AG/11562

Assemblée générale
Soixante-neuvième session
9e & 10e séances plénières
Matin & après-midi

Au deuxième jour du débat général de la soixante-neuvième session de l’Assemblée générale, plusieurs chefs d’État et de gouvernement ont, aujourd’hui, insisté sur la nécessité de concentrer les efforts de la communauté internationale sur l’élimination de la pauvreté et la réduction des inégalités, deux fléaux qui alimentent l’extrémisme et le terrorisme.

« Le monde aujourd’hui est à la croisée des chemins: soit la communauté internationale apporte son appui aux pays en développement, pour qu’ils puissent avancer et assurer la sécurité et la stabilité dans leurs régions respectives, soit nous aurons tous à supporter les conséquences de la montée des démons de l’extrémisme, de la violence et du terrorisme, qu’alimente le sentiment d’injustice et d’exclusion, et auquel aucun endroit au monde ne pourra échapper », a déclaré le Premier Ministre du Maroc, M. Abdelilah Benkirane, lisant l’allocution du Roi Mohammed VI.

« Le terrorisme puise ses racines dans la pauvreté, le chômage, la discrimination, l’humiliation et l’injustice, et prospère dans la culture de violence », a constaté pour sa part le Président de la République islamique d’Iran, M. Hassan Rouhani, qui a mis l’accent sur la nécessité de favoriser la justice et le développement.

Le Chef du Gouvernement italien, M. Matteo Renzi, a lui, exhorté les États Membres à « ne pas se voiler la face et à garder à l’esprit les erreurs du passé ». « La communauté internationale, qui, hier, a été silencieuse à Srebrenica, doit retrouver une définition de l’espoir pour que cessent les bains de sang au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique », a-t-il dit.

Son homologue éthiopien, M. Hailemariam Dessalegn, a souligné pour sa part que l’efficacité du programme de développement pour l’après-2015 dépendrait, entre autres, de la réussite de la troisième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Addis-Abeba, en juillet 2015.

« La seule réponse durable au désespoir c’est le développement », a estimé le Président du Conseil européen, M. Herman Van Rompuy, qui a ensuite salué les engagements de l’ONU pour la promotion des objectifs de développement, la lutte contre les changements climatiques et le virus Ebola, « peste des temps modernes », selon lui.

« L’après-2015 est déjà là et l’élaboration d’un programme de développement au-delà de cette échéance exige, au préalable, de faire un bilan de la mise en œuvre des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) », a proposé le Président du Niger, M. Mahamadou Issoufou, qui a relevé que de « vastes écarts persistent » pour atteindre certains OMD.

« Élaborer et concrétiser un programme de développement porteur de transformation pour l’après-2015 » est le thème du débat général de cette soixante-neuvième session.

Le Premier Ministre de la Norvège, Mme Erna Solberg, a demandé que les négociations relatives au programme de développement pour l’après-2015 incluent les questions relatives à la paix et à la stabilité et répondent au défi des changements climatiques.

Dans un discours passionné en faveur des petits États insulaires en développement, le Président des Palaos, M. Tommy Esang Remengesau, a critiqué le projet de programme de développement pour l’après-2015 et ses 17 objectifs, trop éparpillés. « Un agenda sur tout est un agenda sur rien » et « les solutions à taille unique ne sont pas des solutions », a-t-il commenté, en réclamant que l’on se concentre sur une réponse « commune mais différenciée ».

Plusieurs intervenants, dont le Premier Ministre d’Antigua-et-Barbuda, M. Gaston Alphonso Browne, ont toutefois exhorté à une « démocratisation des Nations Unies », et ce, afin que « tous les pays aient voix au chapitre sur les questions qui les touchent directement ».

Dans l’objectif d’un renforcement de l’économie mondiale, le Premier Ministre de l’Australie, M. Tony Abbott, a préconisé, de son côté, une libéralisation des échanges, un investissement accru dans les infrastructures, ainsi que le renforcement et la modernisation du système fiscal international et des institutions économiques mondiales.

Dans ce monde que d’aucuns ont décrit comme « de tous les dangers », des lueurs d’espoir subsistent toutefois. Ainsi, le Président de la Colombie, M. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, a-t-il annoncé qu’à l’issue de « près d’un demi-siècle de conflit, son pays « connaîtrait très bientôt la paix », grâce au processus de négociations entamé il y a deux années à La Havane avec les représentants des Forces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie (FARC).

S’agissant du développement de l’Afrique, le Président nigérien a estimé que le continent devait « sortir de l’échange inégal, du pacte colonial qui en fait un simple réservoir de matières premières ».

« L’Afrique sera le continent du XXIe siècle le jour où ses rapports avec les autres nations seront régis par le commerce équitable et non par l’aide publique au développement; le jour où naîtra une immense classe moyenne qui sera la conséquence d’une bonne gouvernance politique et économique », a-t-il dit.

Par ailleurs, le Chef de l’État iranien a formé l’espoir que les négociations portant sur le programme nucléaire de son pays avec les gouvernements des « E3+3 » (Allemagne, France, Royaume-Uni, Chine, États-Unis, Fédération de Russie) aboutiraient à un « accord final dans la courte période encore impartie ».

L’Assemblée générale poursuivra son débat général demain à partir de 9 heures.

Suite du débat général

Pour M. ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU, Président du Niger, l’après-2015 est déjà là et l’élaboration d’un programme de développement au-delà de cette échéance exige, au préalable, de faire un bilan de la mise en œuvre des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD). En dépit des progrès remarquables enregistrés dans leur application, de vastes écarts persistent pour certains.

S’agissant du Niger, il a réussi à atteindre certains objectifs comme la réduction de moitié des personnes souffrant de la faim ou encore la baisse de la prévalence du VIH/sida. En ce qui concerne les autres objectifs, des efforts importants ont été réalisés mais ils n’ont pu être atteints en dépit de la mise en œuvre du Programme de renaissance en cours depuis l’élection de M. Mahamadou en 2011. Il partage l’avis selon lequel les OMD non atteints doivent être retenus dans l’élaboration du programme post-2015, dans lequel le dividende démographique devrait être une priorité selon lui.

Rappelant que ce programme sera dominé par les trois « D », défense (sécurité), démocratie et développement, M. Mahamadou a regretté que la paix et la sécurité mondiales étaient actuellement menacées par le terrorisme, le crime organisé, les revendications identitaires et par l’accroissement des inégalités qui ont pour conséquence l’aggravation de la pauvreté dans le monde. « De l’Iraq à la Libye, de la Syrie au Nigéria, du Mali à la Somalie, les ennemis porteurs de la menace terroriste font un combat non conventionnel, asymétrique. Ils mènent une propagande par les actes, cherchent à contrôler les populations par la terreur », a souligné le Président pour lequel la guerre menée contre eux n’est plus conventionnelle, mais une guerre au sein de la population.

Cela suppose une réforme des armées avec des forces spéciales capables de s’adapter aux méthodes de l’ennemi. Pour éradiquer l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant et le Front el-Nosra, pour neutraliser les organisations djihadistes en Libye, pour vaincre Al-Qaida au Maghreb islamique (AQMI) et les Mourabitoun au Sahel, pour chasser les Chabab de Somalie, pour étouffer Boko Haram au Nigéria, la communauté internationale doit se fixer un but commun et adopter une stratégie commune, en concertation avec les pays concernés, a expliqué M. Mahamadou.

En tant que pays voisin de la Libye, du Mali et du Nigéria, le Niger est très préoccupé par la situation qui prévaut dans ces pays. Le Président est d’avis que pour neutraliser les milices libyennes et réconcilier tous les Libyens, former un gouvernement d’union nationale, il faudrait que la Mission d’appui actuelle des Nations Unies soit remplacée par une structure plus robuste, en l’occurrence une mission de stabilisation et d’édification des institutions et cette responsabilité revient à la communauté internationale. Il a également annoncé la participation de son pays à la prochaine réunion de Niamey en octobre 2014 à laquelle participent le Bénin, le Nigéria, le Cameroun et le Tchad pour mutualiser les efforts de lutte contre Boko Haram. M. Mahamadou salue en outre le dialogue intermalien inclusif qui se déroule actuellement sous l’égide de l’Algérie.

« L’avenir de l’Afrique est dans son union. La meilleure façon de sortir des frontières héritées de la colonisation n’est pas de créer de nouvelles frontières sur des bases ethniques ou confessionnelles mais de dépasser les frontières actuelles par l’intégration », a affirmé le Président. S’il partage l’avis selon lequel « l’Afrique est le continent du XXIe siècle » avec ses taux de croissance élevés, il a toutefois conditionné cette réalité par le fait que le continent doit sortir de l’échange inégal, du pacte colonial qui en fait un simple réservoir de matières premières. Pour M. Mahamadou, l’Afrique sera le continent du XXIe siècle le jour où ses rapports avec les autres nations seront régis par le commerce équitable et non par l’aide publique au développement; le jour où naîtra une immense classe moyenne qui sera la conséquence d’une bonne gouvernance politique et économique.

M. ANDREJ KISKA, Président de la Slovaquie, a affirmé que les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD), le programme de développement pour l’après-2015 et le défi du climat devaient constituer davantage qu’une base théorique de discussion. Ces objectifs doivent identifier, régler, proposer des solutions et résoudre les questions qui, dans une ou deux générations, pourraient mener l’espèce humaine à l’extrémité de sa propre existence, a-t-il déclaré.

Il a ensuite réaffirmé la primauté du multilatéralisme et de la coopération internationale dans tous les domaines, y compris face aux conflits. M. Kiska a rappelé qu’il y a 20 ans, l’Ukraine avait abandonné son programme nucléaire en échange de garanties de sécurité et d’intégrité territoriales de la part des membres permanents du Conseil de sécurité – États-Unis, Royaume-Uni, Chine, France et Fédération de Russie.

« Aujourd’hui, au lieu de marquer cette avancée majeure pour l’Europe, nous assistons à un conflit armé et à une instabilité politique dans ce pays », a déploré le Chef de l’État slovaque, pour qui le dialogue et l’approche diplomatique sont les seules réponses au conflit en cours, un dialogue auquel la Fédération de Russie doit prendre part. « Aujourd’hui, au lieu de bâtir un monde exempt d’armes de destruction massive, nous encourageons ces pays à chercher leur sécurité dans le développement de leur arsenal nucléaire. De manière regrettable, nous oublions la tragédie d’Hiroshima et Nagasaki », a-t-il dit.

En Ukraine, les Nations Unies doivent jouer un rôle majeur. « Nous devons respecter l’intégrité et la souveraineté territoriales du peuple ukrainien, qui doit pouvoir décider de son sort de manière libre et indépendante. Ce dont l’Ukraine a besoin aujourd’hui, c’est de rétablir la paix et la stabilité et de mettre en œuvre les réformes, tout en étant assurée des garanties d’inviolabilité de son territoire », a ajouté le Président.

Cette situation l’a conduit à se poser la question de savoir où, concrètement, se trouvait le « bouclier protecteur » des Nations Unies. Qui aurait pu imaginer, il y encore un an, la montée en puissance de l’État islamique de l’Iraq et du Levant, a-t-il lancé, encourageant la communauté internationale à faire preuve d’unité et à empêcher cette organisation de consolider son pouvoir militaire et économique en Iraq.

Enfin, pour le Président slovaque, la réforme du secteur de la sécurité est un des facteurs déterminants d’une paix durable. À cet égard, il a réitéré le soutien de son gouvernement auprès de l’Afghanistan, se félicitant de l’accord auquel étaient parvenus les deux candidats présidentiels.

M. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, Président du Ghana, a fait part de son impression de « déjà vu » face aux problèmes récurrents du monde et aux tensions qui essaiment à travers la planète. Il a ainsi cité en exemple la situation en Iraq où des otages sont sauvagement abattus aujourd’hui, comme ils l’étaient en 2004, tout comme les récents combats à Gaza qui rappellent, a-t-il relevé, ceux de 2005 au même endroit.

Il a en outre souligné que les récentes violences aux États-Unis, à la suite de supposées brutalités policières contre des noirs, semblaient rappeler les émeutes survenues à la suite de la mort du jeune Guinéen de 23 ans Amadou Diallo, abattu à New York en 1999 par des policiers. Au vu de ces faits répétitifs, « sommes-nous en train de régresser ou alors faisons-nous du surplace en dépit de changements apparents? », s’est interrogé le Président. Il a en outre rappelé que le deuxième Secrétaire général de l’ONU, Dag Hammarskjöld, avait affirmé que « la recherche de la paix et du progrès est un travail de longue haleine, et que cette quête sera meublée de succès et d’échecs, mais qu’elle ne doit jamais être abandonnée ».

M. Mahama a par ailleurs déclaré qu’en tant que Président de la Commission économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO), il avait visité récemment les trois pays les plus affectés par le virus Ebola: la Guinée, le Libéria et la Sierra Leone. Il a déploré le fait que les malades soient isolés et parfois abandonnés faute de moyens pour leur prise en charge. Il a dit avoir été choqué, dans ces trois pays, de constater que les aéroports étaient complètement vides du fait des interdictions de vols dont ils sont victimes.

Il a rappelé que le virus Ebola ne connaissait pas de frontières, et que, de ce fait, le monde devait agir, comme l’a fait le Ghana qui a offert d’accueillir, à Accra, la base opérationnelle de la Mission des Nations Unies pour l'action d’urgence contre l’Ebola (UNMEER). Il a souligné que le virus Ebola s’était répandu aussi rapidement en Afrique de l’Ouest en raison de la politique sous-régionale de fluidité des frontières qui est promue depuis plusieurs décennies.

Il a aussi fait part de son inquiétude face à la politique de libre circulation des hommes et des biens, laquelle pourrait favoriser la circulation de maladies, de drogues, d’armes ou encore de terroristes. Sur ce dernier point, le Président a dit sa crainte de voir le terrorisme s’installer durablement en Afrique, un continent qui compte 60% de sa population qui a moins de 35 ans, et qui stagne sous la pauvreté. Il a jugé opportun que les pays du continent puissent coordonner leurs efforts pour lutter contre ce fléau.

M. Mahama a ensuite évoqué les problèmes économiques de l’Afrique en général et du Ghana en particulier, rappelant que l’an dernier, dans ce même contexte, il avait appelé à des partenariats avec le continent, et non plus seulement à de la sympathie. Sur un tout autre plan, il a déclaré qu’avec la commémoration du vingtième anniversaire de la Conférence mondiale sur les femmes de Beijing, le Ghana, qui fêtera également le quarantième anniversaire de la mise sur pied du Conseil national sur les femmes et le développement, était fier d’avoir, aujourd’hui, un nombre inégalé de femmes occupant des hautes fonctions dans l’administration publique.

Le Président ghanéen a conclu son propos en invitant la communauté internationale à plus de compassion et de tolérance, et a souhaité une bonne année aux juifs, tout en présentant ses vœux aux musulmans qui vont célébrer, la semaine prochaine, la fête du sacrifice.

M. HASSAN ROUHANI, Président de la République islamique d’Iran, a déclaré d’emblée qu’il venait d’une région du monde où de nombreuses parties brûlaient sous le feu de l’extrémisme et du radicalisme. « À l’est et à l’ouest de mon pays, des extrémistes menacent nos voisins, recourent à la violence et au bain de sang. Ils ne parlent pas une seule langue; n’ont pas la même couleur de peau ni la même nationalité; ils sont venus au Moyen-Orient du monde entier. » Mais ils ont néanmoins une seule idéologie: « violence et extrémisme ». Et un objectif unique: « la destruction de la civilisation, la montée de l’islamophobie et la création d’un terrain fertile pour de nouvelles interventions de forces étrangères dans notre région », a-t-il ajouté, en regrettant la mondialisation du terrorisme et le fait que les extrémistes du monde se sont trouvés les uns les autres sous le cri de ralliement « Extrémistes du monde, unissez-vous! »

Le Président iranien a affirmé que certains pays avaient aidé à la création de l’extrémisme et, à présent, ils n’arrivaient pas à y faire face. Ce sont nos populations qui en paient le prix, a-t-il constaté, rappelant que l’anti-occidentalisme actuel était le résultat du colonialisme d’hier, et une réaction au racisme de jadis. Certaines agences de renseignement ont mis les couperets dans les mains de fous qui, désormais, n’épargnent personne. Tous ceux qui ont joué un rôle dans l’établissement et le soutien à ces groupes terroristes doivent admettre leurs erreurs, qui ont conduit à l’extrémisme, et présenter leurs excuses non seulement aux générations passées mais également futures, a-t-il déclaré.

M. Rouhani a affirmé que le terrorisme puisait ses racines dans la pauvreté, le chômage, la discrimination, l’humiliation et l’injustice, et prospérait dans la culture de violence. En conséquence, pour l’extirper de nos sociétés, il importe de favoriser la justice et le développement, en faisant barrage à la distorsion des enseignements divins pour justifier la brutalité et la cruauté. La douleur n’en est que plus forte lorsque ces terroristes font couler le sang au nom de la religion et décapitent au nom de l’islam, a-t-il insisté, en se déclarant étonné que ces groupes meurtriers se font appeler « islamiques », et, plus étonnant encore, que les médias occidentaux répercutent cette contrevérité, contribuant ainsi à alimenter la haine envers tous les musulmans, lesquels, à leur tour, perçoivent cette diffamation comme faisant partie d’un projet islamophobe.

Pour le Président iranien, l’agression militaire contre l’Afghanistan et l’Iraq, et l’ingérence dans le conflit syrien sont des exemples clairs d’une approche stratégique erronée au Moyen-Orient. De la même façon, la démocratie ne saurait être transplantée de l’étranger: la démocratie est le produit de la croissance et du développement et non de la guerre et de l’agression, a-t-il expliqué, estimant que la démocratie n’était pas un produit exporté susceptible d’être commercialement importé de l’Ouest vers l’Est. Dans une société sous-développée, une démocratie importée mène uniquement à un gouvernement faible et vulnérable, a-t-il jugé.

Pour M. Rouhani, la région attend qu’une fois pour toutes, le monde occidental se mette du côté de ceux qui recherchent sincèrement la démocratie et allègent ainsi les souvenirs amers de son appui aux dictateurs. L’expérience de la création d’Al-Qaida et des groupes extrémistes modernes a montré que l’on ne saurait se servir de tels groupes pour s’opposer à un État. Il a rappelé que l’Iran avait invité tout le monde au « dialogue » face à l’action criminelle du 11 septembre 2001, et avait préconisé un « monde exempt de violence et d’extrémisme ».

Le Moyen-Orient a soif de développement et n’aime pas la guerre, et il y existe des personnalités politiques et des élites modérés qui jouissent de la confiance du peuple, a poursuivi le Président iranien. Ils ne sont ni pro ni anti-occidentaux, et bien que conscients du rôle du colonialisme dans le sous-développement de leurs nations, ils recherchent réellement le développement de leurs nations.

M. Rouhani a indiqué que les voix de ces dirigeants étaient les véritables voix de la modération dans le monde islamique. Il a estimé que si les pays à la tête de la coalition agissaient pour perpétuer leur hégémonie dans la région, ils commettaient une erreur stratégique. En revanche, si la douleur est ressentie par les pays de la région, ils sont les plus indiqués pour former une coalition et accepter la responsabilité de chef de file pour contrecarrer la violence et le terrorisme. Et si d’autres nations désirent agir contre le terrorisme elles peuvent alors venir apporter leur appui.

Renvoyant à la proposition de son pays « Un monde exempt de violence et d’extrémisme », qui avait recueilli un soutien général, il a déclaré que dans une région tumultueuse et chaotique comme le Moyen-Orient, l’Iran était l’une des nations les plus tranquilles, sûrs et stables.

Il a estimé par ailleurs que la question nucléaire ne pouvait être résolue que par les négociations, négociations qui se poursuivent du reste entre l’Iran et les gouvernements des « E3+3 » avec sérieux et optimisme de part et d’autre. Les observateurs internationaux ont remarqué que l’Iran avait honoré ses engagements en toute bonne foi. Il a espéré néanmoins que les négociations en cours aboutiront à un accord final dans la courte période encore impartie. Il a réitéré la détermination de son pays à mener son programme nucléaire, notamment d’enrichissement, et à pleinement jouir de ses droits nucléaires sur le sol iranien dans le cadre du droit international.

Les sanctions ne feront que créer des obstacles supplémentaires sur la voie de la coopération, a-t-il commenté, en demandant aux partenaires de comprendre cela et de ne pas faire de mauvais calculs dans le processus de négociations. Le Président iranien a aussi prié les partenaires de faire preuve de souplesse afin de s’attaquer, ensemble, à des vrais problèmes à l’échelle de région, autrement plus graves, comme celui de l’extrémisme et du terrorisme. Il a invité à mettre fin à cette « iranophobie trompeuse » car si cela ne se fait pas, la région deviendra encore plus chaotique car la solution viendra de l’intérieur de cette région-même, a-t-il conclu en citant des versets du Coran à ce propos.

M. MOHAMED MONCEF MARZOUKI, Président de la Tunisie, a affirmé que son pays poursuivait sa transition pacifique et, après avoir lancé un dialogue national qui a débouché sur l’adoption d’une nouvelle constitution. La Tunisie prépare actuellement des élections présidentielle et législatives d’ici à la fin de l’année. Il a dénoncé des forces internes et externes qui continuent de saper les efforts de paix et de démocratisation, qui se sont notamment traduits par des assassinats politiques.

Néanmoins M. Marzouki se dit confiant dans le fait que la Tunisie est un terrain fertile pour la transition démocratique tout en conciliant entre islam et démocratie. Selon lui, la Tunisie est actuellement confrontée à une contre-révolution et cherche à se débarrasser des restes du despotisme. Elle s’est engagée sur la voie du développement économique tout en étant respectueuse de l’environnement. Pour le peuple tunisien, il s’agit de laisser le passé derrière et de se tourner résolument vers l’avenir, a estimé M. Marzouki.

Compte tenu de la situation géographique de la Tunisie, le pays est confronté à de réels problèmes de sécurité et de violence notamment des attentats terroristes. La situation volatile en Libye affecte notamment la stabilité en Tunisie et M. Marzouki espère que la Libye parviendra rapidement à un État démocratique et stable sans intervention militaire externe.

Il souhaite qu’elle puisse préserver le consensus national et la sécurité de tous ses citoyens. Préoccupé par la propagation de la violence et de l’incitation à la haine dans certains pays du Moyen-Orient, M. Marzouki s’est dit scandalisé par « ces attaques contre nos frères chrétiens » et a dit avoir honte de telles pratiques qui vont à l’encontre de l’islam qui prêche la paix et la tolérance. « Rien ne justifie cette violence qui a atteint des degrés sans précédent et il ne faut pas perdre de vue que nous appartenons tous à la famille humaine. »

Il s’est dit déterminé à combattre ces actes qu’il impute en partie à cinq décennies de despotisme causant la pauvreté dans un camp et la richesse dans l’autre. Toutefois, il ne pense pas que ces problèmes puissent se régler par la police et l’armée mais plutôt par la mise en place de régimes démocratiques et des économies qui bénéficient à la majorité de la population ainsi que par l’éducation.

Seules de telles politiques pourront aboutir à des sociétés unifiées et assurer un avenir meilleur aux peuples de cette région. Il faut aboutir à la réconciliation interne et toute solution militaire risque de pérenniser la guerre. Dans ce contexte, M. Marzouki a lancé un appel à la communauté internationale pour reconstruire Gaza et « prie Dieu » pour mettre fin au cauchemar en Syrie.

La Tunisie, en tant que membre des Nations Unies, estime qu’il est important d’avancer dans la réforme de l’ONU et soutient l’idée que le Brésil et l’Inde devraient obtenir un siège permanent au Conseil de sécurité ainsi qu’un autre siège pour l’Afrique. M. Marzouki est également revenu à la proposition qu’il avait faite l’année dernière à l’Assemblée générale, à savoir de créer une cour constitutionnelle internationale pour conseiller tous les peuples libérés et trancher sur les questions relatives à des élections irrégulières.

Le Président tunisien a réitéré le fait que la démocratie devait être protégée et a espéré que cette proposition serait prise en considération. M. Marzouki a également proposé que la Tunisie devienne le siège d’un des organismes onusiens.

M. JUAN MANUEL SANTOS CALDERÓN, Président de la Colombie, a déclaré que, dans un monde marqué par des mauvaises nouvelles, le terrorisme et les maladies, il voulait apporter une lueur d’espoir à cette Assemblée: il espère, qu’après près d’un demi-siècle de conflit, la Colombie connaîtrait très bientôt la paix. Si cela se réalise, alors l’espoir de paix est permis dans toutes les régions du monde, a assuré M. Santos Calderón qui s’est dit confiant dans le fait que cet objectif est à portée de main dans son pays.

Le processus qui a eu lieu à la Havane au cours des deux dernières années avec les représentants des Forces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie (FARC) a été sérieux, réaliste, efficace et crédible et a conduit à des résultats concrets, a-t-il expliqué. Un programme en cinq points a été convenu, et des accords ont d’ores et déjà été trouvés sur trois d’entre eux à savoir le développement rural global, la participation politique et le problème du trafic illicite de drogues.

Revenant sur la question de la participation politique, M. Santos Calderón a expliqué que le but était d’élargir la démocratie, de promouvoir la participation des citoyens et de consolider la paix de manière à n’avoir jamais plus à associer « politique et armes ». Il a également été convenu de démanteler les structures mafieuses de la drogue et de promouvoir un programme national de substitution des cultures et de développement alternatif. L’accord prévoit en outre que les FARC mettent un terme aux relations qu’elles pourraient avoir avec les milieux de la drogue et qu’elles participent à la lutte contre ce problème.

Les discussions sur les deux derniers points vont bon train et portent sur la question des victimes et la fin du conflit. En effet, le conflit a fait des millions de victimes qui sont restées sans voix jusque-là et qui sont aujourd’hui placés au cœur du processus, a expliqué M. Santos Calderón. Il s’agit de garantir leurs droits à la justice, à la réparation, à la vérité mais au-delà de tout, de faire en sorte qu’il n’y ait jamais plus de victimes, a précisé le Président. Concrètement, dans un exercice inédit dans le monde, les victimes expliquent leurs cas et présentent leurs revendications devant des négociateurs du Gouvernement et du groupe rebelle. Ce sont les principaux protagonistes et bénéficiaires de la paix, a assuré M. Santos Calderón.

De plus, un sous-comité formé de militaires et de police a été mis en place pour se pencher sur les modalités concrètes du cessez-le-feu bilatéral final, ainsi que sur la démobilisation et le désarmement, une fois l’accord final signé. À ce moment-là, le plus grand défi de la Colombie sera de réintégrer ceux qui ont été démobilisés, d’assurer la présence de l’État dans les anciennes zones de conflit. Ainsi, la Colombie compte sur le soutien de la communauté internationale et lui lance un appel en ce sens dès maintenant.

Au plan mondial, l’un des moteurs des conflits est le trafic illicite de drogues, et la Colombie a promu une discussion sérieuse sur les aspects et méthodes techniques et objectifs de la « guerre contre la drogue ». Elle a obtenu un consensus des pays d’Amérique latine lors de la dernière session de l’Assemblée générale de l’Organisation des États américains (OEA) au Guatemala la semaine dernière. C’est la preuve qu’il est possible d’avancer et de travailler ensemble et d’être mieux préparés pour la session spéciale des Nations Unies sur les drogues qui doit avoir lieu en 2016, a souligné le Président.

Pour son deuxième mandat, M. Santos Calderón s’est fixé des objectifs ambitieux, notamment de faire de la Colombie le pays le plus éduqué d’Amérique latine d’ici à 2025, ce qui s’inscrit dans l’approche du développement durable et de développement humain post-2015. Il a affirmé que ces objectifs étaient réalisables compte tenu des bonnes performances économiques que connaît son pays, et il espère que le même scénario sera possible dans le reste du continent et dans les Caraïbes.

M. HERY RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA, Président de Madagascar, a dit la gratitude du peuple malgache pour l’attention particulière et les moyens que le système des Nations Unies a mobilisés pour contribuer à l’aboutissement du processus de sortie de crise à Madagascar. En faisant le choix du retour à l’ordre constitutionnel par la voie des urnes, le peuple malgache a confirmé son attachement à la stabilité et à la sécurité, et participe à la construction de la paix et de la sécurité dans la région et partout dans le monde, a-t-il ajouté, avant de mettre l’accent sur la réconciliation nationale, socle de la cohésion sociale et pierre angulaire de la politique de développement du pays. Pour cette raison, a-t-il dit, Madagascar souhaite accéder au Fonds pour la consolidation de la paix.

Le Président malgache a rappelé que 5% de la biodiversité mondiale se trouvait dans son pays, d’où la responsabilité de préserver cette richesse et d’en assurer une meilleure gestion pour les générations futures. Il a souligné que dès le lendemain de sa prise de fonction en janvier dernier, il avait déclaré la guerre aux trafiquants de bois de rose ainsi qu’à tous ceux qui s’adonnent au commerce illégal des espèces protégées.

Dans ce contexte, l’instauration d’une bonne gouvernance forestière a été le premier acte de toute une série de mesures concrètes prises à ce titre et un Comité interministériel chargé de l’assainissement de la filière a été mis en place dès juin 2014. Les autorités sont également à pied d’œuvre pour concrétiser la politique de tolérance zéro contre les trafics de tous genres, liés aux ressources naturelles et espèces sauvages, a-t-il encore indiqué, en mettant en exergue les risques élevés en matière de piraterie, de terrorisme et autres trafics. M. Rajaonarimampianina a appelé à des mesures à cet égard, dans le cadre d’une coopération internationale active pour protéger la zone de l’océan Indien.

Après plus de cinq années de crise politique assortie de sanctions et de mesures suspensives de toutes sortes, il a déclaré qu’il était clair que la majorité des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) ne seraient pas atteints en 2015 à Madagascar, mais le pays s’est engagé à recentrer son développement sur la population. Ainsi, l’insertion scolaire et socioprofessionnelle de près de 500 000 enfants et jeunes pour l’année 2014-2015 a pu être réalisée, et plus d’une centaine de centres de santé de base viennent d’être ouverts ces derniers mois à travers le pays.

Particulièrement vulnérable aux effets du changement climatique, le pays a pris des mesures d’atténuation qui vont de l’élaboration de cadres juridiques à la mise en place d’une politique de transition énergétique qui trouve son fondement dans les énergies renouvelables, au Plan des actions nationales d’adaptation et à la création de différentes structures de coordination des activités liées au changement climatique.

M. IVO JOSIPOVIĆ, Président de la Croatie, a dit que 2015, année du soixante-dixième anniversaire des Nations Unies, serait celle de la finalisation et du lancement du programme de développement pour l’après-2015 et celle d’un éventuel accord universel sur le changement climatique. « Si le développement durable et la protection de notre planète sont au sommet de nos efforts, d’autres problèmes requièrent notre pleine attention », a-t-il dit. Les guerres, les conflits armés, les catastrophes naturelles, la pauvreté et d’autres menacent en effet la vie et les droits de l’homme.

La Croatie est profondément inquiète de la situation en Ukraine où une solution pacifique reste la seule issue, a ajouté M. Josipović. Elle est attachée à la souveraineté et à l’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraine. Elle est aussi gravement préoccupée par la propagation du terrorisme et de la violence dans le monde notamment au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique qui nécessite la politique de tolérance zéro et d’un effort mondial commun. La Croatie apporte son appui aux efforts en cours pour former une coalition contre l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant. En outre, un accord de paix durable et stable entre Israéliens et Palestiniens est impératif, a déclaré le Président qui a plaidé pour la solution à deux États.

Cette situation globale place la question de la non-prolifération des armes de destruction massives au centre de notre attention, a continué M. Josipović. À cet égard, la Conférence des Parties chargée d’examiner le Traité sur la non-prolifération des armes nucléaires de 2015 sera importante. La Croatie souhaite la consolidation et le renforcement du Traité. C’est au milieu de ces problèmes que nous devons surmonter des obstacles comme le dérèglement climatique, les catastrophes naturelles, la raréfaction et la dégradation des ressources naturelles en particulier la nourriture et l’eau potable.

Mais l’on ne peut sérieusement se concentrer sur le développement durable sans la paix et la sécurité dont la responsabilité première revient aux États eux-mêmes, les organisations régionales et internationales qui ont les moyens, ont aussi l’obligation de les aider. La consolidation de la paix peut aider les sociétés qui sortent de conflit. À cet effet, les femmes jouent un rôle spécifique notamment dans la réalisation d’une résolution pacifique des conflits et du développement durable. C’est pourquoi, la Croatie organisera le 26 septembre prochain une rencontre de haut niveau aux Nations Unies sur la dimension sexospécifique du développement durable dans le contexte de redressement après-conflit.

Avant de conclure, M. Josipović a réclamé un siège supplémentaire de membre non permanent au Conseil de sécurité pour le groupe des pays d’Europe orientale dans le cadre de la réforme nécessaire du Conseil. Mais au final, il a dit que la consolidation de l’espace européen est seulement possible lorsque l’Europe du Sud sera stable et sécurisée et lorsque tous les pays de la région seront finalement admis au sein de l’Union européenne.

M. HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH, Sultan de Brunéi Darussalam, a rappelé qu’en l’espace de quelques décennies, la communauté internationale avait compris qu’elle devait faire front uni pour relever les défis qui se posent à l’espèce humaine. Dans ce contexte, a-t-il dit, l’ONU demeure l’enceinte privilégiée pour élaborer une réponse collective, ce qui est tout particulièrement vrai pour le programme de développement de l’après-2015. Le Sultan a expliqué que son pays avait contribué activement aux efforts de formation et de renforcement des capacités sur les plans national et international, notamment dans les cadres de l’Initiative pour l’intégration de l’Association des nations de l’Asie du Sud-Est (ANASE) et du Programme d’enrichissement de l’anglais dans les pays membres de la même organisation.

Ces principes directeurs sont également ceux qui président à la « Vision nationale de Brunéi Darussalam 2035 », dédiée à l’amélioration de la qualité de vie de ses habitants. Ensuite concernant le maintien de la paix, M. Bolkiah a indiqué que son pays avait fourni des contingents à l’opération des Nations Unies déployée au Liban et des missions internationales de surveillance dans le sud des Philippines. Vigoureusement opposé du terrorisme, le chef d’État a assuré que Brunéi Darussalam continuerait de participer aux initiatives de dialogues interreligieux et interculturels.

« Plus largement, le principe fondamental de respect et de confiance mutuels, d’application de l’état de droit et de promotion de la coopération devrait servir de base pour résoudre les conflits, afin de permettre au monde entier de jouir d’une paix et d’une stabilité continues. »

Là où la coopération internationale peut également faire une différence, c’est dans le renforcement des capacités pour prévenir et faire face aux catastrophes, a poursuivi le Sultan, qui a expliqué que son pays avait organisé l’an dernier, à destination des nations du Sud-Est asiatique, un programme d’entraînement militaire dans les domaines de l’assistance humanitaire et des secours en cas de catastrophes.

