Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the country’s democratic progress as well as the development and peacebuilding agendas, including transitional justice issues.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to support efforts to consolidate democracy and sustainable development in Liberia.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The Secretary-General and the President exchanged views on the implementation of the Pact for the Future as well as the situation in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza.
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee on Enforced Disappearances today concluded its consideration of the initial report of Morocco, with Committee Experts commending the State on its transitional justice process, while raising questions on recent cases of disappeared migrants and criminal investigations into cases of enforced disappearances.
Matar Diop, Committee Vice Chair and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said the transitional justice process in Morocco was a unique experience, which allowed the State to revisit its past. This commendable initiative had achieved tangible results.
Juan Pablo Alban Alencastro, Committee Rapporteur and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said worrying information had been received about an event in 2022 regarding migrants who left Morocco trying to reach the Spanish coast and disappeared, and two other recent cases. Had the State party begun investigations into these events? Had they carried out search operations? Had relatives of the victims been able to participate in those search processes?
Mr. Alban Alencastro also asked if there had there been any criminal prosecutions resulting from the transitional justice process? How was it ensured that victims could be involved in these search activities and receive updates, as part of the right to truth? The Committee would welcome information on efforts taken to excavate mass graves. What measures were taken to ensure criminal investigations into the disappearances which took place between 1956 and 1999?
Regarding the cases of migrants, the delegation said autopsies of 23 victims had been carried out and it was found that one had died of asphyxiation. The individuals had clustered together, and some managed to get out while others did not, and they died. There were also hearings with those involved in the operation. Criminal operators had been seeking to push 2,000 people through the crossing point and had used forceful means to try and push them through. Security forces had sought to respond properly to what was happening.
The delegation said the Equity and Reconciliation Commission had dealt with 25,000 cases and treated them all on an equal footing. Wherever a death had occurred, the family was notified. Thirteen regions had benefited from the community reparations programmes. Authorities had been requested to carry out the exhumation of remains in burial sites. After exhumations were carried out, bone analysis was conducted to try to find out who the individuals were. This was one of the key tasks of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. It was clear that many violations had occurred between 1956 and 1999. The remains of victims found in these mass graves showed excessive use of force was used against them. Notifying relatives was critical and the State also sought to provide updates through the media.
Introducing the report, Abdellatif Ouahbi, Minister of Justice of Morocco and head of the delegation, said Morocco was one of the first contributors to the compilation of the Convention and one of the first States to sign it. The Equity and Reconciliation Commission adopted the concept of enforced disappearance, as outlined in the Convention. The Commission was able to fulfil its mission within five years and was able to expand its competence to include all types of violations, including enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture, among others. Over 27,000 victims or their families received around $212 million in compensation, more than 20,000 people gained health coverage, and 13 regions were covered by the communal reparations programme and received more than $16 million.
In concluding remarks, Mr. Ouahbi said Morocco had come a long way and aspired to the best rule of law. The State had paid more than 200 million dollars in compensation to ensure human dignity. Mr. Ouahbi thanked the Committee members for their comments and advice. When the Committee next reviewed Morocco, it was hoped that Morocco’s new Penal Code would be completely adopted. The Minister thanked the delegation and civil society for their support.
Olivier De Frouville, Committee Chair, in his concluding remarks, said the dialogue had been an important first step to pursue cooperation. The Committee would draw up concluding observations which would pay particular attention to the developing situation in the country and the issues raised in the constructive dialogue. The State party could count on the Committee’s support in its efforts to implement the Convention.
The delegation of Morocco consisted of representatives of the House of Representatives; the Chamber of Advisors; the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad; the Ministry of Health and Social Protection; the General Delegation to Penitentiary, Administration and Reintegration; the Presidency of the Public Ministry; the General Directorate of National Security; and the Permanent Mission of Morocco to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Morrocco at the end of its twenty-seventh session, which concludes on 4 October. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. The programme of work of the Committee’s twenty-seventh session and other documents related to the session can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public this afternoon, Wednesday 25 September, at 3 p.m. to begin its consideration of the initial report of Norway (CED/NOR/1).
Report
The Committee has before it the initial report of Morocco (CED/MAR/1).
Presentation of Report
ABDELLATIF OUAHBI, Minister of Justice of Morocco and head of the delegation, said Morocco was one of the first contributors to the compilation of the Convention and one of the first States to sign it. It had also supported its international engagement, becoming a member of the Global Initiative for the Convention, which led to a joint action plan to advance universal ratification and implementation. Morocco was also one of the first States to establish the national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, which contributed to the enhancement of interaction with the United Nations human rights mechanisms.
During the reporting period, Morocco became a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, the first Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Morocco also welcomed the visit of the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances in 2009, which was the first visit to a State in the region. The country then hosted the one hundred and eighth session of the Working Group in 2016 and facilitated its successful conduct.
Morocco had turned the protection and promotion of human rights into the foundation of the modern State, emphasising the transitional justice workshop to achieve national reconciliation. In Morocco, there was a limited number of enforced disappearances; most of the victims remained alive and were able to contribute to revealing the truth and participating in the transitional justice process. Victims also benefited from various measures and procedures aimed at redressing and rehabilitating damages.
The Equity and Reconciliation Commission adopted the concept of enforced disappearance, as outlined in the Convention. The files of the persons whose fate was unknown, relating to death during social events, were the most significant files processed. The Commission adopted the criteria for compensation and reparation, and the principle of not enforcing time limits for cases submitted after the legal period.
Detention centres were known to civil society organizations and the press. The Commission was able to fulfil its mission within five years (September 1999 to November 2005), which included completing investigations, preparing arbitration decisions, holding public hearings, and the issuance of a final report. The Commission was able to expand its competence to include all types of violations, including enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture, among others. The concept of the victim was also expanded. Over 27,000 victims or their families received around $212 million in compensation, more than 20,000 people gained health coverage, and 13 regions were covered by the communal reparations programme and received more than $16 million. In addition, the Commission adopted regional development programmes and launched a programme to rehabilitate detention centres and preserve the memory associated with them.
The positive dynamics led to the adoption of a new Constitution in 2011, which enabled the prohibition of enforced disappearance, torture and other gross human rights violations. Morocco also engaged in a comprehensive reform of the justice system through the adoption of the Code of Military Justice and through the establishment of an independent judicial power and institutional mechanisms. The State issued laws relating to the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power. Mr. Ouahbi assured the Committee of Morocco’s close cooperation during the dialogue. The State was helping with the organisation of the first world conference on enforced disappearances in January 2025.
Questions by Committee Experts
MATAR DIOP, Committee Vice Chair and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said the large delegation from Morocco testified to the extent to which the State valued human rights and human dignity. It also demonstrated the State’s determination to effectively implement the provisions of the Convention. Morocco had ratified the Convention in May 2013. Since its ratification, no national court had been seized of a case of enforced disappearance, within the meaning of the definition set out in the Convention. However, this did not mean there were no issues to discuss. The Committee hoped to have a constructive dialogue which would allow them to revisit the past.
The Equity and Reconciliation Commission aimed to address the weight of the past. Could Morocco provide clarification on articles 31 and 32 of the Convention regarding individual and inter-State communications?
The National Human Rights Council was a fully independent national constitutional institution in the exercise of its mandate to promote and protect human rights and prevent possible violations of human rights. The members were selected to represent the different regions of the country, Moroccans living abroad, young people, persons with disabilities and children. The Committee recognised that the process was commendable. Who appointed the members and how was their independence guaranteed? Did these members have a mandate and what were the terms?
Which administrative or judicial authority managed the database on missing persons? Did this information overlap with other databases, such as the registers of persons deprived of their liberty, and were these databases accessible to all interested persons? The State party had indicated that a revision of the Criminal Code was underway, which included a definition of enforced disappearances, in line with the Convention, which provided for penalties proportionate to the gravity of the offences committed. Had the bill moved out of the drafting stage? Was it before Parliament for consideration? Why had it taken so long – 15 years – to adopt this document? Was the definition of enforced disappearance as defined in the draft Criminal Code the final version? Nothing was specified about the nature of the offence. Was it ensured that enforced disappearance was a crime, not an offence?
On the issue of criminal responsibility, how did Morocco reconcile two texts regarding responsibility of enforced disappearance, with the provisions of article 6.2 of the Convention, which stated that “No order or instruction issued by a public authority, civil, military or otherwise, may be invoked to justify a crime of enforced disappearance”?
JUAN PABLO ALBAN ALENCASTRO, Committee Rapporteur and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said the Committee would appreciate an explanation on whether there were specific provisions under domestic law that addressed the issue of the application of the statute of limitations to enforced disappearance cases, in line with the Convention? Could the State explain whether other remedies aside from compensation were available for victims, aside from civil claims?
How were domestic law provisions applicable to cases of enforced disappearance, given that enforced disappearance had not been expressly defined as an offence in national law? What prosecutions were in place for this crime under national law? What existing legal and administrative measures were in place as vehicles for conducting a preliminary inquiry or investigation to establish the facts? Given that enforced disappearance had not been expressly defined as an offence in national law, could the Committee clarify whether military courts were competent to investigate or prosecute persons accused of committing crimes of abduction and unlawful detention?
How was it ensured in practice that all reported cases of enforced disappearance were investigated? What measures were taken to ensure that a search was immediately initiated when the authorities become aware of a case of enforced disappearance? Was there a mechanism in place to exclude from investigations into alleged cases of enforced disappearance, any State officials who were suspected of having committed the offence? Did national law establish that a State official suspected of involvement in an offence of enforced disappearance should be suspended from duty? The Committee would welcome information on the status of the investigations and search efforts concerning the events of 1956–1999, and the disappearance of Sahrawi victims in Western Sahara? Could the State party provide specific examples on how victims’ family members were protected from reprisals?
Worrying information had been received about an event in 2022 regarding migrants who left Morocco trying to reach the Spanish coast and disappeared, and two other recent cases. Had the State party begun investigations into these events? Had they carried out search operations? Had relatives of the victims been able to participate in those search processes?
Given that enforced disappearance was not established as an offence in the Criminal Code, what measures had been adopted to ensure that it was included as an extraditable crime in all treaties? Were there any potential obstacles to extradition under national legislation, or extradition treaties or agreements with third countries with regard specifically to enforced disappearance? The Government had stated that it had not received any requests to provide assistance to victims. Had measures been planned at the domestic level?
When dealing with deceased persons, were there measures to ensure reciprocal action for exhumation and the return of remains? This was very relevant considering that according to information received, at least in cases involving the disappearance of Sahrawi victims in Western Sahara, there had been explicit requests for assistance which may not have been responded to positively.
A Committee Expert thanked Morocco for their input in working on the general comment on enforced disappearance and migration. The general comment was adopted in 2023; how was the State following up its recommendations? The Committee had received information that people were still missing from Sudan and Chad. What were the findings in this regard?
Another Expert welcomed the sizable delegation of Morocco which indicated the importance they attached to the Convention. Had the guiding principles adopted by the Committee been broadly disseminated within the bodies responsible for searching for disappeared persons? Could there be dual incrimination for enforced disappearances, with a view to extradition?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the reform of the Penal Code was a long-term process. The Equity and Reconciliation Commission had produced recommendations which aimed to reform the Criminal Code. Following a national dialogue, a partial bill was created which was submitted to Parliament. The amendments included the criminalisation of enforced disappearance. The new parliament aimed to comprehensively reform the Criminal Code, which was why the partial bill was withdrawn. The draft revision now had legal definitions and had raised enforced disappearance to a crime, which was punishable with up to life imprisonment. Penalties were increased according to aggravated circumstances.
