Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr Philemon Yang,
General Assembly Plenary Debate Under Agenda Item 63 entitled “use of the veto”
Tuesday 26 November 2024, General Assembly Hall
[As Delivered]
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s meeting underscores the shared responsibility of the Security Council and the General Assembly to work collaboratively to safeguard peace and strengthen collective security.
In this regard, I welcome the timely submission of the Security Council’s special report on the use of the veto on the 18th of this month.
However, I must express my grave concern over the increasing frequency of vetoes since 2022, following the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 77/262.
This alarming trend highlights, yet again, the urgent need for the General Assembly to take initiative on critical issues of peace and security when the Security Council finds itself paralyzed and unable to fulfill its core mandate.
Excellencies,
As we convene, the situation in Sudan remains critical.
Over the past 19 months, Sudanese civilians have borne the brunt of an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
Over 11 million people have been displaced, including 3 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
An estimated 80 percent of health centers in conflict-affected areas are either closed or nonfunctional.
Reports of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are mounting, including instances of sexual abuse and gender-based violence.
These atrocities demand our immediate and collective attention.
This suffering must end.
I call on all parties involved in this conflict to engage in dialogue, institute an immediate cessation of hostilities, and work toward a sustainable resolution.
Excellencies,
The crisis in Sudan must not fade into the background as we address other global conflicts.
It is equally tragic, equally urgent, and it demands action.
I urge the Security Council to rise to its responsibilities and fulfill its mandate to uphold international peace and security.
Across the United Nations, we must respond as a united body to global challenges.
I therefore reiterate my call for concrete measures to overcome the deadlock in the Security Council.
As I emphasized in last week’s debate, we need actionable solutions.
I welcome your concrete proposals on this matter.
For my part, I will continue the practice of forwarding a summary of this plenary debate to the President of the Security Council.
Excellencies,
Let us be guided by our collective resolve to ensure that the United Nations fulfills its duty to those in need.
Together, let us renew our commitment to upholding peace, justice, and humanity for everyone, everywhere.
I thank you.
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