Il a également affirmé que la coopération devait prévaloir en matière de commerce international. Enfin, au sujet de la situation au Moyen-Orient, il a affirmé que la justice et la liberté étaient plus que jamais exigées pour la Palestine, dont le peuple doit pouvoir vivre dans la dignité et jouir du développement économique. M. Bolkiah s’est dit encouragé par le respect, par les deux parties, du cessez-le-feu, jusqu’à présent.

M. ROBERT GABRIEL MUGABE, Président du Zimbabwe, s’est félicité du thème choisi pour la présente session de l’Assemblée générale, le qualifiant de « pertinent, approprié et à point nommé » et a noté que les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) avaient aidé à concentrer et à mobiliser les efforts de développement, bien que les résultats obtenus diffèrent d’une région à l’autre voire à l’intérieur d’un même pays. Il est donc opportun de fixer des objectifs de développement durable pour parfaire la tâche, notamment en ce qui concerne la question fondamentale de l’élimination de la pauvreté qui demeure le défi majeur à l’échelle mondiale.

M. Mugabe a fourni un aperçu du Programme pour une transformation socioéconomique durable (Zim-Asset), dont le programme vise à une croissance économique inclusive, à la génération d’emplois décents pour tous, à une énergie abordable et fiable, à la sécurité alimentaire, à une agriculture soutenable et au développement d’une infrastructure moderne fiable. Ce programme contient également un volet de développement industriel avec des projets de développement économique durable et à visage humain.

Le Président du Zimbabwe a également souligné que la justice sociale, la stabilité politique et le développement durable des pays africains pouvaient être mieux atteints à travers un appui à l’appropriation des moyens de production par les pauvres, qui représentent la majorité. Le pays a d’ailleurs déployé des efforts sérieux pour jeter les bases de la production alimentaire durable grâce au programme de réforme foncière. Ainsi, la majorité des personnes rurales ont été autonomisées pour contribuer à la sécurité alimentaire et des ménages. « La possession et l’exploitation de leurs terres les ont transformés en maîtres de leur destinée, donnant par la même un véritable sens à notre indépendance nationale et à notre souveraineté indiscutable », a-t-il affirmé.

Toutefois, c’est précisément cette préoccupation d’autonomisation économique du peuple qui a fait du Zimbabwe une victime de machinations diaboliques des pays occidentaux, lesquels continuent à appliquer des sanctions unilatérales et illégales comme outil politique à des fins politiques à court terme, a-t-il estimé. « Le changement de régime est une politique illégale diabolique d’ingérence dans les affaires internes de mon pays et rien de bon ne proviendra des obstacles élevés contre notre économie ou de la privation de nos citoyens des besoins de base », a-t-il dit. Il a appelé à la levée immédiate et sans condition de ces « sanctions diaboliques qui violent les principes fondamentaux de la Charte des Nations Unies et devraient être condamnées par la communauté internationale ».

Dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du programme de développement durable pour l’après-2015, M. Mugabe a proposé une réforme rapide des institutions de Bretton Woods, en particulier de leurs structures de gouvernance, et a déclaré qu’il était « grand temps » de remédier à leur « déficit de légitimité ». De telles réformes doivent refléter les réalités actuelles et garantir la pleine expression et la participation des pays en développement dans leurs processus décisionnel et normatif.

Sur le continent, l’Union africaine s’efforce de rétablir la paix en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), au Soudan du Sud, en République centrafricaine et en Somalie, a-t-il poursuivi, encourageant à l’intensification de l’engagement de la communauté internationale et de l’appui à l’Afrique en matière de maintien de la paix et la stabilité, par l’amélioration des capacités de maintien de la paix, notamment la formation, la logistique et l’appui financier.

L’Afrique est encore saisie de la question du Sahara occidental, dernier vestige colonial sur le continent, a-t-il remarqué, en soulignant que les Nations Unies ne devraient pas abdiquer leurs responsabilités en vue de la réalisation de l’autodétermination du peuple du Sahara occidental. Il a enfin fustigé la persécution du peuple palestinien par Israël », notamment la destruction brutale des infrastructures de la bande de Gaza alors que « le monde dit civilisé faisait la sourde oreille ». Une paix durable au Moyen-Orient ne pourra être réalisée qu’avec la solution de deux États dans les frontières de 1967. « Toute manœuvre tendant à un changement des réalités démographiques par le biais de colonies ou le recours à la force ne fera que prolonger les souffrances des Palestiniens », a déclaré M. Mugabe.

M. OLLANTA HUMALA TASSO, Président du Pérou, a présenté la priorité de son pays, qui est de réduire toutes les formes de pauvreté et d’inégalités, en particulier les inégalités de genre, en luttant notamment en faveur de l’autonomisation des femmes, de l’accès à une éducation de qualité et de l’élimination de toutes les formes de violence axée sur le sexe et contre les enfants. En même temps, l’objectif est une croissance durable avec des emplois stables dans le secteur formel.

Le Pérou est l’un des pays qui a le plus progressé dans la réalisation des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD), certains ayant été atteints avant la date butoir de 2015, s’est félicité le Président. Se voyant déjà comme un pays émergeant, le Gouvernement péruvien a déployé des efforts extraordinaires dans des domaines comme la santé et l’éducation.

M. Humala s’est prévalu de l’augmentation du budget alloué aux dépenses sociales, ainsi que des efforts déployés dans le domaine de la sécurité publique dans un pays qui souffre depuis longtemps de corruption. En ce qui concerne le problème de la drogue, il a appelé la communauté internationale à renforcer sa coopération pour lutter contre ce fléau.

Sur le plan économique, il a parlé du Programme national de diversification de la production qui vise une transformation de la structure économique du pays, ainsi que de l’amélioration de ses relations commerciales internationales. Le Pérou a développé d’excellentes relations avec ses voisins, a-t-il poursuivi, faisant notamment référence au règlement récent d’un différend maritime avec le Chili.

M. Humala a rappelé que le Pérou accueillerait dans sa capitale, en décembre 2014, la vingtième Conférence des parties à la Convention des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (COP20). Il a espéré qu’au-delà de la capitalisation du Fonds vert pour le climat, on parviendrait à un accord juridiquement contraignant. Le coût du changement climatique pour le Pérou est évalué à 4% de son PIB annuel, a-t-il dit, ce coût pouvant atteindre 20% en 2050 si rien ne change. Il a aussi mentionné que son pays avait ratifié le Protocole de Nagoya à la Convention sur la diversité biologique.

Enfin, le Président péruvien a mis l’accent sur la réforme nécessaire du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU afin qu’il soit en mesure de répondre efficacement aux différentes crises. La lutte contre le terrorisme relève de la responsabilité de la communauté internationale, dans le respect des droits fondamentaux et de la souveraineté des États, a-t-il ajouté.

M. SHINZO ABE, Premier Ministre du Japon, a salué les efforts de l’ONU, auxquels son pays participe, pour la lutte contre l’épidémie d’Ebola qui sévit en Afrique. Il a rappelé que lors de la Conférence internationale de Tokyo sur le développement de l’Afrique (TICAD V), qui a eu lieu l’an dernier, le Japon avait prévu 500 millions de dollars aux questions liées à la santé en Afrique, et avait annoncé des programmes de formation qui bénéficient à 120 000 personnes du milieu de la santé.

Depuis, il a envoyé des experts dans le cadre de la mission de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé, a augmenté sa contribution financière à la lutte contre Ebola de 5 millions de dollars et a fourni 500 000 équipements de protection personnelle pour le personnel de santé. Le Premier Ministre a annoncé aujourd’hui une contribution financière supplémentaire de 40 millions de dollars à ces efforts. De plus, le Japon travaille sur un médicament « prometteur » qui pourrait être très utile pour la phase post-exposition au virus.

Le Premier Ministre a également fait part de la préoccupation de son gouvernement face à la menace pour l’ordre international que représente l’État islamique. À ce stade, il faut, selon lui, mettre l’accent sur la prévention de l’extrémisme et rapidement faire face à la crise humanitaire dans la région. Pour participer à ces efforts, le Japon va allouer 50 millions de dollars à l’aide humanitaire d’urgence. En ce qui concerne la crise ukrainienne, le Premier Ministre a rappelé que l’enveloppe d’aide économique de 1,5 milliard de dollars, annoncée en mars dernier, était en cours de versement et que son pays envisageait d’autres aides à la reconstruction de l’est de l’Ukraine.

Pour des raisons liées à son histoire, le Japon reste un fervent défenseur de la paix et ne cessera de combattre la « culture de la guerre » de manière proactive, a expliqué le Premier Ministre, illustrant son propos par des initiatives concrètes dans la bande de Gaza et à Mogadiscio. La philosophie d’aide au développement des 60 dernières années reflète cette approche. L’un des axes principaux de l’engagement japonais dans le monde est l’éducation parce qu’elle est, selon M. Abe, à la base de toute croissance économique, de toute société juste et équitable qui place l’homme en son centre. Il a également fait part de l’engagement du Japon dans la lutte pour l’autonomisation et la promotion des femmes tant au plan national, qu’international, cause à laquelle il a alloué 1,8 milliard de dollars depuis l’année dernière sur une enveloppe de 3 milliards. Le Japon veut également devenir l’un des principaux bailleurs de fonds d’ONU-Femmes.

M. Shinzo Abe a ensuite réitéré la « détermination » de son pays à intégrer le Conseil de sécurité en tant que membre non permanent lors de l’élection l’année prochaine, justifiant en partie cette volonté par les engagements sans relâche du Japon pour la cause de l’ONU au cours des 58 dernières années. Allant plus loin, il a espéré que le soixante-dixième anniversaire de l’Organisation serait l’occasion de finalement « résoudre » la question de sa réforme pour qu’elle reflète la réalité du XXIe siècle. À ce titre, le Japon ambitionne un poste permanent au sein du Conseil de sécurité.

M. HAILEMARIAM DESSALEGN, Premier Ministre de l’Éthiopie, a affirmé que si la communauté internationale fait ce qu’elle doit faire, « cette session de l’Assemblée générale pourrait s’inscrire dans l’histoire comme celle qui a permis de placer sous tutelle l’environnement, la justice économique et la responsabilité sociale ». Alors qu’il reste moins de 500 jours avant la date butoir des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD), l’Afrique, a-t-il observé, a enregistré une vigoureuse croissance économique depuis une décennie, contribuant à « changer progressivement la perception traditionnelle du continent ». Mais des défis persistants rendent nécessaires d’avancer de manière décisive dans les négociations autour du programme de développement pour l’après-2015, en veillant au préalable à réaliser intégralement les OMD, a prévenu le Premier Ministre.

S’il s’est dit encouragé par les progrès réalisés jusqu’à présent dans le cadre de l’élaboration du programme, et notamment par le travail fourni par le Groupe de travail à composition non limitée sur les objectifs de développement durable, le Premier Ministre a déclaré attendre avec impatience le rapport de synthèse du Secrétaire général, qui devrait faciliter le dialogue et les négociations entre États Membres pour parvenir à un consensus agréé au niveau international.

M. Dessalegn a exprimé sa conviction selon laquelle l’efficacité du programme pour l’après-2015 dépendrait, entre autres, de la réussite de la troisième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Addis-Abeba, en juillet 2015. Pour lui, le défi posé par les changements climatiques exige sans aucun doute un leadership et un engagement politique à tous les niveaux. « Nous n’avons pas d’autre choix que de nous montrer à la hauteur de ce défi en lançant les actions concrètes pour contribuer à la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre et démontrer la volonté politique indispensable pour parvenir à un accord juridiquement contraignant sur le climat. »

Préoccupé par la multiplication des conflits à travers le monde, le Chef du Gouvernement éthiopien a tout particulièrement évoqué la crise au Soudan du Sud, en rappelant que l’Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement (IGAD) faisait tout son possible, avec l’ONU, pour y mettre fin. Mais, a-t-il ajouté, cette organisation se heurte à un défi qui s’est déjà posé dans des situations similaires, à savoir que le maintien de la paix est une gageure en l’absence d’engagement suffisant pour résoudre pacifiquement les conflits.

La situation en Somalie voisine s’est toutefois améliorée, s’est félicité M. Dessalegn. « Al-Chabab n’a peut-être pas encore été éradiqué, mais ce groupe a subi de sérieux revers », a-t-il affirmé. « Toutefois, les progrès militaires sur le terrain ne pourront pas se pérenniser en l’absence de progrès dans l’arène politique, en particulier l’établissement d’administrations locales et le respect de l’état de droit et de l’ordre public dans les zones récemment libérées », a prévenu le Premier Ministre. À cet égard, il s’est félicité que de telles administrations soient désormais ouvertes dans le centre et le sud-ouest de la Somalie, conformément à la Constitution fédérale provisoire.

M. MATTEO RENZI, Premier Ministre de l’Italie, s’est dit très ému de se trouver dans une enceinte, a-t-il dit, « où l’on sent qu’il est encore possible de construire un monde de paix ». Il a ajouté que l’avenir ressemblait aujourd’hui à une menace: « l’avenir semble exempt de promesses ». M. Renzi a souhaité que les États Membres « ne se voilent pas la face » et aient le courage de dire la vérité en se remémorant les erreurs du passé.

« La communauté internationale, qui, hier, a été silencieuse à Srebrenica, doit retrouver une définition de l’espoir pour que cessent les bains de sang au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique », a encore déclaré le dirigeant italien. Il a, de plus, souhaité que l’Italie soit « la place publique où débattre des solutions aux problèmes les plus urgents du monde ».

Sur la situation en Méditerranée, M. Renzi a affirmé que la priorité devait être d’empêcher une fragmentation définitive de la Libye. « Un peuple ami souffre en traversant une période de transition qui semble ne jamais devoir finir. » « Éteindre l’incendie en Libye, c’est empêcher qu’il ne s’étende à toute la Méditerranée », a-t-il encore souligné avant de rappeler que l’Italie continuerait d’apporter un appui « plein et entier » au Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général pour la Libye.

Revenant sur la réunion du Conseil de sécurité sur le phénomène grandissant des combattants terroristes étrangers, le Premier Ministre italien a déclaré que l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant représentait une menace « pour toute la communauté des hommes ». « Non, la menace n’est pas liée à une quelconque religion », a-t-il insisté. Évoquant ensuite une visite dans un camp de réfugiés syriens en Turquie, il a affirmé que « face à la douleur des victimes du fanatisme, il n’est plus possible de rester inerte, insensible ». « Comme l’Italie l’a dit hier au Président Obama, seule une communauté unifiée gagnera cette bataille pour la civilisation », a en outre déclaré M. Renzi, qui a tenu à rendre hommage aux Casques bleus italiens déployés au Liban.

Le dirigeant italien a à son tour assuré qu’il ne pourrait y avoir de paix dans les régions en proie au terrorisme « sans paix entre les enfants d’Abraham ». Appelant ainsi à un « règlement définitif » du conflit israélo-arabe, il a réaffirmé le soutien « sans faille » de son pays à la situation des deux États.

En ce qui concerne la crise en Ukraine, M. Renzi a jugé qu’elle menaçait le processus européen et la stabilité du continent. Il a alors appelé les parties prenantes à s’inspirer de la réflexion de Machiavel, qui « estimait que reconnaître une occasion au milieu de la guerre, c’est saisir une opportunité pour en sortir par le biais du dialogue et de la réconciliation nationale ».

Pour le Premier Ministre italien, la politique sera la seule voie possible en 2015 pour renforcer la gouvernance numérique, avancer sur la voie de l’égalité des sexes et lutter plus efficacement contre la discrimination religieuse. Sur ce dernier point, il a déclaré que « jamais auparavant, autant de chrétiens n’ont été tués en raison de leur foi ».

Abordant le rôle de l’Italie au cours de la présente session de l’Assemblée générale, il a fait savoir qu’elle présenterait une nouvelle résolution concernant le moratoire sur la peine de mort. À cet égard, il a expliqué que c’est à Florence, ville dont il fut le maire, que fut annoncée l’abolition de la peine capitale en Italie.

Enfin, se référant à Dag Hammarskjöld, M. Renzi a déclaré que si l’on ne peut pas choisir le cadre de sa destinée, « il ne dépend que de nous d’y insérer ce que nous souhaitons: les valeurs de paix et de tolérance et la force de transformation de l’éducation ».

M. HERMAN VAN ROMPUY, Président du Conseil européen, a relevé que, comparé à la même période, l’an dernier, le monde était devenu aujourd’hui plus dangereux. Il a évoqué quelques sujets dramatiques de l’actualité internationale, notamment l’enlèvement de plus de 200 jeunes filles dans le nord-ouest du Nigéria il y a près de six mois, l’appareil de la Malaysia Airlines qui a été abattu au-dessus de l’Ukraine, ou encore la mort, la semaine dernière, d’un demi-millier de migrants à destination de l’Europe.

Il a en outre déclaré que le fait le plus marquant en Europe aura été l’annexion de la Crimée en mars dernier, un fait qui, a-t-il expliqué, représente la plus grande menace pour la sécurité en Europe depuis des décennies. Il a ensuite souligné que l’Europe restait solidaire de l’Ukraine et de sa population, et que cela justifiait les sanctions économiques prises sans hésitation contre la Fédération de Russie, même si ces décisions conduisent à des répercussions sur les économies des pays d’Europe.

Il a précisé que ces sanctions n’étaient pas définitives, mais qu’elles pouvaient être revues s’il y avait des progrès tangibles. M. Van Rompuy a estimé par ailleurs que la vie politique de l’Ukraine et sa prospérité devraient appartenir à ses citoyens. Il a ajouté qu’avec la Fédération de Russie, son plus grand voisin, l’Union européenne se tenait prête à rétablir une base de confiance et de promesses tenues.

Le Président du Conseil européen a ensuite dit que les sujets les plus préoccupants de l’heure étaient l’Iraq, la Syrie et plus globalement le Moyen-Orient. Il a noté que les actes de l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant relevaient d’un retour à un passé barbare. Pour lutter contre ce groupe terroriste, il a proposé que l’EIIL soit isolé, que ses financements soient bloqués, ainsi que son approvisionnement en armes. Il a aussi plaidé pour que soient stoppés ses flux de fonds venant de la vente illégale de pétrole, ou encore les arrivées de combattants terroristes étrangers qui le renforcent.

Il a fait part, en outre, de sa crainte face à la radicalisation visible en Europe, rappelant ainsi le cas du jeune Français qui est revenu de Syrie et qui a commis un attentat dans un musée juif à Bruxelles. Il a aussi noté que la solution contre l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant passait par la résolution des foyers de tension de toute la région, notamment en Syrie et entre Israéliens et Palestiniens, notamment par la réalisation de la solution à deux États.

« La seule réponse durable au désespoir c’est le développement », a poursuivi le Président de la Commission européenne.

Dans ce contexte, il a salué les engagements des Nations Unies pour la promotion des objectifs de développement, pour la lutte contre les changements climatiques et contre le virus Ebola qu’il a désigné comme la « peste des temps modernes ». Il a rappelé, par ailleurs, que le monde commémorait en cette année le centenaire du début de la Première Guerre mondiale. Il a déploré le fait que la violence est toujours visible entre États et à l’intérieur de ceux-ci, et il a émis le vœu que la peur qui anime l’humanité en ce moment soit surmontée, afin de restaurer la justice et la marche vers la paix.

M. GASTON A. BROWNE, Premier Ministre d’Antigua-et-Barbuda, a plaidé pour une démocratisation des Nations Unies afin que tous les pays aient voix au chapitre sur les questions qui les touchent directement, comme les répercussions des changements climatiques sur leur développement. Il a ajouté que les « petits États » dépendaient de la capacité des Nations Unies à faire respecter l’état de droit et à les défendre contre toutes les formes d’intrusion, de violation de leur souveraineté et de leurs droits fondamentaux.

Évoquant le différend qui oppose, devant l’Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC), son pays aux États-Unis depuis plus de 10 ans, il a déploré une perte de revenus ayant empêché Antigua-et-Barbuda d’améliorer le bien-être de ses habitants, de mieux résister aux effets néfastes de la crise financière comme du réchauffement de la planète. « Notre petit État a été victime d’une atteinte à ses droits commerciaux », a-t-il lancé, jugeant que la démocratie et l’état de droit devaient être équitablement respectés « par le fort et par le faible ».

M. Browne s’est par ailleurs penché sur le « blocus de Cuba », en condamnant toutes les politiques et pratiques discriminatoires prises en guise de représailles, lesquelles « en l’occurrence, empêchent Cuba d’exercer pleinement et librement son droit à participer aux affaires économiques et politiques de sa région ».

S’agissant du programme de développement pour l’après-2015, M. Browne a attiré l’attention sur la nécessité d’accroître l’aide publique au développement, les pays du « monde développé » n’étant pas parvenus à atteindre la cible des 315 milliards de dollars qu’ils s’étaient fixés en décidant de consacrer 0,7% de leur PIB à cette aide. « Mon propre pays et tous ceux regroupés au sein de la Communauté des Caraïbes (CARICOM), ont été les témoins directs d’un déclin de l’aide, au point que nous avons dû dépendre de ressources non traditionnelles venues de Chine ou encore du Venezuela », a-t-il dit.

Selon lui, l’heure est venue pour que les donateurs et les récipiendaires eux-mêmes prennent un nouvel engagement global en matière d’aide au développement, et que les institutions financières permettent « enfin » aux pays à revenu intermédiaire d’être éligibles aux prêts à taux réduits.

Enfin, M. Browne a exhorté les Nations Unies et la communauté internationale à aider les nations de la CARICOM, dont les économies, depuis la crise de 2008, sont revenues au niveau où elles étaient dans les années 70, à redonner espoir aux jeunes générations. « Si nous échouons de répondre à leurs aspirations, nous les condamnerons, au mieux, à une vie aux marges de la société et, au pire, à une existence de crime et de violence », a déclaré le Premier Ministre d’Antigua-et-Barbuda.

M. JABER AL-MUBARAK AL-HAMAD AL SABAH, Premier Ministre du Koweït, a tout d’abord souhaité que les pays arabes bénéficient d’une représentation permanente au sein du Conseil de sécurité, au regard notamment de leur poids démographique et de l’importance des questions se rapportant au monde arabe.

Il a ajouté que le Conseil n’assumait pas les fonctions qui lui ont été confiées, ce qui conduisait à l’aggravation de la situation dans plusieurs États du Moyen-Orient. Il a en particulier mentionné « la dernière agression d’Israël dans la bande de Gaza qui a duré plus de 50 jours » et a appelé le Conseil à faire pression sur ce pays pour que celui-ci cesse le blocus de Gaza, ses activités de colonisation et sa politique de judaïsation de Jérusalem.

Abordant la crise en Syrie, le Premier Ministre a rappelé que son pays avait contribué à hauteur de 800 millions de dollars pour répondre aux urgences humanitaires en Syrie. Il a ensuite plaidé pour la recherche d’une solution politique répondant aux aspirations des Syriens, conformément au Communiqué de Genève.

Se tournant vers la situation au Yémen, il a réitéré le soutien de son pays au dialogue national en cours et appelé à faire résolument face aux différentes formes de violence et de terrorisme.

En ce qui concerne le programme nucléaire iranien, le Premier Ministre du Koweït a plaidé pour une solution pacifique, qui garantirait pour l’Iran et tous les pays de la région le droit d’utiliser l’énergie nucléaire à des fins pacifiques.

« Le Koweït réitère sa ferme position de principe qui consiste à rejeter toutes les formes de terrorisme et d’extrémisme, quelles qu’en soient les raisons, les motifs et les sources », a-t-il affirmé. Il a ensuite condamné sans réserve les agressions et activités terroristes conduites par l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant et apporté son soutien aux efforts de l’Iraq pour se débarrasser du fléau du terrorisme.

« Symbole de son engagement en faveur du soutien du rôle humanitaire joué par les Nations Unies, le Koweït a doublé le montant de ses contributions annuelles fixes volontaires à diverses organisations, en particulier l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) pour combattre la propagation du virus de l’Ebola en Afrique de l’Ouest », a-t-il affirmé.

En conclusion, le Premier Ministre s’est félicité de l’exceptionnel honneur que le Secrétaire général avait fait à l’Émir du Koweït en lui conférant le titre de « Leader humanitaire », reconnaissance du rôle éminent joué par le Koweït dans la sauvegarde de millions de vies.

M. VICTOR PONTA, Premier Ministre de la Roumanie, a dit que face aux « plus complexes et plus graves développements » de la sécurité internationale depuis la fin de la guerre froide, notamment les crises que le monde a connues depuis un an, la communauté internationale avait le devoir de confirmer, une fois de plus, son engagement en faveur des principes de la souveraineté et de l’intégrité territoriale de tous les pays, du non-recours à la force, de la solution pacifique de tous les problèmes entre États, conformément au droit international.

Il a déclaré que la crise ukrainienne avait un impact sur la sécurité des pays d’Europe de l’Est, y compris celle de la Roumanie. « La Roumanie rejette toute forme de pression externe envers les États d’Europe de l’Est qui ont des aspirations d’intégration au sein de l’Union européenne », a aussi déclaré M. Ponta.

Le Premier Ministre a ensuite exprimé le soutien de la Roumanie à la souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de l’Ukraine, et il a appelé la communauté internationale à condamner cette agression, tout en veillant à faire en sorte que cette crise ne se propage pas dans cette région qui a toujours constitué un pont entre l’Asie centrale et l’Europe.

M. Ponta a appelé de tous ses vœux au respect du droit international et a réaffirmé sa solidarité à l’Ukraine, à la République de Moldova et à la Géorgie. Il a en outre rappelé qu’en 2018, la Roumanie allait célébrer le centenaire de son existence, et que le peuple roumain avait résolument choisi la démocratie en 1989.

Le Premier Ministre a par ailleurs souhaité que le futur programme de développement pour l’après-2015 ait, parmi ses préoccupations majeures, la lutte contre la pauvreté, la réalisation du développement durable, la bonne gouvernance et l’état de droit, tout en tenant compte des intérêts des générations présentes et futures.

M. TONY ABBOTT, Premier Ministre de l’Australie, a dit que malgré des échecs, l’ONU avait œuvré, depuis 70 ans, en faveur de la paix et du progrès, et que l’Australie avait été fière d’y apporter sa contribution. Il a notamment relevé que l’Australie avait fourni, depuis 1947, plus de 65 000 personnels dans plus de 50 opérations de maintien de la paix.

Il a indiqué aussi qu’avec 24 millions d’habitants, l’Australie était un pays relativement petit, mais qu’il représentait la douzième économie mondiale. Il est suffisamment fort pour se rendre utile à l’échelle internationale, mais il est assez pragmatique pour savoir quelles sont ses limites, a-t-il dit.

Il a évoqué un certain nombre de faits traduisant l’implication de l’Australie sur la scène internationale. Il a ainsi fait état d’un don d’un milliard de dollars à l’Indonésie en 2004 après le tsunami qui avait dévasté la région, du soutien procuré au Japon après le tremblement de terre de 2011, ou encore, plus récemment, d’une aide de huit millions de dollars octroyés pour la lutte contre l’épidémie à virus Ebola. M. Abbott a ensuite indiqué que l’Australie était présente en Iraq dans la lutte contre l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant, et ce sur requête du Gouvernement iraquien, a-t-il précisé.

M. Abott a en outre affirmé qu’une économie mondiale plus forte, si elle ne pourrait éviter tous les problèmes du monde, permettrait néanmoins de surmonter plus facilement les défis auxquels la communauté internationale est confrontée. Il a aussi proposé, dans le but de renforcer l’économie mondiale, de libéraliser davantage les échanges, d’investir plus dans les infrastructures, de renforcer et rendre plus moderne le système fiscal international et d’œuvrer au renforcement des institutions économiques mondiales.

Il a souhaité également que le programme de développement pour l’après-2015 soit centré sur la croissance économique, car, a-t-il noté, la croissance rend les autres cibles sociales, y compris la lutte contre les changements climatiques, plus faciles à réaliser. Il a cité le cas des pays d’Asie de l’Est qui ont, grâce à de solides avancées économiques, modifié les indicateurs sociaux de manière spectaculaire en une génération. « Les gens y vivent plus longtemps, ils ont une meilleure éducation, ils sont plus riches et apprécient davantage les libertés et la stabilité que leurs parents n’ont pas connues », a-t-il déclaré.

Le Premier Ministre australien a terminé son propos en affirmant qu’il ne devait pas y avoir de limites à ce que nous sommes capables de faire, notamment quand nous travaillons en synergie.

M. ALHADJI YAHYA A.J.J. JAMMEH, Président de la Gambie, a déploré l’« inertie lamentable » des Nations Unies alors que des États Membres puissants tirent avantage de l’Organisation au détriment d’autres plus faibles, « alors que des sanctions économiques et financières injustes sont imposées », que des pays sont pris à partie et voient leurs ressources naturelles pillées, et que des guerres sont menées au nom de la démocratie et des changements de régime. Toutes ces situations vont dans le sens contraire des principes consacrés dans la Charte des Nation Unies, a-t-il dénoncé, avant d’encourager tous les États Membres à observer la plus grande retenue et à s’abstenir de l’usage de la force.

Saluant les propositions faites par le Groupe de travail à composition non limitée sur les objectifs de développement durable, le Président de la Gambie a souhaité que les cibles arrêtées jusqu’à présent reflètent un programme « intégré et transformatif » qui s’appuierait sur les gains obtenus dans la mise en œuvre des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) pour relever les défis d’aujourd’hui. Mais, a-t-il ajouté, nous devons impérativement tirer aussi les leçons des échecs rencontrés dans la réalisation des OMD et renouveler le soutien de la communauté internationale en faveur des pays en développement encore à la traîne.

Au nombre des crises les plus urgentes à résoudre, figure pour M. Jammeh, la maladie à virus Ebola, qui a fait plus de 2 000 victimes en Afrique de l’Ouest, la plupart en Guinée, en Sierra Leone et au Libéria. Saluant l’aide déjà apportée par les États-Unis et la Fédération de Russie, il a déclaré que l’ONU devait prendre le leadership dans la mobilisation du soutien international contre l’épidémie.

En outre, a poursuivi le Président gambien, « le monde est désormais confronté à la forme la plus haineuse et la plus sanglante de terrorisme », dont les responsables « sont des vermines humaines sataniques et sadiques déguisés en militants islamistes au nom de la pureté de l’islam », mais ces « fils de l’infamie » et leur honteuse allégeance à la religion pacifique et noble qu’est l’islam sont une insulte à tous les musulmans. Il s’est toutefois livré à une diatribe contre les critiques visant l’application de la loi islamique, la charia, dans les pays où l’islam est religion d’État, comme c’est par exemple le cas en Arabie saoudite.

S’agissant de la situation au Moyen-Orient, elle demeure toujours instable, comme l’illustre le récent conflit à Gaza, qui a fait 2 000 victimes palestiniennes et 70 israéliennes, a noté le Président gambien, pour qui les Nations Unies doivent là aussi prendre la tête des efforts de paix. Selon lui, elles doivent également jouer un rôle central dans la lutte contre les injustices associées à l’application unilatérale ou bilatérale de sanctions économiques et financières, parce qu’elle contrevient aux principes du droit international et du droit international humanitaire et des normes gouvernant la coexistence pacifique des États. Il a cité à cet égard le cas de Cuba, demandant la levée de l’embargo imposé par les États-Unis.

Le Président de la Gambie a, en conclusion, demandé à l’ONU d’ouvrir une enquête impartiale et indépendante sur le naufrage des navires transportant de jeunes migrants africains à destination de l’Europe: « Si ces bateaux sont capables de traverser l’océan Atlantique et la Méditerranée sans heurts, pour ne s’abîmer que sur les côtes européennes, nous devons établir quelles forces meurtrières mystérieuses agissent dans cette zone ».

M. BRONISŁAW KOMOROWSKI, Président de la Pologne, a rappelé avec force que l’occupation de la Crimée et l’agression contre l’Ukraine constituaient des violations des normes du droit international et foulaient aux pieds les valeurs fondamentales défendues par les Nations Unies.

« Le contexte idéologique de ce conflit est un retour à une rhétorique issue de la première moitié du siècle dernier, un retour à la logique des zones d’influence, à la logique de la loi du plus fort et de l’impitoyable domination impériale sur les voisins plus faibles, censés devoir se comporter comme les satellites d’un pouvoir opérant une révision des fondations de l’ordre international civilisé », a-t-il dit.

Rappelant que l’Union européenne était devenue garante de la paix en Europe et bien au-delà de ses frontières, le Président a indiqué que ce qui s’était passé il y a six mois représentait une menace pour la sécurité du continent européen. « Nous ne pouvons accepter la brutalisation de la vie internationale en n’importe quel endroit du monde », a déclaré M. Komorowski.

Puis, commentant les actes barbares commis par l’« État islamique en Iraq et au Levant », le Président de la Pologne a affirmé qu’il était du devoir des États qui adhéraient aux valeurs de la Charte des Nations Unies de protéger tous ceux qui étaient menacés par une telle violence. « Tout doit être néanmoins fait pour que les actions que nous entreprenons respectent la Charte des Nations Unies. »

M. Komorowski a affirmé que son pays assumait des responsabilités croissantes dans les domaines de la coopération pour le développement, de l’aide humanitaire et de la protection du climat. « Nous sommes prêts à partager notre expérience et nos idées lorsque nous siègerons au Conseil en tant que membre non permanent en 2018 et 2019 », a-t-il poursuivi. Il s’est également dit en faveur d’une réforme qui augmenterait tout à la fois la représentativité du Conseil et son efficacité.

Mentionnant le principe de responsabilité de protéger approuvé par la communauté internationale en 2005, le Président de la Pologne a développé l’idée d’un mécanisme qui doterait le Conseil de la capacité d’agir dans les situations couvertes par ce principe, tout en évitant les abus de son mandat pour les situations y échappant. « J’ai formulé ce vœu à cette même tribune deux fois déjà », a-t-il affirmé, ajoutant que cette idée pourrait être combinée avec une réforme plus large du Conseil.

M. ANDRIS BĒRZIŅŠ, Président de la Lettonie, a déclaré que l’agression de la Russie contre l’Ukraine avait défié les principes fondateurs des Nations Unies et qu’elle constituait « une menace contre la paix et la sécurité mondiales ». « L’annexion illégale de la Crimée et de Sébastopol par la Russie est condamnée et ne sera pas reconnue par la communauté internationale », a-t-il affirmé.

M. Bērziņš a exhorté la Russie à retirer immédiatement ses forces armées du territoire ukrainien et à arrêter d’envoyer des armes et des mercenaires à des groupes terroristes.

Il y a 25 ans, a-t-il rappelé, les peuples baltes ont fait le choix de la liberté et de la démocratie. Aujourd’hui, il faut empêcher l’émergence d’un « conflit gelé » dans les régions de l’est de l’Ukraine et rejeter toute tentative de diviser ce pays.

