UN Chief Calls for Peace Amid Human Rights Crisis
On February 23, the Secretary-General of the United Nations arrived in Geneva to participate in the opening of the Human Rights Council’s fifty-eighth session. This year’s session is marked by the somber third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting the Secretary-General to urge the international community to intensify efforts towards achieving a just and lasting peace. He emphasized that human rights are essential for sustainable peace and must be prioritized in global governance.
Human Rights Council Session Highlights
During his address to the Human Rights Council, the Secretary-General reflected on the significant challenges facing human rights globally. He noted that this year’s session is overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he described as a violation of the UN Charter. The Secretary-General reiterated his appeal to nations worldwide to work diligently to end the conflict and restore peace in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. He stressed that without a commitment to human rights, the dream of sustainable peace remains unattainable.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General described human rights as “the oxygen of humanity,” warning that they are increasingly under threat. He pointed to the recently adopted Pact for the Future, which underscores the importance of advancing human rights through various avenues, including development, climate action, and improved governance of technology. He asserted that the rule of law and human rights are interconnected, and that prioritizing these values can lead to effective solutions for global challenges.
Disarmament Conference and Nuclear Concerns
Later in the day, the Secretary-General addressed a high-level session of the Conference on Disarmament. He reiterated a strong stance against nuclear weapons, stating that the nuclear option is not a viable solution. He reminded attendees of the commitments made by Member States in the Pact for the Future, which emphasizes the goal of nuclear disarmament and the ultimate aim of complete disarmament. This message aligns with the UN’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and security on a global scale.
Bilateral Meetings with Global Leaders
While in Geneva, the Secretary-General engaged in several bilateral meetings with key international leaders. He met with Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Maka Botchorishvili, Foreign Minister of Georgia; Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran; Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait; Ervin Ibrahimovic, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Montenegro; and Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. Additionally, he held a phone conversation with Andrii Sybiha, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, to discuss the ongoing situation in the region.
The Secretary-General concluded his visit to Geneva and returned to New York on Monday evening, continuing his efforts to foster dialogue and cooperation among nations in addressing pressing global issues.
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