The Criminal Code stated that enforced disappearance was a crime against humanity, in line with the Convention. There were 90 bilateral agreements in the areas of extradition and the transfer of convicted criminals. Since the adoption of the 2011 Constitution, Morocco had not responded to any request from a bilateral partner which would entail a risk to the extradited person. However, the State did respond positively in cases of criminal proceedings where there were no such risks.
Morocco continued to participate in the individual communication mechanisms of the United Nations. The National Human Rights Council was a pluralist and constitutional body which played a key role in the promotion of human rights in the country. It had been awarded A status. Eight members of the body were selected from civil society organizations.
Morocco left no stone unturned to ensure that international human rights instruments were made well known, including their related protocols. This included the Convention and the Committees’ concluding observations, which were published on various channels, including the Gazette of Morocco, which was freely available to anyone in the country. Texts of treaties and conventions to which Morocco was a party were also published online, as were studies in key human rights areas.
Training was provided to law enforcement officials on human rights and human rights instruments. This was a key part of continuous and ongoing training as well as basic training for law officials.
Morocco had shared several observations and comments on the topic of migration and enforced disappearance. The general comment on this issue was disseminated to all relevant bodies and was part of the training for those who worked in these entities.
Morocco had duly criminalised enforced disappearance. The Constitution prohibited enforced disappearance because it was a violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Legislation had been strengthened to properly cover the crime of enforced disappearance, including human trafficking and torture. Anyone who had born witness to enforced disappearance was obliged to report what they had witnessed.
Tools were in place for reparation, remedy and compensation, which were made available to all victims. Criminal proceedings could also be pursued before the courts. Regarding the cases of migrants who disappeared in 2022, investigations included the identification of those who disappeared. Steps were taken to involve diplomatic missions to identify remains and bodies. Relatives were involved in these investigations. Photos were taken and evidence was gathered and sent to laboratories, including fingerprints. For the 23 bodies which could not be identified, seven had been able to be identified through conferring with the families. Investigations were ongoing on the other cases.
Morocco had an electronic database system, which contained all search notices, including those issued by the judicial police, and those involving other people who had disappeared. The database was extensive and contained all necessary information on disappeared persons and fugitives. When no trace of a disappeared person could be found, accelerated measures were applied, and relatives were contacted.
Morocco was undergoing a unique experience on transitional justice, and the Equity and Reconciliation Commission had achieved a lot in five years. Civil society was needed as a key partner.
In 1991, after the body was established, it launched a unique initiative, calling for all detention centres under the dictatorship to be closed. Thanks to this action, 511 persons who had been forcibly disappeared were liberated. These people served as the living memory of a clandestine system which was not properly documented. It also helped the State to understand the fate of others who were disappeared. Fifty-five different graves had been uncovered due to ramped up activity, supported by the authorities. Hearings had been held across the country, where victims of violations were interviewed. They spoke directly and frankly about what they had experienced.
For the past few years, Parliament had called for a full reform of the judiciary. Morocco had worked on adopting the rules of fair trial. A special institute worked on forensic and legal medicine, which helped in cases such as rape, or other matters like inheritance. DNA was the only way to effectively determine the identity of a person.
Questions by Committee Experts
MATAR DIOP, Committee Vice Chair and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said the transitional justice process in Morocco was a unique experience, and the existence of the body allowed the State to revisit its past. This commendable initiative had achieved tangible results. What had happened to the searches carried out as part of the transitional justice process? Did the State party intend to prosecute the perpetrators of the crimes of enforced disappearances if they knew who they were? If not, did they intend to find them? To pay historic debt, it was important to bring perpetrators to justice.
Did the State intend to recognise the competence of the Committee so it could receive individual victim complaints or communications? What was the central body which managed the database? Exoneration for carrying out enforced disappearance, due to acting in hierarchical order, was outlined in the State party’s Constitution, although the Convention did not allow for this.
JUAN PABLO ALBAN ALENCASTRO, Committee Rapporteur and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, asked what necessary conditions needed to be met so Morocco could recognise the competency of the Committee to receive individual communications? Morocco stated that enforced disappearance was criminalised within the Constitution. Was article 23 of the Constitution directly applicable in criminal proceedings? How far had enforced disappearance been criminalised as a stand-alone crime, as well as a crime against humanity? Today, the delegation had said that a statute of limitations started as of when the situation of a disappeared person was determined. Could clarification on this be provided? What had been the outcomes of the search efforts deployed in relation to the almost 70 migrants who had disappeared? Had the State been able to bring the perpetrators to justice? How did the authorities decide whether a case was one of enforced disappearance? How were active extradition proceedings handled?
An Expert asked if Morocco received a request for extradition for a Moroccan, where there was an enforced disappearance in a different country, and this was denied because of nationality, on what basis would they be judged?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said eight members of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission were victims of flagrant human rights violations. The Chair regularly gathered victims of human rights violations. A symposium in 2001 brought together civil society and political parties. All victims received a document containing details, including name, date of release, and where they were held, as applicable. The State made it clear to the victim that the Moroccan State took responsibility as the perpetrator of those acts. The State had a national strategy to ensure the non-recurrence of these atrocities. It was clear that the judiciary needed to be independent and just.
Irrespective of the duration of the enforced disappearance, it was considered to be a crime. Extradition occurred in the legal phase and the administrative phase. It was up to the judiciary to weigh in on the issue of a dual penalty. There was constant monitoring and oversight of individuals in custody on a daily basis. There was no definition of enforced disappearance as provided for in the Convention. Morocco would take steps to align the definition with the Convention.
Regarding the cases of migrants, autopsies of 23 victims had been carried out and it was found that one had died of asphyxiation. The individuals had clustered together, and some managed to get out while others did not and they died. There were also hearings with those involved in the operation. Criminal operators had been seeking to push 2,000 people through the crossing point and had used forceful means to try and push them through. Security forces had sought to respond properly to what was happening. There was no statute of limitations applied to cases of enforced disappearances.
Morocco believed that meetings like this would help the State further develop its human rights approach. It was hoped Morocco would be the gold standard when it came to human rights. The State had duly acknowledged what had happened and had accepted the blame. It was important these events never happened again. The State was determined to ensure non-repetition and non-recurrence. To achieve this, society needed to understand what their rights were.
The State had major problems on the issue of illegal migrants; 50,000 residents’ permits had been issued to respond to this crisis. Female illegal migrants had access to healthcare in hospitals, irrespective of their illegal status. Addressing the criminal gangs involved in illegal migration was a major challenge for the State. The State needed to protect the rights of these migrants, some of whom had no identity documents. Morocco was dealing with a mass wave of illegal migrants of which they knew very little about. Some of these people, such as Sudanese migrants, could not go home in the current circumstances. Morocco was close to Europe and many migrants were aiming to reach Europe as their final destination.
Often security forces were attacked in the discharge of their duties. Democracy was the only way to ensure there was no repetition of the crimes of the past. The State was aware of amendments to legislation which needed to be made, and these conversations were happening. The State wanted to further develop the country and ensure full respect for all peoples, including Palestinian people.
This year, more than 200 trafficking networks had been dismantled and over 48,000 persons involved in illegal migration had been stopped. In coordination with the International Organization on Migration, voluntary returns were organised. The State did not use collective extradition and was working on a draft bill on migration.
Questions by Committee Experts
MATAR DIOP, Committee Vice Chair and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said article 16 of the Convention contained the principle of “non-refoulment.” What measures was the State party taking to always guarantee strict adherence to the principles of non-refoulment? Could a decision authorising the return or expulsion of an individual be appealed? What was the procedure for lodging an appeal? Who approved appeals? Which mechanisms ensured each case was reviewed individually before any expulsion or extradition took place?
Was the risk of enforced disappearance taken into account when considering the expulsion of a foreign national? Which authority took the decision to expel an individual? How was this notified to the concerned parties? What timeframe did the individual have to lodge an appeal? Were they informed of their right to an appeal? If one appealed the extradition order, was the expulsion order immediately suspended? How was it ensured that all persons deprived of their liberty were guaranteed their rights from the outset of detention, including the right to contact their lawyer and receive visits? Whatever the place of deprivation of liberty, it was vital that the person was able to receive information concerning their case. This was vital to prevent secret detentions.
What sanctions were in place for those who violated rules and norms in places of detention? Where did things currently stand with regard to the project to implement an electronic custody register, to allow for one single central database? Could an irregular migrant in the country be held in custody prior to their return?
JUAN PABLO ALBAN ALENCASTRO, Committee Rapporteur and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said the Committee had noted that under domestic law, a person affected by a crime could institute a civil action. How did the national legislation define a victim? How had the definition of a victim been amended in national legislation to ensure it conformed with the Convention? Was a victim of enforced disappearance obliged to initiate criminal proceedings of any kind? How was it guaranteed in practice that cases of enforced disappearances were duly investigated? When a person was disappeared, what measures were taken to ensure a search was immediately initiated and that authorities were made aware of their disappearance?
Had there been any criminal prosecutions resulting from the transitional justice process? How was it ensured that victims could be involved in these search activities and receive updates, as part of the right to truth? The Committee acknowledged the State party’s efforts in regard to the Equity and Reconciliation Commission. Could further information be provided on measures to facilitate access to archives? What steps were taken to preserve these archives? Who was responsible for their maintenance and integrity?
The Committee would welcome information on efforts taken to excavate mass graves. What measures were taken to ensure criminal investigations into the disappearances which took place between 1956 and 1999? Was there a mechanism for launching an immediate search at a local level whenever disappearances were reported? What mechanisms were in place to guarantee effective collaboration between the authorities involved in the search for and investigations on disappeared persons?
The Committee took note of reparations documented by the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, which were welcomed. What criteria were used to establish the amount of compensation to be paid to each victim? Could victims lodge their own claims for reparation? How were reparation rules applied to Sahrawi victims in Western Sahara? The Committee had received information that there were housing projects built on places of burial. What was being done to preserve these areas? What institutional reforms had been adopted to ensure that democracy and the rule of law could flourish? What was being done to try and investigate the death of a disappeared person, despite a death certificate?
The Committee acknowledged the information provided by the State on all the different crimes committed against children. In Fez, allegedly the babies of teenage unmarried mothers were taken away from them and trafficked by gangs. Civil society organizations had reported that there were thousands of unaccompanied migrant children who had disappeared after landing in Europe, with many being Moroccan. Could the delegation comment on this? How many times had DNA been used in cases of enforced disappearances? How was the principle of non-refoulment respected in extradition proceedings? How was the right of a detainee to communicate with their family guaranteed? How could a foreign detainee communicate with the consular authority of their country? How was the right of communication guaranteed for detainees?
An Expert asked how the State conducted a proper risk assessment, when considering sending someone back to their country? The Committee had received information of people being returned from Morocco despite facing risks in their own country.