Par ailleurs, le règlement des conflits prolongés en Transnistrie, Abkhazie, Ossétie du Sud et au Haut-Karabakh doivent continuer de figurer en bonne place dans l’ordre du jour international.

Le Président a appuyé l’élargissement de la composition du Conseil de sécurité dans les deux catégories d’appartenance et jugé intéressante l’initiative de la France visant à limiter le recours au droit de veto.

Alarmé par l’impact négatif des idéologies extrémistes violentes en Syrie, en Iraq et dans d’autres pays, M. Bērziņš s’est félicité de l’adoption de la résolution 2178 (2014) du Conseil de sécurité sur les combattants terroristes étrangers. La Lettonie a déjà commencé à préparer des mesures pour empêcher leur recrutement et leur financement.

La Lettonie, a souligné le Président, prend part à des opérations de paix et de sécurité au Mali et en République centrafricaine. Par ailleurs, son pays ayant été l’un des premiers à signer et ratifier le Traité sur le commerce des armes, il a prié tous les États Membres d’en faire autant.

Enfin, M. Bērziņš a estimé que le nouveau programme de développement devrait répondre aux défis mondiaux tels que les conflits, le terrorisme, les inégalités, l’absence d’état de droit, les changements climatiques et les catastrophes naturelles. Il a annoncé que la Lettonie présiderait le Conseil de l’Union européenne pendant la première moitié de l’année 2015.

M. ALI BONGO ONDIMBA, Président du Gabon, a déclaré que lors de la précédente session, les attaques terroristes étaient à déplorer, comme celle qui a ciblé le centre commercial de Nairobi, au Kenya. Voici que la présente session se tient dans un contexte tout aussi préoccupant, marqué par de graves menaces à la paix et la sécurité internationales, a-t-il déclaré, citant d’abord l’avancée de Boko Haram, qui étend son champ d’action à la frontière des pays voisins du Gabon, puis le virus Ebola qui endeuille l’Afrique.

« Mon pays, qui par le passé a gagné la bataille face à plusieurs crises du virus Ebola, se propose de mettre à disposition le Centre international de recherche médicale de Franceville dont l’expertise sur cette épidémie est avérée », a dit M. Bongo, qui s’est par ailleurs réjoui du thème de la soixante-neuvième session de l’Assemblée générale: « Élaborer et mettre en œuvre un programme de développement porteur de changements pour l’après-2015 ». « Le Gabon est entré dans le processus de l’Agenda de Développement post-2015 dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre du Plan stratégique Gabon émergent » (PSGE), a ajouté le Président.

Ce plan, a-t-il expliqué, procède d’une vision, d’une approche qui a conduit à définir un programme de développement ambitieux, lequel intègre les préoccupations prises en compte dans les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) et les défis liés aux changements climatiques et à la sécurité alimentaire. Il accorde une place de choix à tout ce qui concourt à la mise en valeur du potentiel que constitue la jeunesse. La stratégie mise en place par le Gabon vise à accélérer la transformation structurelle de son économie en passant, dans un avenir proche, d’une économie de rente à une économie d’industries et de services à forte valeur ajoutée.

Il est notoire que ces efforts ne peuvent prospérer que dans un environnement politique, économique et social où règne la bonne gouvernance, a continué le Président. C’est dans cette optique, a-t-il dit, que le Gabon s’est doté d’instruments institutionnels, telle que la Commission nationale de la lutte contre l’enrichissement illicite, dont la mission est de garantir la transparence et l’obligation de reddition dans la gestion des deniers publics. « Depuis, j’ai fait de la lutte contre la corruption un objectif prioritaire et, en ce moment même, des missions de contrôle et d’inspection d’envergure sont menées dans tout le pays avec des résultats conséquents », a indiqué M. Bongo Ondimba.

En outre, l’engagement du Gabon en matière de lutte contre les changements climatiques reste constant, compte tenu de la gravité du phénomène. Il vise à diminuer d’ici à 2025 de plus de moitié les émissions de gaz à effet de serre produit par chaque Gabonais. « C’est tout le sens de la rencontre que nous allons organiser à Libreville, du 18 au 19 mars 2015, pour une initiative des pays du Sud en faveur du climat », a-t-il dit.

Le Président a ajouté que la planète devait être sauvée à Paris en décembre 2015. Concernant la lutte contre le braconnage et le commerce illicite des espèces protégées, le Gabon est attaché à l’Initiative de Londres de février 2014 et organisera avec l’Allemagne, le 26 septembre 2014, un événement parallèle sur cette question.

M. JUAN CARLOS VARELA RODRÍGUEZ, Président du Panama, s’est réjoui de constater que l’Amérique était en paix. Il a énuméré les défis principaux auxquels le continent doit faire face: inégalité, crime organisé, trafic de drogue, traite des êtres humains, et réglementation des flux migratoires vers les économies plus développées.

Depuis 500 ans, l’isthme de Panama a servi de point de passage pour les civilisations. Alors qu’il marque le centenaire du canal cette année, le Panama, « pays de convergence », réitère son engagement à être une nation au service de la communauté internationale, a assuré M. Rodriguez. C’est d’ailleurs dans cet esprit qu’a été entreprise l’expansion du canal.

En avril 2015, le Panama accueillera le Sommet des Amériques, en vue de promouvoir l’intégration et la paix sociale, l’équité et la prospérité.

Le Président, qui a pris ses fonctions en juillet dernier, s’est engagé à consolider la démocratie au Panama au cours des cinq prochaines années, à renforcer l’état de droit et les institutions, et à stimuler la croissance économique et les investissements. À ce sujet, il a exposé les mesures qui amélioreront la qualité de vie des Panaméens et feront avancer les objectifs du prochain programme de développement.

M. JOSEPH KABILA KABANGE, Président de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), a remercié la communauté internationale pour son appréciable appui technique et logistique dans la riposte contre l’épidémie d’Ebola qui a fait plus de 2 000 morts en moins de six mois sur le continent africain. Il a précisé que la RDC, touchée pour la septième fois par Ebola, avait non seulement réussi à contenir cette nouvelle épidémie dans la province de l’Équateur, mais aussi apporté son concours à la lutte contre l’épidémie en Afrique de l’Ouest. Fort de plus de 30 ans d’expérience de gestion des épidémies d’Ebola, la RDC va mettre en place, dès le mois d’octobre 2014, des centres de formation pluridisciplinaires pour former le personnel de santé aux besoins des pays africains en matière de lutte contre cette maladie, a insisté M. Kabila Kabange.

Par ailleurs, il a dit l’importance de la paix et de la prévention des conflits avant de préciser que la RDC était à nouveau un pays debout. M. Kabila Kabange a indiqué que la RDC était un pays où la paix se consolidait chaque jour davantage, un pays où l’économie est l’une des plus dynamiques du continent, avec un taux d’inflation proche de zéro, un taux de croissance au-dessus de la moyenne africaine depuis près d’une décennie avec des réserves de change en constante augmentation. Il a dit que la RDC était un pays en pleine reconstruction, où les routes, les écoles, les hôpitaux et infrastructures sont construits en nombre et à un rythme sans précédent.

Il a ajouté que la consolidation de la démocratie et le renforcement de la cohésion nationale demeuraient les objectifs prioritaires de la RDC. Dans ce contexte, il a confirmé la tenue prochaine des élections, conformément au calendrier arrêté par la Commission électorale nationale indépendante. Il a aussi cité la combinaison judicieuse du dialogue politique, de la diplomatie et de l’action militaire afin d’éradiquer les forces négatives présentes sur le territoire congolais.

M. Kabila Kabange a affirmé que la RDC travaillait à améliorer les conditions sociales de la population. Il a dit que cela passait par l’amélioration du climat des affaires afin de stimuler les investissements, favoriser une plus grande création de valeur ajoutée locale et créer des emplois. Le Président de la RDC a dit que la priorité de son pays était de préserver la stabilité.

Par ailleurs, M. Joseph Kabila Kabange a souhaité que l’Afrique soit mieux représentée dans les organes de décision de l’ONU, notamment au sein du Conseil de sécurité, en précisant que 6 des 10 économies les plus dynamiques du monde étaient africaines.

M. ROSSEN PLEVNELIEV, Président de la Bulgarie, a indiqué que ces mois derniers, son pays et la région des Balkans avaient été victimes d’inondations sans précédent, conduisant des milliers de personnes à perdre leurs domiciles et leurs récoltes et faisant de nombreux morts. Il a appelé les États Membres à répondre de manière urgente aux problèmes des changements climatiques.

Il a parlé de la participation de son pays aux travaux du Groupe de travail à composition non limitée sur les objectifs de développement durable et a appelé toutes les parties à maintenir leur engagement en faveur de l’élaboration d’un cadre ambitieux et tourné vers l’avenir. Il a aussi insisté sur l’importance de combler les lacunes des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD) et de mettre notamment l’accent sur les jeunes, l’éducation, la santé et l’emploi.

M. Plevneliev a ensuite estimé que l’« annexion illégale » de la Crimée par la Russie et le conflit dans l’est de l’Ukraine représentaient la plus grave menace à la paix et à la sécurité en Europe depuis la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. Il a également souligné que l’environnement sécuritaire dans la région de la mer Noire avait été gravement affecté.

Le Président bulgare a sommé la Russie de cesser de fournir en armes les séparatistes et de les appuyer. Il a ensuite espéré que les élections parlementaires qui doivent se tenir prochainement en Ukraine permettront de bâtir un pays démocratique et durable. Le Chef de l’État bulgare a aussi salué la ratification des accords d’association de l’Ukraine, de la Moldavie et de la Géorgie avec l’Union européenne. Les changements positifs constatés aujourd’hui dans la région des Balkans n’auraient jamais été possibles sans le moteur de l’intégration européenne, a-t-il affirmé.

Ensuite, M. Plevneliev a appelé le Conseil de sécurité à faire preuve d’unité pour trouver une issue au conflit en Syrie. Il a condamné les meurtres perpétrés par l’« État islamique en Iraq et au Levant » à l’encontre des minorités ethniques et religieuses et a dénoncé les exécutions brutales de personnes innocentes. Le Président s’est par ailleurs félicité du fait que le Traité sur le commerce des armes avait atteint, ce matin, les 50 signatures nécessaires à son entrée en vigueur. Il a souligné que la mise en œuvre et l’universalisation de ce texte étaient de la plus haute importance.

M. Plevneliev a annoncé la candidature de son pays à un siège au Conseil des droits de l’homme pour la période 2019-2021. Il a fait part de sa préoccupation au sujet des incidents antisémites qui ont récemment eu lieu en Europe et a souligné qu’en tant que pays qui a sauvé 48 000 juifs pendant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, la Bulgarie condamnait fermement les manifestations récurrentes, « brutales et dégoutantes » d’antisémitisme. ´ Le Président a aussi parlé de la réforme du Conseil de sécurité et a voulu qu’au moins un siège non permanent supplémentaire soit réservé au Groupe d’Europe orientale. La Bulgarie brigue également un siège de membre non permanent pour la période 2018-2019.

M. Plevneliev a par ailleurs rappelé que le mandat du Secrétaire général Ban Ki-moon arriverait à son terme à la fin 2016 et a estimé que le moment était venu pour que le Groupe d’Europe orientale ait un représentant à la tête de l’ONU.

M. BUJAR NISHANI, Président de l’Albanie, a estimé que la situation géopolitique a changé radicalement en Europe. L’ouest des Balkans, auquel appartient l’Albanie, est devenu non seulement important du point de vue géostratégique mais aussi une région qui vient de s’engager sur la voie de la stabilité politique, du progrès économique, de la coopération, des relations de bon voisinage et de la consolidation la paix. La région est consciente des efforts qu’elle doit encore déployer contre la corruption et la criminalité organisée.

Pour les pays de la région, l’élargissement de l’Union européenne est en effet une affaire de performance qui devrait leur permettre d’obtenir une pleine intégration à l’Union européenne. L’Albanie y est parvenue en juin dernier et a considéré cette étape comme un encouragement à intensifier le processus de réformes qui devrait conduire à ouvrir les pourparlers sur une accession à l’Union européenne.

Parmi les pays de la région, le Kosovo, a affirmé le Président, est devenu un facteur de paix et de stabilité dont l’indépendance a été reconnue par 108 États Membres de l’ONU, soit bien plus que la moitié de la composition de l’Assemblée générale. L’Albanie appelle les autres pays à faire de même dans un geste qui aiderait non seulement le peuple du Kosovo à aller de l’avant mais qui contribuerait aussi à la paix et à la stabilité régionales.

Ces deux dernières décennies, a aussi affirmé le Président, l’Albanie est passée d’un État totalitaire à une démocratie opérationnelle. Les progrès sont évidents et surtout dans le domaine des droits de l’homme. La candidature de l’Albanie à un siège au Conseil des droits de l’homme pour la période 2015-2017 n’est donc qu’une conséquence logique du parcours du pays vers une société fondée sur les droits de l’homme.

De la même manière, une présence de l’Albanie au Conseil des droits de l’homme lui donnerait l’élan nécessaire pour accélérer le processus de démocratisation et élever les normes des droits de l’homme. L’Albanie, a insisté le Président, est déjà soutenue par le Groupe des pays d’Europe orientale et elle apprécierait l’appui des autres États Membres.

Le Président a aussi indiqué que son pays avait activement participé aux consultations sur le programme de développement pour l’après-2015, soucieux d’y intégrer la voix des peuples. L’Albanie, a-t-il dit, a accepté de « tester » l’idée de consacrer un objectif spécifique à la gouvernance et à l’état de droit, comme moyen de réaliser le développement durable. Le Président a espéré que l’on exploitera l’expérience de son pays en la matière.

M. JÁNOS ÁDER, Président de la Hongrie, a parlé d’une bataille en train d’être perdue, celle des changements climatiques. La première prise de conscience date de Tokyo, soit un siècle après les premiers signes d’un réchauffement climatique établis par des scientifiques suédois en 1896, a-t-il dit. « Nous n’entendons pas les avertissements de Mère nature », a-t-il déploré, mentionnant les diverses aberrations climatiques qui ont eu lieu ces derniers années. Une température record de 123 degrés a ainsi été relevée en Australie, la neige est tombée à Bethléem et le Danube a connu des inondations graves et répétées.

Le Président de la Hongrie s’est dit ensuite préoccupé par la tonalité des discours qu’il a entendus au sein des Nations Unies ces derniers jours en ce qui concerne les changements climatiques. Pourquoi persistons-nous à ne pas voir les signaux que la planète nous envoie, s’est-il de nouveau interrogé tout haut, indiquant que la concentration de CO2 dans l’atmosphère n’avait jamais été aussi importante.

M. Áder a indiqué que les travaux de prévention qui auraient permis de protéger la ville de New York contre les effets d’un ouragan coûtaient quelques millions de dollars à comparer aux centaines de millions de dollars de dommages occasionnés par l’ouragan Sandy en 2012. M. Áder a souhaité que les négociations de Paris en 2015 qui doivent aboutir à un accord sur les changements climatiques se soldent par un franc succès.

Nous allons devoir nous faire à l’idée que nos enfants vont vivre avec un environnement dégradé, même si nous avons du mal à accepter cette idée, a-t-il poursuivi. Sur un ton résolument alarmiste, M. Àder a relevé que « nous n’étions pas à la vingt-quatrième heure, mais à la vingt-cinquième heure » en ce qui concerne les changements climatiques. « Si vous voulez le calme, vous devez vous préparer à la catastrophe », a conclu le Président de la Hongrie.

M. ARTHUR PETER MUTHARIKA, Président du Malawi, a affirmé que les premières élections tripartites avaient eu lieu dans son pays en mai 2014, à l’issue d’un processus démocratique et pacifique. Le Malawi a aussi célébré, au mois de juillet, le jubilé de son indépendance. Malgré les progrès accomplis dans différents secteurs, de nombreux citoyens vivent toujours sous le seuil de pauvreté, a-t-il cependant dit.

Le Président a rappelé que son pays avait présidé la Communauté de développement de l’Afrique australe (SADC) d’août 2013 à août 2014 et, à ce titre, œuvré pour la paix et la stabilité dans la région. Il a mentionné à cet égard le déploiement de la brigade de force d’intervention en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) sous les auspices de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO), qui a obtenu notamment la reddition du groupe M23.

À Madagascar, la Communauté de développement de l’Afrique australe a aussi joué un rôle crucial dans le retour à la normale sur le plan constitutionnel. Le Président a ensuite parlé du soutien de son pays aux efforts internationaux de désarmement, notamment pour les armes de destruction massive.

Passant à la question du développement durable, M. Mutharika a salué le caractère inclusif du processus qui conduira au programme de développement pour l’après-2015. Le Malawi figure parmi les 50 pays qui ont mené des consultations nationales pour apporter leur contribution à ce processus. Il a souhaité que les objectifs de développement durable tirent les leçons des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD).

Le Malawi, a-t-il poursuivi, est en bonne voie pour atteindre 4 des 8 OMD, à savoir ceux qui concernent la réduction de la mortalité infantile, la lutte contre le VIH/sida, l’environnement et les partenariats en faveur du développement. La non-réalisation des autres objectifs s’explique par le manque de ressources, a-t-il indiqué.

Il a regretté à cet égard que les donateurs n’aient pas tenu leurs promesses, avant de plaider en faveur d’un partenariat mondial efficace pour le développement. Le Président a demandé que le programme de développement pour l’après-2015 tienne compte des besoins spécifiques et des caractéristiques des pays en développement.

Enfin, il a appelé à élargir la composition du Conseil de sécurité, tant pour les sièges de membres permanents que ceux de membres non permanents, en incluant les pays en développement dans les deux catégories. Il a aussi souligné la nécessité de placer les femmes, les filles et les personnes handicapées au centre du programme de développement pour l’après-2015.

M. BARON DIVAVESI WAQA, Président de Nauru, a énuméré les défis que doivent relever les petits États insulaires en développement (PEID), tels que la pauvreté et les changements climatiques. Il a attiré l’attention sur les problèmes environnementaux qui affectent les océans: les émissions de gaz à effet de serre qui réchauffent la planète et acidifient les océans, la surpêche et la pollution, entre autres. La solution durable à ces problèmes, a-t-il noté, nécessite davantage de ressources et un niveau plus élevé de coopération de la part de la communauté internationale. Reconnaissant que des pays comme le sien ne peuvent pas rester les bras croisés, il a indiqué par exemple que les parties à l’Accord de Nauru concernant la coopération dans la gestion des pêches d’intérêt commun prenaient des mesures pour améliorer la gestion des stocks de thon.

Venant au programme de développement pour l’après-2015, le Président a prôné une approche qui donne la priorité au renforcement des institutions. « Il nous faut, a-t-il expliqué, un engagement national sur le long terme, soutenu par des ressources réelles pour des institutions nationales dirigées par des nationaux. » Il a recommandé de ne pas détourner l’attention des problèmes principaux, comme la surpêche, l’adaptation aux changements climatiques et le traitement des déchets.

S’il s’est félicité des engagements de réduction des émissions pris par les pays et les entreprises lors du Sommet sur le climat, il y a deux jours, il a fait remarquer que ces promesses seraient à la charge de futurs gouvernements qui seront au pouvoir dans 10 ans ou plus. Les PEID, qui ne contribuent qu’à une fraction des émissions mondiales, ont entrepris de mettre en place des économies durables et ont fait des promesses ambitieuses en termes de réduction des émissions. Il a indiqué que son pays avait ainsi décidé de réduire ces émissions de 50% d’ici à 2020. Le Président, qui a aussi tenu à souligner les liens existant entre les changements climatiques et les conflits, a demandé au Secrétaire général de nommer un représentant spécial sur le climat et la sécurité.

Au sujet du Conseil de sécurité, il a soutenu son élargissement au niveau des deux catégories de membres et demandé une réforme de ses méthodes pour le rendre plus efficace. Les Nations Unies, dans leur ensemble, doivent travailler pour les petits pays comme le sien, a-t-il ajouté, plaidant aussi la cause du peuple de Taiwan. Enfin, il s’est inquiété face à l’insuffisance du financement de la solution aux changements climatiques. On est loin de l’objectif des 100 milliards de dollars qui doivent être mobilisés d’ici à 2020, a-t-il noté à cet égard.

Suis-je un rêveur écervelé ou tout simplement pragmatique? a demandé M. TOMMY ESANG REMENGESAU, Président des Palaos. Le temps nous le dira mais laissez-moi vous dire une chose, a-t-il répondu: « mon pays ne tombera pas sans se battre ». Mon pays, s’est expliqué le Président, est fait de gens qui voient tous les jours l’impact réel des changements climatiques et qui regardent ses océans se faire polluer et ses stocks de poissons fondre. C’est la raison pour laquelle, les dirigeants du Pacifique ont soutenu cette année la Déclaration des Palaos, « L’océan: vie et futur ». C’est la raison pour laquelle avec Kiribati, les Îles Cook, la Nouvelle-Calédonie, les États-Unis, les États fédérés de Micronésie et les Îles Marshall, les Palaos sont en train de créer des zones maritimes protégées de tailles différentes pour inverser la tendance de la surexploitation des océans. C’est la raison pour laquelle, les Palaos et d’autres pays du Pacifique se sont engagés à lancer, d’ici au mois de septembre 2015, des négociations sur un accord international relatif à la conservation et l’utilisation viable de la biodiversité marine dans les zones au-delà de la juridiction nationale. C’est la raison pour laquelle, a ajouté le Président, nous demandons aux États Membres de consacrer aux océans un objectif à part entière dans le programme de développement pour l’après-2015. »

À ce stade, a estimé le Président, le projet de programme, et ses 17 objectifs, part dans tous les sens. « Un agenda sur tout est un agenda sur rien » et « les solutions à taille unique ne sont pas des solutions. » Le Président a voulu que l’on se concentre sur une réponse « commune mais différenciée ». Il a annoncé que, dans les mois à venir, son pays créerait un sanctuaire marin car c’est en reconnaissant les océans comme un bien appartenant à chaque citoyen de la planète que l’on parviendra à une gestion mondiale de notre « zone économique exclusive mondiale ».

Les changements climatiques sont notre « guerre silencieuse » et la question qui définira notre siècle, a prévenu le Président. Une augmentation de 3,6% de la température de la planète est tout simplement « inacceptable » et si c’est tout ce que peuvent faire les dirigeants du monde, alors on ferait mieux de jeter l’éponge et d’arrêter de faire des enfants parce qu’ils n’auront pas d’avenir. D’ici à 2015, on attend des dirigeants du monde qu’ils donnent une nouvelle orientation et, ce faisant, qu’ils ratifient le deuxième Amendement au Protocole de Kyoto. La migration ne saurait être une option, car « personne ne part, personne ne perd son pays, personne ne devient un réfugié climatique », a prévenu le Président en paraphrasant une poétesse des Îles Marshall.

Nous n’appelons pas les pays développés à des actions que nous n’entreprenons pas nous-mêmes, a dit le Président qui a salué les États-Unis, le Japon, Taiwan, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et l’Union européenne dont « le partenariat est un engagement ». Pour sauver nos océans et arrêter la vague des émissions, nous devons créer un système durable de partenariats mondiaux, fondés sur le respect et dans ce cadre, a insisté le Président, les « moyens de mise en œuvre », qu’il s’agisse des océans, des changements climatiques ou de la biodiversité, sont une question récurrente et cruciale. Sans des partenariats efficaces, rien ne sera possible, et sans des engagements juridiquement contraignants contre les changements climatiques, aucune transformation pour les générations futures ne sera possible. En cette ère moderne, a conclu le Président, la seule façon de faire la différence est de dépasser les intérêts étroits.

M. JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE, Président de la République-Unie de Tanzanie, a souhaité qu’une attention particulière soit portée au financement du programme de développement durable pour l’après-2015. Il a ensuite demandé au Président de l’Assemblée générale d’utiliser ses bons offices pour revitaliser le processus de réforme des Nations Unies.

Le Président s’est dit préoccupé par les événements en Afrique du Nord, au Moyen-Orient, en Europe de l’Est, dans la région des Grands Lacs et dans la Corne de l’Afrique. De même, la menace du terrorisme, l’exploitation illicite des ressources naturelles, le braconnage, le trafic illicite des stupéfiants et des armes rendent le monde moins sûr.

Il ne faut pas laisser faire Al-Chabab, Boko Haram, l’État islamique en Iraq et au Levant et d’autres organisations terroristes, a dit M. Mrisho. « Il ne faut pas laisser la Libye se désintégrer. Les combats insensés en République centrafricaine et au Soudan du Sud doivent prendre fin. »

S’agissant de la question du Sahara occidental, « quels sont les insurmontables défis qui empêchent les Nations Unies de résoudre l’impasse »? a demandé le Président. Il a souhaité que ce problème, qui a surgi à peu près en même temps que celui du Timor oriental, il y a près de 40 ans, soit réglé « une bonne fois pour toutes ».

Par ailleurs, le monde doit se dresser contre l’épidémie d’Ebola qui menace les pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest. M. Mrisho a demandé quatre choses: que l’on continue d’assister les pays affectés jusqu’à ce que la propagation de la maladie soit maîtrisée; que l’on aide les pays voisins à renforcer leurs capacités en matière de surveillance, d’isolation et de traitement; que l’on intensifie les efforts pour trouver un remède et un vaccin; et que l’on arrête la stigmatisation qui se développe contre l’Afrique à cause d’Ebola.

En fait, a-t-il fait remarquer, « les pays affectés sont plus près de l’Europe qu’ils ne le sont du Kenya, de la Tanzanie ou de l’Afrique du Sud. Annuler des visites dans ces parties de l’Afrique est incompréhensible ».

M. STEPHEN HARPER, Premier Ministre du Canada, a indiqué que la paix ne se résumait pas à l’absence de guerre. Lorsque règnent l’injustice et la misère, il ne saurait y avoir de paix, a-t-il dit. Il a affirmé que le Canada cherchait à bâtir un monde où la primauté du droit et les droits de l’homme étaient sauvegardés.

« Nous pensons que la liberté, la prospérité et la paix forment un cercle vertueux », a-t-il poursuivi, avant de défendre vigoureusement les bénéfices résultant des échanges commerciaux entre les nations. La libéralisation du commerce profite également aux pays en développement. Pour illustrer son point de vue, M. Harper a cité une phrase du Président du Sénégal, M. Macky Sall, qui insistait sur l’importance des investissements pour les économies africaines.

Il a ensuite vigoureusement plaidé pour la poursuite des efforts visant à diminuer la mortalité maternelle et infantile, par le biais notamment de campagnes de vaccination. La véritable mesure du progrès est le nombre de vies sauvées, a-t-il affirmé, ajoutant que la santé maternelle et infantile devait demeurer prioritaire.

Le Premier Ministre a affirmé que son pays appuierait financièrement l’initiative de l’ONU « Chaque femme, chaque enfant ». En conclusion, M. Harper a appelé de ses vœux l’édification d’un monde où la vie, la liberté, les droits de la personne seraient préservés et la force brutale défaite.

M. MARK RUTTE, Premier Ministre et Ministre des affaires générales des Pays-Bas, a rappelé la tragédie qu’a été la mort en juillet dernier des 298 passagers du vol de la Malaysia Airlines MH17, parmi lesquels 196 ressortissants néerlandais. Ces passagers seraient en vie si le conflit en Crimée et la déstabilisation de l’est de l’Ukraine n’étaient pas survenus, a-t-il poursuivi. Il a demandé que les passagers décédés qui n’ont pas été identifiés le soient dans les plus brefs délais et que les restes et effets personnels des victimes soient rapatriés. « Les causes de ce désastre doivent être élucidées et les responsables jugés », a déclaré M. Rutte.

S’agissant de l’épidémie d’Ebola, il a indiqué que son pays allait accélérer ses efforts humanitaires, avec une nouvelle contribution de 18 millions de dollars pour combattre le virus. « Dans la même veine, les Pays-Bas continueront d’appuyer les missions de maintien de la paix de l’ONU », a-t-il affirmé. Le Premier Ministre a ensuite insisté sur l’importance que les auteurs de violations des droits de l’homme soient traduits en justice. « Nous devons cela aux passagers du vol MH17, mais également aux victimes de la violence en Syrie et en Iraq. »

Enfin, M. Rutte a indiqué que son pays était candidat à un siège de membre non permanent du Conseil de sécurité pour les années 2017 et 2018. « Nous souhaitons aider à la modernisation et au renforcement du Conseil », a-t-il déclaré, ajoutant que son pays soutenait l’initiative française consistant à limiter l’usage du droit de veto lorsque des atrocités de masse sont commises.

M. QOHIR RASULZODA, Premier Ministre du Tadjikistan, a estimé que le programme de développement pour l’après-2015 devait s’inscrire dans le prolongement des Objectifs du Millénaire de développement (OMD) avec comme priorité l’élimination de la pauvreté et des inégalités. Ce nouvel ordre du jour doit également intégrer les trois composantes du développement durable tout en tenant compte des principes de Rio+20 et des spécificités nationales.

Le Forum politique de haut niveau sur le développement durable est, selon lui, capable de proposer une plateforme efficace et universelle pour la mise en œuvre du programme d’action du développement durable. Il espère que ce Forum deviendra un relais important du dialogue en cours et des examens des objectifs de développement durable. Le financement de ces objectifs est un autre aspect crucial à ne pas négliger. Il préconise, à cet effet, de nouveaux partenariats mondiaux et souligne le rôle significatif que les commissions d’experts intergouvernementaux pourraient jouer en vue de créer un mécanisme onusien de promotion du développement durable et de transfert de technologies.

Le Tadjikistan a déployé des moyens considérables pour réaliser les OMD, ce qui lui a permis de significativement réduire la pauvreté. En tant que pays pilote de l’ONU, le Tadjikistan s’apprête à faire un examen de la mise en œuvre des OMD en 2015 et se dit prêt à étroitement collaborer avec les agences et programmes de l’ONU dans ce contexte. Le Premier Ministre a proposé qu’un examen similaire soit fait à l’échelle mondiale pour évaluer la mise en œuvre de la Décennie internationale d’action 2005-2015 sous le thème « L’eau, source de vie » et de développer ensemble des recommandations spécifiques pour renforcer et reconduire cette action.

L’accès aux nouvelles sources d’énergie est également un facteur déterminant pour le développement durable, a souligné le Premier Ministre, ajoutant que son pays était en train de développer son potentiel énergétique avec un accent particulier mis sur les énergies renouvelables, dont notamment des stations hydroélectriques. Le Tadjikistan soutient la réunion, du 3 au 5 novembre 2014 à Vienne, de la Conférence d’examen de la mise en œuvre du Programme d’action d’Almaty. Le nouveau programme d’action devrait apporter aux pays les moins avancés sans littoral de nouvelles opportunités pour leur future intégration dans l’économie mondiale, a estimé le Premier Ministre.

Il a également abordé le problème de la lutte contre le trafic illicite de drogues et de leur production, domaine dans lequel son pays a acquis une expérience significative. Fort de cette expérience, il s’apprête à organiser une conférence régionale sur cette question qui aura lieu à Douchanbé en 2015, un an avant la session spéciale de l’Assemblée générale de l’ONU sur la drogue. Le Tadjikistan compte sur le soutien des Nations Unies, des États intéressés ainsi que des organisations internationales pour cette conférence.

Abordant la situation en Afghanistan, le Premier Ministre a plaidé pour que ce pays soit inclus dans le processus régional de coopération en vue de faciliter le succès des efforts actuellement en cours de la communauté internationale.

M. KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃO, Premier Ministre du Timor-Leste, a dit que 14 ans après l’indépendance de son pays, peu de choses avaient été réalisées par la communauté internationale dans la lutte contre la pauvreté et dans les domaines de l’éducation et de la production alimentaire dans les pays en développement. Les pays fragiles et en guerre sont loin d’atteindre les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement (OMD).

Pour répondre à ces défis, les Nations Unies doivent renforcer la coopération surtout au niveau régional, et respecter la souveraineté et la particularité de chaque État. Toute action menée en dehors de ce cadre n’entraînerait que la poursuite des mesures du passé qui, dans la plupart des cas, ont échoué.

Après avoir assisté à sa quasi-destruction, le Timor-Leste connaît les conséquences et les cicatrices de la guerre, a-t-il dit, notant qu’immédiatement après le conflit, la société timoraise s’était réconciliée avec elle-même pour parvenir à la paix. Au lieu d’alimenter la haine et la vengeance, il a entretenu les valeurs de solidarité et de tolérance, en fournissant les bases d’une paix politique et d’une véritable réconciliation avec l'Indonésie. Le partenariat avec les Nations Unies dans la reconstruction du pays « nous a enseigné des leçons importantes, que nous avons partagées avec le monde, en particulier avec les États fragiles », a-t-il dit.

Le Premier Ministre s’est dit préoccupé par les développements à l’est et au sud de la mer de Chine. Cette question est d’une importance vitale pour le Timor-Leste, a-t-il souligné, mettant l’accent sur la nécessité de mettre des frontières maritimes entre les pays d’une manière claire, en conformité avec le droit international.

Mentionnant la « terrifiante épidémie d’Ebola » en cours en Afrique de l’Ouest, Mme ERNA SOLBERG, Premier Ministre de la Norvège, a souligné la nécessité de bâtir des systèmes de santé sur lesquels des individus comme Joséphine Finda Sellu puissent s’appuyer. « Mme Sellu, infirmière chef dans un hôpital gouvernemental de la Sierra Leone, a vu 15 de ses infirmières mourir d’Ebola, néanmoins elle n’a jamais cessé de se battre », a-t-elle affirmé.

Elle a ensuite insisté sur le rôle de l’éducation, en particulier des jeunes filles, pour éliminer la pauvreté. Condamnant fermement les attaques visant à priver les enfants de leur droit à l’éducation, elle a rendu hommage à Malala, l’écolière pakistanaise agressée par les Taliban. « Si une écolière peut combattre les Taliban, alors la communauté internationale peut vaincre l’extrémisme et le terrorisme. »

Le Premier Ministre a condamné les violations du droit international commises par la Fédération de Russie et demandé que tout règlement du conflit en Ukraine respecte l’intégrité territoriale de ce pays. Elle a déploré le fait que le Conseil ait échoué à répondre efficacement aux situations en Ukraine et en Syrie, en raison de la persistance « des croyances de certaines puissances dans les idées dépassées de jeux à somme nulle et de sphères d’influence ».

Mme Solberg a ensuite rappelé que la protection des droits de l’homme incombait en premier lieu aux États. Elle a déploré à ce titre l’adoption de lois limitant la liberté d’expression et la persistance des discriminations, en particulier à l’encontre des minorités.

En conclusion, elle a demandé que les négociations relatives au programme de développement pour l’après-2015 incluent les questions relatives à la paix et à la stabilité et répondent au défi des changements climatiques.

