[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”auto” inner_max_width=”none”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ image_icon_width=”100px”]<\/p>\n
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly<\/strong><\/p>\n at the Informal Plenary Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza<\/strong><\/p>\n [As Delivered]<\/strong><\/p>\n 17 November 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Excellencies, <\/em><\/p>\n Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths, representing the Secretary-General.<\/em><\/p>\n Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,<\/em><\/p>\n Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDP Administrator Achim Steiner,<\/em><\/p>\n High Commissioner Volker T\u00fcrk,<\/em><\/p>\n Distinguished Representatives of other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ entities,<\/em><\/p>\n Ladies and Gentlemen, <\/em><\/p>\n Anyone who has been following recent developments in the wake of the attack on October 7 would come to the inescapable conclusion that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has been deteriorating at an alarming rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n The human toll of the siege in Gaza has been unspeakable.<\/p>\n Tens of thousands of innocent human beings exhibiting the same general characteristics as us have reportedly been lost\u2013 two thirds of whom are painfully understood to be women and children.<\/p>\n Beyond the tragic fatalities, the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and other affected areas have been upended.<\/p>\n Over 27,500 people have been injured, \u2013 not to mention the psychological trauma suffered by those trapped in the situation.<\/p>\n More than half of the population of Gaza \u2013 an estimated 1.6 million people \u2013 have been displaced, as homes and entire neighbourhoods, as well critical infrastructure have been destroyed or rendered unsafe for occupancy.<\/p>\n The casualties reach far and wide, as one hundred and two of our own Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ staff working for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA have also lost their lives. \u00a0We grieve their loss, even as we grieve countless unknown civilians, who have succumbed to the violence. <\/span><\/p>\n These humanitarian workers made the ultimate sacrifice to honour the defining values and principles of the United Nations and remind us of the danger of indiscriminate counteraction, even if taken in self-defence.<\/p>\n To the families of the deceased in Israel and in the State of Palestine, I extend my most sincere, most heartfelt, condolences.<\/p>\n To the injured, especially the children, I ask them to stay strong, assuring them that we are working tirelessly to ensure the delivery of the assistance they require.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/em><\/p>\n Worryingly, we may never know the precise number of casualties, but one thing is indisputable: THOUSANDS have needlessly perished and the humanitarian situation in Gaza and other affected areas amounts to an utter humanitarian disaster that shows no signs of abatement in the short term.<\/p>\n For all foregoing reasons, my call today is exactly as it was on and before the 26th<\/sup> of October: we need a humanitarian ceasefirein Gaza now.<\/p>\n And this appeal is not mine alone \u2013 it is the resonating call of the larger membership of the General Assembly itself.<\/p>\n We need safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, now.<\/p>\n We demand that Hamas unconditionally return the hostages taken, now.<\/p>\n And we demand that the combatants act in full compliance with international law \u2013 including the laws of war, at all times, and in all circumstances.<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/em><\/p>\n Against this sobering background, today we gather for the sole purpose of receiving reports from relevant Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ entities that are engaged on the ground to ameliorate the crisis unfolding before our very eyes;<\/p>\n Those who have made it their unwavering call to alleviate the human suffering we are all seeing live streamed \u2013 by delivering essential humanitarian aid and care in an environment that can aptly be described as impossible.<\/p>\n Recognizing the immense sensitivity and emotional intensity attending this conflict, I urge you to use this meeting today to focus on the pressing humanitarian situation at hand.<\/p>\n Our primary objective is to ascertain the actual gravity of the situation as a prelude to bringing relief to Gaza and other affected areas.<\/p>\n I have received numerous questions from the public through my ASKPGA<\/em> platform \u2013 the vast majority of which address peace and security issues, including the situation in the Middle East.<\/p>\n This issue is front and centre on everyone\u2019s mind, and they are looking to us \u2013 the United Nations \u2013 not just for answers, but for credible answers, and for action.<\/p>\n This is not the time for any further bloodletting, nor even for politics.<\/p>\n This is the time to act in accordance with the very principles this institution was founded to promote, that is, \u201cto save succeeding generations from the scourge of war\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n The people of Gaza and other affected areas desperately need lifesaving humanitarian relief, and our singular focus must be on that issue.<\/p>\n Dear Colleagues, <\/em><\/p>\n In this regard, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵWRA \u2013 which is represented here today \u2013 has warned that its \u201centire operation is now on the verge of collapse\u201d.<\/p>\n This critical agency \u2013 which was already suffering from a million-dollar funding gap prior to the escalation of hostilities \u2013 is now facing the greatest crisis in its 64-year history.<\/p>\n The lack of water, food, fuel and basic medical supplies is causing a spiral of suffering.<\/p>\n With current supplies, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA can only meet 39 per cent of Gazans\u2019 food needs and one per cent of water, sanitation and hygiene needs in the shelters.<\/p>\n Water supplied through the received aid falls far short of the individual consumption requirements outlined in WHO standards. WHO is also present here today, to tell us more.<\/p>\n It is our understanding that since Wednesday, 70 per cent of Gazans no longer have access to clean water; highlighting the potential for contamination and disease outbreaks.