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Morocco was duty bound to protect citizens and everyone in the land. The State always respected the decisions of the Committee against Torture and would never extradite anyone who was at threat of torture. On the specific decisions mentioned, Morocco had respected the decisions of the Committee against Torture. The State was responsible and accountable for acts prior to 1999. The State did not recruit children, and the abduction of any child was a crime. If Morocco allowed the abduction of 6,000 children to take place under their noses, were they really a functioning State? To claim 6,000 children had been abducted in Morocco was shocking. Nothing prevented anyone detained in Morocco from receiving visitors. Nobody was held in secret detention. Morocco did not engage in reprisals and did not discriminate against anyone.
The Equity and Reconciliation Commission asked what violations had occurred, rather than pushing for proof. The Commission had learned from the past and worked with national human rights associations. It was important to make a distinction between compensation and reparations. Women received a 20 per cent bonus on top of any compensation paid to a man. A larger sum of compensation was also paid to a person who had been held in a secret detention facility. The State worked with psychologists and psychiatrists to help those affected reintegrate into society. When all detainees were released by the King, one detainee passed away after being released. The children of those who had died were reintegrated into society by the State. Enforced disappearance was not subject to the statute of limitations; the State was seeking to close all cases of enforced disappearance.
Moroccan law prohibited any form of secret detention. Detainees were guaranteed contact with their families and legal representation. Foreigners could contact their consular representatives. From 2019 to 2023, there were over 16,000 visits to places of detention. Any person detained had the right to contact a lawyer. Any person who considered themselves to be a victim could contact the relevant authorities. The concept of victim also included public benefit organizations or organizations working to combat violence against women.
Regarding the disappearance of children, there was a search procedure which aimed to find disappeared children. The kefala of a child could not be given to a person who had been convicted of a crime relating to morality. There were many reform workshops which had taken place. The number of forensic doctors had been increased from 13 to 260. Since adopting genetic digital prints, the State had created a database to collect all the information. Fingerprints and DNA prints from the scene of the crime, or from those accused were collected. This allowed a biological link to the victim to be established.
Morocco had seen huge progress regarding enacting laws and establishing legal systems with a comprehensive, eco-systemic approach. The State aimed to ensure human rights were a basis and a real doctrine. There was no discrimination within Morocco, and the country was open to the world. The State did not forget the importance of institutional reform, with regards to the moving of supervision to the Public Prosecutor.
The State had independent mechanisms which were not subject to any other authority. A programme of action had been implemented for continuous training of police, as well as rehabilitation for any kind of detention. The national commission to combat torture could access all records, as well as the register of persons deprived of liberty.
Questions by Committee Experts
MATAR DIOP, Committee Vice Chair and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said it was important to get a proper grasp of the refoulment procedure. Which administrative authority took the decision on expulsion? How was the decision notified to the interested party? Did the interested party have a clear timeframe to which they could lodge an appeal against this decision? Where did the State stand in the reparation and rehabilitation process for victims? Did the National Human Rights Council intend to reopen the compensation files?
The Committee had heard reports that former detention centres had fallen entirely into ruin. What was the current status of the community reparation programme? Mr. Diop thanked the delegation for their willingness to respond to the Committee’s questions.
JUAN PABLO ALBAN ALENCASTRO, Committee Rapporteur and Country Rapporteur for Morocco, said he had never mentioned 6,000 children; perhaps there was a mistranslation. Thousands of children had come to Europe, according to sources, with many being Moroccan. What was the State doing to prevent the disappearance of children? If the State could explain why these statements were false, this would be highly appreciated. Had the issue of criminal responsibility been sidelined since the State was striving for lasting reconciliation? Had people who had been indicated as possible violators of human rights been removed from their jobs? Who was a victim according to the law and Moroccan jurisprudence? Could tangible examples be provided of how Morocco accommodated the gender perspective, and the needs of women and children who were close to a disappeared person?
A Committee Expert asked if persons who were detained had the right to communicate with those stipulated under their rights, including legal representation? Could persons held incommunicado still communicate? Were discovered remains returned to relatives in a dignified manner? What role did the Public Prosecutor play in the search for disappeared persons?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Equity and Reconciliation Commission had dealt with 25,000 cases and treated them all on an equal footing. Wherever a death had occurred, the family was notified. Morocco continued to provide assistance to marginalised communities. Thirteen regions had benefited from the community reparations programmes. Authorities had been requested to carry out exhumation of remains in burial sites. After exhumations were carried out, bone analysis was conducted, to understand who the individuals were. This was one of the key tasks of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission.
It was clear that there were many violations which occurred between 1956 and 1999. Remains of victims found in these mass graves showed excessive use of force was used against them. Notifying relatives was critical and the State also sought to provide updates through the media. A funeral had been held in Casablanca for 840 people who had been disappeared. Their remains were transported in trucks and reburied with more dignity.
Enforced return related to migration. Significant work was done on voluntary repatriation. Everyone had the right to repeal a refoulment procedure before the court. This was considered an urgent procedure. The law stipulated the need to find alternatives, including a country of origin or a third country which could receive the person. A foreigner who was pregnant or a minor could not be subject to refoulment. There were guarantees of protection from ill treatment. Any person affected by a crime could request the protection of their rights, be it civil or criminal. The person could also receive legal assistance upon request. There were rules and conditions for custody. As for the Criminal Code, the reform had led to additional guarantees, especially with regard to confessions before judiciary police, which were now considered null and void. If a decision was claimed to be illegal, it could be appealed, and action needed to be taken within 24 hours.
Morocco received everybody without discrimination. In Morocco, laws addressed every citizen, never a particular community. The law relating to prisons applied to all detainees, whether they were Moroccan or foreigners. There was also a law which enhanced the independence of the judiciary and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. There was a draft civil law which led to a community discussion amongst the people of Morocco. Every generation in Morocco had more freedom compared to the previous generation. The State was always seeking to improve and achieve more.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office was in charge of search and investigation. Judges from the Office supervised these processes. Morocco’s national legislation was fully in line with article 6 of the Convention.
Closing Remarks
ABDELLATIF OUAHBI, Minister of Justice of Morocco and head of the delegation, said there needed to be a link between reparation and the person who was subject to harm. Decisions and rulings had been handed down and victims had been compensated, because the State was responsible for protecting individuals. Morocco had compensated the families of two Norwegians who were killed by terrorist attacks in Morocco. Morocco had a committee which held meetings with counterparts in Europe, asking to provide lists of children, and investigations had been carried out. Most of the children were foreign children, but some were Moroccan who had been released abroad. Morocco had come a long way and aspired to the best rule of law. The State had paid more than 200 million dollars in compensation to ensure human dignity. Mr. Ouahbi thanked the Committee members for their comments and advice. When the Committee next reviewed Morocco, it was hoped that the new Penal Code would be completely adopted. The Minister thanked the delegation and civil society for their support.
OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had been an important first step to pursue cooperation. The Committee would draw up concluding observations which would pay particular attention to the developing situation in the country and the issues raised in the constructive dialogue. The State party could count on the Committee’s support in its efforts to implement the Convention.
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CED24.008E
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
They discussed the central importance of strengthening human rights in the multilateral system, and cooperation between the two Organizations. They also discussed the war in Ukraine.
***
Le Secrétaire-General a rencontré S.E. M. Alain Berset, le Secrétaire Général du Conseil de l’Europe.
Ils ont discuté de l’importance centrale du renforcement des droits humains dans le système multilatéral, ainsi que de la coopération entre les deux organisations. Ils ont aussi discuté de la guerre en Ukraine.
Source: United Nations secretary general
Ladies and gentlemen, Esteemed guests, and partners in progress,
Welcome to the third annual flagship convening of the Global Africa Business Initiative.
Three years ago, we gathered here to explore the possibilities of investing in Africa and building the future we all envision.
Since then, our world has experienced seismic changes. The global landscape, already volatile, has grown more uncertain. Conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions, and an escalating climate crisis have exposed the fragility of our systems.
Yet, through this darkness, we see African leadership shining through. Here, I commend H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission for his outstanding leadership over the last decade. Under his leadership, we have seen the signing of the landmark African Continental Free Trade
Area, a stronger relationship between the AU and the UN through the signing of the AU-UN Framework on Implementation of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, and his championing of GABI.
Dear friends,
We see Africa’s economic leadership in the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 – a groundbreaking step that amplifies Africa’s voice in global economic governance. It ensures that the continent’s development priorities are part of the decisions shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is further evidence that Africa’s economic leadership is accelerating, poised to drive jobs, growth and economic integration into the future.
Meanwhile, we see Africa’s peace leadership as the African Union continues its strong commitment to peacekeeping, focusing on conflict resolution and governance reform in Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Sahel, and silencing the guns by 2030.
We see Africa’s political leadership in many leaders’ efforts to strengthen the institutions of democratic governance. The unconstitutional changes of power we see in some countries are deeply troubling – but in as much as they are the exception, not the rule, we must ensure our democracies deliver lest this becomes the norm.
We certainly see African leadership in the global transition to renewable energy – from the continent’s rich natural resources, to the increasing number of African solar, wind and hydropower projects, to its place as a home for the critical minerals required to power the renewables revolution.
We see Africa’s innovation leadership enabled by the African Union’s Startup Policy framework which provides a roadmap for member states to create policies that empower the next generation of innovators.
Africa’s unquestioned demographic leadership, with a youthful and rapidly growing population – is an unparalleled asset, that can capitalize on the sweeping advancements in technology and leverage a thriving creative and cultural economy to drive sustainable growth and development across the continent.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
African leadership also demands looking at persistent challenges that are blocking our progress – including financial constraints, security concerns, and infrastructure gaps. Addressing these issues requires ongoing international efforts, peacekeeping initiatives conflict resolution and targeted investments in infrastructure development.
Addressing these challenges is what the next two days are all about. Unlocking solutions through cocreating, collaborating and leveraging our networks.
For these discussions will be pivotal – not just for Africa’s future but for shaping the global future we want.
We meet at a crucial time, just days after the announcement of a new Pact for the Future. This Pact is a renewed commitment to global solidarity. It’s more than just a political document; it’s an opportunity for Africa to address its unique challenges and accelerate progress towards sustainable development
through stronger international cooperation and equitable resource allocation.
This includes more support for the SDG Stimulus and badly needed global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries, including in Africa.
This year, consistent with our theme “Unstoppable Africa,” GABI will delve into five key areas that will guide our conversations and shape our collective future.
First, unlocking inclusive growth through trade.
The African Continental Free Trade Area offers a framework to create the largest single market in the world. We’ll explore how to break down trade barriers, foster economic integration, and build regional value chains – ensuring that no one is left behind, especially women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Second, making Africa clean energy superpower.
With its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources, Africa has the potential to be a global hub for renewable energy. In this discussion, we’ll identify pathways to harness this potential and lead the world’s energy transition.
Third, supercharging Africa’s digital revolution.
The continent is leaping forward in fintech, e-commerce, and digital education, transforming economies and societies and creating new jobs and sources of prosperity for Africans. We’ll focus on how to accelerate this digital transformation to ensure that all Africans benefit.
Fourth, sport.
From football stadiums to the Olympic Games, Africa’s talent is shining on the global stage. But it’s not just about the talent on the field – it’s about leveraging sports as a driver for economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural diplomacy off the field, too.