M. ABDELILAH BENKIRANE, Premier Ministre du Maroc, a lu le discours du Roi du Maroc, MOHAMED VI, qui déclare que le thème focal de la question du développement humain durable pour l’après-2015 était un choix pertinent qui s’inscrivait au cœur des priorités de l’Organisation et constituait un point de rencontre où convergent les considérations économiques, sociales, environnementales, sécuritaires et politiques.

« Je suis venu porteur d’un appel à l’équité pour les pays en développement, surtout en Afrique, un appel pour une approche objective de la problématique du développement dans ce continent », souligne le Roi du Maroc, indiquant que le développement durable ne se décrète pas par des décisions ou des recettes toutes prêtes; pas plus qu’il n’existe un seul et unique modèle en la matière.

Le Roi a ainsi lancé un « appel pour le respect des spécificités de chaque pays, dans son itinéraire national, et de la volonté qui est la sienne d’édifier son propre modèle de développement. Cela vaut surtout pour les pays en développement qui pâtissent encore des effets de la colonisation ».

Le souverain marocain ajoute que le colonialisme a causé de grands préjudices aux États qui en ont subi la tutelle et, même si de nombreuses années se sont écoulées depuis, il n’en demeure pas moins que les États coloniaux portent la responsabilité historique pour la situation difficile, parfois dramatique, que vivent certains États du Sud, surtout en Afrique.

« Aujourd’hui, après tous ces effets pervers, ces États n’ont pas le droit d’exiger des pays du Sud un changement radical et rapide selon un schéma étranger à leurs cultures, leurs principes et leurs atouts propres, comme si le développement ne pouvait se réaliser qu’à l’aune d’un modèle unique: le modèle occidental. »

Dans ce qu’il désigne comme son deuxième appel à la communauté internationale, le Roi Mohamed VI invite à davantage de réalisme et de sagesse dans les rapports avec ces États, dont il faut comprendre les circonstances ayant marqué leurs parcours respectifs vers la démocratie et le développement.

Mais, a-t-il insisté, « certains États occidentaux, qui n’ont demandé l’autorisation de personne pour coloniser les pays du Sud, au lieu d’apporter le soutien nécessaire aux peuples de ces pays, s’obstinent à leur imposer des conditions drastiques qui entravent leur évolution naturelle vers le progrès ».

Allant plus loin, le souverain souligne que les États occidentaux, et les institutions qui en dépendent, ne savent que donner des leçons, à profusion et dans le meilleur des cas, prodiguer quelques conseils. Quant au soutien qu’ils concèdent, dit-il, il est très faible et systématiquement soumis à des conditions.

Dans ce contexte, et après avoir remis en question l’opération de notation et de classement des États, le Roi Mohammed VI préconise que le capital immatériel figure désormais parmi les principaux critères de mesure et de classement de la richesse des États, et réitère son discours de février dernier à Abidjan dans lequel il avait indiqué que « l’Afrique n’avait pas tant besoin d’aides humanitaires que de partenariats mutuellement bénéfiques », et appuyé la coopération Sud-Sud.

En conclusion, le souverain marocain déclare que le monde aujourd’hui est à la croisée des chemins. « Soit la communauté internationale apporte son appui aux pays en développement, pour qu’ils puissent avancer et assurer la sécurité et la stabilité dans leurs régions respectives, soit nous aurons tous à supporter les conséquences de la montée des démons de l’extrémisme, de la violence et du terrorisme, qu’alimente le sentiment d’injustice et d’exclusion, et auquel aucun endroit au monde ne pourra échapper. »

Mme NATALIA GHERMAN, Vice-Premier Ministre etMinistre des affaires étrangères et de l’intégration européenne de la République de Moldova, a affirmé que les ambitions de son pays pour une étroite coopération avec l’Union européenne ne sauraient être exaucées si les bénéfices n’en étaient pas entièrement partagés avec les citoyens moldaves vivant dans la région de la Transnistrie. Elle a indiqué que l’objectif poursuivi en Transnistrie restait le même: une solution politique basée sur le respect de la souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de la Moldova et un statut spécial pour la région de la Transnistrie.

Mme Gherman a cité parmi les obstacles à la recherche d’un tel règlement la présence continue des forces militaires russes en Transnistrie, contrairement aux engagements internationaux pris. « Nous attendons de la Fédération de Russie qu’elle finalise le processus de retrait sans plus tarder. »

Elle a ensuite déploré le fait que les exportations agricoles de son pays vers la Fédération de Russie fassent l’objet de restrictions injustifiées et remercié l’Union européenne pour son soutien au Gouvernement moldave dans l’atténuation des conséquences desdites restrictions.

Concernant la situation en Ukraine, elle a affirmé que les choix souverains de tous les membres de la communauté internationale devaient être respectés. « Comme beaucoup d’autres pays, nous ne reconnaîtrons jamais l’annexion de la Crimée », a-t-elle ajouté. Enfin, le Vice-Premier Ministre a indiqué que la République de Moldova avait pris des mesures concrètes pour soutenir les Nations Unies, l’Union européenne et l’OTAN dans la préservation de la paix, la sécurité et la stabilité en Europe et dans le monde.

M. PIERRE MOUKOKO MBONJO, Ministre des relations extérieures du Cameroun, a appelé de ces vœux un programme transformateur pour l’après-2015. Il a indiqué que son gouvernement avait mis en œuvre, depuis 2010, une stratégie pour la croissance et l’emploi dans le but d’améliorer les conditions de vie de la population. Le Ministre a toutefois indiqué qu’en dépit des progrès importants réalisés en la matière, il restait encore beaucoup à faire dans les domaines de l’éducation, la santé, l’accès à l’eau et à l’électricité et des routes.

M. Moukoko Mbonjo a estimé nécessaire de modifier la conception actuelle du développement. Celui-ci ne devra plus être perçu comme un processus exogène, mais comme l’expression des souhaits et des besoins des populations ciblées, s’est-il expliqué. Il a également jugé nécessaire de mettre en place un mécanisme de suivi des objectifs du nouveau système, et de réformer le mode de financement de l’aide au développement pour améliorer son efficacité.

Le Ministre a aussi insisté sur la nécessité d’assurer la sécurité car « sans sécurité, il n’est point de développement possible ». Il a par ailleurs indiqué qu’en raison de l’insécurité en République centrafricaine et des attaques de Boko Haram, le Cameroun accueille plus de 200 000 réfugiés. Il a averti que si cette situation devait se prolonger, il n’est pas certain que les moyens du pays lui permettent d’y faire face.

M. Moukoko Mbonjo a ensuite appelé les parties au conflit en Afrique, au Moyen-Orient ou en Afrique orientale à la négociation, indiquant c’est la voie que le Nigéria et la Cameroun avaient choisie pour régler le différend qui les opposaient sur la presqu’île de Bakassi.

M. MANKEUR NDIAYE, Ministre des affaires étrangères et des Sénégalais de l’extérieur du Sénégal, a rappelé que le Président du Sénégal, M. Macky Sall, avait lancé l’ambitieux programme « Plan Sénégal émergent » qui constitue aujourd’hui et pour les années à venir le référentiel de la politique économique et sociale du pays. Indiquant que le programme de développement pour l’après-2015 devrait être l’occasion d’un partenariat plus dynamique avec les bailleurs de fonds bilatéraux et multilatéraux, il a souligné l’importance que revêt à ce titre le Nouveau Partenariat pour le développement de l’Afrique (NEPAD).

M. Ndiaye a rappelé que son pays ne comptait à ce jour aucun cas de virus Ebola et salué la décision du Secrétaire général de mettre en place une mission onusienne de réponse urgente au virus Ebola.

Concernant le dossier du Sahara occidental, il a réitéré le soutien de son pays à l’initiative du Maroc d’accorder une large autonomie au Sahara occidental, dans le cadre du respect de sa souveraineté et des résolutions pertinentes du Conseil de sécurité. Le Ministre a ensuite attiré l’attention de la communauté internationale sur les multiples enjeux liés à la tenue en 2015 d’élections présidentielles dans certains pays africains.

Se tournant vers le Moyen-Orient, le Ministre a renouvelé son soutien à une solution politique juste, négociée et pacifique, afin de parvenir à la création d’un État palestinien viable et indépendant vivant au côté d’Israël.

En conclusion, M. Ndiaye s’est exprimé en faveur de l’octroi à l’Afrique de deux sièges de membres non permanents au sein du Conseil de sécurité, ainsi que de deux sièges de membres permanents, « avec toutes les prérogatives attachées à ce statut, y compris le droit de veto ».

À l’intention des organes d’information • Document non officiel

Highlights

• Due to heavy rain, road access was affected by flooding. Hence, there is a need to explore the possibility of using water and air transport.

• 62,809 refugees (Leitchour 47,122, Matar 7,581, Nip Nip 2,854, Pamdong 2,452 and Pagak 2,800) need to be relocated to new camps.

• Total number of refugees evacuated by IOM: 172,098 from

General Overview

The number of refugees in Ethiopia has surpassed 635,956 individuals, with the number increasing on a daily basis due to the current influx from South Sudan. The South Sudanese population is now the largest population group, with over 250,652 individuals. From this total 189,156 crossed into Ethiopia since the most recent conflict broke out in December 2013 according to UNHCR. Ethiopia has continued to take the lead in accepting the highest number of refugees from South Sudan.

IOM has assisted 172,098 refugees in Gambella and 2,570 in Benishangul‐Gumuz since the conflict broke out. During this reporting period, IOM has evacuated a total of 496 refugees who have entered from South Sudan to Ethiopia (365 ‐ Burbiey entry point in Gambella Region and 131 ‐ Abrahamu in Benishangul‐Gumuz Region). The average arrival rate of South Sudanese refugees into the Gambella region has dropped to 122 persons with the commencement of rains in various locations in the region.
The number of South Sudanese refugees that IOM has evacuated, compared to previous periods, has declined due to the rain, camp flooding, stalled relocations to Okugu camp in Dima and an ongoing serach for alternative camp locations.

IOM and partners have been advised to maintain a strong presence in Dima, Leitchour, Matar and Nip Nip for continuous emergency service delivery. Permanent investment in Leitchour has however, been discouraged.

Currently there are 62,809 refugees which need to be re‐relocated from camps and transit centres. From the total number of refugees awaiting relocation to new camps, 47,122 are in Leitchour, 7,581 in Matar, 2,854 in Nip Nip, 2,452 in Pamdong and 2,800 in Pagak.

It was jointly communicated by ARRA/UNHCR that previously relocated refugees to the above camps and all new arrivals from the three entry points of Burbiey, Akobo and Pagak need to be relocated to alternative camps, of which Okugu is one of the main options.

However, Okugu can only absorb 29,000 refugees in addition to the 6,000 already there. Therefore, the search for a new site within Dima and the entire Gambella Region is top on the agenda.

Plan of action for the Dimma relocation is being fine‐ tuned by UNHCR. It is hoped that this plan will guide and direct partners’ interventions both at Dimma‐ Okugu and the respective camps, way station and entry points.

IOM has devised an action plan to start the relocation to Okugu camp and has also constructed a transit station on the way there (at Geder around Macha). It is expected that the relocation will commence soon and IOM is on standby.

However, at the moment, IOM is faced with two major challenges to relocate the refugees to Okugu; a UNDSS security restriction due to reports of clan conflict and bad road conditions following the heavy rain. IOM is waiting for a security clearance and a road inspection to start relocation to Okugu.

Currently relocations are only carried out from Akobo to Matar and all other movements are restricted.
Two joint missions by UNHCR, ARRA, Rural Road Authority and IOM were assigned to assess the Gambella‐Leitchour road condition and found out that currently only 54 KMs of the road from Gambella to Leitchuor is accessible with the remaining part of the road completely under water, including the surrounding grassland. This has left no possibility of pumping out the water from the road and no possibility of opening bypass roads.

IOM has also started the construction of shelters to assist 39,000 refugees (7,800 households) in Kule refugee camp in Gambella to enhance protection from harsh weather conditions and environment. To date, IOM has constructed 171 shelters. However, due to heavy rain around and in the camp, the road access has been a challenge since Monday 8th September in terms of moving construction materials.

IOM is also facilitating refugee movement from Assosa in the Regional State of Benishangul‐Gumuz. As of 23th September, 2,570 refugees have been relocated from different entry points in the Region.
During this reporting period, there has been refugee relocation from Abrahamu entry point to different camps. IOM is also providing pre‐departure medical screening to identify refugees who may need medical attention and/or referral on arrival at the camp.

On request by UNHCR, IOM is also facilitating camp‐to‐ camp transportation for refugees who may want to relocate to a different camp for one reason or another.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the high-level debate “Health Care and Violence: the Need for Effective Prevention”, in New York today:

I thank the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), my good friend and colleague Peter Maurer, for organizing this important high-level debate. And I thank all of you for being here during this busy week at the United Nations.

We meet at a time of grave crises around the world. I am a mediator. I crave and long for prevention and for urgent diplomatic action. I am also a humanitarian and I constantly think of the imperative of helping people caught in dire emergencies and giving them a chance for a normal, decent life.

The Security Council has recognized the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers, as well as the reality that they are all too often deliberately threatened, attacked or killed. Their facilities are being damaged and destroyed. The toll of these crimes is terrible, going far beyond the suffering of humanitarian workers and their families. When violence restricts humanitarian access, millions of people are affected.

I am especially disturbed by attacks against humanitarian workers as part of a frightening trend. Civilians are increasingly targeted in armed conflict with total disregard for the most basic principles of international humanitarian law. Elements of this appalling trend are attacks against health-care providers and their facilities. This is one of the most serious, most complex and most neglected of the humanitarian challenges we face.

That is why I welcome the “Health Care in Danger” campaign led by ICRC. This Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement-wide initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for action to make sure that health care is delivered safely in armed conflict and other emergencies. The ICRC report on "Violent Incidents Affecting the Delivery of Health Care" of April 2014 showed that local health-care providers are overwhelmingly the most affected by violence, accounting for more than 90 per cent of all cases.

These are very often the courageous nationals caught in wars on their own soil — the doctors and nurses who stay behind, the ambulance drivers who pick up the wounded, the midwives who work under the worst imaginable conditions. They are already coping with devastation and they also face direct, cowardly attacks. We have seen this in recent times in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria.

In Somalia, in 2013, Médecins sans Frontières suspended operations after 22 years of service as a result of attacks on their staff. In 2012, the organization provided more than 600,000 medical interventions. The vacuum left by their departure is huge.

In Syria, since the beginning of the conflict, Physicians for Human Rights has documented 195 attacks on medical facilities, and the deaths of 561 medical personnel. Last month alone, [Physicians for Human Rights] reported the killing of 21 medical personnel, 17 as a result of shelling or bombing, two as a result of torture and two were executed. The list is shameful. The health effects are tragic.

Violence makes it difficult or impossible to vaccinate children, treat the sick and wounded, help pregnant mothers survive birth, and help their babies start a life. One act of violence that damages a hospital or kills health-care personnel has consequences for many who desperately need care, as well as for families, livelihoods and society at large. We have to respond to this scourge.

Member States must lead in reacting to emergencies and building health systems that are resilient and stay strong in crises. But, as is often the case, we must do this together, through joint efforts and close cooperation between Governments and local health authorities, the UN and its humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements and non-governmental organization.

I call for five clear steps. First, States and all of us must insist on respect for international humanitarian law. Countries involved in conflict must honour their obligations to protect health-care personnel. Second, States must seek accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks against medical personnel, humanitarian, transports and facilities.

Third, States must ensure that health-care delivery is never used to advance any political agenda. States are to always respect the impartiality, neutrality and independence of humanitarian action. Fourth, States should support OCHA’s [the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’] efforts in analysing the humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons with effects in populated areas, including its impact on health services. Fifth, States should stay focused on these issues both in the Security Council and in the General Assembly.

Health-care workers are on the frontlines answering the call of human misery and human solidarity. The very least we can do is to rally Governments and the international community to protect these brave individuals and the facilities they need to save lives. I look forward to your thoughts and actions on how we can best achieve this urgent and compassionate objective.

September 25, 2014 (BOR) – The South Sudanese army (SPLA) in Jonglei has vowed not to retreat from rebel forces commanded by former vice-president Riek Machar, accusing the latter of using child soldiers to fight against their own people.

The deputy SPLA commander for Jonglei, Maj-Gen Malual Majok, said the army would not back down from rebel forces, assuring civilians they would not be abandoned.

“I want to assure you that you will never run again. The army is stronger than any [other]. We will maintain our positions. We shall never move an inch back, because if we do, we will be forced to move ten thousand miles away for hiding,” said Majok from Jonglei state capital Bor on Monday.

Since the outbreak of violence in mid-December last year in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states have been hard-hit by the crisis, with thousands forced to flee into exile, while many more have been killed or injured.

Jonglei has been a flashpoint for violence, changing hands a number of times at the height of the conflict. The fighting has also caused widespread damage to public infrastructure.

Many people have been unable to return to their homes in Jonglei since the SPLA retook Bor from opposition forces in January.

A series of attacks have been reported in and around Renk, a clear violation of a ceasefire agreement signed by South Sudan’s warring parties.

Meanwhile, sources from Upper Nile state capital Malakal claimed the SPLA had captured a number of rebel fighters, some of whom were identified as foreign nationals.

Fighting has continued on the ground despite the agreed truce and ongoing peace talks in Ethiopia, which have been hampered by ongoing delays.

(ST)

GA/11562 Sixty-ninth General Assembly
Plenary
9th, 10th & 11th Meetings (AM, PM & Night)

“If we did what we must, it could be remembered in history as the session that helped us turn the corner in ensuring effective custodianship of the environment, economic justice and social responsibility,” the General Assembly was told today as its annual debate continued.

A mixed picture emerged, however, on the world’s state of affairs as leaders called for cooperation to combat terrorism and regional conflicts by eliminating such underlying causes as poverty and addressing global climate change.

Pride and optimism were also evident, however, as African delegates took the floor. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia described Africa as “the rising continent offering tremendous opportunities for trade and investment”. He stressed that conflict was not an exclusively African phenomenon, underscoring that the threat of terrorism had affected ever greater and wider areas of the world.

Indeed, said President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Africa was particularly vulnerable to terrorism, as the continent’s sheer size and vast terrain offered innumerable places for terrorists to hide. Given that more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population was under the age of 35, with many living in extreme poverty, terrorists exploited the ignorance and disillusionment of young people who lacked the skills, education and opportunities to find gainful employment.

In that vein, Iran’s President also regretted the spread of terrorism, of the view that it was the strategic mistakes of the West — in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucuses — that had turned those parts of the world into a haven for terrorists. To defeat that scourge, the underlying causes of poverty, unemployment, discrimination and injustice must be addressed, he said, adding that democracy was the product of growth and development, and not something that could be imported from the West to the East.

Describing a different kind of battle, the President of Palau said climate change was the planet’s “silent war”. A temperature increase of 3.6˚C was simply unacceptable, and if that was the best global leaders could do, “we might as well throw in the towel and stop having children, because there will be no future for them”. However, he said the Pacific region, whose people comprehended first-hand the real and present impacts of climate change, would not go down without a fight.

Looking forward, the President of Niger said the post-2015 agenda would be dominated by the three “Ds”: defence, democracy and development. He urged the world community to stand in greater solidarity. He agreed it was vital to address climate change because environmental issues, such as the decrease in rainfall in the Sahel region and the frequency of floods and drought, had exacerbated poverty and had consequently caused the youth to turn to terrorism and organized crime.

Other speakers today included the Heads of State of Government of Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Also delivering statements were the Foreign Ministers of Cameroon, Republic of Moldova and Senegal.

The President of the European Council also spoke.

The Assembly will meet again at 9 a.m. tomorrow to continue its general debate.

Statements

MAHAMADOU ISSOUFOU, President of Niger, said that sociopolitical crises, religious extremism, armed conflict, terrorism, trans-boundary crime, problems of development, climate change and pandemics, such as those caused by the Ebola virus, were concerns of extreme importance today. In order to meet the challenges of promoting peace, stability, security and development, there must be greater global solidarity and sharing. Despite the tremendous progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, such as that of his country, for example, in reducing the number of people suffering from hunger and mortality rates of children under the age of five, vast gaps remained and would remain after the 2015 target date.

The post-2015 agenda would be dominated by the three Ds: defence, democracy and development, he said. Pointing to increasing poverty as well as conflicts around the world, he said the international community must establish a shared goal and strategy to reduce and eradicate those ills. That must include defending democratic institutions, protecting the people and cutting off financing for terrorism. Resolving the Palestinian question was also important. There must be bolstered action to promote national reconciliation in Libya. He called for increased regional and international cooperation to address the extreme aggression of the Boko Haram militant movement in Nigeria. On Mali, he welcomed inter-Malian dialogue and hoped it would lead to an agreement that would respect the country’s integrity. In Mali and the Central African Republic, a “Pandora’s box of Balkanization” must be closed to prevent Africa from going up in flames, he said, stressing that “the future of Africa is in its unity”.

The fight against inequality must be made a priority and placed at the centre of the post-2015 development agenda, he said. With its high economic growth rate, Africa was the continent of the twentieth century. Indeed, it would be the continent of the twenty-first century when it converted its own raw materials into manufactured goods and took its place in global industrial production, when its relations with other nations were governed by fair trade, not by Official Development Assistance (ODA), and when a broad middle class would arise thanks to good political and economic governance. The vision contained in the African Union’s 2063 agenda indicated that Africa was on the right path. It was in the international community’s interest to mainstream the continent’s priorities.

The international community must also address the challenge of climate change, he said. The drop in rainfall in the Sahel region; the growing spread of desert and sand, as had been seen along the Niger River; the drying up of Chad Lake and the prevalence of floods and drought; among other environmental concerns; had contributed to the impoverishment of people and caused youth to embrace terrorism and organized crime. In consideration of those challenges, he expressed hope that humanity would create and implement a development model that would save the planet and build a fairer, more humane world.

ANDREJ KISKA, President of Slovakia, said that 20 years ago Ukraine had abandoned its nuclear programme in exchange for guarantees of security and territorial integrity. Today, instead of marking the anniversary of that achievement, they were witnessing an armed conflict and political instability. His Government strongly denounced the violation of the territorial integrity of any State, with Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea being no exemption. Only dialogue and a diplomatic solution of the conflict, with Russia’s participation, would lead to sustainable peace in Ukraine.

He further warned that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) had become a global threat. Their ideology and acts represented an unprecedented brutality and twisted use of media for self-promotion. They embodied ethnic and religious cleansing that would not stop at the borders of Iraq and Syria, but had the ambition to spread beyond the Middle East. He called on the international community to stand united on Iraq and prevent ISIL from taking hold of the occupied territory and consolidating its military and economic power there.

Moving on to Afghanistan, he expressed his conviction that in the aftermath of the recent presidential elections, the country would be able to create conditions to achieve national and societal unity, and continue supporting international assistance. He was confident that the agreement reached between the two presidential candidates would contribute to the stability of Afghanistan.

He highlighted disarmament as key to eliminating potential sources of tension and conflict. The signing of the Arms Trade Treaty in 2013 had been an important step towards establishing common legal standards for regulating and monitoring the international trade of conventional weapons. As one of the first of 50 countries to ratify that Treaty, Slovakia was hopeful that its implementation would help to eliminate the risk of the illegal arms trade, thus strengthening global security.

JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, President of Ghana, said that Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the three countries most affected by the Ebola outbreak, had been struggling to rebuild their social and economic infrastructures. Even before the outbreak, they had been operating with limited resources, an insufficient number of treatment facilities, and a shortage of qualified medical staff. So far, there had been 5,843 recorded cases of Ebola, of which 2,803 had resulted in death, with the World Health Organization (WHO) predicting that the number of cases could rise to 20,000 by November if the disease was not brought under control. Ebola was not just a West African problem, but a global one, as it knew no boundaries. To help the affected countries, Ghana had offered its capital city, Accra, as a base of operations for activities geared towards containing the disease.

On terrorism, he highlighted the particular vulnerability of Africa, which, due to its sheer size and vast terrain, offered a myriad of places for terrorists to hide and create safe havens. With more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population under the age of thirty-five and a significant number living in extreme poverty, terrorists also had the opportunity to recruit by exploiting the ignorance and disillusionment of young people who lacked the skills, education and opportunities to find gainful employment. The problem had been made even worse with the proliferation of technology, facilitating communication within terrorist cells and between terrorist organizations.

On Ghana’s current economic situation, he noted that over the past year his people had seen an increase in the cost of living. Falling commodity prices had led to a decline in tax revenue from companies operating in the country, as well as to a massive drop in export earnings. That had contributed to a general sense of macroeconomic instability, and had placed a lot of pressure on Ghana’s currency. Furthermore, instability in the global commodity markets had directly affected public budgets and, hence, the country’s ability to finance its development.

With regard to gender equality, he highlighted Ghana’s commitment to the improvement of women’s lives. His Administration boasted the highest number of women appointed to public office in the history of Ghana, including seven female Cabinet ministers. Furthermore, it had submitted to Parliament an Intestate Succession Bill, which ensured that if a spouse died without having written a will, the surviving spouse would not be dispossessed of their marital assets. Also submitted to Parliament was a Property Rights of Spouses Bill, which ensured that in the case of marriage dissolution, a spouse would be entitled to an equitable portion of the property acquired during the union.

HASSAN ROUHANI, President of Iran, said he came from a region of the world whose many parts were currently burning in the fire of extremism and radicalism. To the east and west of his country, extremists threatened its neighbours and resorted to violence and bloodshed. They did not speak a “single” language nor were they of a “single” skin colour or nationality; they had come to the Middle East from around the world with a shared ideology of violence and extremism. Deeply regretful that terrorism had become globalized, he said the extremists of the world had found each other and put out the call “extremists of the world unite”. To that, he asked, “But are we united against the extremists?”

He said that extremism was not a regional issue that only the nations in his region would have to confront. It was a global issue that certain States had helped create and for which their peoples were paying the price. Today’s anti-Westernism was the offspring of yesterday’s colonialism and a reaction to yesterday’s racism. To fight the underlying causes of terrorism, he emphasized that poverty, unemployment, discrimination, humiliation and injustice must be addressed, pointing out that the strategic blunders of the West in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucuses had turned those parts of the world into a haven for terrorists and extremists.

Military aggression against Afghanistan and Iraq and improper interference in the developments in Syria were clear examples of that erroneous strategic approach in the Middle East, he noted. Democracy was the product of growth and development, not of war and aggression. It was not a product that could be commercially imported from the West to the East. In an underdeveloped society, imported democracy led only to a weak and vulnerable Government. Further, he warned against the spread of extremism and the danger posed by an inadequate understanding and incorrect approach to that phenomenon, adding that all the nations in the region must exert broad cooperation on social and political as well as security and defence issues to reach a common and durable understanding.

He called the continued oppressive sanctions against a moderate and independent Iran a strategic mistake. In the past year, his country had engaged in transparent dialogue to build confidence regarding its peaceful nuclear programme, noting that only through negotiations could the issue be resolved. It remained committed to continuing a peaceful nuclear programme and negotiations in earnest and good faith. However, Iranians could not trust in any security cooperation between their Government and those who had imposed sanctions, creating obstacles to their accessing food and medicine. Reaching a final nuclear agreement with Iran would be an historic opportunity for the West to show that it did not oppose the advancement and development of others, did not discriminate in adhering to international rules and regulations, demonstrating that the way to resolution was through negotiation and respect, not conflict and sanction.

He said his Government’s policy was to work towards constructive interaction with its neighbours on the basis of mutual respect and emphasis on common interests. The notion that Iran sought to control other Muslim countries in the region was a myth fanned in recent years by an “Iranophobic” project. In that regard, his Government worked towards putting an end to delusional “Iranophobia”, setting the stage for strategic partnerships with its neighbours. If the right approach was not taken in dealing with violence and extremism, the international community would find a more turbulent and tumultuous region that would have repercussions for the rest of the world. However, while the right solution must be one with international support, it must come from within the region, he concluded.

MOHAMED MONCEF MARZOUKI, President of Tunisia, said that his country had managed to eliminate a dictatorial regime and begin rebuilding a democratic State through a process of national dialogue. Tunisia today was a testing ground for sharing authority between secular moderates and Islamists, and was meeting counterrevolution with a response of moderation.

The volatile situation in neighbouring Libya was of great concern, he noted. Tunisia was “appalled” by violence against Christians in the region, and ashamed of acts committed in the name of Allah, who had defined himself as compassionate and merciful. Nothing justified the violence that had reached horrific levels, he said, condemning the execution of British and French nationals. What the world was witnessing today was the sum of five decades of despotic policies that had denied rights and freedoms while amassing wealth.

The world needed regimes that govern in harmony with their people, the release of all political prisoners, dialogue with all moderates, and an economy that favoured the interests of the majority, he said. Education that developed minds and “raised the banner of freedom” was also key. Some major Powers had for decades supported despotism in his country under the pretext of supporting stability.

Turning to the situation in other countries, he called for a lifting of the blockade on Gaza, and also for improvement of the situation in Syria. On United Nations reform, he called for an expansion of the number of permanent members of the Security Council to better reflect the world as it was today, not as it was at the conclusion of the Second World War. He praised the work of the International Criminal Court and then announced that his country would propose to the United Nations legal organ the creation of an international constitutional court that would be able to issue decisions on “illegitimate, bogus elections”. This idea had been well-received in international academic forums, he said, expressing wishes that the creation of this court would not take as much time as creating the Criminal Court had taken.

JUAN MANUEL SANTOS CALDERÓN, President of Colombia, expressed hope that after more than half a century of conflict Colombia would soon be at peace. Over the past two years, the peace process between the Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group in Havana had produced concrete results. The two sides had already agreed on three points of a five-point agenda: comprehensive rural development, political participation and the illicit drug problem. On the third point, an agreement was reached to continue dismantling the drug mafia, promote a national programme of crop substitution and alternative crop development and address the problem of overconsumption from a public health perspective.

Discussions on the remaining points — repercussions for victims of the conflict and the end of conflict itself — were already under way, he said, stressing the importance of victims’ rights to justice, truth and reparation. A subcommittee comprising active military and police personnel had been created to set the terms for the final bilateral ceasefire process and subsequent demobilization of guerrillas. Colombia aspired to bring good news that “the last armed conflict in the Western Hemisphere is coming to an end”.

Colombia was not oblivious to the suffering of those who lived in places such as Syria, Iraq, Libya, the Sahel and Ukraine, and condemned the ruthless terrorism of ISIL, he said. Nor was Colombia indifferent to the suffering of so many families in Palestine and Israel, or to the loss of life due to epidemics like Ebola in West Africa. With the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations approaching, now was “a definitive moment” for the legitimacy of the Organization and its multilateral system. The global community must dissuade those who promoted permanent war.

In his own country and around the world, drug trafficking fuelled conflicts, he said. The so-called “war on drugs” had scored some successes in the Western Hemisphere, he said, drawing attention to the resolution adopted last week at the special session of the Organization of American States’ General Assembly in Guatemala. Those results would inform the special session on drugs that the United Nations had called for in 2016. He was committed to making Colombia a country at total peace with equality and the highest rate of education in Latin America by 2025.

HERY MARTIAL RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA RAKOTOARIMANANA, President of Madagascar, said that in choosing to restore constitutional order through the ballot box, the people of his country had confirmed their commitment to security and stability. In so doing, they were building peace and security in the region and throughout the world. Without peace, there could be no development, and without development, there could be no peace. While his country had already achieved important milestones in development, it lacked the resources to tackle the magnitude of the tasks at hand.

Five per cent of the world’s biodiversity was located in Madagascar, he said. His country had sought to preserve that wealth and to ensure better management of it for future generations. For example, Government authorities were working on a zero-tolerance policy on all kinds of trafficking of natural resources and wildlife. Madagascar’s strategic location meant that it had to protect fishing areas and marine reserves. Due to the increased potential for piracy, terrorism and trafficking, international cooperation was needed to protect such areas.

Madagascar was also strengthening its legal arsenal by ratifying a number of multilateral agreements, such as the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, on action to address climate change, he said. As his country had experienced more than five years of political crises together with sanctions and all kinds of inhibitive measures, it was clear that it would not achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals. Nevertheless, it had focused on the development of its people, in the areas of education, health care, jobs, security and access to information. The stakes of climate change were enormous for Madagascar. While resources to mitigate it fell short, his Government had nevertheless taken steps to reduce its impact by drafting a national policy for clean development and renewable energy.

As a demonstration of Madagascar’s commitment to the United Nations beyond participation in its committees or conferences, he said that national police and penitentiary administration served in the Organization’s peacekeeping operations in Africa. The Government had also sent 140 police officers to serve in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). It continued to advocate equitable representation in the Security Council so that countries directly involved in crises and conflicts could take part fully in the resolution process.

IVO JOSIPOVIĆ, President of Croatia, said that faced with armed conflicts, natural disasters and pandemic diseases, the international community should look to the wise words of the United Nations Charter for guidance in how to deal with the varied threats, doing “everything we can” to avoid regression. Croatia was deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine. Equally, the spread of terrorism in the Middle East and Africa, notably by the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, was of grave concern. Croatia was ready to make a contribution to Iraqi forces as well as for Iraqi Kurdish forces, he said.

To be faced with such crises was “truly unnerving”, he said, noting that he hoped Croatia’s experience with peacebuilding would be applied in helping post-conflict societies stand on their own. His Government expected a review of the peacebuilding architecture of the Organization to consolidate existing knowledge and experience and improve the overall peacebuilding process. Women had a special role in maintaining peace and advancing development, and that was why Croatia was organizing a high-level meeting on 26 September on the gender dimension of sustainable development within the context of post-conflict recovery.

On climate change, his Government was hopeful that a global agreement would be reached, as that pressing issue remained one of the “main pillars” of the post-2015 development agenda. He expressed his Government’s support for the Organization’s human rights mechanisms, adding Croatia’s voice in calling for universal adherence to the Rome Statute and universal jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. After reviewing national achievements in regional cooperation, he touched on the need for reform of the United Nations system, particularly Security Council enlargement by an additional non-permanent seat for the Eastern European group, as well as the establishment of a code of conduct regarding the suspension of veto use in cases relating to “mass crime”.

On regional consolidation, he said his country looked forward to the day when all countries of South-East Europe would be admitted to the European Union. Cooperating on such diverse issues as humanitarian assistance after devastating floods, or dealing with “truth and justice” in the context of a “difficult past”, countries of the region were finding numerous ways of laying a joint foundation for sustainable peace and stability. The Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative was one of the best remedies for achieving such social improvement.

HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, said that 2014 marked the thirtieth anniversary of its membership to the United Nations. On the Millennium Development Goals, his nation had contributed to training and capacity-building through measures of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as the “Initiative for ASEAN Integration” and an “English Enrichment Programme for ASEAN”. On the post-2015 development agenda, he welcomed the future direction emphasizing the importance of human development, one which was inclusive, people-centred and sustainable. Those elements were integral to Brunei Darussalam’s National Vision 2035.