<\/p>\n Indeed, the Organisation has declared that \u2013 with over half of Gaza\u2019s hospitals having now closed \u2013 they have become \u201cscenes of death, devastation and despair\u201d, with some \u201cceasing to function as hospitals altogether\u201d.<\/p>\n Let me be clear, I echo the recent statements by WHO and OCHA\u2019s that: \u201cHospitals are not battlegrounds.\u201d, nor are civilians and civilian infrastructure to be targeted for acts of war.<\/p>\n Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/em><\/p>\n As the United Nations, we need to stand up and speak up for what is right and honourable.<\/p>\n And we need to implement the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly.<\/p>\n Our motivation is the clear and unequivocal imperative to stop the bloodshed and to save human lives.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Excellencies, <\/em><\/p>\n As I conclude, I urge all parties to carefully consider the future \u2013 and to focus on the only viable solution \u2013 namely, the two-state solution to create a secure and lasting peace in the Middle East, particularly for children \u2013 so many of whom have lost everything they have ever known, including families to raise them.<\/p>\n What awaits them in the days and weeks to come? Where will they find refuge? How will this traumatic period shape their lives? And more long-term, what will become of Gaza and its people?<\/p>\n It is imperative that we prioritize their safety, now, to secure a better future for them.<\/p>\n As it is for a shared future every child yearns for and deserves.<\/p>\n The pathway to achieving this is through sincere and solution-oriented dialogues conducted in good faith.<\/p>\n The Security Council resolution 2712 (of 2023) on the humanitarian situation in Gaza is a welcomed development and I encourage Member States to keep working in this positive and hopeful direction.<\/p>\n I thank you.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Remarks of the President of the General Assembly<\/p>\r\n H.E Dennis Francis<\/p>\r\n GA plenary meeting on the Monday, 30 October 2023<\/p>\r\n As Delivered<\/i><\/i><\/p>\r\nPresident of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmanski,<\/i><\/i>\r\n\r\nExcellencies,<\/i>\r\n\r\nDistinguished Delegates,<\/i>\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/i>\r\n\r\nToday we gather to consider the annual report of the\u00a0International Criminal Court (ICC) \u2013 a\u00a0 critical pillar of the international legal order.\r\n\r\nThe ICC stands as a perennial symbol of our shared commitment to justice and humanity\u2019s greatest aspirations.\r\n\r\nIt serves as an emphatic reminder that\u00a0no one \u2013 I repeat, no one \u2013 should be exempt from accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community,\u00a0and that regardless of their status, position or location, perpetrators of such crimes will invariably face the weight of justice.\r\n\r\nIndeed, when it comes to the most egregious crimes against humanity,\u00a0 accountability knows no exceptions and justifiably so.\r\n\r\nIn those grave and heinous cases \u2013 when national legal systems prove unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators to justice \u2013 the ICC must step in.\r\n\r\nAccordingly, the ICC stands as a testament to our unshakeable resolve to end impunity, and moreover, to deter others from the commission of such crimes in the future.\r\n\r\nThe Court is indeed a truly unique embodiment of our collective resolution to upholding the principles of justice and accountability.\r\n\r\nI express my\u00a0 fulsome appreciation to the Court for its diligent efforts,\u00a0 as indeed to its judges and its prosecutor, as well as to the dedicated staff who have laudibly committed themselves to the pursuit of justice \u2013 and indeed, to what is\u00a0right<\/i>.\r\n\r\nThe report highlights both the progress and the challenges faced by the ICC this year, specifically as regards the prevention and punishment of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.\r\n\r\nThese principles are fundamental to our global vision of peace and are integral to our mission of maintaining international peace and security, promoting respect for human rights, and delivering justice to those who have suffered the gravest injustices.\r\n\r\nLadies and Gentlemen,<\/i>\r\n\r\nWe must acknowledge that the Court operates in a multifaceted international landscape.\r\n\r\nIts jurisdiction spans cases where state parties have brought situations to the attention of the Court, including situations referred by the United Nations Security Council.\r\n\r\nWhile it may present a unique set of challenges \u2013this duality in referral mechanisms underscores the importance of international cooperation.\r\n\r\nDespite these challenges, the hope for universal ratification of the Rome Statute, and the Kampala amendments, serve as a profound affirmation of the ICC's enduring commitment to justice.\r\n\r\nAs more countries join and support the ICC, the bold ambition of ending impunity for the most serious crimes becomes increasingly realistic to achieve.\r\n\r\nAs we engage in this discussion, let us remember the voices of the victims, whose suffering must compel us to take meaningful action.\r\n\r\nI underscore the\u00a0need for universal cooperation with the court among Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States in our common pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.\r\n\r\nI call upon States to support the ICC where it faces constraints in its pursuit of justice, including predictable funding to effectively undertake its investigations and prosecutions.\r\n\r\nIn line with the fundamental principle of complementarity, States should cooperate\u00a0with the ICC and with each other in investigations and prosecutions, including by sharing information and evidence to uphold the rule of law and ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes.\r\n\r\nLet us remain committed to strengthening the international legal framework and ensuring that the ICC continues to fulfill its essential role in our global efforts to prevent impunity and injustice and to promote lasting peace.\r\n\r\nI thank you and look forward to a fruitful discussion on this important matter.","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-274341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
Report of the International Criminal Court,<\/p>\r\n