Fifth, African creativity for the world.
We will explore how Africa’s rich cultural heritage and creative talent can drive global impact and economic growth, creating jobs for our youth while showcasing African excellence on the world stage.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Today, Africa’s promise is clearer than ever.
We have seen what is possible.
Africa is not just participating in global conversations.
Africa is leading them.
As the world confronts challenges, Africa offers solutions – whether in energy transitions, digital transformation, or inclusive trade. GABI is our platform to own this potential and explore how Africa can continue to drive global progress.
I look forward to the transformative discussions and groundbreaking ideas that will emerge over the next two days.
Thank you!
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The Yashil Makon Initiative is a nationwide program launched by the Government of Uzbekistan to transform environments across the country through sustainable development practices. This initiative seeks to expand and enhance green spaces, promote environmental stewardship, and improve the overall quality of life for citizens. It aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its national strategy for environmental sustainability.
To support the successful implementation of the Yashil Makon Initiative of Uzbekistan, a collaborative project involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been established. This project focuses on integrating comprehensive master planning with innovative financial solutions, create income-generating opportunities for communities in Surkhandarya to ensure the initiative is not only sustainable but also scalable across Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes.
The Launch Meeting was designed to formally introduce the project and bring together key stakeholders to discuss its strategic direction, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. This meeting provided overview of the project, detailing its goals, key components, and timeline. It served
as a platform to foster collaboration among the Government of Uzbekistan, UNDP, UNECE, UNHCR, and other essential partners, establishing a robust framework for cooperation. During the meeting, participants explored the master planning approaches that will be applied to the Yashil Makon Initiative, ensuring that afforestation activities are sustainable and aligned with the initiative’s goals. The meeting also emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, facilitating dialogue
on the roles and contributions of various stakeholders, including government entities.
Photo credit: UNDP Uzbekistan
Source: United Nations
This tenth International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons arrives at a troubling moment.
Growing geopolitical divisions and mistrust are driving tensions to new heights. Instead of dialogue and diplomacy being deployed to end the nuclear threat, another nuclear arms race is taking shape, and saber-rattling is re-emerging as a tactic of coercion.
We need to stop the madness before it’s too late. On this important Day, the world must deliver a clear and united message: the only way to eliminate the nuclear threat is to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Disarmament and non-proliferation are two sides of the same coin. Progress in one spurs progress in the other. States must pursue both as a matter of urgency.
Nuclear weapon States must lead the way by honoring their disarmament obligations, and committing never to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances, or threaten to do so.
The treaties and instruments that seek to prevent the spread and testing of nuclear weapons and bring about their elimination need to be reinforced and adapted to meet today’s challenges, including to address technological changes that could increase the threat.
Just days ago, the Summit of the Future — and the Pact for the Future that emerged — resulted in a new global commitment to revitalize the global disarmament regime, and bring our world closer to our goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.
Our future hangs in the balance. Let’s eliminate these weapons from our world for good.
***
Cette dixième Journée internationale pour l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires arrive à un moment inquiétant.
Alimentées par des divisions géopolitiques et une méfiance croissantes, les tensions atteignent de nouveaux sommets. Alors même qu’il conviendrait de nouer un dialogue et d’user de diplomatie pour mettre un terme à la menace nucléaire, on assiste à la naissance d’une nouvelle course aux armements nucléaires et au retour des démonstrations de force comme tactiques de coercition.
Nous devons mettre fin à cette folie avant qu’il ne soit trop tard. En ce jour important, le monde doit délivrer d’une seule voix un message clair : le seul moyen d’éliminer la menace nucléaire est d’éliminer les armes nucléaires.
Le désarmement et la non-prolifération sont les deux faces d’une même médaille. Tout progrès dans l’un de ces domaines entraîne des progrès dans l’autre. Les États doivent s’employer à atteindre ces deux objectifs de toute urgence.
Les États dotés d’armes nucléaires doivent montrer la voie en honorant leurs obligations en matière de désarmement et en s’engageant à ne jamais utiliser de telles armes, quelles que soient les circonstances, ou menacer de les utiliser.
Pour relever les défis actuels, notamment propres aux changements technologiques susceptibles d’accroître la menace, il faut renforcer et adapter les traités et instruments visant à empêcher la prolifération et les essais d’armes nucléaires et à éliminer ces armes.
Il y a quelques jours seulement, dans le cadre du Sommet de l’avenir – et du Pacte pour l’avenir qui en a résulté – la communauté internationale a pris un nouvel engagement : celui de revitaliser le régime mondial de désarmement et de faire en sorte que le monde progresse vers la réalisation de l’objectif commun qu’est l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires.
Notre avenir est en jeu. Éliminons une fois pour toutes ces armes de notre monde.
***
Source: United Nations
Shipping is vital to keeping our economies and societies afloat.
It is the lifeblood of global supply chains, stretching across oceans, connecting goods and communities.
Today, the maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation as it steers towards greater digitalization, automation and decarbonization.
New technologies and designs offer the opportunity to make important contributions to climate action. I count on the commitment of regulators, seafarers and ship operators alike.
As this year’s theme reminds us, safety must remain a priority. While conflicts rage around the globe, targeted attacks have turned key global shipping routes into danger zones, killing seafarers and threatening their well-being. Such attacks are totally unacceptable and must be rejected by all.
Safe navigation for the women and men who anchor this crucial industry must not be compromised.
On this World Maritime Day, let’s play our part to ensure a safe, sustainable and prosperous maritime sector for all humanity.
***
Les transports maritimes sont essentiels pour maintenir nos économies et nos sociétés à flot.
Ils sont l’élément vital des chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales, qui s’étendent sur tous les océans et permettent d’acheminer les biens aux populations.
Aujourd’hui, le secteur maritime connaît une transformation profonde et se dirige vers une plus grande dématérialisation, automatisation et décarbonation.
Grâce aux nouvelles techniques et aux nouveautés en matière de conception, il est possible de contribuer fortement à l’action climatique. À cet égard, je compte sur la mobilisation des responsables de la réglementation, des gens de mer et des exploitants de navires.
Le thème de cette année nous rappelle que la sécurité doit rester une priorité. Alors que des conflits font rage dans le monde entier, de grands axes maritimes sont devenus des zones dangereuses dans lesquelles des attaques ciblées tuent des gens de mer et menacent leur bien-être. Ces attaques sont totalement inacceptables et doivent être universellement dénoncées.
La sécurité de la navigation des femmes et des hommes indispensables à ce secteur essentiel ne doit pas être compromise.
En cette Journée mondiale de la mer, jouons notre rôle afin de garantir la sécurité, la durabilité et la prospérité du secteur maritime, pour l’humanité tout entière.
***
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Geneva/ Dakar, 25 September – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up its emergency operations to assist millions impacted by the severe flooding across West and Central Africa. IOM is working to deliver a comprehensive and integrated regional response, collaborating closely with sister UN agencies, including OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP.
Since the onset of the rainy season, heavy downpours have ravaged vast regions, claiming more than 1,500 lives, affecting 4 million people and displacing more than 1.2 million individuals across Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger.
“This year’s floods are unprecedented, a stark reminder of the growing impacts of climate change in our region,” said Sylvia Ekra, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Our teams are working tirelessly on the ground to support affected communities and local authorities. While we continue to strengthen emergency preparedness year-round, the scale of the situation at hand demands urgent additional funding to address immediate and longer-term needs” .
In Chad, one of the hardest-hit countries, over 1.5 million people have been affected, and over 164,000 homes destroyed. Displacement is widespread, particularly in N’Djamena and southern regions along the Chari River. The floods have devastated more than 400,000 hectares of arable land, severely impacting food security and livelihoods. IOM is leveraging its experience in helping the government’s emergency response, drawing on lessons learnt from the 2022 flood.
Rapid response teams are helping local authorities assess immediate needs through IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). IOM has also reopened previously used displacement sites to provide temporary shelter and essential services to those affected, actively coordinating within the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) framework.
In the Lake region and N’Djamena, IOM Chad is preparing to provide immediate multisectoral assistant to 7,000 direct beneficiaries through the provision of 700 shelters, water trucking, and repairing of 21 water pumps and 350 latrines.
In Nigeria, the floods have displaced nearly 650,000 people. Torrential rains have destroyed homes, farmlands, and vital infrastructure across 31 states, with the most severe impact reported in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Benue. IOM has allocated $3 million through its Rapid Response Fund (RRF) to provide critical relief, while working with local partners to assess additional needs.
Meanwhile, between July and September, Mali has experienced the most significant rainfall since 1967, affecting nearly all regions and impacting over 180,000 people. IOM has been helping the government to assist those impacted in the hardest-hit regions of Gao, Ségou, and Mopti. The Organization’s support includes emergency tents and shelter materials, as well as technical assistance for the construction of 635 shelters. As of 19 September, 20,389 flood-affected individuals had been registered by the DTM team.
Across West and Central Africa, the floods have exacerbated health concerns. Stagnant water and poor sanitation has increased the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera while damaged infrastructure such as roads have limited access to affected areas further complicating humanitarian response efforts.
Despite the ongoing effort, the scale of the disaster has revealed critical gaps in the resources available to respond to the emergency. With the rainy season expected to continue until November, IOM urgently calls on the international community for increased support to meet the growing needs.
IOM’s ongoing efforts on the ground are made possible thanks to the generous support of the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB).
For more information, please contact:
Dakar : Joëlle Furrer, jfurrer@iom.int
Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int
Source: United Nations
President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our world is in dangerous waters.
Scientists tell us that the global sea level is now rising faster than at any time in the last 3,000 years, and accelerating – the rate of increase has more than doubled since the 1990s.
They tell us the cause is clear:
Greenhouse gases – overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuels – are heating our planet, expanding seawater and melting ice.
But they cannot tell us where this will end.
That is down to world leaders today.
Their choices will determine the scale, pace and impact of future sea level rise.
Temperature increases over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could take the world past dangerous tipping points – potentially leading to long-term, irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctica icesheets.
In the worst-case scenario, people alive today could witness sea levels rise by meters.
Excellences,
Près de 900 millions de personnes habitent dans les zones côtières de basse altitude.
Pour elles, la montée des eaux est synonyme d’une marée de malheurs :
Des ondes de tempête plus intenses, une érosion des côtes et des inondations côtières ;
Des communautés submergées, de l’eau douce contaminée, des récoltes ruinées, des infrastructures endommagées, une biodiversité détruite et des économies décimées – avec des secteurs tels que la pêche, l’agriculture et le tourisme qui subissent de plein fouet les effets de la tempête.
Les plus pauvres et les plus vulnérables sont les plus durement touchés.
J’ai pu le constater récemment encore dans le Pacifique, où les cyclones détruisent des pans entiers des économies insulaires. En 2015, Vanuatu a subi des dégâts équivalant à plus de la moitié de son PIB.
Pendant ce temps, au Panama, des centaines de familles insulaires ont dû être relogées sur le continent.
Au Bangladesh, l’eau salée pollue l’eau potable, détruit les récoltes et crée une menace sanitaire qui peut être mortelle – en particulier pour les femmes enceintes.
Dans la ville de Saint-Louis, au Sénégal, des maisons, des écoles, des petites entreprises et des mosquées auraient été abandonnées face à la marée montante.