Citing unanimous conviction on the importance of protecting the environment, he welcomed the convening of the United Nations Climate Summit in galvanizing support to address the impact of climate change and ensuring a transformative post-2015 development agenda. His Government was concerned with security developments in many parts of the world. For its part, his nation had participated in United Nations peacekeeping, specifically the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and international peace monitoring missions in the southern Philippines.

Global efforts in realizing the Millennium Goals would be in vain if, at the same time, the international community disregarded commitments to pursue the peaceful means of settling disputes as enshrined in the Organization’s Charter, he said. Disaster management was among the matters of importance to his country. In that context, in 2013 his nation hosted a humanitarian and disaster relief exercise to train military personnel of big and small nations in the Asia-Pacific. On Palestine, freedom and justice was long overdue, he said.

ROBERT G. MUGABE, President of Zimbabwe, said that despite significant achievements made thus far with the Millennium Development Goals, progress among regions and within countries had been uneven. He praised the proposed sustainable development goals for taking on the “unfinished business” of the Millennium Development Goals. Part of that unfinished business was poverty eradication. That issue should be a top priority of any future development agenda, which must be informed by national priorities. To that end, his Government had adopted the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation to help expand the country’s industrial base, which had been a key component of sustained economic and human development.

Because Zimbabwe had been preoccupied with the economic empowerment of its people, it had become a victim of the “evil machinations of Western countries”, he said. Those States continued to apply sanctions as a foreign policy tool to achieve short-term political objectives, notably a regime change. Zimbabweans should not continue to suffer due to “unjustified and illegal sanctions”, which violated the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and should thus be condemned by the international community. He called for their immediate and unconditional removal.

He said that the African Union was working tirelessly to push for peace in conflict-ridden States in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic and Somalia. Still, the international community must remain engaged in the maintenance of peace and stability in Africa by enhancing its peacekeeping capacity through training, logistical and financial support. In the Western Sahara, “the last colonial vestige” on the continent, the United Nations must ensure that its people achieved self-determination.

The world had also witnessed the suffering and persecution of the people of Palestine at the hands of Israel, he said. Despite “brutal and random” destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, the international community had maintained a “deafening silence”. Lasting peace in the Middle East could only be achieved through a two-State solution, based on the 1967 borders. Settlements or the use of force would only prolong the suffering of the Palestinians.

OLLANTA HUMALA TASSO, President of Peru, said the sustainable development goals of the post-2015 development agenda deserved strong support and adequate and timely resources. The adoption next year of the post-2015 development framework should lead to the establishment of a global partnership for sustainable development as well as participatory monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure appropriate follow-up. There was a clear-cut link between Peru’s public policies on social inclusion and the goals agreed upon by the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals.

His Government had prioritized action to reduce all forms of poverty and inequality and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, he said. Similarly, it had focused on the fight for gender equality, empowerment of women, access to quality education and elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and violence against children. State reforms were made to achieve those goals. His Government had been working hard to lay the foundation for sustainable development. Peru had become a clear example of how it was possible to achieve substantial progress in just a few years, having attained some of the Millennium Development Goals even before the 2015 deadline. He was committed to reducing the poverty rate to 20 per cent by the end of his term in 2016.

In only one generation, he said, Peru had made deep transformations thanks to peace and stability, the consolidation of democracy, opening the economy and the effectiveness of social-inclusion policies. His Government had been increasing investment in social policies every year. About half of the 12 per cent budget increase for 2015 went towards education and health. He urged all stakeholders to participate actively in tackling the global drug problem, stressing the shared responsibility among countries that produced, consumed and financed the trade or served as a transit point. They must help define a comprehensive strategy. Peru’s relationships with its neighbours were excellent, he said, spotlighting a recent settlement of the maritime dispute with Chile. The execution of the International Court of Justice’s ruling on that matter was the fastest in its history.

Drawing attention to Peru’s hosting of the twentieth United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP20, in Lima in December, he stressed the need for national commitments and for the formation of the largest alliance in history to address that transcendental challenge. He urged Governments to send delegations with decision-making capability to the conference. It was not just a matter of capitalizing the Green Climate Fund, but also of setting forth national commitments and having a binding agreement. A 2011 study revealed that addressing the consequences of global warming was costing Peru 4 per cent of its annual gross domestic product (GDP). That figure could reach more than 5 per cent by 2030 and 20 per cent in 2050 if no immediate action was taken to address the scourge.

SHINZO ABE, Prime Minister of Japan, said his Government was putting forth its best efforts to fight Ebola. In response to the outbreak, it had sent highly knowledgeable and experienced Japanese experts as members of World Health Organization missions. Japan had also extended a total of $5 million in financial assistance and would provide personal protective equipment for health-care workers. He pledged to extend an additional $40 million in the future.

Speaking on the Middle East situation, he said that the region was in a state of unrest, with ISIL activities representing a serious threat to the international order. He highlighted the importance of preventing extremism from taking root, while responding swiftly to the region’s humanitarian crises. To assist in that regard, Japan would immediately provide $50 million in emergency assistance. To contribute to Ukraine’s stability, Japan was providing economic assistance of up to $1.5 billion, while also preparing new assistance for the reconstruction of the eastern part of the country.

He expressed Japan’s aspirations to join the Security Council as a non-permanent member at the election next year. Since its accession to the United Nations in 1956, the country had worked tirelessly for the Organization’s causes. With its seventieth anniversary looming, he sought resolution of the long-standing issue of reforming the United Nations to reflect the realities of the twenty-first century. Turning to gender equality, he expressed his Government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in society. In less than a year, their empowerment had become a guiding principle, driving Japan’s policies, both domestically and overseas. His Government had also focused on advancing the status of girls and mothers in Africa, a region which it prioritized in its foreign aid. Japan intended to free the twenty-first-century world of human rights violations against women and was committed to eliminating sexual violence during conflicts.

HAILEMARIAM DESSALEGN, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, said that the current session was being held at an historic period characterized by a major undertaking to shape “the future we want”. “If we did what we must, it could be remembered in history as a session that helped us turn the corner in ensuring effective custodianship of the environment, economic justice and social responsibility,” he said.

Noting that last month marked 500 days until the target date of the Millennium Development Goals in 2015, he said Africa had registered robust economic growth over the last decade and that the stereotypical narrative about the continent was slowly changing. “ Africa is now the rising continent offering tremendous opportunities for trade and investment,” he said. Notable progress had been made on the implementation of the Millennium Goals in the region. However, much remained to be done, and thus it was important not to overlook the Millennium Goals as they remained “unfinished business”.

Noting that Ethiopia would host the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa in July 2015, he said the effectiveness of the post-2015 agenda depended, among other things, on the success of the Conference. On climate change, he stressed the need to reach a globally binding agreement by 2015 to limit the rise of global temperature. Africa was facing the brunt of climate change and that was undermining its development aspirations, including the Millennium Goals. Mitigation and adaptation remained a priority for the region, he said, calling for international support in that regard.

“Conflict is not an exclusively African phenomenon,” he said, underscoring that the threat of terrorism had affected ever greater and wider areas of the world. At no time over the last many decades had the need for effective international and regional cooperation been as pressing as it had been today. The issue of “foreign fighters” had become a source of major concern to many. The international community could not be oblivious to the nexus between the sustainable development agenda and the global situation of peace and security. Delivering on and implementing a transformative post-2015 development agenda required a peaceful and stable global environment. In that vein, the spread of the Ebola virus was both a humanitarian and security challenge, and containing that disease should be a matter of utmost priority.

MATTEO RENZI, Prime Minister of Italy, said he was honoured to address in the same Hall in which former United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld had spoken. Citing present challenges, he said the future was no longer a dream, nor could the past be erased. With that, he highlighted the Srebrenica massacre from 20 years ago. The killings had found no justification, and he advocated for political effort as the way to prevent bloodshed. Italy, due to its central location, had assumed a political role in the Mediterranean region, with strategic interventions, conducted with partners, saving 80,000 human lives.

The situation in Libya, he said, was now a matter of concern, and the risk of it spiralling into violence should not be underestimated, as that could threaten the entire North African region. Italy was committed to working with the United Nations Secretary-General to address the situation. In the battle against the ISIL terrorist group in Iraq, the international community could not remain idle. The fanatics had killed many, with children shot against the wall and young women raped in warehouses. “Genocide is under way,” he warned, and only a united international effort could defeat it. That was why Italy supported the call by United States President Barack Obama for a broader coalition.

His country contributed troops to United Nations activities in Lebanon and Afghanistan and supported a two-State solution in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, he said, adding that the rights of Palestinians must be respected and Israel’s right to exist must not be questioned. The situation in Ukraine jeopardized the process of European integration, and Italy supported the right of people there and the nation’s territorial integrity, which had been violated. He urged the parties to seize the opportunity provided by the Minsk ceasefire.

The Ebola outbreak had humanitarian and social impacts, he said, adding that his country was doing its part. He also called for gender equality and non-discrimination based on religion, and advocated for a moratorium on capital punishment; a resolution to be tabled to that end would need broader support. The Security Council should become more effective, but creation of more Council seats could compromise its effectiveness. Finally, he warned, there would be no peace, no freedom and no respect without a huge investment in education.

HERMAN VAN ROMPUY, President of the European Council, said that the abrupt and illegal annexation of Crimea in March had triggered the gravest threat to European security in decades. The European Union stood firm in its solidarity with Ukraine and had responded to the aggression and violation of international law with political, economic and financial sanctions. However, the sanctions were not a goal in themselves and could be revised, provided there was tangible progress. The peace process launched in Minsk must be advanced, and all parties must respect the ceasefire and abide by the Peace Plan. The Europeans were ready to engage with the Russian Federation and reestablish a basis of trust, he added.

Highlighting situations in Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East as the most pressing concern today, he welcomed the words and measures by the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Muslim nations against ISIL. He urged the international community to do its part in confronting and isolating it by blocking financial and weapons flows, cutting off illegal oil revenue, and stopping the influx of foreign fighters. Urgent collective action was needed to stop those combatants from joining ISIL’s ranks, as underlined in yesterday’s special Security Council session.

The crisis, however, could not be resolved without a political solution for Syria, which he called one of the international community’s “biggest failures”. There should be a comprehensive regional resolution, which must include a two-State solution. The violent dynamics were spreading instability and fostering terrorism, organized crime, arms flows, drugs trafficking, human smuggling and radicalization. Another tragic symptom of an imploding Middle East was dramatic migration in the Mediterranean, with millions fleeing the war in Syria into countries that included Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. European lifeguards, he noted, had rescued up to a thousand people a week — people risking their lives on small boats in search of a life free from fear.

Reaffirming Europe’s commitment to fighting climate change, he expressed his hope for all nations, large and small, rich and poor, to assume their responsibility. He called Ebola a plague of modern times, and the crisis caused by the outbreak a reminder that the future of a country and well-being of all depended on health-care structures. Europe was there with others to help, to comfort, and to heal. In closing, he said that fear must be overcome by fighting danger, restoring justice, and striving for peace so that next year when world leaders met again in New York, they could say that the spell of that dreadful summer of 2014 had been broken. “Patiently but relentlessly we reconquer a place for hope,” he concluded.

GASTON ALPHONSO BROWNE, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Corporate Governance, Antigua and Barbuda, said it was disappointing that powerful States had circumvented the United Nations in pursuit of their national goals. Antigua and Barbuda strongly supported the Organization’s reform, especially of the Security Council. Today’s arrangement, where five permanent members were in possession of veto power, was “an anachronism”, which not only had no legitimacy, but also paralysed the Council from acting in certain cases. It was paradoxical, he said, that those nations advocated respect for democracy and the rule of law, but declined to implement those ideals abroad.

Small States like Antigua and Barbuda relied on the international rule of law to protect their rights, he said. To that end, his country had 10 years ago brought a trade dispute with the United States to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body. Although the judgment had come down in favour of his country, the United States Government had not settled with Antigua and Barbuda, denying income to the country, which, had it been forthcoming, would have been used for climate change mitigation and to cope with the financial crisis. It was crucial for democracy and the rule of law to be respected by the powerful as well as by the weak to avoid resentment and conflict.

He urged the United States to end its “unjust” blockade of Cuba, and again spoke of the theme of powerful versus weak. His country was small, with no military might or economic clout, he said, adding, “All that we have is membership of the international system as our shield, and our voice in this body as our sword.” That was why reform of the United Nations system was so crucial. Turning to the Millennium Development Goals, he noted that the developed world was not meeting the official development assistance targets, which led the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region as a whole to turn to “non-traditional” sources of assistance, such as from China and Venezuela. The global economic crisis was still having an impact on small States in the Caribbean, and it was urgent for the United Nations, through its appropriate organs, to address the debts those countries had accumulated as a result.

Crisis was staring human civilization in the face, he said, whether it was through climate change, the Ebola virus, or the threat posed by the Islamic State, whose “savage and cruel” acts were deplorable. The world could not afford to slip back into “the dark ages”, he said, stressing that the United Nations was critically needed at a time like this; it had no substitute anywhere in the world. His country, for its part, was taking steps to build an all-inclusive, egalitarian society, working towards full gender equality and women’s advancement and empowerment.

SHEIKH JABER AL-MUBARAK AL-HAMAD AL SABAH, Prime Minister of Kuwait, said that the United Nations’ current executive mechanisms and administrative structures impeded it from doing what was expected of it. The United Nations organs, including the Security Council, and specialized agencies needed comprehensive reform. Kuwait called for an enlargement of the Council by adding a permanent seat for Arab States. In 1945, there were only five Arab States, whereas today, there were 22, with a population of over 350 million people, he said.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, he said Israel had violated “the most basic rules of international law” during recent upheavals in Gaza. He renewed his Government’s call for the Security Council to assume its responsibility by providing international protection to the Palestinian people and Territory, and to compel Israel, the occupying Power, to halt unilateral practices that aimed to impose a fait accompli through its illegal settlements and unlawful siege of Gaza. He urged a return to negotiations leading to the establishment of a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. On the Syrian situation, he lamented the suffering of increasing numbers of people, and noted Kuwait’s contribution of $800 million in humanitarian support for people in need. A political solution to the crisis was urgent.

Tensions in Yemen resulting from “continued rivalry” between some factions were a source of concern, and as for the conditions in Libya, he said Kuwait renewed its support for the elected Government there. Kuwait further supported ongoing international efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, adding, however, that they must guarantee the country’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision and monitoring. His country denounced the actions of the “so-called” Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and its grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, reiterating its support for the Iraqi Government to overcome terrorism.

Praising the Millennium Development Goals for their “outstanding role” in improving the lives of millions, he said he looked forward to a “comprehensive and ambitious” post-2015 development plan. On that note, the Secretary-General’s Climate Change Summit this week was commendable, as that issue affected the world in general and the Arab world in particular. Humanitarian help to the needy was at the basis of Kuwait’s foreign policy, he said, noting the doubling of his country’s fixed annual voluntary contributions to a number of international agencies and organizations, including the WHO, in response to the Ebola crisis.

VICTOR-VIOREL PONTA, Prime Minister of Romania, said the current situation in Ukraine was of the utmost concern for his country due to its security impacts on Eastern European countries. The unilateral annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, an unprecedented action on the European continent in decades, had been followed by an internal conflict in eastern Ukraine, which was generated by forces pursuing separatist goals, financed and supplied by the Russian Federation. His Government rejected any form of external pressure towards Eastern European States aspiring for a European integration, and it supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Located at the crossroads of the Danube and Black Sea regions, as well as that of Northern Europe and the Balkans, Romania, he said, fully understood that regional cooperation was a key to stability there. Joint initiatives on the economy, environment, infrastructure and cross-border cooperation, including through the European Union Strategy for the Danube River and the European Union Black Sea Synergy, had a long-term impact on all countries in the region. He praised the solidarity expressed by the Union and its transatlantic partners in supporting the European aspirations sought by the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia.

The proliferation of radical Islamist movements and the emergence of new groups, such as ISIL, had heightened the terrorist threat, he said. The group went beyond Iraq and Syria, and therefore represented a major challenge to the global order; it must be addressed by all States. On development, the future agenda should address poverty eradication and sustainable development, good governance and the rule of law, and it should provide a platform for social inclusion and reduced unemployment.

On refugees, he said that the emergency transit centre in Timisoara, Romania, established by his Government, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Organization for Migration, was the first of its kind in the world and had proved to be a feasible mechanism, offering safety to persons in urgent need of international protection. It, thus, was a practical expression of the human security concept.

TONY ABBOTT, Prime Minister of Australia, said that while the United Nations was an “imperfect instrument”, like any institution, his country had always believed in the Organization’s potential and supported its work. He highlighted that Australia — a relatively small country — had provided more than 65,000 personnel to more than 50 multilateral peace and security operations since the United Nations’ establishment. “We have never shrunk from shouldering our responsibilities,” he added.

As a good global citizen, his country had pledged $8 million towards combating the Ebola outbreak and contributed health professionals to work with international agencies in the region, he said. It had sponsored a Security Council resolution to investigate the Malaysian flight MH17 crash site and return home those who perished. Australia would do everything to ensure that the investigation was not undermined and that the crime was not covered up. On another matter of importance to his country, he said that, at the request of the Iraqi Government, an Australian force had been deployed to the Middle East to join the coalition to degrade the ISIL terrorist movement.

To build a better world, it was crucial to create stronger and more resilient people and communities, he said. While a robust economy would not solve every problem, it would make most of them easier to tackle. As this year’s Chair of the Group of 20 (G20), Australia was determined to promote private-sector led growth, since profitable, private businesses were the “best source of real, sustainable, wealth”. Free trade, infrastructure, a modern international tax system, strong global economic institutions and a resilient financial sector were all part of the G20 agenda. “When wealth increases, countries grow stronger,” he said. The goal was to boost output by an extra 2 per cent over the next five years to create millions of jobs and trillions in wealth around the world.

Likewise, the post-2015 development agenda should also focus on economic growth as it eased social challenges and that of climate change, among others. To those who doubted that stronger economic growth could be achieved, he pointed to the rise of Asia, which, in less than two generations, had been able to undertake the greatest social and economic transformation in history.

AL HADJI YAHYA A.J.J. JAMMEH, President of Gambia, said that human civilization was teetering on the brink of catastrophe. Greed and exclusion led to international tensions, war, death and destruction. There were lamentable inactions on the part of the United Nations as powerful Member States took advantage of weaker Members. The founding fathers of the Organization had intended a world body committed to promoting the principles of peace and security, respectful of the cultural values of all peoples. To uphold those principles, the Member States needed to avoid all forms of aggression by exercising maximum restraint in their pursuit of national interests. When there were wars, the world economy suffered. The United Nations must be an all-encompassing global body working in the service of all, and not just for a few.

He said the international community should build from the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals to face the challenges of the day. The themes of this year’s General Assembly were thus timely, and gave impetus to further the international agenda post-2015. There was a need to take stock of the Millennium Development Goals’ achievements and failures, particularly struggling countries that would not meet their targets on time.

A few current issues stood out for which the United Nations could play a stronger role, he said. One such issue was the Ebola disease. For those affected countries, development efforts were now on hold as they grappled with the virus. Humanitarian aid from the United States to battle Ebola was more than just a humanitarian gesture; it was a matter of national security.

The world had witnessed the bloodiest and most heinous forms of terrorism, he said. Those “human vermin” were claiming to act in the name of Islam. Before the emergence of Mujahideen in Iran and then Afghanistan in the 1980s, which were created by Western Powers to fight proxy battles, there had been no Islamic terrorism. Islam was a religion of peace and tolerance, and had nothing to do with those bands of criminals who showed no respect for human life and whose sole intention was to defame Islam. That religion could not be divided into different branches, such as moderate Islam, violent Islam, and so on. Rather, it was a pure religion for the best human behaviour, as decreed by Allah the Creator. Such gangsters as Boko Haram, ISIL and Al-Qaida needed to be wiped out from the face of the Earth “because we don’t need them”.

The situation in the Middle East remained dire, he said, decrying the loss of life in Palestine, especially that of women and children. Israeli settlements on Palestinian land were unacceptable and undermined any prospect for a two-State solution. The United Nations had played a strategic mediating role in the past, and must take up a leading role to achieve a durable and peaceful settlement. The Organization must work harder to foster an environment of peace and tolerance, as there was a grim propagation of misinformation and misinterpretation in the Western media regarding Islam and Sharia law. Thus the incessant criticism of Sharia law was disrespectful and abhorrent, and was disgraceful to all Muslims.

He said that imposing collective punishment on Cuba was done because its citizens had opted for a system of government of their choice, just as Ukraine wished to do. On climate change, Africa stood to suffer the most, despite the fact that the continent was not a big contributor to the problem. Developing countries must not be relegated to the dustbin of history. Rather, the foundation of any transformative agenda should begin with the reform of global governance, particularly the United Nations system, including the Security Council. Reform of that body, to reflect current geopolitical realities, was long overdue.

BRONISŁAW KOMOROWSKI, President of Poland, pointed to the toll endured by his country from the two World Wars, out of which the United Nations was born. He described the failure of the League of Nations to respond to totalitarian expansionism, appeasing dictators at the expense of weaker States. The Second World War was the price paid for those acts of negligence. International security had been rebuilt after that war and the world was now looking forward to the United Nations seventieth anniversary. The Organization had many “beautiful achievements”, but also numerous failures. The current situation was particularly worrisome because it displayed many symptoms of the phenomena that had caused the fall of the League. Super-Powers were back in vogue, as were geopolitical zones of influence. The United Nations should not tolerate any departure from the Charter-based security and international relations principles.

The occupation of Crimea and aggression in Ukraine was a violation of international law standards and “ran roughshod over the United Nations fundamental values”, he said. The conflict’s ideological backdrop was a return to the rhetoric of the first half of the twentieth century, and imperial domination of weaker nations that were obliged to act as obedient satellites to a Power “performing a revision of the foundations of the civilized order”. The Security Council was ineffective in protecting peace in Ukraine and elsewhere, partly due to its rules. Those needed amending, he said, welcoming at the same time General Assembly resolution 68/262 of March 2014, which had taken the side of the weaker party in an act of imperial aggression.

It particularly concerned him to be describing that situation, given that it was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the abolition of communism and the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Those changes meant freedom, respect for human rights, good governance and an end to the world’s bipolar division. The changes had begun in Poland with establishment of the Solidarity Movement. The new logic of international relations had brought unification and integration to Europe, and the European Union had become a “guarantor of peace in Europe and far beyond its borders”. The end of divisions gave rise to hope for democracy, peace and prosperity, “free from external domination”. He hoped for a democratic modernization of Russia, too. However, what had happened in East Europe six months ago “dealt a blow to that hope and threatened security on our continent”.

Wars and conflicts were continuing elsewhere, too, he said, with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant’s brutal murders and terror. The international community must respond in line with its obligation to protect those threatened by cruel violence. Conflicts in Syria, Libya, Israel, Gaza and in African States were also painful, he said, urging the super-Powers at the United Nations to influence the parties towards resolution of the issues. He paid tribute to the Organization and its agencies in aiding refugees and said many humanitarian dramas were caused by a breakdown of fundamental human rights. Power without control was generally “corrupt, self-loving, incapable of lifting countries out of underdevelopment and poverty”. That, he asserted, was the background to many conflicts. More development assistance was needed to help transformations.

He stressed the role of democracy, citing the Community of Democracies established in Warsaw in 2000 and the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award as examples of his country’s commitment. The rule of law and universal fundamental rights were vital to development and should be included in the post-2015 agenda. The new development blueprint should integrate all elements of sustainable development and achieve international agreement. Climate change must also be tackled, and he remained committed to achieving the successful conclusion of negotiations on a climate change convention. Noting the extra responsibility his country was taking in several fields, he looked forward to non-permanent Security Council membership in 2018-2019. He would support the body’s reform to increase its representation and efficiency, and enable it to fulfil its responsibility to protect.

ANDRIS BĒRZIŅŠ, President of Latvia, said that global security and peace was being challenged by forces willing to “rewrite the history and rules of the international order”. The Russian aggression against Ukraine had defied the basic principles of the United Nations, uprooting the foundation of the international system. Those actions could only be defined as a threat to global peace and security and, as such, the illegal annexation of Crimea by that country should not be recognized and must be condemned. The Russian Federation had a vital role to play in security and stability in Europe and thus should be “part of the solution, not part of the problem”, he said, calling on that country to respect its international commitments and uphold international law. A resolution was also needed to the protracted conflicts in Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabahkh, he said.

On the Syrian situation, he said that while the easing of human suffering should be the immediate priority, the international community must continue political efforts to find a solution to that conflict. Those responsible for war crimes against humanity in Syria must be held accountable by the International Criminal Court. The limited ability of the Security Council to address the urgent situations in Ukraine and Syria had highlighted the need to move forward with Council reform. Towards that end, Latvia supported the Council’s expansion in both categories of membership. It also believed the French initiative aimed at restricting the use of the veto warranted attention.

In other matters of international security, he welcomed the ongoing dialogue between the E3+3 countries and Iran, which aimed to negotiate a comprehensive agreement on the country’s nuclear programme. “We must work towards revitalizing the global disarmament and non-proliferation agenda,” he said. With that in mind, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference next year depended on trust and common purpose. Latvia was one of the first States to have signed and ratified the Arms Trade Treaty, and it urged all Member States to do the same.

Without peaceful societies, it was not possible to achieve sustainable development, he said, adding that each country had a responsibility in that regard. The post-2015 agenda must be consistent with all human rights and be underpinned by the rule of law. It should address inequalities and discrimination, including through information and communication technologies, as those could be key enablers of development. Gender equality was essential in shaping respectful and equal relationships in society, and those values were important to Latvia. As an aspiring member of the Human Rights Council for 2015-2017, his country would continue to promote those important values globally.

ALI BONGO ONDIMBA, President of Gabon, said the current session was being held in a time of threats, including those posed by Boko Haram, which sowed desolation and indiscriminate killing. Further, Ebola was plunging Africa into mourning. He paid tribute to the men and women risking their lives, and in some cases giving them in that fight, and he welcomed efforts by the United Nations and Member States. Gabon had prevailed against Ebola in the past, he noted, voicing its intention to contribute to the new mission.

Concerning a post-2015 development agenda, he said African priorities, including extreme poverty eradication, agriculture, protection of the environment and other important issues, enjoyed pride of place. A bold development programme was needed, which covered the ideals of the Millennium Development Goals, and also addressed climate change. Gabon wished to move to an economy of industry and services, and it wished to improve the yield of its educational system. It was best to anticipate the leap into the post-2015 development agenda, and such aims were a step in that direction. To lay solid foundations for the agenda, it was necessary to tailor a country’s economic situation.

Gabon’s commitment to combating climate change remained consistent, he said, recalling the latest report of the International Press Telecommunications Council, which was a reminder of the painful reality of climate change. It was wrong to remain insensitive, he said, adding that Gabon would bear its share of the common responsibility. In that context, it planned to halve its carbon emissions. A “South Climate Initiative”, set to follow the Lima conference, would address the climactic upheaval, which was a vital and even an existential issue. There must be a shared objective, aimed at saving the planet, which should be the focus of the Paris conference in December 2015.

He welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and hoped for the creation of a viable Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace with Israel. He reiterated support for the Moroccan initiative, which was likely to lead to a lasting settlement. Further, he favoured lifting the embargo on Cuba.

On other matters of concern, he said the terrorist threat was greater than ever. Boko Haram caused entire populations to seek shelter far from their homes, in fear, precariousness and despair. No nation was spared the murderous folly of those negative entities, and thus combating it must be more concerted and coordinated. He called for strengthening the United Nations operational capacities in support of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Finally, he expressed support for the London Initiative of February 2014, opposing poaching and the ivory trade. Respect for human dignity was at the core of Gabon’s concerns, which was why chairing the Human Rights Council was so important.

JUAN CARLOS VARELA RODRÍGUEZ, President of Panama, said that despite the serious conflicts taking place around the world, the American continent was at peace. The most serious challenges before it were: inequality; the fight against organized crime and drug and human trafficking; and regulation of migration flows to more developed economies. While Governments in the region were addressing those challenges, they required further coordination.

Noting that countries had reached consensus 14 years ago when they adopted the Millennium Declaration, he said that certain Millennium Development Goals remained challenges and that new challenges had arisen. Therefore a new consensus must be built at the regional, hemispheric and global levels. As a Government that promoted consensus among the international community, Panama was committed to facilitating dialogue towards that end.

Marking the centennial of the Panama Canal, he said that the Isthmus of Panama had been the transit route of civilizations for five centuries, and reiterated a commitment to being a nation at the service of the international community. The expansion of the Canal would be completed with the support of professionals and workers from Panama and other nations. He noted further the importance of mediating disputes that prevented consensus and said, as host of the Summit of the Americas in 2015, the country was working to promote integration and social peace with equity and prosperity.

He stressed the need for elected officials to serve the people who had put them in office, calling politics “one of the strongest expressions of social service [as] the search for the common good”. In that context, he expressed his commitment to a Government that would foster the economic growth enjoyed by Panama, while giving priority to public investment that impacted the life of all Panamanians. With average domestic growth of 7 per cent, increasing foreign investment and a consolidated democratic system, the Government was making progress on the proposals that had won him the election.

Among its achievements were measures to curb speculation in the cost of food; the provision of adequate housing with appropriate water and sanitation; and major projects for youth, education, the elderly, public health and transportation, he continued. In closing, he stressed Panama’s role as a bridge to attain understanding, stating, “We live in a diverse world with different cultures, religions and political systems, but we can always find common ground in the well-being of our citizens.” That had been the formula for approval of the Millennium Development Goals, and would be key to fulfilling the post-2015 development agenda.

JOSEPH KABILA KABANGE, President, Democratic Republic of the Congo, said terrorism continued to claim the lives of people around the world, and Africa, formerly saved from its blind violence, was today its epicentre. African nations, including Somalia, Libya, Nigeria and Kenya, among others around the world, were afflicted by that blight, which there was a moral obligation to eliminate. African countries also saw their paths to development blocked by the recent Ebola outbreak, which had claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people, including 40 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Africa’s struggle against the disease was heroic, but States there needed support. The entire human race was threatened by the disease and the international community’s “touching and effective” solidarity with Africa was a “beautiful example of human solidarity”, as compared to the “naked competition” seen in many other areas. The outbreak was the seventh to strike his country, and he offered the benefits of 30 years of experience of Congolese health professionals to West African countries in need of it.

Wars were engulfing the Middle East, Ukraine, Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic, he said, recalling the aim of the United Nations to handle situations that were causing death and devastation. He wondered why, so many decades after its establishment, the human race still seemed unable to preserve peace. He promised Congolese help in preventing wars, noting that a Congolese contingent of peacekeepers was active in the Central African Republic. Any impediments to implementing the post-2015 development agenda could be handled as long as there was political will and resolve to do so.

He looked back 13 years, when the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was bad, but added that things had improved significantly and the country was now standing tall again. Peace was strengthening every day and the country had a dynamic economy, marked by low inflation, growth above the African average and constantly increasing reserves. The country was being rebuilt at an unprecedented rate, with new roads, schools, and hospitals always under construction. The Government’s priorities were strengthening democracy and national cohesion, and success was apparent. Elections would be held under the auspices of an independent electoral commission and everything had been done to ensure that the country emerged from the balloting more at peace with itself and stronger. Efforts would continue to re-establish peace in the country’s East and to improve relations with neighbours, he said, pointing to an improved business climate and stressing the importance of stability to achieving that.

With six of the world’s most dynamic economies in Africa and their rapidly growing populations and vast natural resources, he said it was “not normal” that the continent did not have a permanent seat on the Security Council. It was high time that situation changed, he said, adding that such reforms were also essential prerequisites for improving that body’s effectiveness.

ROSSEN PLEVNELIEV, President of Bulgaria, cited the unprecedented floods that recently swept his country as an example of why climate change must be urgently addressed. For its part, Bulgaria would actively support forthcoming negotiations aimed at reaching a legally binding climate agreement in 2015.

As we enter the critical phase of the post-2015 development debate, it was crucial that all sides remain committed to an “ambitious and forward-looking framework”, he said. A transformative agenda would only be possible if we address the loopholes of the current Millennium Development Goals and build upon lessons learned. The new goals should be founded on the principles of respect for human rights, good governance and the rule of law. Youth-related targets on education, health and employment were also important.

Development was unthinkable without peace and security, he said. The illegal annexation of Crimea undermined international order and was one of the most serious threats to peace and security in Europe since the Second World War. The principles embodied in the Charter had been “shattered to pieces in a matter of weeks”, he said. Bulgaria considered the annexation a violation of international law and voted in favour of General Assembly resolution 68/262 to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Despite that, he welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement and expressed hope that forthcoming elections would provide the foundation for a democratic and prosperous Ukraine.

Human rights, democracy and the rule of law were at the heart of Bulgaria’s foreign policy agenda, he said. That commitment was further strengthened by his country’s chairmanship of the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (Third Committee) during the sixty-eighth session of the Assembly. His country would continue to promote human rights internationally and support the Secretary-General’s Human Rights Up Front initiative. As a country that saved 48,000 Jews during the Second World War, Bulgaria was particularly concerned about recent anti-Semitic attacks taking place around the world, including in Europe, and condemned that recurring trend.

BUJAR NISHANI, President of Albania, said that peace, security and human values continued to be challenged in 2014. In that context, he turned to events in South Sudan, stating that trust could be built only through a political, negotiated solution, where the rights of all communities were taken into account. Albania, along with some 60 other Member States, had sought to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court, but that initiative had been vetoed in the Security Council, as had many others on the matter. He emphasized that the perpetrators of atrocities in Syria must be held accountable. The people of Syria deserved relief and justice.

Expressing concern at events in Ukraine, he said that a Permanent Member of the Security Council, the Russian Federation, had violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another country, thus undermining the Charter. Although the Council had been unable to take action on the issue, the Assembly had voted overwhelmingly not to accept the annexation of Crimea and to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The crises and disasters erupting around the world were also putting pressure on development. There had nevertheless been successes towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and Albania had been an active participant in formulating the post-2015 development agenda, agreeing to test a proposed goal on governance and rule of law. The transformative and inclusive sustainable development goals outlined in Rio in 2012 and the open-ended working group on sustainable development had produced a remarkable proposal on which to build. He also applauded the finalization of standard operating procedures for Delivering as One and its action plan to simplify and harmonize them.

Terrorism was another high priority, which could only be met through collective action and a powerful response, he continued. Condemning all terrorist acts committed in Iraq and Syria, he reported that Albania had joined the global coalition to defeat ISIS. Noting that his own region was of geostrategic importance for Europe, he said Albania’s designation as European Union candidate would encourage intensification of domestic reforms. He also expressed support for the overall development of Kosovo, the region’s youngest State, and for its territorial integrity in its current borders. Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia was facilitating European Union integration for both, he said, calling on all countries that had not yet done so to recognize Kosovo.

