic slaughter of innocent, people, an assault on the very essence of, human life and dignity. The blood of Gaza’s, children stains the hands of not just the, oppressors, butِ also of those who are, complicit in prolonging this cruel conflict.

“When we ignore their endless suffering, we diminish our own humanity. It is not enough to condemn, we must act now and demand an immediate end to this bloodshed. We must, remember that the blood and sacrifice of the innocent Palestinians will not go to waste.

“We must work for aِdurable peace through the two-State solution. We must seek a viable, secure, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre –1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its eternal capital. And ِto advance these goals, Palestine must also be immediately admitted as a full member of the United ِNations!”

Bombing, war: “In a span of a few days, Israel’s unrelenting bombing of Lebanon has killed over 500 people, including women and even small children. The failure to implement UN resolutions has emboldened Israel. It threatens to drag the entire Middle East into a war, whose consequences could be grave and beyond imagination.”

Militarism, military doctrine, nuclear weapons: “Even more worryingly, India is engaged in a massive expansion of its military capabilities, which are essentially deployed against Pakistan. Its war doctrines envisage a surprise attack and a ‘limited war under the nuclear overhang’.”

Armed conflict: “Pakistan seeks an immediate end to the tragic conflict in Ukraine, and its peaceful resolution, in accordance with the UN Charter and international agreements.”

Palau
Mr. J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, Vice President and Minister of Justice
26 September 2024

Militarism, cyber: “Finally, we continue to strengthen our national security through partnerships with allies, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan. As Vice President and Minister of Justice, I emphasize the need for robust law enforcement and maritime cooperation frameworks. With INTERPOL membership and enhanced cyber defense capabilities, we are better equipped to protect our borders and our people.”

Palestine (State of)
Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President
26 September 2024

War: “I come to you today as my people, and for almost a year now, are subjected to one of the most heinous crimes of our era. It is a crime of a full-scale war of genocide that Israel is perpetrating, Israel, the occupying state, a crime that so far has killed more than 40,000 martyrs in Gaza alone, and 1000s remain under the rubble, a crime that has injured more than 100,000 others to this day, and matters are getting worse. Hundreds of Palestinian families have been annihilated. Entire family names have been wiped out of the civil record. More than 100 families have completely been wiped out of the civil record. They no longer exist. Thousands have died because of the spread of disease and epidemics and the shortages in medicine and water. Moreover, more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza have left their homes multiple times in search of safety and fleeing the systemic operations that the Israeli occupying army is perpetrating. And as this war of aggression continues, dozens are being killed every day, and double that amount is being injured amongst our bereft people in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank and in Jerusalem.”

Weapons: “I ask you to answer me by God, stop this crime. Stop it now. Stop killing children and women. Stop the genocide. Stop sending weapons to Israel. This madness cannot continue. The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people in Gaza and the West Bank, the West Bank that is under a daily and continuous Israeli aggression.”

War: “Israel today is now launching a new aggression on the brotherly Lebanese people, the Lebanese people are now being subjected to a war of genocide, and Israel must stop the war in Lebanon and in Palestine. We condemn this aggression, and we demand that it stops immediately.”

Ceasefire, weapons: “We regret, we regret that the US administration, the largest democracy in the world, obstructed three times draft resolutions at the Security Council demanding Israel to observe a ceasefire. The US alone stood and said, “No, the fighting is going to continue.” It did this by using the veto, and added to that, it furnished Israel with the deadly weapons that it used to kill 1000s of innocent civilians, children and women. And this further encouraged Israel to continue its aggression. As long as the US is supporting it, then why not keep going, since it's already an aggressing state.”