De tels événements se reproduisent partout dans le monde.
Voilà à quoi ressemble l’injustice climatique. C’est le visage de l’iniquité.
Mais les riches ne sont pas à l’abri.
Les économies avancées dépensent des milliards – en dommages, et en adaptation.
Et si nous n’agissons pas rapidement, la situation sera bien pire.
Comme le rappelle le titre du débat d’aujourd’hui, cette situation représente pour certains une menace existentielle :
Des îles entières perdues ;
Des communautés côtières détruites à mesure que les terres deviennent inhabitables et non assurables.
Les déplacements massifs de population peuvent exercer une pression sur les ressources limitées des régions voisines – et aggraver des situations déjà dramatiques.
Le commerce mondial, les systèmes alimentaires et les chaînes d’approvisionnement seront mis à mal lorsque les ports seront endommagés et que les terres agricoles et les pêcheries seront ruinées.
La montée des eaux remodèlera non seulement les côtes, mais aussi les économies, la politique et la sécurité.
Excellencies,
Only drastic action to reduce emissions can limit sea level rise.
And only drastic action to adapt can keep people safe from rising waters.
Everyone must be protected by an alert system by 2027 – in line with our Early Warnings for All initiative.
And all countries must deliver new national climate action plans – or Nationally Determined Contributions – well ahead of COP30 next year.
These must align with 1.5 degrees, cover all sectors of the economy, and put us on track to phase out fossil fuels, fast and fairly.
The G20 – responsible for around eighty percent of global emissions – must lead. And align their fossil fuel production and consumption plans with 1.5 degrees.
Money is indispensable.
We need a strong finance outcome at COP29 this year – including on new and innovative sources of capital.
We need significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund – as a step towards climate justice.
We need developed countries to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year by 2025 – and to show how they will close the adaptation finance gap.
And we need to reform the Multilateral Development Banks to become bigger, bolder, and able to deliver far more affordable finance to developing countries.
We made real progress at the Summit of the Future. We must keep driving that forward – including at the World Summit for Social Development and the Financing for Development conference next year.
We must also address gaps in our international legal framework concerning sea level rise: to ensure continuing access to resources, while protecting existing maritime boundaries; as well as to protect affected persons and – in extreme scenarios – to address the implications related to statehood.
Excellencies,
We cannot leave the hopes and aspirations of billions of people dead in the water.
We cannot allow the wholesale destruction of countries and communities.
It’s time to turn the tide.
And save ourselves from rising seas.
Thank you.
***
[all-English]
President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our world is in dangerous waters.
Scientists tell us that the global sea level is now rising faster than at any time in the last 3,000 years, and accelerating – the rate of increase has more than doubled since the 1990s.
They tell us the cause is clear:
Greenhouse gases – overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuels – are heating our planet, expanding seawater and melting ice.
But they cannot tell us where this will end.
That is down to world leaders today.
Their choices will determine the scale, pace and impact of future sea level rise.
Temperature increases over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could take the world past dangerous tipping points – potentially leading to long-term, irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctica icesheets.
In the worst-case scenario, people alive today could witness sea levels rise by meters.
Excellencies,
Low-lying coastal zones are home to around 900 million people.
Rising seas mean a rising tide of misery:
More intense storm surges, coastal erosion, and coastal flooding;
Communities swamped, fresh water contaminated, crops ruined, infrastructure damaged, biodiversity destroyed, and economies decimated – with sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and tourism pummelled.
The poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.
I saw this recently in the Pacific, where cyclones are tearing chunks out of island economies. In 2015, Vanuatu suffered damage equivalent to well over half its GDP.
Meanwhile, in Panama, hundreds of island families have been relocated to the mainland.
In Bangladesh, saltwater is polluting drinking water, killing crops and creating a health threat that can be deadly, particularly for pregnant women.
In the city of Saint Louis in Senegal, homes, schools, small businesses, and mosques have reportedly been abandoned to the encroaching tide.
Such events are reproduced across the globe.
This is what climate injustice looks like. This is the face of inequity.
But the rich are not immune.
Advanced economies are spending billions – in damages, and adaptation.
And without rapid action we’re in for much worse.
As the title of today’s debate reminds us, for some, this could be existential:
Whole islands lost;
Coastal communities destroyed as lands become uninhabitable and uninsurable.
Mass displacement can pile pressure on scarce resources elsewhere, inflaming already dire situations.
Global trade, food systems and supply chains will be battered as ports are damaged, and agricultural land and fisheries ruined.
Rising seas will reshape not only coastlines, but economies, politics and security too.
Excellencies,
Only drastic action to reduce emissions can limit sea level rise.
And only drastic action to adapt can keep people safe from rising waters.
Everyone must be protected by an alert system by 2027 – in line with our Early Warnings for All initiative.
And all countries must deliver new national climate action plans – or Nationally Determined Contributions – well ahead of COP30 next year.
These must align with 1.5 degrees, cover all sectors of the economy, and put us on track to phase out fossil fuels, fast and fairly.
The G20 – responsible for around eighty percent of global emissions – must lead. And align their fossil fuel production and consumption plans with 1.5 degrees.
Money is indispensable.
We need a strong finance outcome at COP29 this year – including on new and innovative sources of capital.
We need significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund – as a step towards climate justice.
We need developed countries to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year by 2025 – and to show how they will close the adaptation finance gap.
And we need to reform the Multilateral Development Banks to become bigger, bolder, and able to deliver far more affordable finance to developing countries.
We made real progress at the Summit of the Future. We must keep driving that forward – including at the World Summit for Social Development and the Financing for Development conference next year.
We must also address gaps in our international legal framework concerning sea level rise: to ensure continuing access to resources, while protecting existing maritime boundaries; as well as to protect affected persons and – in extreme scenarios – to address the implications related to statehood.
Excellencies,
We cannot leave the hopes and aspirations of billions of people dead in the water.
We cannot allow the wholesale destruction of countries and communities.
It’s time to turn the tide.
And save ourselves from rising seas.
Thank you.
***
[all-French]
Excellences,
L’humanité navigue en eaux dangereuses.
Les scientifiques nous disent que le niveau des mers monte aujourd’hui plus rapidement que jamais au cours des 3 000 dernières années, et que cette hausse s’accélère – avec un taux d’augmentation qui a plus que doublé depuis les années 1990.
Ils nous disent que la cause est claire :
Les gaz à effet de serre – issus en grande partie de la combustion des énergies fossiles – réchauffent notre planète, dilatent l’eau de mer et font fondre la glace.
Mais ils ne peuvent pas nous dire où cela s’arrêtera.
Cela dépendra des dirigeants du monde actuels.
Leurs choix détermineront l’ampleur, le rythme et l’impact des futures élévations du niveau des mers.
Une augmentation des températures de plus de 1,5 degré Celsius au-dessus des niveaux préindustriels pourrait faire franchir au monde des points de bascule dangereux – ce qui pourrait sur le long terme entraîner l’effondrement irréversible des calottes glaciaires du Groenland et de l’Antarctique occidental.
Dans le pire des scénarios, les personnes vivant aujourd’hui verraient le niveau des mers monter de plusieurs mètres.
Excellences,
Près de 900 millions de personnes habitent dans les zones côtières de basse altitude.
Pour elles, la montée des eaux est synonyme d’une marée de malheurs :
Des ondes de tempête plus intenses, une érosion des côtes et des inondations côtières ;
Des communautés submergées, de l’eau douce contaminée, des récoltes ruinées, des infrastructures endommagées, une biodiversité détruite et des économies décimées – avec des secteurs tels que la pêche, l’agriculture et le tourisme qui subissent de plein fouet les effets de la tempête.
Les plus pauvres et les plus vulnérables sont les plus durement touchés.
J’ai pu le constater récemment encore dans le Pacifique, où les cyclones détruisent des pans entiers des économies insulaires. En 2015, Vanuatu a subi des dégâts équivalant à plus de la moitié de son PIB.
Pendant ce temps, au Panama, des centaines de familles insulaires ont dû être relogées sur le continent.
Au Bangladesh, l’eau salée pollue l’eau potable, détruit les récoltes et crée une menace sanitaire qui peut être mortelle – en particulier pour les femmes enceintes.
Dans la ville de Saint-Louis, au Sénégal, des maisons, des écoles, des petites entreprises et des mosquées auraient été abandonnées face à la marée montante.
De tels événements se reproduisent partout dans le monde.
Voilà à quoi ressemble l’injustice climatique. C’est le visage de l’iniquité.
Mais les riches ne sont pas à l’abri.
Les économies avancées dépensent des milliards – en dommages, et en adaptation.
Et si nous n’agissons pas rapidement, la situation sera bien pire.
Comme le rappelle le titre du débat d’aujourd’hui, cette situation représente pour certains une menace existentielle :
Des îles entières perdues ;
Des communautés côtières détruites à mesure que les terres deviennent inhabitables et non assurables.
Les déplacements massifs de population peuvent exercer une pression sur les ressources limitées des régions voisines – et aggraver des situations déjà dramatiques.
Le commerce mondial, les systèmes alimentaires et les chaînes d’approvisionnement seront mis à mal lorsque les ports seront endommagés et que les terres agricoles et les pêcheries seront ruinées.
La montée des eaux remodèlera non seulement les côtes, mais aussi les économies, la politique et la sécurité.
Excellences,
Seules des mesures radicales de réduction des émissions peuvent limiter l’élévation du niveau de la mer.
Et seules des mesures drastiques d’adaptation peuvent mettre les populations à l’abri de la montée des eaux.
Tout le monde doit être protégé par un système d’alerte d’ici 2027 – conformément à notre initiative « Alertes précoces pour tous ».
Tous les pays doivent présenter de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux sur le climat – ou contributions déterminées au niveau national – bien avant la COP30 de l’année prochaine.
Ces plans doivent s’aligner sur le seuil de 1,5 degré, couvrir tous les secteurs de l’économie et nous mettre sur la voie de l’élimination progressive, rapide et équitable, des combustibles fossiles.
Le G20, responsable d’environ 80 % des émissions mondiales, doit montrer la voie. Il doit aligner ses plans de production et de consommation de combustibles fossiles sur le seuil de 1,5 degré.
Le financement est indispensable.
Nous avons besoin de résultats ambitieux en matière de finances à la COP29 de cette année – y compris en termes de sources de capital nouvelles et innovantes.
Nous avons besoin de contributions significatives au nouveau Fonds pour les pertes et les dommages – une étape essentielle sur le chemin vers la justice climatique.
Les pays développés doivent doubler le financement en faveur de l’adaptation pour atteindre au moins 40 milliards de dollars par an d’ici 2025 – et démontrer comment ils vont combler le déficit de financement de l’adaptation.
Enfin, nous devons réformer les Banques multilatérales de développement pour qu’elles deviennent plus grandes, plus audacieuses et capables de fournir des financements beaucoup plus abordables aux pays en développement.
Nous avons réalisé de réels progrès lors du Sommet de l’avenir. Nous devons continuer à porter ces avancées, notamment lors du Sommet mondial pour le développement social et de la Conférence sur le financement du développement qui se tiendront l’année prochaine.