Turning to progress in his own country, he said that over the last two decades Albania had transformed from a totalitarian State to a functioning democracy, with progress most evident in the area of human rights. The country offered a valuable model of respect for diversity, tolerance and coexistence for the Balkan region and beyond. Its candidacy for the Human Rights Council, 2015-2017, was a logical consequence of the road it had taken to build a rights-based society, and membership would serve as impetus to further democratization.

JÁNOS ÁDER, President of Hungary, said, “If you want peace, you must prepare for war.” He was not speaking about preparing for military conflict but about the war being waged on the natural environment. The Secretary-General had described how dire the situation was at the recent Climate Summit and the General Assembly had heard many dramatic figures. Awareness of a climate change problem went back to 1896, when a Swedish scientist had noticed that increases in CO2 levels would lead to increased temperatures. Those changes were measured 60 years later, and 30 years after that, there was realization that a treaty would be needed to respond. Kyoto had come a decade later, meaning it had taken a century between identifying the problem and beginning to respond to it. Since Kyoto, there had been conferences, scientific meetings and political get-togethers, but despite promises, the situation continued to worsen.

Mother Nature continually gave warnings with its climate events, he said, pointing to floods, typhoons and other adverse meteorological events. There were unprecedented freezing temperatures recorded in Uttar Pradesh in India during January, temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius in Lapland in May, a white Christmas in Bethlehem and 123 temperature records in Australia over a year. In Europe, the River Danube drew attention — before the Second World War, it had flooded many times but never had reached 8 metres. In the past four years, it had passed 8 metres four times, coming close to 9 metres in 2013. In New York, Hurricane Sandy had caused $20 billion of damage and killed more than 40 people, despite consistent warnings by the New York administration that they needed to spend money to prepare. That was why the Mayor of New York had announced his wish to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 80 per cent in the next 30 years.

He recognized the work done by the Secretary-General in preparation for an agreement between States at the Paris summit in 2015. The question was whether Member States were doing enough to prepare for the summit. Having heard speeches made over the course of the week, he was not optimistic. He pointed to political narrow-mindedness and asked why the wisdom of scientists and the planet’s signals were being ignored. There was a good example of action that should instruct the international community, which came from the response to chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC, gasses. Having been introduced in the 1950s, 30 years of use had led to a 40 per cent reduction in the ozone layer. That had caused medical consequences in the form of increased prevalence of dermatological tumours. A deal had been struck in Montreal in 1987 to ban the gasses, and the first report had recently been released, which pointed to regeneration of the ozone layer.

It was not possible to wait for an agreement on climate change and hope that would arrest and even reverse the problem, he said. It was vital to reach agreement in Paris, but climate change was a much larger problem. Nevertheless, the target States were hoping to agree to restrict temperature rises to just 2 degrees Celsius, but that already seemed to be an illusion. The concentration of CO2 had never been higher, and scientists were saying that an accord today would not prevent effects in the future. The world must come to terms with the idea that the next generation would have to live with the expensive price of past irresponsible environmental policies, and it had to prepare for more serious natural events and disasters. Nicholas Stern had called for an investment of 1 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) on prevention to avoid environmental damage of up to 20 per cent of GDP. Paraphrasing the Roman military author, Vegetius, he concluded: “If you want calm, you must prepare for disasters.

ARTHUR PETER MUTHARIKA, President of Malawi, said that in May, the country had held its first ever tripartite elections, which had enabled Malawians to choose their political leadership through a democratic and peaceful process. Despite a few challenges, the elections had been free, fair, transparent and credible. In July, Malawi had commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of its independence. Although it had made some strides in the diverse sectors of national development, more must be done to improve the living standards of many Malawians, who remained below the poverty line.

He said his country had always rendered political support for the disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction. He was disheartened by the continuing violence and loss of life and property in the Middle East, owing to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and believed that the two-State solution was the only viable path to lasting peace in the region. He encouraged both sides to denounce violence, exercise utmost restraint, and employ dialogue to reach a political settlement.

Turning to the post-2015 development agenda, he was pleased that Malawi had been among those selected for national consultations. His country was on track to achieving just four of the eight Millennium Development Goals and thus would proceed to the post-2015 era with unfinished business. Inadequate resources were among the reasons for its failure to have achieved all the Goals. Development partners’ commitments had been unpredictable and at times unfulfilled. He added that the post-2015 development agenda should allow for some flexibility in implementation and should focus on the plight of disadvantaged groups, such as women, girls and persons with disabilities.

Regarding Security Council reform, he expressed his concern about its limited representation and said that only by expanding the number of its permanent and non-permanent members and including developing countries in both categories would its “legitimacy deficits” be solved.

BARON WAQA, President of Nauru, said that meeting today’s challenges required recognition that “we live in an interconnected world and the actions of one country or region impact the lives of people half a world away”. Reckless actions by nations had severely undermined the marine environment on which small island developing States depended — for their culture, economy and food. At the same time, some of the countries responsible for the damage were also charged with assessing the well-being of that environment. “How can we be confident that our interests will be protected?” he asked, when those who downplayed and sometimes covered up their own transgressions demanded greater transparency and accountability from developing countries.

He said that finding lasting solutions to such problems required examination of failures in the global order, which prevented countries like Nauru from accessing fair economic benefits from their own resources. Unable to stand by while others decided what was best for them, parties to the Nauru Agreement were taking the lead in managing their tuna stocks through such measures as curbing illegal fishing and sustainable harvesting. The current approach to problems, where a donor’s political interests determined aid priorities, failed to address the underlying “disease”. What was needed was long-term in-country engagement backed by real resources that left behind durable nationally owned domestic institutions.

Commending announcements made by world leaders at the Climate Summit on planned actions by their countries and corporations, he nevertheless believed that many of those actions would occur under some future government and decade. At the same time, small island developing States, who contributed only a fraction of global emissions, had undertaken to build sustainable economies and some of the most ambitious pledges to cut emissions. Nauru, for example, was working to achieve a 50 per cent reduction by 2020. In addition, the Pacific small island developing States had led the Assembly to formally recognize the connection between climate change and international peace and security in 2009, and the Security Council to do so in 2011.

In that context, he said that the Secretary-General should appoint a special representative on climate and security, and he should lead a joint task force of all relevant United Nations bodies to assess the Organization’s capacity to respond. The Security Council must also reflect new geopolitical realities by becoming more representative and inclusive. New members must be more geographically diverse and willing to broaden their vision beyond a narrow focus on domestic interests, for the good of all Member States.

TOMMY ESANG REMENGESAU, JR., President of Palau, said that his country, the Pacific region and the world had reached a crossroads. In the International Year of Small Island Developing States, communities, societies, cultures and economies around the world were under attack as never before experienced on many fronts. “We can continue business as usual,” he said, “or we can choose a different road, one that will enable our critical habitats a chance to recover and […] ensure their continued ability to sustain us.” The Pacific region, whose people comprehended first-hand the real and present impacts of climate change, would not go down without a fight, he declared.

He recalled agreement by leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum that they must play a central role in the stewardship of the Pacific Ocean. Among the efforts under way were the establishment of protected marine areas and work to launch negotiations by September 2015 for an international agreement under the Convention on the Law of the Sea for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. He called on the United Nations to ensure a stand-alone sustainable development goal on oceans, and in that context, he warned against making the new goals too broad. Targets must be realistic, simple, transparent and measurable, and focus on countries whose people were most in need. Indeed, the time had come to complete the job on the Millennium Development Goals, improving the level and responsiveness of financing mechanisms and ensuring that they reached those who needed it.

Climate change was the planet’s silent war, he went on, adding that a temperature increase of 3.6˚C was simply unacceptable. If that is the best that global leaders could do, “we might as well throw in the towel and stop having children, because there will be no future for them”, he said. By the end of 2015, world leaders must announce new, realistic commitments and practical actions supported by enhanced financial commitment to both mitigation and adaptation, and ratification of the second amendment to the Kyoto Protocol. Migration should not feature as an option in discussions, he said. Quoting a speaker from the Marshall Islands at the Climate Change Summit, he said, “no one is moving, no one is losing their homeland, no one is becoming a climate refugee”.

Palau had committed to a 20 per cent contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix and a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption by 2020. Stressing the importance of global partnerships in the fight against climate change, he expressed gratitude to those who had assisted Palau. In closing, he said: “Without effective partnerships, change will simply not occur. And without legally binding commitments towards our oceans and towards climate change, we will not make the transformative changes that we need to make in the next generation.”

JAKAYA MRISHO, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, said the unmet targets of the Millennium Development Goals should be factored into the post-2015 development agenda, while implementation of existing goals had to be sped up in the remaining days. Financing the next agenda needed special attention. Experience had taught that targets would be missed because of “unpredictable, unreliable, insufficient and untimely availability of resources”. A mechanism to ensure stable, predictable and reliable financing for implementation was vital. Next year was also the one in which a legally binding climate change agreement must be concluded. The Climate Change Summit had offered a unique opportunity to deliberate on ways to save the planet from disaster, and he hoped it would lay the groundwork for the Lima Conference. “Failure is not an option,” he declared.

He called for reform of the United Nations, noting reports that negotiations and consultations were not showing encouraging signs. Expressing frustration on that front, he said momentum must be maintained and he called on the General Assembly President to use his good offices and diplomatic skills to revitalize the process. There were several global threats to peace and security, including terrorism, illicit exploitation of natural resources, poaching, and the illicit trade in narcotic drugs and arms. Concerning terrorism, many lives had been lost and people had been abducted or forced to flee. It was imperative for all countries to play an active role in defeating Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, ISIS and other terrorist groups. The situations in Libya, Central African Republic and South Sudan also must be addressed.

Turning to the recent hostilities between Israel and Palestine, he said there had been “horrifying scenes of bombing and death of innocent women and children”. Concerted efforts were needed now to ensure that the solution — two States living side by side harmoniously — was reached. He reiterated his previous appeal concerning Western Sahara, urging resolution of the problem “once and for all”. He could not comprehend how it remained unresolved, especially when compared to the situation in East Timor, which had emerged at around the same time, but had been addressed. With that, he called on the United Nations to “put the Sahrawi question to rest”. He also called for an end to sanctions and the embargo against Cuba, saying those guaranteed perpetual hardship and poverty.

Turning to the Ebola epidemic, he noted that 2,400 people had died, with no cure or vaccine. The virus presented a major threat to neighbouring countries and beyond, and without success in controlling it, there was every danger it could become a global epidemic. Collective efforts were needed, he said, insisting that the world had the technology, knowledge and financial resources to find a cure or a vaccine. He applauded the efforts of the United Nations, WHO, United States and others, and requested continued and bolstered support to control the disease, particularly assistance to other West African nations to build capacity for surveillance, isolation and treatment. Noting the stigma developing against the continent, he said tourism was crucial and must be protected.

STEPHEN HARPER, Prime Minister of Canada, said that his country had a strong record in serving humanity and upholding United Nations values, and on many occasions, Canadians had put their lives on the line for that purpose. Today’s crises illustrated the role of poverty and injustice in war, but those were not the only causes. There were affronts to human dignity and the international order, and Canada had always been ready and willing to partner with other civilized countries in combating them. It would continue to assist its allies in the international community to deal with today’s grave challenges.

He said that any effort was in vain, however, if people were not provided with alternatives to a better way of life. Trade and the effective delivery of aid had become the signature of Canada’s outreach to the world. His country was proof of how trade had made “great nations out of small ones” and created new opportunities for ordinary people and their families. The trade agreements reached by his country had helped to establish important links to world commerce. While assistance to vulnerable countries was necessary for development, investment was needed even more to achieve sustainable growth.

Saving the lives of vulnerable mothers around the world should be another top priority, he said. Despite remarkable progress in recent years, thanks to vaccines and other simple techniques, millions of mothers and children who would have died in the past now had a chance to survive. He praised the Secretary-General’s Every Woman, Every Child initiative as it provided a clear path forward to prevent the deaths of children from easily avoidable causes. New levels of excellence were achieved via partnerships that brought Governments together with the private sector. With renewed political focus and financial commitment, saving the lives of children and mothers “is a fight we can win”, he stated. Looking beyond the post-2015 development agenda, maternal, newborn and child health must once again become a top priority. Canada was proud to financially support the Every Woman, Every Child initiative and invited other countries to do the same.

MARK RUTTE, Prime Minister and Minister for General Affairs of the Netherlands, said that in a summer already marked by alarming reports from Syria, Iraq and Gaza, his country was confronted with a stark international reality. The 298 passengers of flight MH17 would be alive today if not for the Crimea conflict and the destabilization of eastern Ukraine. Of the victims, 196 were Dutch nationals. That tragedy had an immense impact on the country. Entire families were ripped from neighbourhoods, desks were left empty in offices and schools, team-mates were gone forever. The pain would be felt for years to come. Some of the victims still had not been identified, and that must be done as soon as possible. Nothing was more important to their loved ones, wherever they might be in the world.

This past summer, the world was reminded how interwoven world events could be at home and abroad, he said. When it came to addressing the problems facing the global community, there was simply no alternative to working together. He was grateful for Security Council resolution 2166 (2014). The cause of the MH17 disaster must be brought to light, those responsible must be brought to justice and all remains and personal belongings needed to be repatriated. Access to the crash site must be granted. The events of the summer had made the Netherlands more resolute about promoting the international legal order. Peace, justice and development were closely interconnected.

In 2015, the world would evaluate the Millennium Development Goals, he said. The most important Goal was to eradicate extreme poverty within a generation in a way that did not harm economic growth, social equality or the environment. Fragile States without stability had no chance of achieving the Millennium Goals. He welcomed the Secretary-General’s initiative to establish the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), and the Netherlands would increase its humanitarian aid, including a contribution of €18 million to fight the disease.

He said that the role of women as positive change agents in society could not be emphasized enough, and that their leadership was essential for achieving peace and security. Perpetrators of crimes that violated international law needed to be brought to justice, no matter how long the process might take. That was owed not just to the victims of the crash of MH17, but to victims of violence in Syria and Iraq. The Council must be able to act boldly and decisively. The organ must be able to act in a crisis, and veto power should be exercised with greater restraint. In that regard, he saluted the French initiative. Further, African States were underrepresented on the Council, and the organ’s authority would be enhanced if Member States were more broadly represented.

QOHIR RASULZODA, Prime Minister of Tajikistan, said that the sustainable development goals could be achieved only if specific plans were complemented with the development of effective mechanisms for their review and realization. Addressing issues of financing for sustainable development was equally important for achieving it. Also important were global partnerships based on the Millennium Declaration. In that regard, the activities of the Intergovernmental Committee on of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing was of key importance in order to set up a United Nations mechanism for promoting development and the transfer of technology. As a “pilot” country in the United Nations for achieving the Millennium Goals, Tajikistan planned to carry out a comprehensive review of those goals’ implementation in 2015.

The Decade for Action “Water for Life” gave powerful impetus to various initiatives and efforts at different levels to promote access to fresh drinking water and sanitation, he said. It would also serve as an introduction to integrated management of water resources, strengthen and expand water cooperation, and increase awareness of water-related challenges.

Global climate change, the increasing growth of economies and population, the degradation of water sources and the deterioration of water quality, all posed an additional challenge to the international community, he said. The reduction of fresh water resources caused by climate change could present new obstacles towards achieving sustainable development, and he said a comprehensive review of the International Decade should develop recommendations to strengthen and renew the United Nations water agenda. Access to modern and affordable energy service was also a priority, and Tajikistan was developing its own potential in that arena in a consistent and planned manner. That included large-scale exploratory projects in wind and solar energy, which would hopefully contribute to a reduction of detrimental emissions.

He said that the international community must implement the United Nations global anti-terrorist strategy to address various threats, including the use of the Internet for the purpose of carrying out terror. Illicit drug trafficking caused serious problems, and in recent decades, Tajikistan had gained much experience in combating it. The Drug Control Agency had been successfully functioning for 15 years, and he attached importance to the coordination of efforts with Afghanistan in fighting drug trafficking and in other areas. Afghanistan was facing new challenges, and expected targeted support from the international community. With such support, that country would be able to address its upcoming difficulties.

Strengthening peace and stability in conflict and post-conflict situations required actual assistance in addressing economic and social issues, as well as the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and programmes, he said. It would be impossible to resolve the issues facing the General Assembly without strengthening and reforming, rationalizing and renewing the entire United Nations system. That would strengthen and enhance its capacity to respond to modern challenges and counteract modern threats.

KAY RALA XANANA GUSMÃO, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, said that despite high hopes, the Millennium Development Goals had not delivered for fragile and conflict-affected countries. The challenges facing those countries had only worsened along with the increase in conflicts around the world. The United Nations had failed to achieve positive results, leading to an increased loss of trust and a crisis of values.

More than anything, it was important to understand the root causes of those issues, he said. When faced with a threat that jeopardizes peace, it was vital to understand the interdependency of the issues in order to reach a consensus. The use of military force would not establish universal values or build democracies. As things stood, we were “sliding off into the darkness of war”, upholding outdated principles of an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, he said. Collective efforts to preserve world peace and security must reject the actions of large Powers motivated by strategic interests. The international community should prioritize mechanisms for resolving issues related to the exclusion, discrimination and marginalization of disadvantaged groups.

Having witnessed the near destruction of its country, Timor-Leste knew all too well the consequences of war, he said. Instead of feeding hatred and vengeance, his country nurtured solidarity and tolerance, providing the foundation for political peace and a genuine reconciliation with Indonesia. The country’s partnership with the United Nations in rebuilding had taught it important lessons, which it had shared with the world, particularly fragile States. Timor-Leste was a part of the g7+ group of conflict-afflicted countries that sought to place their needs onto the global development agenda.

He voiced concern by the developments in the east and south of the China Sea. That issue was of vital importance to Timor-Leste, and there was a pressing need to set maritime borders between countries in a clear manner and in line with international law. Timor-Leste wanted to continue to believe in sovereign rights and international mechanisms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, but it was weary of the intentions of big, multinationals that acted with “dishonesty and bad faith when dealing with poor countries”. International conventions would be vital to rebuilding trust in the world system and in preventing tensions on that front from increasing.

ERNA SOLBERG, Prime Minister of Norway, said that leaders who gathered for the Climate Summit had taken important steps to mobilize action. Now it was time to make sure that the positive results were followed through and expanded as the international community prepared for an agreement in Paris next year. Achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals would create a solid foundation for sustainable development. As the co-chair of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Millennium Development Goals advocacy group, she would use every opportunity to help build that foundation over the remaining 462 days until the deadline.

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa was a reminder of the fragility of progress and development, she said, urging the building of health-care systems to support courageous and determined individuals, such as the deputy nurse matron Josephine Findu Sellu, who lost 15 nurses to Ebola but who never stopped working in that “death trap”. Education, particularly for girls, was a “superhighway” to ending poverty, which, together with discrimination and the use of force, often prevented girls from being schooled. Specifically, sexual violence, abductions and deadly attacks were the most despicable violations. She condemned the abductions of schoolgirls by Boko Haram in the strongest possible terms, and drew attention to Malala Yousafzai, saying if one schoolgirl could take on the Taliban, then surely the world community could defeat extremism and terrorism. A girl child growing up in Syria today could not look forward to going to school, because there was no school to go to; and a pregnant teen in South Sudan would not get the maternal health services she needed because travel for health workers was risky.

On other matters of concern to Norway, she condemned the Russian Federation’s violation of international law and its continuing destabilization of eastern Ukraine. Any settlement of the conflict must uphold international law and respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The ceasefire needed to be respected, for which the Russian Federation bore particular responsibility. While the Security Council was mandated to maintain peace and security, it had failed to effectively address the situations in Syria and Ukraine, because some big Powers still believed in outdated ideas of zero-sum games and spheres of influence.

International peace, national security, social development and individual prosperity could best be fostered under a system of democratic governance and human rights, she said. The promotion and protection of human rights was first and foremost the responsibility of States. However, the international community faced large implementation gaps. Attacks, threats, intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders were increasingly being reported. Discrimination was widespread, particularly against minorities, such as indigenous people and lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. As the world set its future course beyond 2015, peace and stability must be included, climate issues must be addressed, and democratic governance achieved for the development of all.

ABDELILAH BENKIRANE, Prime Minister of Morocco, said sustainable development must strike a balance between requirements for social and economic progress and the protection of the environment on the one hand, and safeguarding of rights of future generations on the other. His country had a distinctive development model rooted in the people’s culture and specific national values. There also was a national initiative for human development and ambitious programmes in renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, which were key to sustainable development.

He said developing countries, especially in Africa, must be treated fairly and their development addressed objectively. Ready-made prescriptions were not the route to sustainable development, for which there was no single model. “What applies to the West” could not be the sole criterion for determining other development models. Colonialism had been very damaging, as it had hindered development, exploited resources and changed customs and cultures. It also sowed seeds of division within communities and between neighbours. Colonizers bore a historic responsibility for that and had “no right to ask the countries of the South to introduce radical change rapidly”. He appealed for more realism and wisdom in the international community, especially when dealing with such countries. There should also be greater consideration for their circumstances and paths to democracy and development.

Nevertheless, he went on, some Western countries continued to hamper the progress of former colonies. All that Western countries and their institutions did was give lessons and support that was usually conditional. They asked countries of the South to achieve stability and development over a very short time, and according to very specific, imposed conditions, without accounting for their development processes or specific national circumstances. There could be no stability without development, or development without stability; both rested on respect for sovereignty and customs, and territorial integrity. Ratings and classifications of countries also raised many questions, as that process was far removed from the reality of countries of the South and could not give an objective account of their level of human development. Nevertheless, aid given was often based on such ratings and their “quasi-impossible” conditions.

NATALIA GHERMAN, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, said her country had chosen “a European future”. She described agreements concluded with the European Union on trade and potential accession that could make the economy more competitive. The focus was on strengthening democracy and the rule of law at home, fighting corruption, improving the investment climate and enhancing energy security. Moldova’s modernization efforts had been aided by partnerships and she pointed to a new pipeline connecting Moldova to the European Union’s gas network. That project, along with other strategic infrastructure projects, would be implemented over the coming four years.

To realize national ambitions, citizens in Transnistria had to be included, she said, stressing the need for resolution of the conflict and the region’s reintegration into Moldova. A political settlement was sought and international partners agreed on its basic principles. Discussions needed to resume without delay within the 5+2 format. The military of the Russian Federation had to leave the region and peacekeeping arrangements should shift from the current military operation into a civilian multinational mission. Moldova’s relationship with the Russian Federation was marked by “unjustified trade restrictions” on agricultural exports but trade agreements with the European Union and Turkey would contribute to future diversification. Events in Ukraine were of great concern and she would never recognize the annexation of the Crimea. Respect for the United Nations Charter and international law was vital. She described her country’s contributions to the United Nations, European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), including the deployment of 41 Moldovan soldiers in KFOR, the international peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

She said that Moldova had volunteered to provide a midterm evaluation on the Universal Periodic Review by October 2014, while a national strategic programme for demographic security for 2011-2025 was being developed. Noting Moldova’s aim to become a regional centre of excellence in reproductive health, contributions continued to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) objectives. As well as sharing migration and development best practices with other countries in the European Union’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods, active engagement continued in the work of the Global Forum for Migration and Development. Freedom of expression was important and her country had fast and affordable Internet connectivity that reached more than 65 per cent of the population.

PIERRE MOUKOKO MBONJO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cameroon, said that since 2010, his country had implemented a strategy for growth and employment aimed at poverty reduction. The recovery of the economy and public finance, which had fostered the return of growth, augured good results. But, however significant the progress, it had not eliminated poverty. More remained to be done in education, health, access to water and electricity, and roads, among other areas. A majority of developing countries experienced similar situations. Accordingly, the post-2015 development agenda must not be viewed as an exogenous process, but as one that expressed the needs of target populations. That was the common position of the African countries.

To that end, a mechanism would have to be put in place to follow up on the new system, and the delivery of ODA would have to be more efficient, he continued. Furthermore, security must be assured, for without it, development was not possible.

He cited the deteriorating security situation in the neighbouring Central African Republic, which eliminated any hope of development. In the north, attacks by Boko Haram, more interested in imposing Sharia law than improving the lot of the population, had driven thousands of displaced persons into his country. While Cameroon would like to continue to host them, if the situation were to continue, the country’s means would simply not permit it. He called upon the parties to find a peaceful solution, as Cameroon had done in its conflict with Nigeria over the Bakassi Peninsula. That had enabled the two countries to resolve their disagreement in keeping with international law and to seal a friendship between them.

MANKEUR NDIAYE, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Senegal, called for a common vision on ways and means to strengthen commitments to build stable and inclusive growth. Senegal’s model focused on wealth creation and structural transformation and the Plan for Emerging Senegal was a reference point for economic and social policies. He praised the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and its focus on poverty, infrastructure and structural transformation and commended the work of its steering committee.

He described several international issues, including terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa, and the democratic transition in Guinea-Bissau. Elsewhere in Africa, the Ebola epidemic posed a risk to the entire world. He was reassured by the United Nations response in the form of its emergency mission and urged support for affected countries. For its part, Senegal had established a secure aerial humanitarian corridor. He reaffirmed his commitment to brotherly links between countries of the Maghreb and supported Morocco’s decision to grant a large degree of sovereignty to Western Sahara. Stressing the importance of the International Criminal Court to restoring peace to countries in regular crisis, he noted the honour given to Senegal in the appointment of Sidiki Kaba as President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Court. Senegal continued to contribute troops to peacekeeping operations, and the United Nations needed reform if it was to deal with the severe crises now facing the world. He welcomed the French initiative to suspend the veto in cases of mass atrocities.

Lisa Schlein
September 25, 2014 10:56 AM

GENEVA— The International Committee of the Red Cross says millions of people in Africa who are facing violence, hunger and displacement are in desperate need of assistance. The humanitarian group is appealing to the international community for more help.

International Committee of the Red Cross Operations Director Dominik Stillhart just visited the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Somalia. He says these conflict-ridden countries are in desperate need of more international support.

He says the humanitarian situation in CAR is serious, with thousands of civilians killed in fighting between Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian anti-Balaka fighters. Stillhart says most of the more than 500,000 internally displaced people are too scared to return home.

He says he does not believe the fighting is based on religious differences. Nevertheless, it has resulted in a de facto division of the country between the Muslim Seleka controlled northeast and the government and Christian anti-Balaka in the southwest.

Stillhart tells VOA the best hope for overcoming divisions in the country lies in mutual interest in having a stronger economy.

“Economically, it would make a lot of sense to work together again because, especially the Muslim populations and communities, they were the main traders of the country and Bangui is suffering from the absence of that trade community. So, there may be some economic incentives for people to start living together again, which will then gradually ease some of the tensions, the serious tensions that now exist in the country,” he said.

Forty percent of ICRC's operational budget goes toward Africa. South Sudan costs about $139 million and the ICRC has appealed for an additional $19 million, mainly to provide food for 150,000 people until the end of the year. It has provided food to more than one half million people since December.

But the United Nations reports nearly four million people in South Sudan are in need of food aid. Stillhart says it is too early to speak about famine.

“We will see probably at the end of the rainy season when access will be improving whether we can really speak about famine," he said. "We know there are pockets of serious food insecurity, but there is also a large-scale humanitarian operation that is underway and that may well prevent the worst from happening, but the situation is critical."

Stillhart says the situation in the Somali capital Mogadishu has improved, but in areas under the control of al-Shabab militants the situation is dire. He says of the 2.9 million people in need of food, one million internally displaced in Somalis are most at risk.

UNMISS Update, 25 September 2014

IOM SLO Response to South Sudan Crisis in Ethiopia - External Situation Report, 17-23 September 2014

IOM SLO Response to South Sudan Crisis in Ethiopia - External Situation Report, 17-23 September 2014

25 September 2014 - Assisting South Sudanese uprooted by communal violence which started on 15 September at the country’s border with Uganda, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) began distributing relief items this week.

The conflict between communities in Kajo-Keji County and Uganda’s Moyo district left almost 12,000 South Sudanese refugees displaced and forced to return to their country, according to Kajo-Keji County Relief and Rehabilitation Commission Secretary Henry Sokiri,

“I do not have any house in Kajo-Keji,” said Janet Poni, a displaced guardian of five children who had been living in Moyo since 1988.

UNHCR Assistant Safety Advisor in Yei, Joseph Guya, said the agency was carrying out a comprehensive assessment of displaced people’s needs.

“These are people who have been away for years,” he said. “The major challenge is how these families can start a new life.”

Mr. Guya said the displaced people had received items like blankets, cooking utensils, sleeping mats and mosquito nets, clean water and cleaning materials.

A media release from UNHCR also said the agency had been helping with medical referral of sick individuals to the hospital, as well to identify unaccompanied children to facilitate their reunification with family.

The statement noted that UNHCR’s intervention was done in partnership with local authorities, the South Sudan Commission for Refugee Affairs, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, non-governmental organizations and local communities.

The host community in Kajo-Keji, Chamber of Commerce and local churches had also provided hot meals. The Kuku community in Juba contributed 14,000 South Sudanese pounds and 500 bags of maize flour.

Despite the assistance, other challenges still faced the county, including increased admissions at Kajo-Keji Hospital, which lacked sufficient staff and medical supplies.

“Our beds are too few, bed sheets are torn … and the mattresses are rotten, making it hard to meet the pressing needs,” said hospital administrator Felix Tito. “Even with limited supplies, we are trying hard to … support the growing number of returnees and the displaced people.”

Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Henry Kala Sabuni noted that many people believed the conflict was land-related in areas contested by the two countries, but he said it was also caused by an economic struggle between Uganda’s Madi community in Moyo and South Sudan’s Kuku community who had sought refuge there.

The greatest need in the border area was to find a peaceful resolution, Kajo-Keji County Legislative Council Speaker Patrick Wolyan said.

“We have co-existed for a long time,” he said. “We want to initiate a dialogue that brings together both the Kuku elders and the Madi elders to end the dispute.”

Two delegations led by Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali and Central Equatoria State Minister of Information and Broadcasting Suba Samuel Mannase met in Moyo on 20 September and resolved to immediately deploy a joint border patrol force.

25 September 2014

Hears Updates on Sri Lanka, Iraq, Cambodia, Yemen and Democratic Republic of Congo and Holds General Debate on Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

The Human Rights Council today held separate interactive dialogues with Bahame Nyanduga, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, and with Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. The Council also heard the presentation of country reports by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner and oral updates on Sri Lanka, Iraq, Cambodia, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and held a general debate on technical assistance and capacity building.

In his report on the human rights situation in Somalia, Bahame Nyanduga, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, said that weak State institutions, poverty and displacement had created an environment of rampant violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Somali people. The frequent attacks by Al-Shabab on State institutions and civilians posed a great threat to human rights, while the fight against those forces led to the grave endangerment of freedom of expression and opinion. With regard to accountability, the Government should investigate crimes and abuses and the United Nations should play a crucial role in fighting impunity.

Speaking as the concerned country, Somalia said that it had established ad-interim a Human Rights Task Force to investigate the killing of journalists and sexual violence against women, and to adopt the first post-transition human rights roadmap 2013-2015. Somalia reiterated its zero tolerance policy against sexual violence and exploitation of women and girls and called for the support to its efforts to deal with impunity for all acts of sexual violence committed by parties to the conflict, African Union Mission to Somalia and non-State actors.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers said that a stable country was a precondition to the improvement of the human rights situation in Somalia; it was necessary to focus on the implementation of judiciary and security sector reforms and ensure swift progress on the political front over the next year through agreeing on a federal model, drafting a new constitution and preparing for the 2016 elections. Reports of sexual exploitation by the African Union Forces were a cause for concern and speakers urged all parties to prevent abuses and ensure accountability. Delegations were deeply concerned about the grave and worsening humanitarian situation with worrying levels of food insecurity and malnutrition and underlined the need to act now to avoid escalation of the crisis, and also to consider longer-term solutions to food insecurity in Somalia such as support for agriculture and livelihood programming.

Speaking in the interactive discussion were the European Union, Ethiopia on behalf of the African Group, United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, United Kingdom, Italy, Djibouti, China, United States, France, the United Nations Children Fund, Algeria, Yemen, Ireland, Australia, Qatar, Denmark, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Mozambique.

The following non-governmental organizations also spoke: International Federation of Journalists, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, International Education Development, Article 19, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, referred to her mission to the Central African Republic and spoke about the political situation following the signing of the Brazzaville Agreement on the cessation of hostilities on 23 July. The humanitarian situation was still very difficult, although the number of internally displaced persons had been reduced, and refugees were starting to return. There had been some improvements to the human rights situation but in Bangui the sense of fear was almost as strong as the actual insecurity and prevented people from going about their daily lives.

Taking the floor as the concerned country, the Central African Republic said that given the climate of insecurity and violence, and the delay in providing the necessary funding, it was unrealistic to expect that the Government could deliver on its commitment to hold the elections. Continuing support and the permanent presence of the international community were crucial and the mandate of the Independent Expert should be renewed to facilitate the implementation of recommendations and the return of the rule of law. The Central African Republic reiterated its commitment to the Rome Statute and welcomed the decision of the International Criminal Court to continue to keep the country under review.

Delegations participating in the discussion remained deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation and the climate of insecurity and its effect on human rights, and reiterated the need to fight impunity through strengthening the judiciary and prosecuting perpetrators of those acts, with the support of the international community. Speakers strongly condemned deliberate attacks against civilians on account of their religion and origin, recruitment of child soldiers and attacks on humanitarian workers. They underlined the importance of renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert and asked about further measures that the international community could undertake in order to protect the most vulnerable groups.

Ethiopia on behalf of the African Group, the European Union, the Republic of the Congo on behalf of Groupe Francophone, Egypt, Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Angola, Lithuania, Estonia, Algeria, Mali, China, Congo, and France took the floor.

Femmes Afrique Solidarite, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Servas also spoke.

Flavia Pansieri, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, presenting country reports and oral updates by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner, said that the situation in Iraq continued to deteriorate in the light of abuses committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Many of the abuses could amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity; accountability must be established for the brutal, dehumanizing crimes that had been committed and Iraq should ratify the Rome Statute. It was regrettable that Sri Lanka refused to engage in the international investigation which was a unique opportunity to establish an accurate record of patterns of human rights violations committed by both sides during the latter period of the conflict.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, armed groups and members of the Congolese defence and security forces continued to commit serious human rights violations, particularly in eastern provinces affected by conflict, which demonstrated the need for more proactive engagement from the Congolese army and troop-contributing countries to protect civilians. Progress in Cambodia had been achieved in several areas, including the administration of justice, while the agreement between the ruling and opposition parties resolved the political stalemate that had led to street protests, some of which had been met with excessive force and restrictions on freedom of expression. In Yemen, the deteriorating security situation, including in the capital, and the continued marginalization of and violations against the Muhamasheen and other minorities remained areas of concern.

Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Yemen spoke as concerned countries.