War, ceasefire: “I take this opportunity today to give you our view of what is needed immediately and on the day after the war ends. This is our proposal. We propose it to you. You can accept it. You can change it. You can amend it. We are ready for all that. First of all, a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the military aggressions and attacks by terrorist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Second, humanitarian aid must be delivered urgently, in an organized manner and in sufficient quantities, because there's nothing in Gaza and they need everything. This humanitarian aid must be delivered throughout Gaza. Third a full, full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. We refuse the establishment of buffer zones or taking any part from Gaza … Fourth, we demand the protection of UNRWA and humanitarian organizations from Israel's actions and to provide political and financial support to these organizations so that they can perform their role and offer their services to the Palestinian refugees until they return home…Fifth, we demand international protection for the Palestinians on the lands of their occupied land… Sixth, The state of Palestine must overtake, must shoulder its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and impose its full mandate on it and jurisdiction on it, including the border checkpoints, especially the Rafah international border between Egypt and Palestine as part of a comprehensive plan. … Eight, the authority of the state of Palestine and the Palestinian government and the PLO, the legitimate and sole representative of the Palestinian people, will have authority on all Palestinian territories, in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Eastern Jerusalem, as has been stipulated for us by international law, we are not asking for more, but we will not accept any less. Nineth, we will continue to mobilize the largest possible international support so that the state of Palestine can achieve full membership in the United Nations as soon as possible.”

Panama
Mr. José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President
25 September 2024

No relevant references.

Papua New Guinea
Mr. James Marape, MP, Prime Minister
27 September 2024

War: “Since the dawn of humanity, many wars have been fought and many lives lost as a result of religious intolerance. Earth’s history is stained with the blood of innocent people, who have died from State, tribe or church sanctioned killings. The United Nations must condemn laws that encroaches upon individual’s choice of religion and worship, this is a God given right! I see the issue of enforcement of religion upon another as a threat to peace and co-existence of mankind. I ask United Nations to keep watch over religious freedom for all people.”

Armed conflict: “Increasing geopolitical conflicts and tensions are fueling fragmentation and protectionism around the world. The restrictions on trade, disruptions in supply chains and growing competition are crippling our local economies.”

Nuclear weapons: “I say violence begets violence, and is evil no matter what the justification there may be. Peace must be achieved by peaceful means, no matter how long or unjust it may seem. We live in a time where, at a press of a button, an atomic or nuclear bomb has the potential to destroy our planet.”

Bullets: “In PNG, we partner United Nations in national and sub-national peace building efforts. One good example is in the de-escalation of our own internal conflict on Bougainville, when the UN supervised the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001, and continues to ensure we comply with all requirements of that Agreement, including bringing the 2019 referendum results to our National Parliament. To this day, I am happy to report that no bullets have since been fired on Bougainville.”

Paraguay
Mr. Santiago Peña Palacios, President
24 September 2024

Armed conflicts, cyberwarfare, artificial intelligence: “Armed conflicts; tensions in every corner of our globe; crises of multilateral institutions and the international system; the siege of democratic values by the twin threats of populism and authoritarianism; the risks of cyberwarfare and the misapplication of artificial intelligence; the brutal inequality of wealth distribution; climate change that threatens our very existence: these are just some of the immense problems we face."

Armed conflicts, war: “For this reason, Paraguay knows better than anyone else not only the calamity of war, but also what it means for a small country to be invaded or attacked by more powerful powers. That is why we express our most sincere solidarity with all victims of armed conflicts, whether internal or international in nature. We reaffirm our firm and resolute commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and we advocate, without exception, the non-use of force as a means of settling disagreements between nations or peoples.”

War: “In this context, we reiterate our strong support for Ukraine, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

War: “Paraguay reaffirms today its recognition of Israel's legitimate right to defend itself. We also reject any attempt to equate, in a biased manner, the responsibility between Israel's democratically elected authorities and the leaders of the Hamas terrorist group. At the same time, we urgently call for the implementation of a solution that will alleviate the humanitarian situation, end the violence and ensure the immediate release of the hostages, promoting a constructive dialogue leading to a lasting peace.”

Armed conflict: “We cannot fail to express our deep concern about the situation in Africa, where UNHCR estimates that there are currently some 25 active conflicts, some long-standing and some emerging, all with devastating consequences for the lives and future of the people of that continent. We look forward to the return of peace and stability in that region of the world.”