Nous devons également combler les lacunes de notre cadre juridique international concernant l’élévation du niveau de la mer : pour garantir un accès continu aux ressources, tout en protégeant les frontières maritimes existantes, ainsi que pour protéger les personnes touchées et, dans les scénarios extrêmes, pour traiter les implications liées à aux statuts d’un État.
Excellences,
Nous ne pouvons pas laisser les espoirs et les aspirations de milliards de personnes sans réponse.
Nous ne pouvons pas permettre la destruction massive de pays et de communautés.
Il est temps d’inverser la tendance.
Et de nous sauver de la montée des eaux.
Je vous remercie.
***
Source: United Nations secretary general
H.E Mr. William Ruto, President of Kenya, H.E Mr. Russell Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini, H.E Mr. Terrance Micheal Drew, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
What once seemed impossible— to end AIDS as a public health threat —is now within our reach by 2030.
In a time where divisions are widening, and conflicts are tearing at the social fabric of societies and when the spectre of the climate crisis looms, the progress we have made in ending AIDS is the success story we need to renew hope.
Today, the numbers of AIDS-related deaths reached their lowest level since the peak in 2004.
39% fewer people acquired HIV in 2023 compared with 2010.
And in 2023, an estimated 30.7 million people were receiving HIV treatment as compared with 7.7 million in 2010.
The AIDS response is a powerful testament to what is achievable when leaders unite efforts in service of global solidarity.
When communities are empowered.
When inequality is tackled, and human rights protected.
And when science-based policy making is matched with political will.
As a modern moonshot, the ripple effects of investments in the fight against HIV have yielded extraordinary dividends beyond the AIDS pandemic. Accelerating progress across other Sustainable Development Goals, including economic growth, poverty and hunger reduction, education, and universal health coverage.
However, we all know that progress is not immutable.
Gains are fragile and backsliding is possible.
As we speak, AIDS claims a life every minute. By the end of this session today, ninety families would have lost a loved one to AIDS.
We stand at a crossroads and to retreat now would jeopardize all we have fought for and gained.
To sustain the momentum, we need to take action on three fronts.
First, we must tackle the fiscal crisis that is squeezing social investments.
The current financial system is stacked against a sustainable AIDS response.
Half of sub-Saharan countries spend three times more on debt servicing than on health.
Meanwhile, for years these nations have been strangled by interest rates four to eight times those of high-income countries.
If we do not address the injustices of the financial system so countries can invest in bringing an end to AIDS now, we will pay the price in many ways later. We know that the costs of tackling AIDS are less than the costs of an unending pandemic.
Time is not on our side – now is the moment to boost domestic financing and to renew global solidarity and meeting the commitments to financing development and gavelled in the Pact for the Future.
Second, we must ensure access to medicines and medical technologies for all.
Innovative medical technologies need to be recognised as global public goods. Their effectiveness in ending AIDS as a public health threat depends on ensuring access to all.
This includes enabling the production of generics everywhere, crucial for global health security.
Third, we must continue the battle to stop stigma in its tracks.
Fear and discrimination drive people away from life-saving services.
Punitive laws, hate speech, violence against marginalized communities, exacerbate stigma and push people away from accessing vital health services.
It is vital to uphold all human rights for all people – including by removing punitive discriminatory laws that hold us back for reaching the goals on gender equality.
We must ensure that all girls complete secondary school, live free from violence, and have access to necessary support. Protect democracy and civil society space by enabling community-based organisations to operate, deliver services, and hold authorities to account.
Excellencies, Colleagues and Friends,
There is a clear path to ending AIDS by 2030.
A path that ensures the health and rights of all people living with HIV for the rest of their lives.
A path that we will ensure a safer, fairer, world for everyone.
That path is a choice.
We must choose solidarity over division.
Choose action over complacency.
Choose prosperity for all, not simply the few.
Just as we did when our global efforts began nearly 30 years ago.
Let’s act now to end AIDS by 2030 and deliver on the promise of the SDGs.
Thank you.
Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2
r. President, Excellencies,
I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace.
The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.
Peace demands action.
And peace demands leadership.
Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.
Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.
Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.
All regions are affected.
And civilians are paying the steepest price.
From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.
First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.
Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.
It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.
It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.
It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace.
It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.
And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.
The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.
But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.
Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.
Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.
Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.
A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.
A divided Council cannot.
It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.
And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.
From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…
To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…
To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…
To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…
To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.
These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.
When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.
But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles.
Peace in Ukraine is possible.
By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law.
Peace in Gaza is possible.
By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.
Peace in Sudan is possible.
By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.
Monsieur le Président, Excellences,
Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.
Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.
Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil.
Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations unies.
Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.
Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.
****
[all-English]
Mr. President, Excellencies,
I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace.
The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.
Peace demands action.
And peace demands leadership.
Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.
Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.
Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.
All regions are affected.
And civilians are paying the steepest price.
From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.
First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.
Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.
It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.
It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.
It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace.
It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.
And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.
The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.
But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.
Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.
Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.
Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.
A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.
A divided Council cannot.
It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.
And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.
From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…
To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…
To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…
To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…
To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.
These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.
When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.
But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles.
Peace in Ukraine is possible.
By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law.
Peace in Gaza is possible.
By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.
Peace in Sudan is possible.
By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.
Mr. President, Excellencies,
The situations on this Council’s agenda are complex and do not have quick fixes.
But the scale of the challenge should not deter us.
Our only hope for progress on peace is active collaboration and unity among Council Members.
Today, I call on all Members to live up to this great responsibility, and to the promise of the UN Charter.
Contribute to this Council’s success — not its diminishment.
Let’s ensure that this Council serves as an effective and representative forum for peace — today and in the years to come.
*******
[all-French]
Monsieur le Président, Excellences,
Je remercie le Gouvernement slovène d’avoir organisé ce débat de haut niveau sur le leadership pour la paix.
Le sujet traité repose sur une vérité fondamentale : la paix n’est jamais automatique.
Il n’y a pas de paix sans action.
Et il n’y a pas de paix sans leadership.
Pourtant, les divisions géopolitiques et la méfiance ne font qu’empirer.
L’impunité gagne du terrain, et l’on assiste à des violations répétées du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.
Les conflits se multiplient ; ils deviennent plus complexes et plus meurtriers.
Toutes les régions sont touchées.
Et ce sont les civils qui paient le plus lourd tribut.
De Gaza à l’Ukraine en passant par le Soudan – mais pas seulement – les guerres s’éternisent, la souffrance s’amplifie, la faim s’aggrave, des vies sont bouleversées et la légitimité et l’efficacité de l’ONU et de ce Conseil sont remises en cause.
Monsieur le Président, Excellences,
Le leadership pour la paix exige d’agir dans au moins deux grands domaines.
Premièrement, le leadership pour la paix suppose que tous les États Membres respectent les engagements qu’ils ont pris dans le cadre de la Charte des Nations Unies, du droit international et des accords récents, tels que le Pacte pour l’avenir.
Ainsi, le Pacte invite notamment à renforcer les outils et les cadres de prévention des conflits, de pérennisation de la paix et d’action au service du développement durable, avec la participation pleine, égale et véritable des femmes.
Il demande que nous renouvelions les outils à notre disposition pour les opérations de paix, afin de trouver des réponses plus souples et mieux adaptées aux défis existants, émergents et à venir.
Il réaffirme l’importance attachée à tous les droits humains : civils, politiques, économiques, sociaux et culturels.
Il prévoit des initiatives dans les domaines du désarmement, de la consolidation de la paix et de la gestion des menaces que représentent les armes létales autonomes et l’intelligence artificielle, ainsi que dans de nouveaux domaines, notamment l’espace extra-atmosphérique et le cyberespace.
Il préconise de prendre des mesures afin de pouvoir agir rapidement face aux chocs mondiaux complexes.
Et il cherche à donner un nouvel élan à la réforme des principales institutions de la gouvernance mondiale, y compris l’architecture financière mondiale et même le Conseil de sécurité.
Le Pacte constitue un engagement concret en faveur de ces réformes.
Mais nous aurons besoin d’une volonté politique ferme pour les mettre en œuvre et rétablir la légitimité et l’efficacité de ce Conseil.
Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point sur le leadership pour la paix.
Le leadership pour la paix suppose de donner au Conseil de sécurité les moyens d’agir véritablement pour apaiser les tensions mondiales et contribuer à régler les conflits qui causent tant de souffrances dans le monde.
Les divisions géopolitiques demeurent un obstacle à des solutions efficaces.
Un Conseil uni peut jouer un rôle déterminant en faveur de la paix.
Un Conseil divisé ne le peut pas.
Il est impératif que les membres du Conseil se concertent sans ménager leurs efforts pour trouver un terrain d’entente.
Le Conseil a prouvé qu’il était capable de parler d’une seule voix dans certains domaines importants.
Il supervise actuellement 11 opérations de maintien de la paix sur trois continents, où sont déployés près de 70 000 Casques bleus…
Il adopte des résolutions qui contribuent à l’acheminement ininterrompu d’une aide humanitaire vitale vers les points chauds de la planète…
Il a adopté une résolution historique, la résolution 2719, qui permet aux opérations d’appui à la paix dirigées par l’Union africaine et autorisées par le Conseil d’avoir accès aux contributions des États Membres de l’ONU…
Il a adopté des résolutions pionnières par lesquelles il a pris acte des incidences manifestes des problématiques de paix et de sécurité sur la vie des femmes et des jeunes…
Et il ne cesse de nouer des relations avec les organisations régionales et sous-régionales pour favoriser le consensus et la paix.
Tous ces exemples – et bien d’autres – prouvent qu’on peut instaurer la paix.
À la vue des conflits les plus complexes et les plus insolubles dont ce Conseil est saisi, on peut penser que la paix est un rêve irréalisable.
Mais je crois fermement que la paix est possible si nous nous en tenons aux principes.
La paix en Ukraine est possible.
En suivant la Charte des Nations Unies et en respectant le droit international.
La paix dans la bande de Gaza est possible.
En travaillant d’arrache-pied pour obtenir un cessez-le-feu immédiat, la libération immédiate de tous les otages et la mise en chantier d’un processus irréversible pour qu’une solution des deux États voie le jour.
La paix au Soudan est possible.
En envoyant un message clair aux parties belligérantes, à savoir que tous les membres de ce Conseil – y compris les cinq membres permanents – ne toléreront pas la terrible violence et la crise humanitaire effroyable que subissent des civils innocents.
Monsieur le Président, Excellences,
Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.
Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.
Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil.
Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations Unies.
Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.
Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.
Source: United Nations secretary general
I am pleased to send my greetings to this high-level event to spur progress on security in Haiti.
The crisis in Haiti is a protracted human tragedy with a long and well-known history. It is one of the most disastrous humanitarian situations in the world. The international community has a responsibility to step up to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability.
Recently, we have seen some progress in putting transitional governance structures in place – a vital step on the way to inclusive democracy and the rule of law. But the Haitian people are still subjected to egregious human rights abuses by gangs. Young women and girls continue to suffer appalling levels of sexual violence and abuse.
During the first half of this year, the United Nations documented 3,638 homicides — an increase of nearly 74 percent over 2023.
Despite the imposition of the arms embargo in October 2023, gangs and other non-State actors continue to procure arms and ammunition illicitly.
The first deployments of the Multinational Security Support mission – the MSS – are a positive step.