Cambodia said it had made strenuous efforts in the implementation of judicial reforms and had adopted a five-year strategy plan on prison reform which provided a framework for prison management and treatment of prisoners in compliance with international norms and standards.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo deplored accusations in the report including human rights violations, torture, arbitrary arrests and the massacre of civilians at the hand of national security forces, and said that the report had taken stock of events that had occurred before June 2013 which was outside of the reporting period.

Iraq said it stood ready to provide any support to the Commission of Inquiry on the crimes committed by the Islamic State in Syria and the Levant and said that it had formed a Government of national unity in September, which was ready to fight terrorism and support recovery and rehabilitation.

Sri Lanka said that the investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights violated national sovereignty and independence, and would impede the process of reconciliation in the country.

Yemen said that the country was undergoing a difficult conflict with many civilian casualties and hoped that the peace agreement concluded in September 2014 would lead to a national dialogue conference, and provisions for the creation of a national unity government.

In the general debate that followed, speakers expressed dismay about the situation in Iraq and the violations and abuses carried out by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, whose spread into Iraq demanded that the international community unite against terrorism in the Middle East. Several delegations urged Sri Lanka to reconsider its decision not to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mission into alleged human rights violations during its civil war, while others stressed the politically motivated nature of this resolution and said that investigative powers conferred on the Office were controversial and unwarranted. The high level of impunity and sexual violence and the deteriorating human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were issues of concern, and speakers called on the Office to remain transparent in its investigations of human rights violations there. All parties in Yemen should remain committed to the principles of the national dialogue conference and do their utmost for a peaceful and stable country.

Speakers said that technical assistance and capacity building helped countries meet their international and regional obligations in the field of human rights, and stressed the absolute need to respect the principle of the consent of the State concerned. Using technical assistance to politicize human rights issues and impose values could rarely bring about improvements; instead, it should be aimed at rebuilding human rights infrastructure and furthering the rule of law and democracy.

Speaking in the general debate were Italy on behalf of the European Union, Russia on behalf of a Group of States, Egypt on behalf of a Like-Minded Group, United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Arab Group, Thailand on behalf of a Group of States, Montenegro, Ireland, United States, Venezuela, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Morocco, Cuba, China, Sierra Leone, Maldives, India, Philippines, Namibia, Algeria, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Netherlands, Norway, Thailand, Mozambique, United Nations Children Fund, Sudan, Belgium, Council of Europe, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Canada, Switzerland, Myanmar, South Sudan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Uzbekistan.

Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Advocates for Human Rights, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, Alsalam Foundation, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Servas International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme, International Buddhist Relief Organization, Reporters Sans Frontieres International, Liberation, and Le Collectif des Femmes Africaines du Hainaut also spoke.

Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo spoke in a right of reply.

The Human Rights Council is holding a full day of meetings today. This afternoon it will begin to take action on draft decisions and resolutions. The Council will conclude its twenty-seventh regular session on Friday, 26 September.

Interactive Debate with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia

The Council has before it the report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia (A/HRC/27/71)

Presentation by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia

BAHAME NYANDUGA, Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, said he was reporting to the Council only three months after his appointment and without conducting a mission to Somalia, so he had been met with the challenge of preparing a report without interacting with State and government officials and other stakeholders in Somalia. The report contained a summary of meetings with various stakeholders outside Somalia. Nevertheless, he assured the Council that the findings and conclusions in the report were based on extensive research and interviews with various actors familiar with the human rights situation in Somalia. The situation in Somalia was characterized by two decades of anarchy. Weak State institutions, poverty and displacement had created an environment of rampant violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Somali people. Women, children, and the elderly continued to bear the brunt of those violations. Frequent attacks by Al-Shabab on State institutions and the civilian population continued and posed a great threat to human rights in Somalia. The fight against the Al-Shabab forces had led to the grave endangerment of freedom of expression and opinion, and the Government had closed two radio stations in Mogadishu, and some journalists had been detained. The conflict had also led to a great number of displaced persons. The forceful eviction of refugees was particularly worrisome, as well as continuous reports of sexual violence against women and girls, especially those from minority groups. Such crimes were reported to have been committed both by the Somalia National Army and Al-Shabab forces.

Recently, efforts of the United Nations, the African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development and individual countries from the region and beyond, together with the Somali Government, had sought to contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the country. Mr. Nyanduga urged the Federal Government of Somalia to investigate committed crimes and to hold perpetrators accountable. He also called on the United Nations to play a crucial role in fighting impunity. He voiced hope that Somalia would awaken to the possibility of peace and stability following a referendum on a permanent national constitution in 2015 and general elections in 2016. The Somali Government had recently put forward a bill for the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission. Mr. Nyanduga called on the Human Rights Council to support the Somali Government to reform its justice and security sector, and called on the international community to commit more resources to alleviate the ongoing food crisis in the country.

Statement by the Concerned Country

Somalia, speaking as the concerned country, welcomed and appreciated the report which clearly indicated the areas where the Independent Expert intended to focus during the coming six years of his mandate and regretted the huge implementation gap of the Council’s resolutions by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). A major achievement in 2011 had been the robust and frank engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process and the full acceptance of 151 out of 155 received recommendations, while the institutions of the rule of law and justice were now taking root. A Human Rights Task Force ad-interim had been established to investigate the killing of journalists and sexual violence against women, and to adopt the first post-transition human rights roadmap 2013-2015. Somalia faced a peculiar challenge of harmonizing its traditional setting with the modern statehood, while the most immediate challenge remained the provision of social services. The notions of access to resources and political representation had a great impact on securing lasting peace and security in Somalia. Somalia reiterated its zero tolerance policy against sexual violence and exploitation of women and girls and called for the support of its efforts to deal with impunity for all acts of sexual violence committed by parties to the conflict, African Union Mission to Somalia and non-State actors.

Interactive Dialogue

European Union called on Somalia to prioritize the implementation of the human rights roadmap and recognized that improving the human rights situation was a challenge. All parties should minimize the impact of their security operations on civilians and on food security while the African Union should investigate the allegations of sexual exploitation by members of the African Union Mission to Somalia. Ethiopia, speaking on behalf of the African Group, emphasized the importance of supporting the Somali-led peace process and called on the international community to further intensify its efforts to completely liberate the country from Al Shabab and reunite the country. United Arab Emirates, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, said that the Council should devote more attention to the situation in Somalia, particularly in the light of recurrent human rights violations, and appealed to the international community to show greater interest in the security situation in the country.

United Kingdom remained particularly concerned by violence against women, the recruitment and use of children in the conflict, the vulnerability of refugees, and the targeted killings of journalists, and pledged £ 45 million in relief, calling on international partners to support efforts to avoid the repeat of the famine in 2011. Italy expressed steadfast support to the Government of Somalia in its endeavour to achieve peace and stability in the country, and pledged support to all initiatives to enhance security in the country. To that end, Italy had contributed training courses to the Somali National Police. Djibouti deplored the attacks on civilians and Government officials by the Al-Shabab forces, and welcomed the fact that the Independent Expert would conduct a thorough analysis of human rights violations in the country. China commended the Somali Government for having established institutions that would help secure peace, stability and national reconstruction, and called on the international community to increase its support for the African Union Mission to Somalia.

United States underlined the importance of judicial and security sector reform in Somalia in order to build a sustainable democratic system in the country, adding that there should be zero tolerance for human rights violations. France expressed concern over continued violence in Somalia and impunity for committed crimes, and encouraged the Somali Government to establish the National Human Rights Committee as soon as possible. UNICEF expressed concern about gender-based violence and grave violations of children’s rights in Somalia, such as separation from family and lack of humanitarian access, resulting in acute malnutrition. Algeria said that a stable country was a precondition to the improvement of the human rights situation and it was necessary to focus on the implementation of reforms in the judiciary and security sectors and ensure a stable political system in Somalia. Yemen continued to call on the international community to appropriately address the tragedy in Somalia, which spurred so many Somalis to flee, and said that could only be done through a comprehensive plan composed of political, security, human rights and humanitarian elements.

The humanitarian situation in Somalia and the looming drought which threatened to worsen an already acute crisis were of grave concern to Ireland who called on the international community to consider longer-term solutions to food insecurity in Somalia such as support for agriculture and livelihood programming while also providing immediate food relief. Australia said that swift progress on the political front over the next year would be crucial to consolidate recent progress in Somalia, particularly to agree on a federal model, draft a new constitution and prepare for the 2016 elections, including forming an Electoral Commission. Qatar condemned all attacks against civilians and human rights violations and called for investigations into those crimes and holding perpetrators accountability. The international community should do its utmost to avoid a famine such as the one in 2011. Reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by the African Union forces were a cause for concern and Denmark urged all parties to prevent such abuse and ensure accountability. Denmark was deeply concerned about the grave and worsening humanitarian situation with worrying levels of food insecurity and malnutrition and underlined the need to act now in order to avoid escalation of the crisis.

United Arab Emirates thanked the Independent Expert for preparing his report in exceptional circumstances and agreed with him that the provision of urgent technical assistance was a priority. Stability in Somalia should be a concern for all the international community in light of threats to regional and maritime security, including in the Indian Ocean. Morocco said after years of instability and armed hostilities, Somalia was at a historic turning point. There had been economic development, the return of the Somali diaspora and constitutional and institutional progress. Somalia had a long road ahead and its people needed international solidarity to make progress. Egypt expressed concern that early warning indicators showed that food insecurity and malnutrition were likely to increase this year and 2.9 million people in Somalia needed urgent life-saving and livelihood support, but there was still a funding gap of $ 663 million for humanitarian efforts. Egypt strongly condemned all acts of terrorism committed by Al Shabab, and acknowledged the relentless efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia. Mozambique said with such adverse circumstances in Somalia, human rights could neither prosper nor be upheld. Two fundamental rights – the right to life and the right to peace – were most at stake, not least from the looming drought. Mozambique appealed to the international community to redouble its efforts in providing multi-faceted assistance to the Somali people.

International Federation of Journalists said Somali journalists had played an important role in exposing rights abuses and mobilizing international support for the country over the past two decades, in particular the National Union of Somali Journalists. Now, their efforts had been dealt a devastating blow by the Government’s adoption of a repressive media law which sought to end independent journalism in Somalia. East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project echoed the Independent Expert’s concerns about continuing intimidation and arbitrary killing of journalists, including the arrest of at least 19 journalists in recent weeks. Non-governmental organizations and civil society played a critical role in enabling the Government to implement its Six Pillar Policy, and should be supported.

International Education Development said that without comprehensive judicial reform, it would be difficult to create a stable system that would protect human rights in Somalia. The National Strategic Plan for Judicial Reform conceded the lack of a coherent and functioning system and the organization believed that concerted efforts by the Independent Expert in this area would be most valuable. Article 19 said that more than two decades of civil war in Somalia had created extreme challenges for the media, with the country remaining one of the deadliest for journalists in the world. Government complicity in restricting freedom of express was making the environment for the media worse, adding to instead of abating the underlying cases of instability and conflict. Amnesty International raised concern about many forced returns of refugees to unsafe areas in the country, and noted that forced relocations should be stopped. When returns were not voluntary, that resulted in constructive refoulement, in violation of fundamental refugee protection principles. Human Rights Watch said that the situation in south-central Somalia remained dire. The Government had failed to protect some 120,000 refugees. Women and girls were particularly endangered among the displaced. Human Rights Watch urged the United Nations and other key stakeholders to publicly report on the human rights situation in Somalia, and to investigate crimes committed by the African Union Mission in Somalia forces.

Closing Remarks

Somalia thanked all speakers for the comments made during the discussion and pledged its efforts to ensure the dignity of every Somali citizen.

In his concluding remarks, BAHAME NYANDUGA, Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, highlighted the political and human rights concerns, and efforts of the internal community to bring security to Somalia. It was important to reflect on the priorities and support to be given to the Somali Government. He said he was making plans to visit the country in consultation with the United Nations office in Somalia, and once there he hoped to interact in person with various Somali officials and other stakeholders, and to communicate to them the concerns raised at the Human Rights Council. Speaking of the support for the establishment of the Somali National Human Rights Committee, he said his comments had already been communicated to relevant instances of government in Somalia, but that he also might be able to interact with the Government during further discussion of the bill for the establishment of the National Human Rights Committee in October 2014. Mr. Nyanduga said he would follow up on the report of the crimes committed by the African Union Mission to Somalia. He underlined that a comprehensive judicial and security sector reform in Somalia was crucial in promoting stability in the country. The lower levels of Government would require additional international support to implement that reform. He said he would also make sure that the media laws indeed contained provisions to protect freedom of expression.

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic

Presentation by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic

MARIE-THERESE KAITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, referred to her mission to the Central African Republic from 10 to 19 September, which coincided with the transfer of authority from the International Mission of the Central African Republic to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic on 15 September 2014. Ms. Bocoum spoke about the political situation following the signing of the Brazzaville Agreement on the cessation of hostilities on 23 July, although some forces did not participate. The implementation of that agreement seemed compromised by the many divisions and conflicts within the armed groups. On August 15, the hard line armed group the Ex-Seleka declared the establishment of the State of Dar El Kouti in the north of the country. The same month a new Government, led by Prime Minister Mahamat Kamoun, was established. Elections were planned for 15 February 2015.

Turning to the economic situation, the Independent Expert said the road between Cameroon and Bangui had re-opened but business had not resumed due to the security situation. The humanitarian situation was still very difficult, although the number of internally displaced persons had been reduced, and refugees were starting to return. There had been some improvements to the human rights situation but in Bangui the sense of fear was almost as strong as the actual insecurity and prevented people from going about their daily lives. The many human rights violations including violations of the right to life, restrictions on freedom of movement, people being accused of sorcery and attacked, increase in crime, extrajudicial decisions and illegal prisons attributed to armed groups. Despite the training of law enforcement officers, the situation of impunity had not improved and the parallel justice system was a significant challenge. Security in Bangui had improved to a certain degree thanks to the actions of the international forces and the police. However, the State’s authority had in general deteriorated and there were high levels of violence in the interior of the country.

The Independent Expert spoke about the National Reconciliation Strategy and Action Plan developed in Bangui which should be encouraged and communicated to populations outside of Bangui. The Independent Expert made several priority recommendations for the Government, in particular in pursuit of justice and ending impunity. She thanked the international community for their efforts and encouraged the establishment of an international system of resources to ensure revenue. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic should rapidly deploy security forces, especially staff with human rights expertise, into the interior of the country. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic was urged to strengthen capacities in the sub-region and take urgent measures to develop reconciliation programmes, as well as improve communications to inform the population about its work. It must also ensure its soldiers were paid. The international community should organize a conference of stakeholders on key issues, including the fight against sexual violence, and ensure the Central African Republic stayed on the global agenda.

Statement by the Concerned Country

Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, said it was very concerned about the situation on the ground and the climate of insecurity and violence created by the weakness in State institutions and the fragile rule of law. It was unrealistic to expect that the Central African Republic could deliver on its commitment to hold elections under such conditions, especially since the 36 million Euro promised for the elections were still not provided. The difficult situation in the country and the number of areas requiring further progress and improvement called for the continuing support and permanent presence of the international community in the country. The Central African Republic called for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert which it deemed crucial to facilitate the implementation of recommendations and to ensure the return of the rule of law. The Central African Republic reiterated its commitment to the Rome Statute and welcomed the decision of the International Criminal Court to continue to keep the country under review.

Interactive Dialogue

Ethiopia, speaking said on behalf of the African Group, remained deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation, the climate of insecurity and the resulting effect on human rights, and welcomed the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Brazzaville. The African Group encouraged the country to establish as soon as possible the rule of law and security throughout the country and hold free and independent elections. European Union welcomed the steps to establish the rule of law and investigate violence and was very concerned about the continued difficult human rights situation, including summary executions, rapes and other crimes which occurred in the general climate of impunity. The Republic of the Congo, speaking on behalf of the Groupe Francophone, expressed concern about the difficult humanitarian situation and the numerous human rights violations occurring with impunity throughout the country and reiterated the need to fight impunity through strengthening the judiciary and prosecuting perpetrators of those acts, with the support of the international community.

Togo welcomed the holding of the interactive dialogue on the human rights in the Central African Republic, as well as the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement in July 2014. Togo called on the Government of the Central African Republic to stop all acts of violence against civilians, and to start the process of disarmament. Czech Republic supported the extension of the mandate of the Independent Expert by one year, and welcomed the establishment of the transitional Government in August 2014. The Czech Republic was deeply concerned about sexual and other forms of violence and urged the international community to support the judicial system in the country, which lacked capacities. United Kingdom welcomed the report of the Independent Expert, but remained gravely concerned about grave human rights violations against civilians. It also welcomed the deployment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. The United Kingdom was pleased that the Mission had a full military mandate, and pledged to continue working towards peace in the country.

Equatorial Guinea said it was necessary to help the Central African Republic to move to a reconciliation phase. To that end, it was necessary to supply technical support to the transitional authorities in the Central African Republic to restore peace and stability. United States valued the Independent Expert’s work and recommendations to the transitional authorities in the Central African Republic. It welcomed the signing of the cease-fire agreement in July 2014, but remained deeply concerned by the continued violence and humanitarian crisis in the country. Successive weak governments and the culture of impunity had further contributed to the lack of national cohesion. Spain supported the transitional Government’s efforts in combating impunity, but it remained concerned about the grave situation of refugees and difficult circumstances for humanitarian aid workers. Spain asked the Independent Expert to elaborate on her mandate’s priorities.

Egypt reaffirmed its strong commitment to the sovereignty of the Central African Republic and welcomed the Brazzaville Agreement to cease hostilities and the appointment of a new Government to lead the political transition process. The Central African Republic was classified as one of the world’s least developed countries; technical assistance and capacity building was essential to help the country develop and return to normalcy. Morocco said that given the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, the human rights implications were concerning. Morocco expressed its solidarity with the Central African Republic and neighbouring countries who had adopted non-refoulement measures. Morocco called on the international community to provide international assistance to the Central African Republic. Côte d’Ivoire underlined the importance of renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert and deplored the human rights situation of vulnerable persons, particularly of women, children and elder persons. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the prompt interventions by the international community and regional actors and stressed the importance of technical assistance. Chad was concerned about the grave human rights situation in the Central African Republic, and stood ready to provide aid in different forms so that peace could be restored. Chad would continue receiving refugees.

Ireland remained deeply concerned by the situation in the Central African Republic and the resulting displacement, especially the situation of women and children. Ireland firmly condemned the recruitment of child soldiers. Ireland condemned in the strongest possible terms attacks against humanitarian workers. Australia remained deeply concerned about ongoing human rights violations in the Central African Republic and said that it was imperative that perpetrators were held accountable. The transitional authorities should accelerate their efforts towards dialogue and peace, and ensure the full participation of women in reconciliation processes. Belgium accorded priority importance to combatting impunity, through the design and implementation of a national strategy on accountability. Belgium was concerned about the fate of children, including the recruitment of child soldiers and violations of the right to education.

Luxembourg remained profoundly concerned by the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that continued to be committed in all impunity in the Central African Republic. Deliberate attacks against civilians on account of their religion and origin were condemned. Angola remained concerned by the socio-economic and humanitarian situation prevailing in the country and continued to support the efforts made by the African regional institutions in seeking a peaceful outcome to the crisis. It welcomed the signature of the ceasefire agreement in Brazzaville. Algeria said the worsening of the security situation and intercommunal tensions in the Central African Republic were a source of concern, especially since the situation had led to violations of human rights and large-scale displacement of the population. It supported the different initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the country, and the signing of the ceasefire.

Lithuania welcomed the reduction in violence but remained seriously concerned about human rights violations in the country, and supported the opening of the preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court. What further measures could the international community undertake in order to protect the most vulnerable groups? Estonia welcomed the ceasefire agreement in place in the country. It wished the Government the best of luck in preparing for the National Reconciliation Forum in November. It was hoped that the level of protection of civilians would increase, that the level of impunity would decrease, and that the humanitarian situation would improve. Mali expressed full support for the Central African Republic, which faced an unprecedented crisis. The country needed additional support from the international community to ensure that peace and security could be restored and assistance be provided. Mali supported the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert.

China hoped that the parties to the conflict would implement their commitment to a ceasefire and commit to national transition and peace. The security and humanitarian situations remained of concern, including their impact on civilians. China called on the international community to strengthen its attention to the Central African Republic and provide it support for peace, security and assistance. Republic of Congo supported developments in the Central African Republic, including the agreement on the cessation of hostilities, and was pleased with the transfer of power to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. The Republic of Congo called for the organization of free and fair elections in the country, and supported the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert. France praised the high level of cooperation by the Central African Republic with the Council. The progressive stabilization of the situation there was welcomed, thanks to the work of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic as well as French and European troops. France remained concerned about the depth and scale of challenges to human rights, and the difficult humanitarian situation. All efforts had to be taken to protect citizens, rebuild the judiciary to ensure accountability, rebuild the security sector and disarm the population.

Femmes Africa Solidarité called for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert for another year, and commended the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. It encouraged the international community to remain mobilized on the situation in the Central African Republic, and underlined the importance that perpetrators were held accountable. Amnesty International was seriously concerned about remaining insecurity in the Central African Republic, where civilians continued to be threatened by anti-Balaka and Seleka militias. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic did not have the necessary resources to adequately protect civilians and fulfil its mandate. Amnesty International stressed the importance of holding all perpetrators of human rights abuses to account. Human Rights Watch said serious violations continued, including the killing of 146 people since June. Peacekeepers should urgently improve their capacity to protect civilians and ensure the safe return of displaced persons. Human Rights Watch urged the Council to press for investigation and accountability for perpetrators of violations in the Central African Republic and welcomed that the International Criminal Court had stepped in. Servas International said that due to the security situation, it could not provide its hospitality services in Mali, Somalia, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. It asked whether the deployment of the military could lead to lasting peace. Could non-governmental organizations on the development path of the Central African Republic contribute to improving the situation?

Concluding Remarks

Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country in concluding remarks, said that all statements had been heard and it was pleased with the level of concern. Indeed, it was requesting the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert but also asked the international community to support the Independent Expert, and to provide her with the necessary financial means. The world was living through an international financial crisis and funds were not readily available, but it did seek this support from those who could help. The Central African Republic had to improve its judicial arsenal but it did not always have the means to resolve all of these problems. It was party to the International Criminal Court and it did wish to ensure that committed crimes were brought before the Court. In order to establish lasting peace and democracy in the country, the Central African Republic did need support. Everyone who had been providing help and assistance was thanked.

MARIE-THERESE KAITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Central African Republic, in concluding remarks said non-governmental organizations played a crucial role in all areas in the Central African Republic, including in raising public awareness and the fight against impunity. They were present in displaced persons camps and contributed enormously to addressing the humanitarian situation. Recommendations had been made on including women. Women represented the majority of the population of the country and in times of crisis many women and girls were raped and sexually abused. Training was being carried out in order to help these women. A gender perspective had to be reflected in all of the work carried out in the Central African Republic. The Independent Expert did work with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Office present in the country and this did help in monitoring and reporting. Measures taken by the Government were important. Still, these efforts had to be strengthened and it had to be ensured that the international community supported them. On the role of the Council, it was important that it continue to monitor the situation, especially in light of the precarious nature of the human rights situation.

On measures related to the reinsertion of young boys and girls previously involved in armed groups, a lot of work had been carried out by non-governmental organizations, the international community and the United Nations Children’s Fund. There was a programme of action by the Ministry of Social Affairs that worked on their re-insertion. Financial and technical assistance from the international community was needed for these programmes. The crisis had had a horrible impact on children, including no access to education. Muslim children could not leave the areas where they lived. The United Nations Children’s Fund provided some assistance but this did not fully improve the situation. On impunity, the Government had made some efforts relating to the security of the magistrate, among others. Emergency measures had to be taken and the Government had to be encouraged in this work. It was important for the Central African Republic to launch and continue its dialogue with all stakeholders, all political parties, and women. The dialogue should be inclusive as those were the sectors that could contribute to the peace process.

Documentation

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights and the activities of her Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (A/HRC/27/42)

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on the role and achievements of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in assisting the Government and people of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights (A/HRC/27/43)

The Council has before it the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Yemen (A/HRC/27/44)

The Council has before it an addendum to the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Yemen (A/HRC/27/44/Add.1) (only available in French)

The Council has before it the interim report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in South Sudan (A/HRC/27/74)

Presentation of Reports by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

FLAVIA PANSIERI, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introduced country reports of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner. With regard to the situation in Iraq in the light of abuses committed by the Takfiri group which self-identified as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the situation had continued to deteriorate. At least 24,015 civilians were killed or injured in the first eight months of 2014, including at least 8,493 civilians. An estimated 1.8 million Iraqis continued to endure dire conditions of displacement due to the on-going violence. ISIL and associated armed groups had intentionally and systematically targeted Iraq’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, at times aiming at destroying, supressing or cleansing them from areas under their control. Other abuses included attacks directly targeting civilians, executions and other targeted killings of civilians, murdering captured soldiers and other security forces or government personnel, abductions, rape and other forms of sexual and physical violence perpetrated against women and children, forced recruitment of children, destruction or desecration of places of religious or cultural significance, wanton destruction and looting of property, and denial of basic rights and freedoms. Many of these abuses could amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. The Office of the High Commissioner continued to verify serious violations by Iraqi Security Forces and affiliated armed groups, and would soon deploy a team in Iraq. There had to be accountability for the brutal, dehumanizing crimes that had been committed, she said, and Iraq should ratify the Rome Statute.

On accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, the Deputy High Commissioner referred to the establishment of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate cases of abduction and disappearance and noted that concerns had been raised with regards to its functioning by independent observers and families of disappeared persons. The Government had still not published reports of domestic investigations. New mass grave sites continued to be discovered, but exhumations and investigations proceeded slowly. She regretted that the Government would not engage in the international investigation, as it was a unique opportunity to establish an accurate record of patterns of human rights violations committed by both sides during the latter period of the conflict. The ongoing campaign of threats, harassment, intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders and victims’ organizations, including those engaging with the international inquiry, was deplorable. This climate of intimidation and threat constituted a real challenge for the investigation mandated by the Council and undermined Sri Lanka’s own domestic investigations. The escalation in religious extremism and increasing attacks against Muslim and Christian minorities by militant Buddhist groups was deeply alarming. A more fundamental and far-reaching accountability process which addressed both past and ongoing violations was indispensable.

With regards to technical assistance and capacity-building for human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ms. Pansieri said that armed groups as well as members of the Congolese defence and security forces continued to commit serious human rights violations, particularly in eastern provinces affected by conflict. On 6 June 2014, at least 31 civilians of the Bafuliru community were killed in Mutarule, South Kivu province, by a Barundi / Banyamulenge militia. This demonstrated the need for more proactive engagement from the Congolese army and troop-contributing countries to protect civilians. There had also been an increase in violations targeting those who were critical of the Government or perceived as such. The lack of democratic space for the opposition, journalists and human rights defenders was preoccupying, particularly in the lead up to the 2015 and 2016 elections. She welcomed that there had been some progress in the fight against impunity, and 162 were convicted for acts constituting human rights violations. An Amnesty Law also excluded amnesty for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of human rights.

On the report on assistance to the Government and People of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights, the Deputy High Commissioner said that progress had been achieved in several areas, including the administration of justice. She welcomed the agreement between the ruling and opposition parties that resolved the political stalemate that had led to street protests, some of which had been met with excessive force and restrictions on freedom of expression. She welcomed Cambodia’s cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms.

The report on the situation of human rights in Yemen welcomed the Government’s active cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and highlighted positive developments, such as the conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference, in January 2014, and its outcomes on the human rights of women, children, minorities and marginalized communities. The continued marginalization of and violations against the Muhamasheen and other minorities remained however an area of concern. The deteriorating security situation, including in the capital, was also of concern. All parties had to contribute to a peaceful transition and implement the Outcome of the National Dialogue Conference. Yemen was encouraged to adopt a law on transitional justice and national reconciliation that was aligned with relevant international standards, and to establish the national commission of inquiry into allegations of human rights violations that occurred in 2011.

Statements by the Concerned Countries:

Cambodia, speaking as a concerned country, said it had made strenuous efforts in the implementation of judicial reforms and stressed the recent adoption of three judicial laws which strengthened capacity, independence, transparency, impartiality and integrity of judicial institutions. The five-year strategy plan on prison reform had provided a framework for prison management and treatment of prisoners in compliance with international norms and standards. Forced eviction of people from their land and property was not a part of official policy. Finally, Cambodia commended the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ continued efforts at enhancing the capacity in the country for the promotion and protection of human rights and reiterated its commitment to renew the cooperation agreement for a further two years.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking as a concerned country, said that the report had taken stock of events that had occurred before June 2013 which was outside of the reporting period and deplored the accusations therein of human rights violations committed by the national security forces without providing any details about the alleged victims. Instances of torture, ill-treatment and arbitrary arrests were not systematic as claimed in the report but isolated incidents which were adequately punished. As to the claim in the report of the massacre of 70 civilians at the hand of the National Army in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, the delegation said that it was not true; what happened was clashes and violent confrontations with a group of those who tried to overthrow the Government. No journalists or human rights defenders had been detained and such claims in the future should be supported by information about names, places, etc.

Iraq, speaking as a concerned country, said Iraq was ready to provide any support to the Commission of Inquiry on the crimes committed by the Islamic State in Syria and Levant. Over the past several months, the international community had gotten a much better picture about the threat of this terrorist group and the scale of atrocities it had committed. In September, a national Government had been formed in Iraq with the participation of all representatives of the population; it was ready to fight terrorism and support recovery and rehabilitation. The accession to the Rome of Statute was still under consideration in the country and Iraq reiterated its commitment to support the implementation of the resolution creating the Commission of Inquiry.

Sri Lanka reiterated its rejection of United Nations resolution 25/1 and its call for an investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in March 2014. Sri Lanka’s position reflected not only the will of the Sri Lankan people, but also of the majority within the Human Rights Council. The Government of Sri Lanka reminded that a majority of 47 members of the Human Rights Council did not support resolution 25/1, and thus opposed the action taken by the United States and the United Kingdom and other co-sponsors of the resolution to impose an OHCHR investigation and continuous monitoring and assessing of the situation in Sri Lanka. The countries which opposed the resolution warned that the imposition of external mechanisms on Sri Lanka would have a detrimental effect on the ongoing reconciliation process.

Sri Lanka continued to engage with regular mechanisms of the Council and with OHCHR and the High Commissioner, and was continuing its own domestic processes of accountability, justice, reconciliation and nation building with utmost dedication. Sri Lanka condemned all acts of violence and was committed to punishing them. An OHCHR investigation would violate national sovereignty and independence, and would impede the process of reconciliation in the country. Sri Lanka stressed that the proposal for an OHCHR investigation was politicised and that it would violate a fundamental principle of international law, which required that national remedies had to be exhausted before resorting to international mechanisms. Sri Lanka needed to be encouraged, not impeded in its quest for peace.

Yemen said that Yemen was undergoing a difficult conflict, with many civilian casualties. The Government hoped that the peace agreement concluded in September 2014 would lead to a national dialogue conference, and provisions for the creation of a national unity Government. Yemen urged the Human Rights Council to provide humanitarian aid to Yemen, as well as support it in protecting human rights and investigating committed crimes. The restoration of a modern Yemeni State was the only way to achieve that goal.

General Debate on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

Italy, speaking on behalf of the European Union, expressed its dismay about the situation in Iraq and the violations and abuses carried out by the Islamic State in Syria and the Levant (ISIL). It regretted Sri Lanka’s decision not to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mission into alleged human rights violations during its civil war and urged the Government to reconsider. The European Union was also concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly on Sri Lankan civil society, including their cooperation with the United Nations.

Russia, speaking on behalf of a group of States, said the devastating human rights implications of the increasingly radicalized conflict in Syria was a serious concern, especially its attraction of terrorists from all over the world. The spread of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) into Iraq demanded that the international community unite against terrorism in the Middle East. The root cause of the terrorism had to be combined with effective measures to eradicate the funding of extremist groups, including by smuggling Syria’s oil across the border. The Commission of Inquiry on Syria must carry out separate investigations on the human rights violations committed by terrorist groups.

Egypt, speaking on behalf of the Like-Minded Group, said for the second time this year the Council was engaging on the situation in Sri Lanka, which actively engaged with Council mechanisms. The intrusive mandate given to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in resolution 25/1 to carry out investigations on Sri Lanka was unwarranted, especially as Sri Lanka was carrying out its own internal investigations. The international community should be mindful not to jeopardize the delicate process of reconciliation in the country.

United Arab Emirates, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, expressed total commitment to technical assistance and capacity building which helped countries meet their international and regional obligations in the field of human rights, and stressed the absolute need to provide it on the basis of the request of the country concerned which should also set the priorities. Technical assistance and capacity building should be aimed at rebuilding of the human rights infrastructure and furthering of the rule of law and democracy.

Thailand, speaking on behalf of a Group of 11 States, said that the role of the international community in supporting States in delivering on their human rights obligations could not be overemphasized. Pointing out problems would not help and politicizing this agenda item should be avoided at all costs; discussions on technical assistance and capacity building should be used to exchange best practices in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Montenegro urged Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations issued by its Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to fully cooperate with investigations into prior violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Deterioration of the security situation in Yemen was of concern and Montenegro called on all parties to remain committed to the principles of the national dialogue conference and to do their utmost for a peaceful and stable Yemen.

Ireland welcomed positive developments in Yemen, called for the restitution of institutions under the current Government, and condemned the recruitment of children in the armed forces. Ireland called on Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner, and noted that no person who wished to take part in that cooperation should be prevented from doing so. Ireland expressed serious concern about the high level of impunity and sexual violence in the Democratic People’s Republic of the Congo. As for Iraq, Ireland condemned violence against women and children, and found it disconcerting.

United States was disappointed that the Special Rapporteur’s visit to Bahrain was re-scheduled. It remained concerned about the detention of political activists in Bahrain, and urged all sides in the country to achieve reconciliation. It called on Egypt to engage with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and to open an OHCHR office in Cairo. The United States was concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and called on OHCHR to remain transparent in its investigations of human rights violations there. It commended Yemen for its cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, and urged all parties in the Central African Republic to cease hostilities.

Venezuela endorsed the statement made by Egypt on behalf of like-minded States, and said it had rejected resolution 25/1 concerning Sri Lanka. Venezuela stressed that the High Commissioner for Human Rights had to work with national governments, adding that any external investigation had to be carried out in cooperation with national governments. Sri Lanka continued to adopt measures to promote peace and reconciliation and reconstruct homes and infrastructure, including new investment for the livelihood of people. Venezuela rejected attempts of interference in Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

France said the terrorism of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIL) could amount to crimes against humanity. The civilian population, especially ethnic and religious minorities, had paid too high a price. French compatriot Herve Gourdel and his family were on his mind today, following his terrible assassination by an ISIL-linked group that had no respect for human rights whatsoever. France called on the international community to support efforts in the Central African Republic. It commended positive developments in Côte d'Ivoire, noting that the human rights situation remained fragile. Mali’s positive commitment to the Council was noted, and France urged it to continue its efforts to tackle impunity.