Peru
Mr. Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2024

Nuclear weapons: “From this General Assembly, Peru will continue to take concrete actions in favour of peace. We will continue to support disarmament, arms control and nuclear non-proliferation regimes and initiatives. We will continue to support the total elimination of nuclear weapons while rejecting their testing, use and any threat of their use. While we expect nuclear disarmament to be internationally verifiable, we call on the major nuclear weapons possessors to restart their bilateral commitments to reduce their respective arsenals, such as the New START Treaty.”

Philippines
Mr. Enrique Austria Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

AI, cyber, outer space: “Governance of new spheres of human activity, including artificial intelligence, the internet, and outer space, must keep up with the speed and scale at which these technologies are developing. New rules should place human dignity as the priority.”

Nuclear weapons, weapons of destruction: “At the same time, we must complete the unfinished business of eliminating weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms. A treaty on fissile material production is long overdue.”

War: “The global humanitarian system has been a silent sentinel of hope and humanity to peoples in war, famine, disease, calamities and displacement. It requires greater support from the international community if it is to effectively address the suffering of people in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan, Myanmar, and Congo. The rising numbers of those forcibly displaced – in Ukraine, Gaza and other places, beg for a deeper sense of collective responsibility.”

Militarism: “The use of force and threat of use of force to resolve disputes has no place in our world.”

Militarism: “We do not accept narratives depicting the South China Sea as a theater of major power rivalry because they all ignore what is an essential truth: all states in this region have a right to determine their own destiny and secure their own future. This is what the UN Charter is about. The future of the Asia Pacific is being shaped not by one or two powers, but by all states therein. As such, ASEAN centrality stands as a vanguard of the regional architecture based on the sovereign equality of states jointly building a peaceful, rules-based and people-centered community. Approaching 60 years, ASEAN exemplifies the agency of states working together in fashioning multilateral approaches and solutions to present-day challenges.”

Disarmament: “The Philippines stands alongside the pathfinders and bridge-builders of nations. We offer constructive solutions across the spectrum of the work of the UN – from human rights, health and humanitarian action to development, disarmament and disaster and climate risk reduction, from peacemaking to peacekeeping to peacebuilding.”

Poland
Mr. Andrzej Duda, President
24 September 2024

War/armed conflict: “This year marks the 85th anniversary of the beginning of that massive conflict. The conflict which claimed millions of lives. It was Poland which became its first victim. On September the 1st, 1939, Nazi Germany attacked my Homeland, starting World War II. Two weeks later, on September the 17th, the Soviet Union also invaded our country – as the ally of Nazi Germany fulfilling the agreement between Hitler and Stalin, so called Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. Both aggressors deprived us of our independence. Poland found itself in the midst of a brutal occupation of two totalitarianisms, becoming a witness and victim of war crimes that forever left a mark on our nation's and world’s history. In my country we know very well what war is, and we know what drama and suffering it brings. That is why Poland has always been a strong advocate of measures which aim at preventing conflicts and ensuring peace in the world. Our history and experiences incline us to constantly recall the need to respect international law and protect the sovereignty of states.”

“Today we are facing, yet again, an extremely serious threat to global security. For the past two and a half years, we have seen Russia's brutal aggression against neighboring Ukraine. This is a flagrant violation of fundamental norms of international law, such as the prohibition of the use of force in international relations. This unprovoked aggression is destabilizing the region and posing a direct threat to the global order and security. We cannot allow this war to turn into another frozen conflict. This is the most important task for the future. That is why it is so important today to stop the Russian war in Ukraine. Not only to end the suffering of the people and punish the aggressor, but also to prevent such heinous actions from becoming a model for others to follow. Ukraine's territorial integrity must be restored within its internationally recognized borders. The logic of conquest and disregard for international law must be stopped. Unless we agree to live in a world where any country can become a victim of aggression, regardless of its size and geographic location.”