I commend Kenya for its leadership as well as those countries that have pledged to contribute with personnel, equipment, and necessary logistical resources.
I also commend countries that have contributed to the Trust Fund for the mission, set up by the Secretary-General in accordance with the request of the Security Council. The fund now stands at $85.3 million.
However, funding for the mission, and for the Haitian National Police, remains totally inadequate. I urge all those who have made financial commitments to deliver on them urgently.
We must keep working to mobilize sufficient resources for the mission, and for the humanitarian response in Haiti.
Close to 703,000 people have been displaced and more than 5 million Haitians are food insecure – almost half of the population.
There is an urgent need for resources to support humanitarian efforts. The Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for Haiti, totaling $674 million, is currently only 39 per cent funded.
Excellencies,
A durable solution to the current crisis can only come from a political process that restores democratic institutions through elections.
Improving security is crucial to creating the conditions necessary for these elections.
The UN will not waver in its commitment to Haiti. We continue to support the transition process, in line with the mandate of our current mission, BINUH – the UN Integrated Office in Haiti.
I also welcome CARICOM’s support to the Haitian-led efforts and its cooperation with BINUH.
Like people everywhere, Haitians demand and deserve to live in dignity, free from the threat of violence.
Thank you.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President of the Republic of Panama. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the impact of regional migration flows in Panama, particularly in the Darien Province, as well as the situation in the region.
———
El Secretario General se reunió con S.E. Sr. José Raúl Mulino Quintero, Presidente de la República de Panamá. El Secretario General y el Presidente discutieron el impacto de los flujos migratorios regionales en Panamá, particularmente en la provincia de Darién, así como la situación en la región.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Lt. General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of the Republic of the Sudan. The Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the escalation of the conflict in the Sudan, which continues to have a devastating impact on the Sudanese civilians and risks a regional spillover. They discussed the need for an immediate lasting ceasefire and the importance of genuine dialogue leading to an inclusive negotiated peace settlement. They also affirmed the need for urgent action to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of all civilians across the Sudan. The Secretary-General welcomed the continued engagement of the Sudanese authorities with his Personal Envoy for Sudan, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra and the Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Sudan, Ms. Clementine Awu Nkweta-Salami.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia. The Secretary-General thanked President Khurelsukh for Mongolia’s contributions to the activities of the United Nations and for its steadfast commitment to peacekeeping operations and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The Secretary-General and President Khurelsukh discussed Mongolia’s contributions to global cooperation, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and climate change, as well as regional peace and security issues.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Beirut, 25 September – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released its latest Mobility Tracking displacement update showing at least 90,350 people have become newly displaced since 19 September, following the latest military escalation in Lebanon.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, nearly 600 people have been killed, including 50 children, and approximately 1,700 injured, since Monday.
IOM Director General Amy Pope, speaking from the United Nations General Assembly in New York reiterated a call for diplomacy, peace and de-escalation.
“We are deeply alarmed by the military escalation in Lebanon, which has claimed hundreds of lives, including women and children.” DG Pope said. “The welfare of civilians and protection of related infrastructure must be respected, in line with international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 which calls for peace and stability in the region.”
IOM is working with government authorities and partners to address immediate humanitarian needs. It is responding with the delivery of assistance, services, and protection to internally displaced persons by supporting local authorities and partners.
The Organization is distributing essential relief items to internally displaced persons and host families, and protection services, including psychosocial support services. In close coordination with the Government of Lebanon, IOM provided 1,350 mattresses, blankets, and pillows in the past 48 hours to individuals sheltering in schools and other buildings that have been converted into shelters for displaced families.
Since October 2023, IOM has delivered lifesaving medicines and supplies to Ministry of Public Health hospitals and health centres across the south, prepositioned vital equipment and more recently, provided logistics support the Ministry’s primary warehouse facility.
“Our teams are on the ground, working tirelessly alongside our government counterparts and local partners to deliver vital humanitarian support to those who need it most. We are committed to scaling up our response to meet the growing needs faced by so many across Lebanon” said Mathieu Luciano, IOM’s Head of Office in Lebanon.
Prior to the recent displacement across Lebanon, the country was already in the grips of a protracted political and socio-economic crisis, with more than 3.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
In support of the Government of Lebanon, IOM is scaling up its critical humanitarian support to ensure the needs of displaced populations and host communities are met.
For more information, please contact:
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia, and H.E. Mr. Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania. The Secretary-General exchanged views with the Heads of State of the Baltic countries on global issues, including the war in Ukraine and efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council. They also discussed the implementation of the Pact for the Future.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alexander de Croo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium. The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the priorities for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. They also discussed multilateralism, the Summit of the Future, and the importance of the effective implementation of the Pact for the Future.
***
Le Secrétaire-Général a rencontré S.E. M. Alexander de Croo, Premier Ministre du Royaume de Belgique. Le Secrétaire-Général et le Premier ministre ont discuté des priorités pour la réalisation des Objectifs de développement durable. Ils ont également discuté du multilatéralisme, du Sommet de l’avenir, et de l’importance d’une mise en œuvre efficace du Pacte pour l’avenir.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon. The Secretary-General congratulated Mr. Mbella Mbella on the election of H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang of Cameroon as President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Secretary-General and the Minister for External Relations discussed the situation in Cameroon and in the region.
***
Le Secrétaire général s’est entretenu avec S.E. M. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Ministre des Relations extérieures de la République du Cameroun. Le Secrétaire général a félicité M. Mbella Mbella pour l’élection de S.E. Monsieur Philemon Yang du Cameroun à la présidence de la 79e session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies. Le Secrétaire général et le Ministre des Relations extérieures ont discuté de la situation au Cameroun et dans la région.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the war in Ukraine and its global impact.
The Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s full commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The Secretary-General also underlined the UN’s support for efforts towards a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Yaoundé – “Legal identity is essential and deserves a dedicated day on September 16!”. With these words, Mr. Ebela Yacynthe, Senior Technical Advisor at the Bureau National de l’Etat Civil (BUNEC) and Ambassador of the “ID for Africa” platform, opened the round table dedicated to the campaign to promote Legal Identity Day in Cameroon.
This round table is part of a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing Cameroon’s civil registry system and facilitating access to a legal identity for all. These initiatives include the first National Forum of Mayors on Birth Registration, organized on April 26 and 27, 2024, under the theme:
“One child, one birth certificate, one identity”. The forum recommended that Cameroon officially recognize September 16 as International Legal Identity Day, following the example of some thirty African countries.
To celebrate this day is to encourage public authorities to find solutions to ensure that some 7,000 people in Cameroon who have no proof of identity can obtain one. It also helps to combat the phenomenon of “ghost children” in communities.
To this end, IOM is supporting BUNEC agencies in the East and Littoral regions, and the Yaoundé 6 and Yaoundé 3 arrondissement communes, in reconstituting civil status documents and issuing identity papers for internally displaced persons. This initiative is part of IOM’s commitment alongside the Cameroonian government to “provide all migrants with legal and adequate identity documents”, in line with Goal 4 of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and target 10.7 of MDG 10, which aims to “facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration through well-planned and managed migration policies”.
***
For further information, please contact :
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The Principles and Actionable Recommendations for Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) developed by the UN Secretary-General’s Panel set a clear mandate for a global transformation in resource governance.
As Clovis Freire, Chief, Commodity Research and Analysis Section, at UNCTAD, emphasized during the UNECE Regional Dialogue on Critical Minerals and Just Energy Transition held during the UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2024 “The CETMs Principles and Actionable Recommendations go beyond mining, covering the full value chain, with the focus on building and reinstating trust between stakeholders, while keeping human rights and environmental protection at the forefront while protecting the environment.” This call to action directs us towards global, equitable, and sustainable resource governance, which can be supported with tools such as the United Nations Framework Classification for Resource (UNFC), the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS), and implementing partners such as the International Centres of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management (ICE-SRMs) playing key roles. These frameworks, already adopted in regions like the EU and Africa, and recommended for Asia-Pacific, align resource management with global sustainability and social equity.
Equitable Resource Development
The CETM Principles and Actionable Recommendations highlight the need for resource governance to move beyond economic gain. Instead, it must ensure sustainable, transparent, and responsible resource use. This shift requires governance models that integrate social, environmental, and ethical dimensions alongside technical and economic factors.
UNFC, UNRMS, and ICE-SRMs are well-positioned to lead this global transformation, supporting a comprehensive framework that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These governance tools aim to ensure that resource management benefits all, now and in the future, leaving no one behind.
UNFC and UNRMS
UNFC provides a systematic approach for classifying resource-projects, such as the extraction or recovery of critical minerals, based on environmental, social, and economic factors. It lays the foundation for better resource understanding and decision-making. It is also directly linked to CETM Principle 6, which emphasizes that transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures are necessary to ensure good governance. Building on this foundation, UNRMS integrates human rights, environmental safeguards, and social justice into resource governance, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals.
However, as challenges like climate change, inequality, and resource depletion intensify, classification and management alone are insufficient. The next step—global resource governance—integrates ethical, social, environmental, and economic dimensions ensuring that resources are governed in ways that promote long-term sustainability and social equity.
As Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey and Chair of the UNECE Expert Group on Resource Management, noted: “Governance is essential for our resource future. While classification gives us knowledge, management assures operational efficiency, it is governance that ensures we act responsibly balancing today’s needs with the planet’s long-term survival and prosperity.”
The Role of International Centres of Excellence
ICE-SRMs play a vital role in scaling and operationalizing UNECE’s governance frameworks. These Centres provide technical expertise and regional knowledge, ensuring that UNFC and UNRMS are adopted globally and tailored to local contexts. By fostering collaboration between governments, industries, and civil society, ICE-SRMs promote best practices in resource governance and ensures sustainability, transparency, and fairness in resource use. The ICE-SRMs initiative aligns with and supports implementation of CETM Principle 7, including the recommendation for a High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate benefit-sharing, value addition, and economic diversification in critical minerals value chains as responsible and fair trade, investment, finance, and taxation.
Harmonizing Global Resource Governance
The UNECE Regional Dialogue underscored a key realization: global resource governance offers the potential to mitigate traditional trade-offs between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Historically, resource management has required balancing these priorities—growth versus sustainability or security of supply versus equitable benefit-sharing. Through application of UNFC and UNRMS, these priorities can be harmonized, creating a governance model in which:
Aligning Global Efforts: UNECE, the UN Principles, and International Cooperation
UNECE’s efforts toward global sustainable resource governance align with other major international frameworks, including the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on CETM Principles and Actionable Recommendations and the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Both initiatives emphasize transparency, human rights, and sustainability—core tenets of UNECE’s governance frameworks.
The EU CRM Act mandates the use of UNFC to promote global cooperation, circularity and resource efficiency strengthening global efforts to achieve a just and sustainable energy transition.
The UNECE Regional Dialogue held during the UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2024 marks a step in the global shift toward sustainable resource governance. With UNFC, UNRMS, and the operational support of the ICE-SRMs, UNECE leading this charge. The goal is clear: to ensure that resources are managed responsibly and equitably, benefiting both present and future generations.
To access the report, the list of panel members, and more, please visit: www.un.org/en/climatechange/critical-minerals.