United Kingdom said it remained deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. It strongly supported the international investigation on Sri Lanka and was confident the team could deliver the robust enquiry needed. Any genuine national enquiry should welcome additional information from the international investigation. The United Kingdom expressed concern about the Sri Lankan Government’s statement that those engaged with the international inquiry could be subject to prosecution. The United Kingdom also spoke about the human rights situations in the Central African Republic, Yemen, Bahrain, Thailand and Côte d'Ivoire, among other countries.

Russia said it saw no objective justification for the international inquiry on Sri Lanka; the activities of the so-called Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mission was unjustified interference into the domestic affairs of the country. Despite the overt political pressure placed on it, Sri Lanka continued to cooperate with the Mission and other mechanisms of the Council and continued to achieve significant results in the sphere of human rights. The main achievement was that peace now reigned across the island; there were no conflicts or explosions.

Morocco said the provision of technical assistance must ensure the support to national institutions and must be based on the principles of consent of the State concerned and its clearly defined priorities and continuing dialogue. Technical assistance should also seek convergence of the political will of the receiving State, the will of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to implement programmes, and the will of the Council to accompany the receiving State in achieving its objectives.

Cuba said that despite its cooperation with the Council, Sri Lanka had been singled out by a country-specific resolution. Conferring investigative powers on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was one of the most controversial points of this resolution, which was interpreted by the Office in its own fashion. The Office did not have investigative powers and Cuba could not support politically motivated treatment of countries.

China said when a State was faced with difficulties in fulfilling its responsibilities it could call on the international community to provide technical assistance to improve its capacity. Using technical assistance and capacity building to politicize human rights issues and impose values could rarely bring about improvements in countries concerned. More resources should be invested in technical assistance and capacity building in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Sierra Leone commended the African Union for its efforts in pursuing peace and stability in African countries affected by conflicts. Sierra Leone remained concerned about human rights violations in Somalia, and urged all parties to end the armed conflict, as well as to alleviate the difficult situation of the displaced population. It urged that an open and inclusive dialogue be held in the country, and called for the facilitation of the return of refugees.

Maldives said it closely observed the situation in Sri Lanka and would continue to encourage the Sri Lankan Government to work with the international community and to abide by its commitments. It was pleased that in August 2014 Sri Lanka made legal provisions to assist and protect the victims and witnesses of crimes. Maldives also welcomed the establishment of the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund that enabled small island developing States to participate in the Human Rights Council.

India said that with respect to United Nations resolution 25/1 on Sri Lanka, India believed that Sri Lanka should be given all assistance, and took note of its efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the country. India urged the High Commissioner to keep its reporting transparent. There was a need for a political solution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, and India urged the Government of Sri Lanka to promote the spirit of tolerance and accountability.

Philippines welcomed positive developments in human rights in Cambodia. Cambodia was encouraged to continue its policies and programmes to promote human rights. The Philippines also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s cooperation and welcomed its continued voluntary and regular updates to the Council on the reconciliation process. However, it was concerned about the persistent allegations of slow implementation of the reconciliation process.

Namibia said that as a matter of principle it usually abstained from country-specific resolutions. Human rights violations in Namibia priori to independence had deepened its commitment to human rights and to reconciliation. Namibia had needed time and space to build trust and healing. Therefore, the international community should not impose solutions on Sri Lanka but encourage the national process, which would be more sustainable.

Algeria underscored the importance of technical cooperation for capacity-building of States in the sphere of the promotion and protection of human rights and commended the efforts of the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide appropriate and quality assistance to those States that had requested this assistance. It welcomed the satisfactory results achieved in improving the human rights situation in several countries that had benefitted from this assistance.

Costa Rica said that technical cooperation programmes had proven to be effective and contributed in a palpable fashion in helping States to adjust their national strategies and laws to comply with international laws, principles and commitments in the area of human rights. Costa Rica had benefitted from technical assistance programmes and approved the national policy for a society free from racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia.

Pakistan was of the firm opinion that for fruitful country specific outcomes, there should be the support of the country concerned. This would strengthen the spirit of constructive cooperation. In the case of Sri Lanka, it had consistently and categorically rejected the resolution. The Council was urged to refrain from allocating precious human and financial resources to counter-productive initiatives. The tangible and significant progress achieved by Sri Lanka should be appreciated.

Netherlands said that progress in Yemen was lacking and stressed the importance of taking forward the conclusions of the national dialogue conference. Large-scale human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remained of great concern and the Netherlands urged the Government to protect its population, and in particular women and children, and take responsibility in combating impunity, reforming the judiciary and conducting free and fair elections including on the local levels.

Norway believed it was crucial to conduct serious, independent and impartial investigations into serious violations of human rights committed by all parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Reconciliation required justice and truth about past events. Norway remained concerned about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka and about recent events to limit the activities of civil society and stifle the freedom of speech.

Thailand was strongly committed to promoting constructive dialogue and international cooperation through the work of the Council and emphasized that discussion on any country-specific situation under the agenda item on technical assistance and capacity building must genuinely and extensively engage with and aim at addressing the needs of the concerned countries.

Mozambique said the instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had brought about a widespread human tragedy, and especially highlighted the widespread gender-based and sexual violence against women and the use of child soldiers. Mozambique applauded measures taken by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo so far and urged the Council to continue providing technical assistance.

United Nations Children’s Fund welcomed Yemen’s efforts to advance child rights, especially the revised Child Rights and Anti-Trafficking laws, as well as efforts to end the recruitment of children into the Yemeni military. The suspension of the execution of 52 juveniles in Yemen was welcomed and Yemen was urged to put into place a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Concern was expressed about significant recent increases in the number of children being used by militias who suffered serious injuries in conflicts.

Sudan emphasized that any external human rights assistance to countries should only be carried out with the agreement and consent of the country concerned. Sudan said despite challenges faced by Yemen, it appreciated efforts by the Government to implement its transitional plan on the promotion and protection of human rights; it also commended Yemen for its positive cooperation with the Council and its mechanisms. Sudan said it believed that the Council had exceeded its mandate on Yemen.

Belgium invited the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to implement all recommendations. It welcomed efforts made, particularly the appointment of the Special Rapporteur of the Head of State responsible for combating sexual violence. Despite important progress, Belgium was still concerned by the human rights situation, particularly in the east of the country, where actions by armed groups were responsible for murder and massive displacement of the population.

Council of Europe said its cooperation with Jordan concerned constitutional justice, electoral legislation and practice, independence of the judiciary, and the promotion of Council of Europe conventions. In the period between 2015 and 2017 further cooperation would be carried out in the creation of common legal space, support for the independence and efficiency of justice, support on electoral matters, promotion of democratic values and human rights, and support to the Parliament.

Belarus said there were attempts by certain States to use the Human Rights Council for their own political ends. The Council should work in cooperation with national governments. The resolution on Sri Lanka was an example of political pressure. The international human rights mechanisms should listen to the Sri Lankan Government, which demonstrated clear commitment to the protection of human rights.

Sri Lanka said that those who urged Sri Lanka to revisit its position on resolution 25/1 did not wish to help Sri Lanka’s own efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the country. Sri Lanka stressed that it was not in a situation that required the urgent and immediate attention of the Council.

Qatar commended Yemen’s efforts to protect human rights and hold a national dialogue conference. It voiced hope that the conference would restore stability in the country. Qatar appreciated Sri Lanka’s cooperation with international human rights bodies and continued reporting on the human rights situation. It called on Sri Lanka to finalize the national reconciliation process.

Canada said it shared many of the concerns expressed in the High Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka. Canada was concerned by efforts to stifle civil society. It continued to see a pattern of impunity as perpetrators were not brought to justice. It thanked the High Commissioner and the Office investigation team for their important work. The request for a comprehensive investigation of crimes by both parties was proof of the Council’s serious concern. It deeply regretted Sri Lanka’s unwillingness to cooperate with the mechanism.

Switzerland welcomed the establishment of an international mechanism to investigate allegations of violations of international human rights laws and international humanitarian laws by all parties in Sri Lanka. It called upon the Government to fully cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the investigation mechanism, to guarantee sustainable reconciliation for all Sri Lankans. It was concerned about the harassment of human rights defenders and media professionals in Sri Lanka.

Myanmar was pleased to observe the continued engagement and cooperation of Sri Lanka with the Council and its regular mechanisms. The Council had mandated the Office to carry out the investigation against Sri Lanka which, in Myanmar’s view, contravened the principles of the United Nations Charter, which did not authorize the organization to intervene in matters which were essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any States. Only constructive engagement and dialogue would help address human rights challenges.

South Sudan commended Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with mechanisms of the conflict and Sri Lanka’s efforts for reconciliation and justice for victims, and encouraged the commission of Sri Lanka to further its efforts in that regard. South Sudan rejected the politicization of human rights and called for technical assistance to be provided to Sri Lanka.

Azerbaijan commended that Sri Lanka had received two Special Procedures and that it was fully cooperating with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. All measures had to be taken within a climate of mutual understanding and constructive cooperation.

Bangladesh said that developing countries faced impediments to the full realization of human rights, including the right to development, including poverty and climate change. The international community must engage constructively through dialogue and technical cooperation, not through the imposition of values. This aid had to be provided by countries in a position to do so and without conditionality.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic appreciated Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, as well as with international organizations and bilateral partners to promote and protect human rights. It said that a country-specific human rights resolution would not help to comprehensively address the human rights issues in Sri Lanka. It welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts in promoting reconciliation, and urged the international community to positively engage with Sri Lanka in that respect.

Uzbekistan welcomed the peace and stability achieved in Sri Lanka in recent years, and noted that Sri Lanka cooperated with the United Nations treaty bodies. It also welcomed the measures taken by the country to resolve the very difficult post-conflict problems, and supported Sri Lanka’s sovereignty in promoting the process of peace-building.

Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation said that the investigation of the human rights violations in Sri Lanka had to address the underlying structural patterns of violations and discrimination of the Tamils, including systems that led to a comprehensive failure in Sri Lanka to promote and protect human rights for all.

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development said incidents in the six months following the last resolution by the Council on Sri Lanka strongly suggested that a climate of fear had been imposed within the country with the aim of preventing victims, witnesses and human rights defenders from voicing their concerns to human rights bodies outside the country, including United Nations bodies.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said that while the international community had indeed taken action on Yemen, there needed to be a stronger international mobilization in order to achieve justice and provide victims with reparation. The International Federation was worried that there had been no accountability for crimes committed since 2011.

Advocates for Human Rights said Ethiopia in 2009 had adopted a proclamation which prohibited certain civil society organizations from working on human rights and imposed strict limits on outside funding for such organizations. It called on Member States to take all possible efforts to provide technical assistance and capacity building to diaspora civil society organizations to promote human rights in their countries of origin and ancestry.

International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism was disappointed by the refusal of Sri Lanka to cooperate with the United Nations investigation, and was deeply concerned by propaganda carried out by the Government which threatened those collaborating with the United Nations investigation team. The United Nations was called upon to provide full protection to those collaborating with it.

Alsalam Foundation encouraged Bahrain to enhance its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and demanded that a field office was created. Alsalam Foundation condemned human rights violations in Bahrain, including torture, repression of peaceful demonstrations, lack of guarantees to fair trial, and harassment of human rights defenders and journalists.

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies in a joint statement called on the new Government of Yemen to demonstrate its commitment to immediately and unconditionally appoint members to the national commission of inquiry created more than a year ago. Accountability for past and ongoing situations was the only way to ensure peace in Yemen. Yemen was called on to establish a national human rights institution and ensure the development of an action plan to achieve reform and work closely with civil society.

CIVICUS continued to be concerned about persistent harassment, intimidation and attacks against independent journalists and human rights defenders by State security and armed groups in Yemen. It was also alarmed by the violent repression of peaceful pro-reform demonstrations, and restrictions of freedom of expression. CIVICUS called for an independent commission of inquiry to carry out investigations into human rights violations committed in relation to the 2011 demonstrations in Yemen.

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain called attention to the refusal of the leading members of the Human Rights Council to engage with United Nations Special Procedures and mechanisms as a means of technical assistance and capacity building, such as Saudi Arabia’s refusal to cooperate with the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of assembly and association, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It called on Saudi Arabia to implement all recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on violence against women in 2008.

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative warned that many Sri Lankans who cooperated with the Council faced reprisals, stressing open death threats by members of the Sri Lankan Government. It called on the Sri Lankan Government to immediately stop all attempts to restrict the flow of information to the investigation team, and called on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to take all possible measures to minimize the risks faced by individuals who cooperated with the investigation.

Servas International said it was a worldwide peace movement and therefore its members were greatly saddened and touched by the numerous armed conflicts and lack of basic human rights for people around the world. Its vision was based on person to person interaction and exchange with the aim to increase tolerance and understanding amongst cultures.

Human Rights Watch with regards to Sri Lanka was particularly concerned by Government efforts to prevent victims and human rights advocates from providing information to the OHCHR investigation. Pro-Government media had deemed such witnesses to be traitors who wanted to betray their country, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.

Amnesty International had documented violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law violations by both pro-Ukrainian forces and armed separatist groups in the conflict in Ukraine. All parties to the conflict, including Russia, were urged to respect international human rights and international humanitarian law.

Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme welcomed Sudan’s release of political prisoners and the adoption of a law on human trafficking, but deplored that human rights defenders and journalists remained threatened. It expressed concerns about attacks against civilians in conflict zones and called on Sudan to collaborate with the International Criminal Court. Other issues of concern were the inequality before the law in Somalia and difficulties to access justice, and the insecurity in the Central African Republic. The mandate of the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic should be renewed. Finally, it supported the international investigation on Sri Lanka.

International Buddhist Foundation, with regards to Sri Lanka, expressed concerns that the Human Rights Council targeted selected nations to serve political motives. The investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner was violating the delicate peace in Sri Lanka and did not respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State.

Reporters Sans Frontières International condemned impunity for crimes against media workers in Ukraine. The Office of the High Commissioner should publish best practices and guidelines on the protection of journalists. The National Committee for Public Morality of Ukraine had to be dismantled. Legitimate imperatives such as combatting terrorism or pornography had to be balanced with the right to freedom of information.

Liberation deplored the impunity in Sri Lanka, and the lack of progress in reconciliation efforts carried out by the current Government. The violation of human rights in the north-eastern part of Sri Lanka was catastrophic. The Government was carrying out ethnic cleansing. The efforts of the High Commissioner gave hope for the survival of the Tamil and other minorities in Sri Lanka. Liberation deplored the fact that the Sri Lankan Government was trying to avoid its commitments.

Le Collectif des Femmes Africaines du Hainaut drew attention to the crimes committed against the Tamil people in the north-east part of Sri Lanka, and urged Member States to come up with a strategy to provide witnesses with an opportunity to submit their direct evidence to the inquiry of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights. The organization underlined that the refusal to mention Tamil victims was disappointing.

Right of Reply

Thailand, speaking in a right of reply in response to issues raised regarding the situation in Thailand, said that while it appreciated concerns expressed, the overall context of the political situation prior to May 2014 had to be taken into consideration to understand why Thailand was where it was today. Following the change in the country’s administration, relative calm and a sense of normalcy had been restored after more than half a year of uncertainty and unrest. The measures instituted were necessary to restore law and order and had already been progressively relaxed. The transitional period was being use to consolidate the governance system and undertake much needed reform.

Sri Lanka, speaking in a right of reply, said that once again it had been seen that the Council remained divided on the increasing investigative role given to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in countries. In relation to the comment by Switzerland, Sri Lanka regretted that such comments had been made. All countries were urged not to prejudge the outcome of the national investigation and give it time and space. On the non-cooperation with the Working Group on forced or involuntary disappearance, this was factually incorrect. All these challenges notwithstanding, Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to continued cooperation with the Council.

Ethiopia, speaking in a right of reply, rejected allegations made by Advocates for Human Rights and said that civil society organizations were subjected to a transparent process of registration, and were very active in a variety of fields. Ethiopia had made innovative measures with donors for the funding of civil society organizations working on advocacy.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking in a right of reply, did not share the view of the United States that there had been a deterioration of the situation in the country. Accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence was considered of great importance by the Government.

For use of the information media; not an official record

September 2014

WHO and health partners are responding to an unprecedented five “Grade 3” priority crises at the same time

For the first time ever, WHO is leading the health response to five major humanitarian crises at the same time. More than 60 million people, from West Africa to Iraq, urgently require a wide range of health-care services.

West Africa’s Ebola outbreak, and conflict-enflamed humanitarian crises in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Syria and Iraq, have stretched health services to the limit and caused many to collapse. This has required WHO and its health partners to fill increasingly widening gaps to ensure life-saving and routine care for millions of displaced persons and host communities.

“We are dealing with an unprecedented number of multiple humanitarian health crises concurrently. These are more complex and affecting more people than at any point since the end of the Second World War,” says Dr Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General of WHO’s Polio and Emergencies Cluster.

Five highest level crises The 5 crises have, due to their scale and the emergency health response required, each been categorized as Grade 3 (G3) emergencies, the highest grading determined by WHO as part of its Emergency Response Framework. The ERF grades emergencies across three levels, with Grade 3 being the most serious.

The scale of the emergencies is stark, including:

• West Africa Ebola outbreak

  22 million people living in the three worst-affected countries – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea – are at risk.

• Iraq

  20 million people affected, including 1.8 million who are internally displaced.

• Syria 10.8 million people inside Syria, including 6.5 million people displaced within the country. Another 3 million people have fled the conflict to regional neighbours Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.

South Sudan

5.8 million people need humanitarian assistance, including 1.3 million who have been displaced.

Central African Republic

2.5 million people are in need, including 425 000 displaced.

“Just two years ago, WHO developed the Emergency Response Framework (ERF) to guide our response in all types of emergencies,” explains Dr Aylward. “The ERF ensures that the full resources of the organization are made available to support the response to the most severe crises.”

“We felt comfortable that the ERF would help us manage two Grade 3 emergencies concurrently, and if we were running 3 responses, we expected to be exiting one before entering the next. But 2 years later, we are managing five Grade 3 emergencies based on their scale, complexity, urgency, and political, social or economic impact. This is unprecedented – not only for WHO, but for all humanitarian partners.”

“And these will be long-term, sustained crises, not just a time-limited surge period,” he adds.

WHO’s leaders across the various emergencies testify to the enormity of the challenge that the Organization is responding to within their own country settings, and around the world.

In Iraq, WHO Representative, Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain, says: “With the increasing number of crises, WHO has realized that response to emergencies, whether health or otherwise, is not an isolated effort. It requires an organization well equipped with technical knowledge and mechanisms to deliver.”

Dr Francis Kasolo, who runs WHO’s West African Ebola control hub based in the Guinean capital of Conakry, says an Organization-wide response has been mobilized in each of the outbreak-affected countries, drawing in staff from around the world.

“WHO’s internal resources have been over-stretched due to the Ebola outbreak and the response to the other humanitarian emergencies occurring concurrently,” Dr Kasolo says. “We will do everything possible to stop this dreadful outbreak and alleviate human suffering.”

WHO’s dual-role in emergencies

WHO plays a dual-pronged role in humanitarian emergencies. On one hand, it is the world’s prime technical guidance setting authority on the wide range of health issues. On the other, it is the lead agency for health in humanitarian crises, which involves a major coordination role as lead of the “cluster” of health care providers working in the various emergency settings.

“We will always be a technical specialized agency, but it must be recognised that we have and need to have a strong foundation to operate in crisis settings,” says Dr Aylward. “In humanitarian crises, our leadership role obliges us to be the provider of health services as a last resort. This can mean anything from coordinating the running of multiple health strategies in communities, such as immunization drives to equipping health facilities, to, even in some situations, delivering actual health care services.”

This role is increasingly crucial for WHO due to the shrinking number of health-care providers working in emergencies. As security risks increase, especially for healthcare workers, and as costs for operations rise, many organizations that once performed in-country services no longer do so. The case in Iraq provides a telling example. The WHO-led health sector response there involves just 13 partner organizations. More than 40 organizations work in the Water and Sanitation Cluster.

Dr Rick Brennan, Director of WHO's Department of Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response, says besides these mega-emergencies, the Organization was still responding to multiple crises, including in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza, Mali, Pakistan, Ukraine and Yemen.

“Despite the strains on the Organization, WHO has never worked more effectively across multiple emergencies,” says Dr Brennan. “By paying the salaries of healthcare workers in CAR and South Sudan so they return to work, or procuring large volumes of supplies for the Ebola outbreak, to delivering medicines and health services in the middle of intense conflict in Syria and Iraq, the implications for us are huge.”

“There has never been a time when we are more dependent on the solidarity, generosity and determined commitment of the international community to assist those most in need of humanitarian health support around the world.”

This map illustrates satellite-detected shelters and other buildings at the Minkaman IDP Site in Lakes State, South Sudan, as seen by the WorldView-2 satellite on 1 September 2014. People displaced by ongoing instability in the region of Bor have established multiple IDP camps on the west bank of the White Nile in Awerial County. Imagery acquired on 3 July 2014 showed approximately 13,492 shelters and 572 infrastructure or support buildings occupying multiple areas along the White Nile. Imagery also showed an area being prepared for accommodating new shelters. As of 1 September 2014 this ground has been partially covered by shelters as well as other areas of the IDP site, and approximately 16,364 shelters and 670 infrastructure or support buildings have been detected. Note that IDPs sheltering under trees are not detected by this analysis. This is a preliminary analysis and has not yet been validated in the field. Please send ground feedback to UNITAR / UNOSAT

By Brigid O’Connor

Heavy rains coupled with lack of road networks have made large swaths of South Sudan inaccessible. So we are forced to air lift food, a costly necessity to curb the looming food crisis that threatens to take more lives than the Somali famine of 2011. Catholic Relief Services has teamed up with the World Food Program (WFP) to air lift 7,000 metric tons of food to feed more than 100,000 people in Jonglei State over the next few months.

The crisis and the violence that have wracked this country have impacted everyone. The majority of CRS staff on the ground implementing the food distributions have been themselves displaced. Some have had their homes destroyed and possessions looted or lost, their families scattered. At great personal risk they walk for days, sometimes wading through knee-deep water, to reach food distribution points. That’s because when the conflict erupted in South Sudan people sought safety in remote hard-to-reach areas. They penetrated deep into the bush in order to protect their families from further losses and death. So the airdrops are taking place in the middle of nowhere.

The CRS team has to get to these places and then clear a large area of land with hand tools so that the food can be dropped from cargo planes. They also have to create a temporary space for helicopters to land and offload items like oil and corn soy blend that are too fragile to drop. This is not just about dropping food and people picking it up and running away. Every sack and every tin has to be accounted for and reported and properly distributed.

Our team organizes this, keeping records for as many as 14,000 people who get food at any one time. Keep in mind there is nothing there waiting for the team when they arrive at the distribution. They must carry everything with them and live in the bush for up to three weeks at a time. This is demanding work in a very difficult environment. There are no health facilities but there are snakes and thousands of mosquitoes as we’re at the peak of the malaria season.

Because of the ongoing insecurity and the distrust that arises from violent conflict the success of these distributions relies heavily on our local staff, the people who live in Jonglei State. Our staff needs to contact and be accepted by the local authorities. Strangers wouldn’t go into these communities because they wouldn’t feel safe. The staff need to be able to speak the local language and have ties within communities.

A food distribution has to be well planned. Areas need to be designated for the food drops and distribution points. The community itself needs to help prepare the land for the distribution to take place. All of this requires skillful negotiation and knowledge of the culture and communities. Not just anyone can go in and do this. It is a delicate process. Fortunately, CRS had more than 400 local staff on our roster before the crisis started. This provides us with a unique network to call on and orchestrate these distributions from the ground level.

The airdrops are vital but not sustainable. We need to continue to look for more locally appropriate opportunities for people to help themselves. Once the rainy season is over, if there is no further fighting, CRS can move into remote areas to provide more assistance such as seeds and tools so people get their own crops in the ground. But we are not sure what we will find when remote areas become more accessible during the dry season. If there has been no harvest because the fear of violence has resulted in little or no planting, hunger can become acute as stocks of wild foods are depleted and fishing waters dry up. So it is critical during the dry season to focus on continuing long-term agriculture development work so that eventually people can resume providing for themselves.

There is no doubt that these communities want to help themselves. People don’t want handouts, but many do need a small amount of resources to resume their agricultural livelihoods. They also don’t want this fighting. This is not a civilian war. They don’t want their kids conscripted to fight for any of the combatant forces. Though may depict this conflict as being along ethnic and tribal lines, we’re hearing increasing reports that the communities themselves are trying to repair broken relationships and find ways of living alongside each other again.

That’s when food will no longer be dropped from the air as it will once again be grown from the ground.

Brigid O’Connor of Catholic Relief Services is Chief of Party for the USAID funded Jonglei Food Security Program. She is based in Bor, South Sudan.

25 September 2014 - Assisting South Sudanese uprooted by communal violence which started on 15 September at the country’s border with Uganda, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) began distributing relief items this week.

The conflict between communities in Kajo-Keji County and Uganda’s Moyo district left almost 12,000 South Sudanese refugees displaced and forced to return to their country, according to Kajo-Keji County Relief and Rehabilitation Commission Secretary Henry Sokiri,

“I do not have any house in Kajo-Keji,” said Janet Poni, a displaced guardian of five children who had been living in Moyo since 1988.

UNHCR Assistant Safety Advisor in Yei, Joseph Guya, said the agency was carrying out a comprehensive assessment of displaced people’s needs.

“These are people who have been away for years,” he said. “The major challenge is how these families can start a new life.”

Mr. Guya said the displaced people had received items like blankets, cooking utensils, sleeping mats and mosquito nets, clean water and cleaning materials.

A media release from UNHCR also said the agency had been helping with medical referral of sick individuals to the hospital, as well to identify unaccompanied children to facilitate their reunification with family.

The statement noted that UNHCR’s intervention was done in partnership with local authorities, the South Sudan Commission for Refugee Affairs, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, non-governmental organizations and local communities.

The host community in Kajo-Keji, Chamber of Commerce and local churches had also provided hot meals. The Kuku community in Juba contributed 14,000 South Sudanese pounds and 500 bags of maize flour.

Despite the assistance, other challenges still faced the county, including increased admissions at Kajo-Keji Hospital, which lacked sufficient staff and medical supplies.

“Our beds are too few, bed sheets are torn … and the mattresses are rotten, making it hard to meet the pressing needs,” said hospital administrator Felix Tito. “Even with limited supplies, we are trying hard to … support the growing number of returnees and the displaced people.”

Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Henry Kala Sabuni noted that many people believed the conflict was land-related in areas contested by the two countries, but he said it was also caused by an economic struggle between Uganda’s Madi community in Moyo and South Sudan’s Kuku community who had sought refuge there.

The greatest need in the border area was to find a peaceful resolution, Kajo-Keji County Legislative Council Speaker Patrick Wolyan said.

“We have co-existed for a long time,” he said. “We want to initiate a dialogue that brings together both the Kuku elders and the Madi elders to end the dispute.”

Two delegations led by Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali and Central Equatoria State Minister of Information and Broadcasting Suba Samuel Mannase met in Moyo on 20 September and resolved to immediately deploy a joint border patrol force.

By George Fominyen

Conflict in South Sudan has hurt many families' ability to grow crops, and has left markets empty. WFP and our partner agencies have mounted an intensive humanitarian asistance operation that has brought relief to many remote communities, and food security is improving somewhat as the harvest comes in, even if it is limited in the places worst-affected by the fighting. But there are still serious concerns for the future as the conflict continues.

JIECH – Nyanduth Gathkok sat under a fruit tree with a few cobs of maize spread in front of her waiting for prospective buyers. She is one of a handful of people who have items to sell or exchange at what could be called a market in Jiech, a village in Ayod county of Jonglei State in the east of South Sudan.

Gathkok’s family lost their cattle and goats as a result of the chaos brought about by the conflict that has gripped South Sudan since December last year. She trekked for three hours to Jiech from her hamlet of Sondjok in the hope of selling the maize she harvested from her small farm and using the money to buy milk for her children.

“I know we are in a war, but I tried to grow some crops when there was little fighting,” Gathkok said through an interpreter. “I did not plant very much because of fear that enemies might come, so my farm did not produce enough.

“I don’t think the food will be enough for us, and now I even have to sell the little that I harvested or my children will not drink milk,” she added.

Empty Markets

The conflict pushed the three-year-old country to the brink of a hunger catastrophe as people’s livelihoods were disrupted when hundreds of thousands were displaced and unable to grow crops. Insecurity has prevented food from reaching the markets through the normal commercial supply routes, so in many places there is little food to buy, and what does make it to market is expensive.

This was evident at the market in Jiech. Apart from Gathkok and three other women selling maize, there was just one woman selling catfish, a hunter selling an antelope and two traders with assorted items including ointments, razor blades and salt.

“I trekked for 27 days from Akobo (near the Ethiopian border) to Jiech with salt and the blades. That is why they cost so much,” said Nya Duel, one of the traders. “It is hard to bring goods because of the war; that is why I cannot bring food items to sell.

“If you have to travel 27 days on foot with food on your head you will end up eating it all,” he added with a smile.

Some Recovery, But Fragile

There are signs of improvement, however, in the most recent analysis from the integrated phase classification (IPC) process, which monitors food security. The number of people in the Crisis and Emergency phases has dropped by more than half to 1.5 million, mostly concentrated in the conflict affected states of Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei.

According to this assessment, large amounts of humanitarian assistance combined with several other factors – which, in areas where farmers were able to plant a crop, include the early harvest of crops that are not quite ripe (called a ”green harvest”), which started as early as August and is still going on now, and the regular harvest, to come in October – will improve access to food, particularly when supplemented by available wild foods, fish and livestock.

In spite of the improvements, the IPC analysis indicated that one-third of the population in the conflict affected states will remain at the Crisis or Emergency levels. Furthermore, the analysis warns that without a return to peace and sustained humanitarian assistance, a hunger catastrophe remains a real threat at the start of 2015 as families will by then have depleted the little food stocks they have harvested.

A Village Struggles

Jiech is a good example of South Sudan’s complex food security situation, particularly in the conflict affected states.

Because it has stayed relatively calm, the villagers there and in the surrounding hamlets – including Gathok’s – were able to plant some crops. But there has been an influx of thousands of people who fled fierce fighting that occurred in May in the town of Ayod, about 50 kilometers away.

The displaced people, who were not able to cultivate food for themselves, make up the majority of the nearly 15,000 people receiving assistance here from the World Food Programme and its partner Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The little food that was grown by the host community will be depleted very soon.

“World Food [Programme] came here and gave us food when we were hungry, and our brothers had come to hide here, and nobody had food,” Gathkok said. “Now they have come again with their planes and their food. I hope they will not let us down because we have only little food we have grown.

“I think with this little food and their [WFP’s] support, we shall be happy and our bellies full,” she said.

Reaching Those In Need

WFP is using airlifts and airdrops in remote, hard-to-reach areas, such as Jiech, where mobile emergency teams are deployed to conduct large-scale distributions of food and other forms of assistance. The teams include staff from WFP and other UN agencies, notably UNICEF, and from NGO partners, to provide a full package of food, nutrition & livelihood assistance along with emergency health and protection services.

WFP reached 1.4 million people in the month of August alone, and has provided food assistance and nutrition support to 2.5 million people since the beginning of the year.

HIGHLIGHTS

The total number of South Sudanese refugees who have entered Ethiopia since the outbreak of the conflict in mid-December 2013 is now over 189,343 individuals, with the number continuing to increase daily.

A total of 686 South Sudanese refugees arrived in Ethiopia over the last week through the three entry points of Akobo, Burbiey and Pagak. New arrivals from Akobo and Burbiey were relocated to Matar with assistance from IOM for transport. There are currently 10,923 refugees in Matar waiting for relocation to a camp.

The average arrival rate of South Sudanese refugees to the Gambella region has dropped to 98 persons with commencement of rains in various locations in region.

The emergency response activities of UNHCR and its partners have continued, with key achievements including food distribution undertaken with support from WFP as well as distribution of non-food items (NFIs), family tents and soap. Latrine construction is also an ongoing activity.

However, over the past week, the rains have returned in Gambella. The UNHCR-contracted helicopter was also unable to travel to Dimma on 23 September due to the poor weather conditions, and several of the main roads remain inaccessible, including the road from Gambella to Nyinyang.

SO Gambella finalized the inter-agency Operations Continuity Plan for the Leitchuor Axis in consultation with partners in key sectors. The objective of the Operations Continuity Plan is to maintain sustained services to affected areas in the face of reduced staffing, closed roads and limited access, while simultaneously empowering the refugees to more actively manage the day-today aspects of assistance themselves. The plan is designed not only to provide continued protection and assistance, but also to re-orient the operation to function effectively in this changed environment.

Joint sensitisation sessions with ARRA on the proposed relocation of refugees in the Leitchuor area to Okugo have been held over the last week. As the road to Leitchuor is still inaccessible due to flooding the relocation movements can only begin after the road is cleared; however, there remain mixed feelings amongst the refugees regarding the possible relocation to Okugo camp.

HIGHLIGHTS

The total number of South Sudanese refugees who have entered Ethiopia since the outbreak of the conflict in mid-December 2013 is now over 189,156 individuals, with the number continuing to increase daily.

Over the past week, a total of 784 South Sudanese refugees arrived through the three entry points of Akobo, Burbiey and Pagak. The average arrival rate of South Sudanese refugees to the Gambella region has dropped to 122 persons with the commencement of rains in various locations in the region.

Refugees arriving in Burbiey were relocated to Matar transit site with support from IOM for transport. Matar now hosts over 10,000 refugees. In total, there are 19,233 refugees waiting in Pagak, Matar and Pamdong for relocation to a camp.

Emergency response activities have continued, implemented by UNHCR and all its partners, with key achievements including the distribution of NFIs, family tents, and food, with support from WFP. WASH interventions such as soap distribution and latrine construction are also ongoing activities.

Over the past week, the rains have decreased slightly in Gambella, creating moderately improved conditions along the Leitchuor Axis. However, several of the main roads remain flooded, including the road from Gambella to Nyinyang.

Despite the rains, UNHCR and partners continue to provide services where the refugees are currently located within the host communities. An Operations Continuity Plan for the Leitchuor Axis in consultation with partners in key sectors is being finalized, with the objective of the plan to maintain sustained services to affected areas in the face of reduced staffing and limited access, while simultaneously empowering the refugees to manage more actively the day-to-day aspects of assistance themselves. The plan is designed not only to provide continued protection and assistance, but also to re-orient the operation to function effectively in this changed environment.

Furthermore, the Okugo Action Plan is also being updated, which outlines key action points for the relocation of refugees to Okugo. As the road to Leitchuor remains flooded, movement from this location can only begin after the road is cleared.