“Poland is following, with equal concern, the situation in the Middle East, where due to the brutal Hamas attacks of October the 7th, 2023 the conflict has escalated. Israel, like any other state, has the right to self-defense. However, these actions must follow international humanitarian law. Poland has consistently supported a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict that will guarantee both Palestinians and Israelis the right to live in peace and security, in correct relations with all the neighbors. As proponents of the principles of equality and the right of nations to self-determination, we believe that the emergence of an independent Palestine will not contradict Israel's interests, whereas the right of Israel to exist cannot be questioned. The two nations are united by space and time, which will remain their common destiny.”

“The current situation in Yemen is also of deep concern to us. The ongoing humanitarian crisis affects millions of people, and the struggle for control in the country poses a threat to regional security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The international community must do everything possible to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people and restore stability in their country. And we all see how the ongoing wars, conflicts and terrorist actions in Africa undermine people’s efforts to live and develop in safe and fair conditions. The world must stand with all those affected by insecurity and help them to restore peace through reconciliation and social cohesion.”

“Peace and security in the world will not be possible to achieve without respect for the law. As President of Poland, I consistently repeat the phrase “Peace through law,” always emphasizing the fundamental role of international law in maintaining global order. Our history, our experiences teach us that only adherence to international norms and the protection of the rights of every human being can ensure stability and development.”

Portugal
Mr. Luís Montenegro, Prime Minister
26 September 2024

Armed conflict, biological weapons: “We are guided by the will to work to prevent conflicts, promote a spirit of partnership and protect people in the face of traditional threats such as terrorism and emerging threats such as biosecurity.”

War: “The Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law, which we strongly condemn. The negative effects of this war - the food, energy and inflation crises - are echoing around the world, with the greatest impact on the most fragile regions. We cannot accept the precedent of unilaterally changing borders by force, in violation of the UN Charter.”

War, ceasefire: “We are also deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation and the dangerous escalation in the Middle East region. In view of the events in Lebanon, we call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation. We firmly condemn the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and demand the release of all hostages. We cannot We will not stand by the humanitarian disaster and the growing number of civilian victims in Gaza. It is imperative to unconditionally cease hostilities, guarantee the entry of humanitarian aid and respect for international humanitarian law. It is also imperative to resume negotiations with a view to implementing the two-state solution - the only one that can bring peace and stability to the region. Portugal is against the expansion of settlements, the confiscation of land in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the actions of settlers that constitute violations of international law and obstacles to peace. It is our common interest and shared responsibility to ensure strict respect for international law and humanitarian law, as well as the proper functioning of the international justice system.”

Armed conflict: “Despite the progress made in some regions, the international community has not been able to resolve conflicts that have lasted decades or prevent new outbreaks of tension. We need to step up our commitment to conflict prevention and mediation, particularly in Africa.”

Qatar
Mr. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar
24 September 2024

War/militarism, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “The blatant aggression that befalls the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip today is the most barbaric and heinous and extensive in breaching human values, international charters and norms. This is not a war within the international relations’ well-known and common concept of war, but rather a crime of genocide by means of using the most sophisticated weapons against a people besieged in a detention camp where there is no escape from the barrage of aerial bombing."

“Verily, the resolutions, condemnations and reports have been exhausted, and nothing is left behind except the undeterred, ongoing and premeditated stark crime, that victimizes children, women and the elderly. We oppose violence and the targeting of innocent civilians by any party, but after a year of the war, and with all that has been and is still being perpetrated in it, it is no longer tenable to talk about Israel's right to defend itself in this context without being complicit in justifying the crime. It is no longer plausible for any official to claim that he does not know, thanks to the well-known facts and reports issued by international organizations about the bombing of schools and hospitals and weaponizing access to food and medicine, in addition to the published and publicly uttered intentions of Israeli leaders. Therefore, the failure to intervene to stop the aggression is a major scandal.”

War/militarism: “The ongoing brutal war has fired the coup de grace at international legitimacy and inflicted serious damage on the credibility of the post-World War II concepts on which the international community was founded."

