[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<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n at the Plenary Meeting on Agenda Item 34 entitled, \u201cThe Situation in the Middle East\u201d and Agenda Item 35 entitled, \u201cQuestion of Palestine\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [As Delivered]<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 28 November 2023<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Honourable Ministers,<\/i><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/i><\/p>\n Distinguished Delegates,<\/i><\/p>\n The Question of Palestine has lingered on the General Assembly\u2019s agenda for\u00a076 years<\/b>.<\/p>\n Over the decades, numerous resolutions have been adopted, instruments established, and international law invoked to end the vicious cycle of violence in the Middle East.<\/p>\n Yet, politics have again grown fraught and the loss of civilian life agonizingly rife as \u2013 unfortunately \u2013 we all are witnessing in recent weeks.<\/p>\n The horrifyingly lethal attack by Hamas on 7 October has deepened the divisions, while Israel\u2019s response in placing Gaza under siege has only hastened the urgency to achieve a peaceful and just solution to the situation in the region \u2013 for a secure and better future for the peoples of the region, in which Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security within internationally agreed borders. The longer the fear, distrust, appetite for revenge, hatred, and anxiety fester and deepen further \u2013 the more lethal the psychological chasm grows and the darker the shadow it will cast over generations to come.<\/p>\n One could be forgiven for asking: where does this end?<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/i><\/p>\n It is time to acknowledge that the divisions we perpetuate in this Hall are deeply connected to the hopelessness that millions will inevitably feel outside these walls \u2013 should we continue to fail in finding common ground, to engage with each other respectfully and in good faith, and to gain traction towards better outcomes.<\/p>\n Sustained security and stability in the Middle East cannot and will not be achieved without a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.<\/p>\n The only viable way to break the endless cycle of conflict, violence and mutual pain and suffering is through a two-State solution \u2013 in line with the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions.<\/p>\n Just as the Assembly agreed in 1947 to collectively address this issue, it must now take seriously and uphold its responsibility to support the two sides to peacefully resolve this conflict.<\/p>\n This means working much harder to build the consensus needed for Peace.<\/p>\n It means forging new avenues for direct dialogue between the parties, fostering respect for General Assembly resolutions and supporting all efforts that build on previous agreements.<\/p>\n We must therefore do our utmost to seek all viable outcomes \u2013 for the sake of the many innocent civilians who have paid and currently are paying the ultimate price of our continued failure to unify.<\/p>\n At all costs, we must do our part to avert any regional conflagration.<\/p>\n Distinguished Delegates,<\/i><\/p>\n In this context, I welcome the temporary ceasefire that allowed for the release of hostages over the weekend, and access to much needed humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and all affected areas.<\/p>\n I share the deep relief this must bring to the affected and their families.<\/p>\n This agreement offered a breakthrough for hope. But it is not nearly enough.<\/p>\n I strongly call, yet again, for the humane treatment and immediate, unconditional release of\u00a0all<\/b>\u00a0hostages.<\/p>\n I reiterate my call for a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire so food, water and desperately needed medical aid can reach all those in need in the Gaza Strip and all affected areas.<\/p>\n Humanitarian aid corridors must remain open and secure, and more assistance simply must be\u00a0allowed<\/b>\u00a0to enter Gaza and all affected areas.<\/p>\n I strongly condemn the indiscriminate damage caused to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA schools that are now housing\u00a0more than 1 million internally displaced persons<\/b>. \u00a0<\/p>\n It is unthinkable that in the prosecution of this war, contrary to the rules of war, schools are no longer inviolable, nor are they used exclusively for their intended purpose \u2013 that is, education.<\/p>\n Under international law, the protection of civilians is and must remain paramount.<\/p>\n I therefore urge Member States to provide sustainable and predictable support to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA as it works to rebuild and valiantly address the biggest humanitarian crisis since its establishment.<\/p>\n And I reiterate my solemn tribute to all the brave Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff and other humanitarian workers who gave their lives trying to attenuate massive human suffering in the search for lasting peace.<\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/i><\/p>\n Amid this carnage and extraordinary loss and sacrifice, we must find our way back to\u00a0rebuild trust<\/b>.<\/p>\n Trust that the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights \u2013 that\u00a0all<\/b>\u00a0human beings are born free and equal, that\u00a0all<\/b>\u00a0deserve a life free from fear and want \u2013 were not written in vain.<\/p>\n Trust that the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter and international law \u2013 the pillars of our multilateral system and foundation for our efforts to chart a more peaceful tomorrow \u2013 remain intact.<\/p>\n Trust that parents and relatives on both sides of this conflict \u2013 and throughout the Middle East \u2013 will be able to put their children to bed each night in safety. I repeat, in safety.<\/p>\n Ralph Bunche \u2013 who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his work as a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ mediator \u2013 had similar aspirations when he expressed his hope for \u201cmorality in the relations among nations.\u201d<\/p>\n I reiterate, in his words, that \u201cthere be, in our time, at long last, a world at Peace in which we, the people, may\u00a0for once<\/b>\u00a0begin to make full use of the great good that is in us.\u201d<\/p>\n As President of the General Assembly, I remain at your service should any nation or leader desire my assistance in facilitating dialogue towards this end.<\/p>\n I thank you.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-274453","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<\/s><\/p>\n
Report of the International Criminal Court,<\/p>\r\n