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President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly<\/b><\/p>\n
H.E. Dennis Francis<\/b><\/p>\n
at the High-Level Panel on Harnessing Climate Mobility for Adaptation & Resilience at COP28<\/b><\/p>\n
1 December 2023<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Heads of State and Government,<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
We deeply appreciate your presence here this morning.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is a pleasure to co-host this High-Level Panel with the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
And it is a particular honour to welcome you \u2013 the Climate Mobility Champion Leaders \u2013 whose astute guidance and leadership we all wholeheartedly value and appreciate.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since the inception of my Presidency of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly, I have been adamant that we must remain focused on the climate crisis \u2013 particularly, to strengthen our efforts to prioritize those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Many of you here represent them.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
That is why I have organized multiple high-level engagements on the existential threat posed by sea-level rise; and why I recently travelled to the Cook Islands for the Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
My message here today is simple and clear: We simply cannot continue to relegate those who have contributed the least to climate change to the vicissitudes of uncertainty, and the plight of indefinite anxiety.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
To do so would be both immoral and impractical \u2013 with consequences reaching far beyond the fates of those immediately affected.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I firmly believe that we have a collective responsibility, to stand together \u2013 and to act now.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
We all know the facts: By 2050, estimates show that over 200 million people could be forced to leave their homes due to the adverse impacts of climate change.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Homes are becoming uninhabitable. Millions are on the constant move.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Let me be clear: it would be tragically ill-informed and short-sighted for any nation, community, or group to assume that this displacement is, quote, \u201csomeone else\u2019s problem\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
These seeds of insecurity and instability were sown at our own initiative or lack thereof \u2013 with far reaching global ramifications.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Let us therefore together own this challenge \u2013 by demonstrating a greater sense of collective responsibility, coupled with collective action.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Let us stand in unity and solidarity.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
To the Climate Mobility Champions and world leaders here present today, I look to you to guide us \u2013 by sharing your experiences, your thoughts, and your expectations.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beyond that, you are our torchbearers and must mobilize the crucial political leadership needed to heighten the moral imperative and to drive forward transformative solutions that can rally the world.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
We look to you to answer the question: What should these solutions include?<\/p>\n
In my view, the solutions must address the loss and damage resulting from climate change, particularly in developing countries \u2013 which, not by their volunteered choice, lack adequate capacity and resources to respond effectively.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I welcome the decision of the Governments of the UAE and Germany to lead the way in capitalization of the Fund for Loss and Damage, to the tune of $100 million each. Developing countries deserve no less. I make the plea, let us continue to build on this success, let this be just the beginning.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The solutions must also prioritize women and girls, young people, persons living with disabilities, and indigenous peoples \u2013 as an integral part of the social safety net that offers protection to those at highest risk.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The solutions must drive accelerated action across the spectrum of mitigation and adaptation \u2013 and, importantly, enable the timely and adequate mobilization of resources for climate finance.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, the solutions must recognize that climate impacts are already here, already severe, and already eroding decades of development gains \u2013 demanding that we shift the focus towards building resilience, taking risk-informed decisions and actions that place people at the very centre of all that we do.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Let me conclude by recalling that you have all dealt with unique crises in your national contexts \u2013 in addressing current issues, while anticipating future climate mobility challenges.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I advise that you draw on these experiences in your discussions today.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I urge you to propose integrated and action-oriented solutions, that will guide other participants \u2013 to help them to re-imagine local, national, and regional policies and policy frameworks that anticipate risks, prioritize investments, and enable adaptive climate mobility; while embracing a people-first strategy.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In this regard, I ask you to ponder the following questions:<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What can be done to effectively roll out early warning systems and climate-related data and information services?<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How can we tap into the rich traditional and indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage of vulnerable communities in developing robust response strategies?<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How can we channel climate finance towards potential climate mobility hot spots in ways that better support the adaptation of skills and livelihoods?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
My co-host and I very much look forward to an insightful discussion; and I thank you again for joining us today.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n
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President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General AssemblyH.E. Dennis Francisat the High-Level Panel on Harnessing Climate Mobility for Adaptation & Resilience at COP281 December 2023\u00a0\u00a0Heads of State and Government,Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,\u00a0We deeply […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Remarks of the President of the General Assembly<\/p>\r\n
H.E Dennis Francis<\/p>\r\n
GA plenary meeting on the
Report of the International Criminal Court,<\/p>\r\n
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-274509","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