“As if the dire consequences of this approach, which are visible before our eyes, are not enough to prove that ignoring a just solution is conducive to disaster, we discover, to our disbelief, that some are still trying to find innovative measures to run Gaza after the war, with or without an authority, only on the basis of security considerations (and what is meant in this respect, of course, is the security of the occupation, not the security of those who are languishing under the occupation itself)."

“It is the same mindset that led from one disaster to another. It is the approach that wants to tailor the entire region to fit Israel’s size, while looking for circumventions to avoid ending the occupation and work on imposing the rule of one people over another by force."

“Is it reasonable that even after this disaster, the major countries with the ability to influence the course of events are unable to reach a conclusion of the necessity to stop the war and pivot towards a just solution immediately instead of innovatively working on formulations to evade it? The end of the occupation and the Palestinian people exercising their right to self-determination is neither a favor nor a gift from anyone.”

Ceasefire, war/militarism: “Unfortunately, the Security Council has failed to implement its ceasefire resolution in the Gaza Strip and to refrain from granting the state of Palestine full membership status in the United Nations despite the General Assembly's adoption of a resolution supporting Palestine's request for UN membership last May.

“The state of Palestine's full UN membership neither establishes its sovereignty nor ends the occupation, but at least sends a message to the far-right government involved in challenging international legitimacy, that force does not eliminate rights. Talking about such a step harming the peace process is simply eyewash, because there is no Israeli partner for peace during the current government's tenure, and no peace process taking place, but rather a genocide. In this regard, we highly value the position of the countries that recognized the State of Palestine based on 1967 borders. The continuation of the humanitarian tragedy of the brotherly Palestinian people for more than seven and a half decades is a shameful stain on the conscience of the international community and its institutions. There is no point in talking about security, peace, and stability in the Middle East region and across the world if not backed by concrete steps leading to an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories.”

War/militarism, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “It is no secret that we are facing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, which are subjected to coordinated attacks by the occupation army and settlers in an attempt to enforce plans to expand settlements, annex the West Bank, and Judaize Jerusalem."

“The international community bears responsibility for the consequences of what is happening to the brotherly Palestinian people who are subjected to unfolding genocidal war that has resulted, so far, in the death of more than 41 thousand martyrs, let alone the missing under the rubble, including seventeen thousand children, eleven thousand women and one hundred thousand wounded including thousands of disabled and millions of people who were forcibly displaced several times, in addition to the complete destruction of the infrastructure of hospitals schools and buildings including mosques and churches."

“A whole society is being destroyed in the course of the genocide against segments of the Palestinian people. It is the Gazan Palestinian community that has retained its composure and achieved remarkable development levels amid more than 17-year old stifling siege."

War/militarism: “The State of Qatar has opted for undertaking mediation efforts in an endeavor to stop the aggression on Gaza and secure the release of prisoners and detainees. It is a mediation amidst fierce war and complex circumstances, during which one party would not hesitate to assassinate counterpart political leaders with whom it negotiates, such as the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, who many people feign forgetfulness that he was not only the political leader of Hamas but also the first elected Palestinian prime minister.”

Ceasefire: “For us mediation and humanitarian work are both a strategic political choice at the regional and international levels, and a humanitarian duty before being a political one. And we are not boastful of that vis-a-vis others. Our mediation efforts, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, culminated in a humanitarian agreement last November. It resulted in a brief ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners and 109 of the detainees in Gaza, and increased the flow of relief shipments.”

“Despite the daunting challenges, obstruction attempts, and the aspersions we are subjected to, we will continue our efforts of mediation to resolve the disputes through peaceful means, as we are cognizant that any dispute will never lack a force interested in its continuation while being skeptical of any mediation regardless of the intentions."

“We will continue to exert efforts with our partners until reaching a permanent ceasefire, securing the release of prisoners and detainees, taking the path of a just solution in accordance with the resolutions of the international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, and enabling the Palestinian people to obtain all their legitimate rights, foremost of which is their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state within a just and permanent solution is in the interest of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. We will not achieve this goal except with a serious partner who is aware of the importance of renouncing discord and ending the occupation and all forms of aggression, so that we can reach together the desired peace in the Middle East.”

War/militarism: “Apart from committing a major crime by rigging wireless communication devices and exploding them simultaneously across thousands of people with total disregard for their identity or location, Israel is currently waging a war on Lebanon and no one knows to what extent this war could escalate. This is what we have repeatedly warned against if the brutal war on Gaza doesn’t end. This systematic destructive war must stop, and this is the choice before Israel as its leaders know very well. They know that it will neither bring security and peace to northern Israel nor to Lebanon, and that the key to security rests on a just peace. Stop the aggression on Gaza! Stop the war on Lebanon.”

Ceasefire: “In brotherly Yemen, we look forward to preserving the 2022 truce and proceeding therefrom towards a comprehensive ceasefire, resolving the crisis, ensuring Yemen's unity and achieving the aspirations of its brotherly people, through negotiations between the Yemeni parties based on the outcomes of the national dialogue, the Gulf initiative and relevant Security Council resolutions.”

Ceasefire: “Regarding the Sudanese issue, we call on all Sudanese parties to stop fighting, and we affirm our support for all regional and international efforts to end this crisis in a way that will ensure the unity of state institutions and the sovereignty and stability of Sudan.”

War: “The war between Russia and Ukraine has caused great human suffering and left repercussions on Europe and the world. We reiterate our call on all parties to implement the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of international law, and seek to find a peaceful solution, as the only possible solution.”

Republic of Korea
Mr. Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2024

Armed conflict: “The year 2024 has sadly earned the distinction of being the most conflict-ridden year since World War II. Across the globe, from Ukraine to the Middle East, conflict and division have torn at the fabric of human dignity. Two billion people, or roughly 1 in 4, reside in conflict zones; 310 million people require humanitarian assistance worldwide, and more than 120 million, or 1 in 70, are refugees.”

War: “As the war of aggression against Ukraine drags on to its third year, as seemingly intractable challenges mount with no end in sight, cynicism and powerlessness are hardening in some quarters.”

War: “It is increasingly difficult to justify the current structure [of the UN Security Council] when a permanent member continues its war of aggression on its neighbor, challenging the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter it is tasked with upholding. The misuse of its right to veto is putting deadlocks on important and urgent work.”

Armed conflict: “The Republic of Korea will also actively address the surging demand for humanitarian aid in the midst of ongoing conflicts. This year, the Republic of Korea has committed $200 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. And we also plan to provide $100 million to tackle humanitarian crises by this year’s end, including $30 million for civilians affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Sadly, conflict in the Middle East is now being further escalated, especially in the Israel-Lebanon border. The Republic of Korea joins the U.S., France and many others in urging the parties to pause their fighting and instead give diplomacy a chance to succeed.”

Military use of artificial intelligence: “The adoption of Blueprint for Action during the 2nd Summit on Responsible AI in the Military Domain earlier this month in Seoul further laid the groundwork for norms for military use of AI.”

Cyber: “We are also dedicated to addressing cyber threats and promoting an open, free, and safe cyberspace that respects human rights. Leveraging its expertise in cybersecurity, the Republic of Korea has actively participated in global efforts to establish comprehensive norms, including the UN Convention against Cybercrime. Our work extends to the UN Security Council where as an elected member, the Republic of Korea is helping to lay a solid foundation for the Council’s effective and agile response to cybersecurity issues.”

Nuclear weapons, missiles, uranium enrichment: “North Korea continues to pose threats to peace and security on the Korean peninsula and beyond with its ongoing development of nuclear and missile capabilities as shown by their recent disclosure of uranium enrichment facility as well as provocations that have stooped down to despicable levels such as sending trash balloons into the South.”

Military alliance, missiles, arms trade, non-proliferation: “Moreover, North Korea has been engaged in military cooperation with Russia providing it with missiles and millions of ammunitions. It is indeed deplorable that Russia, a permanent Security Council member and one of the founding states for the non-proliferation regime, is engaging in illegal arms trade with North Korea and, in April of this year, vetoed the extension of the mandate of the ‘Panel of Experts’ on sanctions against North Korea which had been functioning effectively for the past 15 years.”

Nuclear weapons, missiles: “The heart of the matter is that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and egregious human rights abuses are two sides of the same coin. North Korea is only able to develop these weapons of mass destruction with impunity by repressing the human rights of its people and diverting scarce resources from its starving populace.”

Romania
Mr. Klaus Iohannis, President
25 September

Protection of civilians in armed conflict: “Protecting all civilians must remain our common objective. Almost a year ago, the heinous attack committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians has shocked the world. Against the spiral of violence that followed, our actions based on Security Council Resolutions should prevail. The end of hostilities, a safe release of all hostages and facilitation of the safe shipment of the humanitarian aid for the civilians in Gaza are imperatives no one can deny. Furthermore, we support all efforts to resume the political process based on the Two-state solution, coexisting in peace and security, within safe and recognized borders.”

War/armed conflict:” Look at the dire global consequences of the Russian war against Ukraine. It has unleashed the greatest security crisis in Europe in recent history, in breach of the international law and with implications going well beyond Europe. In this context, Romania has extended a strong, multidimensional support for Ukraine and its people and we are committed to maintain it for as long as it is needed. At the same time, Romania will continue its unwavering support to consolidate the resilience of the Republic of Moldova, the second most affected country by this war.“

“Our security is not regional, it is global. This brutal war has already harmed nations and people across the world. Food security stands proof. My country has a crucial role in facilitating the grain exports from Ukraine through our ports on the Danube and at the Black Sea. A long-term conflict is unacceptable and we must stay the course. Ukraine needs the resolute support of all UN Member States determined to uphold the international law and the United Nations Charter. Romania fully supports the Peace Initiative of President Zelensky: it is the only approach to ensure a just and lasting peace, in full agreement with the UN Charter and the international law.”

“More broadly, around the world, there are alarming calls to stop blatant violations of human rights, under many forms and rooted in different causes. There is a sense of urgency that remains unanswered. Conflict prevention and peacekeeping are essential tools in this regard. At the same time, we must support the cooperation with regional organizations, in view of their role in preventing, keeping and enforcing peace.”

Russian Federation
Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2024

NATO: “The 2005 World Summit declared its commitment to establishing a just peace in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. But this sacred commitment did not prevent the United States and its allies from emboldening Georgia's then-leader Mikheil Saakashvili to launch an armed aggression against the people of South Ossetia and Russian peacekeepers in 2008. Three years later, NATO orchestrated a military intervention in Libya that destroyed its statehood and undermined the stability of neighbouring countries.”

Weapons: “Acts of terrorism which Israelis fell victim to on October 7, 2023 cannot be justified. But all those who are still capable of compassion resent the fact that the October tragedy is being used for a massive collective punishment of the Palestinians, which has turned out to be an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The murder of Palestinian civilians by US weapons must stop. The delivery of humanitarian cargoes to the enclave must be ensured, the restoration of infrastructure must be arranged and, most importantly, the implementation of the legitimate right of self-determination of the Palestinians must be guaranteed, and they must be allowed to establish a territorially integral and viable state within the borders of 1967 with its capital in East Jerusalem, not in words but in deeds, "on the ground".”

“Another blatant example of the use of terrorist methods to achieve political goals is the attack on Lebanon, in which civilian technology was turned into a deadly weapon. This crime must be investigated immediately”

War: “The 'track record' of those who demand that the rest of the world play by their rules should not be forgotten. The invasion of Afghanistan and the inglorious twenty-year presence of a well-known coalition there was accompanied by the emergence of al-Qaeda. The creation of the Islamic State was a direct result of the aggression against Iraq. The start of the war in Syria gave birth to Jabhat al-Nusra (now Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), and the destruction of Libya opened the floodgates for terrorism in the Sahara-Sahel region and for millions of illegal immigrants in Europe. We urge all those who care about the future of their countries and people to be extremely cautious about the new plots of the inventors of these very rules."

Conflict: “Methods of political assassination, such as the one that took place yesterday in Beirut, which have almost become common practice, are of the utmost concern. The tragic and unacceptable developments in the Arab-Israeli conflict, in Yemen, in the waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in Sudan and in other danger zones in Africa reflect an undeniable fact: security can either be equal and inseparable for all, or there will be no security for anyone.”

NATO: “For years, Russia has been trying to make Washington, London and Brussels, overwhelmed by their own complexes of exclusivity and impunity, understand this seemingly simple truth in the context of European security. Although they initially promised not to expand NATO, and in 1999 and 2020 they left their signatures in official documents of OSCE summits under the obligation not to ensure their own security at the expense of others, in fact the North Atlantic Alliance has been carrying out geopolitical and military expansion in Europe for three decades, trying to establish its positions in the Trans-Caucasian region and Central Asia, creating direct threats to the security of our country. The same situation is happening in the Asia-Pacific region, where NATO's infrastructure is creeping in and where military and political blocs are being created, undermining the inclusive security architecture under the auspices of ASEAN, in order to contain the People's Republic of China and Russia.”

Nuclear weapons: “Secretary-General, but in its doctrinal documents openly and harshly accuses Russia, China, Belarus, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Iran of creating threats to its dominance. The goal of the strategic defeat of Russia is declared there: just as London and Washington did in May 1945, when (before the end of the Second World War) they developed Operation Unthinkable to destroy the Soviet Union. This was kept a deep secret, but today's Anglo-Saxon strategists do not hide their intentions. However, they expect to defeat Russia through an illegitimate neo-Nazi Kiev Regine, however they prepare Europe to fall in this suicidal affair. I will not dwell on the futility and danger of the very idea of trying to fight Russia, a nuclear power, to the bitter end.”

War, NATO: “There is no need to prove that the Ukrainian neo-Nazis, who seized power in Kiev in February 2014 after a bloody coup supported by the United States and its allies, never represented the Russian population of Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya. The Western leaders, who are obsessed with the topic of human rights at every given opportunity, pointedly remain silent about these rights in relation to racist actions of their Kiev clients. In light of this forgetfulness I would like to remind another requirement of the very first article of the UN Charter: to respect the rights and fundamental freedoms of any person regardless of their race, gender, language and religion. The rights of Russians and people associated with the Russian culture have been methodically eradicated following a coup in Kiev. The Russian language has been prohibited in all spheres on a legislative level – education, media, culture, and even everyday life. Another law banning the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been adopted recently. These gross violations of rights of Russians enshrined in the UN Charter, along with threats to security of Russia and entire Europe which comes from the Kiev regime and all those who pull it into NATO, are prime causes of the current Ukrainian crisis. The special military operation, which Russia is carrying out to protect its security, the present and the future of the people on their indigenous land, is aimed at eliminating them.”

Rwanda
Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, Permanent Representative
30 September 2024

War/armed conflict: “In the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, We, Rwandans, found ourselves at a crossroads, where we chose unity over division for our own survival. This choice was not an easy one, but it was the right one, and has defined Rwanda's post-Genocide nation-building ever since. The world now stands at a similar crossroads, with a choice to make: to choose unity for the collective good.”

“The year 2024 marks two decades since Rwanda's first deployment of troops under the United Nations peacekeeping banner. Today, Rwanda is among the top contributors with deployment in missions across Africa. And yet, insecurity in our region has reached unprecedented levels. This is evidenced by the rising threat of radicalised insurgency in the Southern part of the Continent, terrorism in the Sahel, or the presence of state-sponsored genocidal militias right by our border.”

“Now more than ever, cosmetic fixes must be avoided in favour of longterm solutions addressing the root causes of these conflicts. Security is not only achieved by silencing the guns. It is also achieved by building a fit-for-purpose global governance system, capable of quickly adapting to crises.”