For more detailed information on the Secretary-General’s Panel Report and Actionable Recommendations, please visit the official UN Press Release on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
Source: World Food Programme
NEW YORK – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to boost nutrition support for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition among thousands of mothers and young children in Somalia.
Cindy McCain, WFP’s Executive Director and Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Adviser to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), signed an agreement in New York for a contribution of US$4.5 million from KSrelief to enable WFP to provide specialised nutritious foods to more than 57,300 malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as around 122,850 children under the age of two.
While the 2024 rainy season (April–June) improved pasture and water availability in pastoral areas, it also triggered flash floods which forced people from their homes, damaged crops and critical infrastructure, and shattered the livelihoods of thousands of people still struggling to recover from the country’s longest recorded drought.
“Recurring climate extremes such as droughts and floods are devastating the livelihoods of thousands of people and driving up the price of essential food commodities beyond the reach of many,” said El-Khidir Daloum, WFP’s Country Director in Somalia. “This generous contribution from KSrelief will enable WFP to continue supporting the nutrition needs of thousands of vulnerable mothers and children in Somalia.”
In Somalia, an estimated 1.6 million children are expected to face acute malnutrition until July 2025, with 403,000 of them at risk of severe malnutrition, according to the latest analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
A funding shortfall of US$200 million has forced WFP in Somalia to make difficult decisions about who receives food assistance and who goes without. In June, WFP supported 1.2 million people – only 35 per cent of those then facing crisis-levels of hunger (IPC3+).
Without additional resources to address both the emergency and long-term needs of those affected by the climate crisis, millions of people could be forced to take desperate measures to survive.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Media @WFPSomalia @WFP_Africa @GccWfp
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
This Forum will focus on fostering sustainable, transparent and resilient value chains, and enhancing digital connectivity for climate-smart trade and transport corridors. It will also aim to make progress on reviewing the UN/CEFACT standard development and maintenance process, with the goal to align it with the modern needs of trade actors operating along global supply chains.
The 43rd UN/CEFACT Forum will aim at reinvigorating partnerships, demonstrating the impact and relevance of key UN/CEFACT instruments, and making progress on substantive deliverables. It will include sessions featuring interactive thematic discussions, roundtables and working meetings with the engagement of experts from both the public and private sectors, allowing to share experiences and perspectives on the Forum’s themes.
Access the list of previous fora >…>…>…>
Source: United Nations secretary general
Agradeço ao Presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva e ao governo do Brasil por co-organizar esta reunião entre os ministros das Relações Exteriores do G20, todos os Estados Membros das Nações Unidas, e as organizações financeiras internacionais.
[I thank President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the government of Brazil for co-convening this meeting between G20 foreign ministers, all UN Member States, and the international financial organizations.]
This is a historic first.
The G20, the United Nations system and the Bretton Woods institutions and other international financial institutions deal with some of the most important challenges of our time: inequality, financing for development, the climate crisis, the impact of new technologies.
In all these areas, progress is slipping out of reach as our world becomes more unsustainable, unequal and unpredictable.
Conflicts are raging, the climate crisis is accelerating, inequalities are growing, and new technologies have unprecedented potential for good – and bad.
Global institutions must work together – not on parallel or conflicting tracks.
They must cooperate and collaborate for the good of humanity and the Summit of the Future was an essential first step.
It has created opportunities and possibilities for reform across the board.
But without implementation, it will be meaningless.
The work starts today.
Excellencies,
The Pact for the Future is about action in the here and now.
And G20 countries can act in three specific areas.
First, finance.
We need ambitious reforms of the international financial architecture to make it fully representative of today’s global economy, so it can provide strong support to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.
I commend the leadership of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for making important progress.
But the resources available are still dwarfed by the size of the needs.
Many developing countries are being hit by a double whammy of climate chaos and debt.
To support low- and middle-income developing countries effectively, multilateral development banks must be bigger, bolder and better.
We need a far more robust financial safety net to shield countries in a world of frequent shocks.
Voting rights and decision-making rules should reflect the changing global landscape.
And access to concessional finance should be based on needs and vulnerabilities, not just on income.
All parts of the global financial system must work together to reduce the cost of finance and the inequalities that blight our world.
This demands action on debt – starting with an effective mechanism to deal with debt relief and restructuring.
As a first step, I welcome the commitment by the International Monetary Fund to review the debt architecture – as set out in the Pact for the Future.
I look to all G20 countries to push for deep reforms so that global financial institutions reflect today’s world and respond to today’s challenges.
One of those challenges is global hunger. It is shameful that in our world of plenty, around one person in ten regularly goes without food for an entire day or more – known as severe food insecurity.
I welcome President Lula and Brazil’s focus on global hunger during the G20 presidency and call on all G20 countries – and all UN Member States – to strengthen efforts to end this affront to our common humanity.
Excellencies,
The second area for action is climate.
We are at a critical moment: a battle to prevent temperatures from rising above the agreed limit of 1.5 degrees.
Today’s decisions and actions will determine the course of our world for decades to come.
The climate crisis transcends borders and politics. Climate action cannot be a victim of geopolitical competition.
Under G20 leadership we will be able to have drastic reductions in fossil fuel production and consumption as an essential element for climate action.
By 2030, global production and consumption of all fossil fuels must decline by at least thirty per cent – and global renewables capacity must triple.
This requires OECD countries to phase out coal by 2030 and to fully decarbonize power generation systems by 2035.
And it means non-OECD countries must phase out coal by 2040.
I have been strongly advocating for no new coal or upstream oil and gas projects for all G20 nations.
New national climate plans due next year are an opportunity for countries to align energy strategies and development priorities with climate ambition, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
They must also show how each country intends to transition away from fossil fuels, in line with the outcome at COP 28.
Excellencies,
There has never been a greater global challenge than the climate crisis.
There has never been more agreement on the solution: a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
And renewable technologies have never been better – or cheaper.
The obstacle to the renewables revolution is not economics, or a lack of solutions.
It is mindsets, and lack of vision.
Those that lead the renewables revolution are already reaping the rewards.
But many developing countries are being left behind.
Clean energy investments in emerging and developing economies outside China and India have barely increased since 2015.
The energy transition must be based on justice and equity, so that all countries benefit.
Excellencies,
Third, we need strong, inclusive, legitimate global institutions and tools to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Fair and representative governance is a first step to unlock broader reforms.
The Pact for the Future includes commitments to make multilateral institutions more representative, effective, transparent and accountable.
I urge the strong engagement of G20 countries, including in reforms of our United Nations bodies:
Making the Security Council truly representative by addressing the under-representation of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean;
Strengthening the role of the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission;
And enhancing the Economic and Social Council.
The same principle applies to the international financial architecture: it should correspond to today’s global economy, with much stronger representation of developing countries.
For our part, the United Nations is totally committed to strengthening our convening role as an inclusive platform for dialogue and action.
As part of that role, from next year, we intend to host biennial summits to formalize a dialogue between the UN system, the G20, and international financial institutions.
Excellencies,
Only together will we achieve the reforms in the Pact for the Future and deliver the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, to meet the expectations of the people we serve.
I urge the G20 to seize every opportunity to raise ambition for global leadership and transformative action for a safer, more peaceful and sustainable world for all.
Thank you.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.R.H. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Secretary-General commended Bahrain for its support to the United Nations and multilateralism.
The Secretary-General and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including the war in Gaza and the increased risk of regional escalation.
Source: United Nations secretary general
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our world is in a whirlwind.
We are in an era of epic transformation – facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.
Yet geo-political divisions keep deepening. The planet keeps heating.
Wars rage with no clue how they will end.
And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.
We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world.
Meanwhile, 2024 is the year that half of humanity goes to the polls – and all of humanity will be affected.
I stand before you in this whirlwind convinced of two overriding truths.
First, the state of our world is unsustainable.
We can’t go on like this.
And second, the challenges we face are solvable.
But that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.
The Summit of the Future was a first step, but we have a long way to go.
Getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability.
A world of impunity – where violations and abuses threaten the very foundation of international law and the UN Charter.
A world of inequality – where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge.
And a world of uncertainty – where unmanaged global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways.
These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding.
Excellencies,
The level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.
Today, a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.
They can trample international law.
They can violate the United Nations Charter.
They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.
They can thumb their nose at international humanitarian law.
They can invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people.
And nothing will happen.
We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.
The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up.
Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities.
It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law and on UN resolutions.
Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.
Look no further than Lebanon.
We should all be alarmed by the escalation.
Lebanon is at the brink.
The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.
Let’s be clear.
Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned.
And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General.
More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families.
And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian aid.
I know you join me in paying a special tribute to UNRWA and to all humanitarians in Gaza.
The international community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.
For those who go on undermining that goal with more settlements, more landgrabs, more incitement — I ask:
What is the alternative?
How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights or dignity?
In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence — including widespread rape and sexual assaults.
A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads. Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace.
In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity – but regional and international cooperation have broken down.
From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions.
Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where simply there is no peace to keep.
Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.
For all its perils, the Cold War had rules.
There were hot lines, red lines and guard rails.
It can feel as though we don’t have that today.
Nor do we have a unipolar world.
We are moving to a multipolar world, but we are not there yet.
We are in a purgatory of polarity.
And in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides, doing whatever they want with no accountability.
That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, to respect international law, to support and implement decisions of international courts, and to reinforce human rights in the world.
Anywhere and everywhere.
Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
L’augmentation des inégalités est un deuxième facteur de l’insoutenabilité et une tache sur notre conscience collective.
L’inégalité n’est pas une question technique ou bureaucratique.
Au fond, l’inégalité est une question de pouvoir, aux racines historiques.
Les conflits, les bouleversements climatiques et la crise du coût de la vie étendent ces racines historiques plus profondément encore.
Dans le même temps, le monde peine encore à se relever de la flambée des inégalités engendrée par la pandémie.
Si l’on regarde les 75 pays les plus pauvres du monde, un tiers d’entre eux se trouve aujourd’hui dans une situation pire qu’il y a cinq ans.
Au cours de la même période, les cinq hommes les plus riches de la planète ont plus que doublé leurs fortunes.
Et un pour cent des habitants de la planète détient 43 % de l’ensemble des avoirs financiers mondiaux.
Au niveau national, certains gouvernements décuplent les inégalités en accordant des cadeaux fiscaux massifs aux entreprises et aux ultra-riches — au détriment des investissements dans la santé, l’éducation et la protection sociale.
Et personne n’est plus lésé que les femmes et les filles du monde entier.
Excellences,
La discrimination et les abus généralisés fondés sur le genre constituent l’inégalité la plus répandue dans toutes les sociétés.
Chaque jour, il semble que nous soyons confrontés à de nouveaux cas révoltants de féminicides, de violences fondées sur le genre et de viols collectifs – en temps de paix comme en tant qu’arme de guerre.
Dans certains pays, les lois sont utilisées pour menacer la santé et les droits reproductifs.
Et en Afghanistan, les lois sont utilisées pour entériner l’oppression systématique des femmes et des filles.
Et je suis désolé de constater que, malgré des années de beaux discours, l’inégalité de genre se manifesteet je vous demande pardon de le dire, elle se manifeste aujourd’hui encore, pleinement dans cette enceinte.
Moins de 10 pour cent des intervenants au Débat général de cette semaine sont des femmes.
C’est inacceptable, surtout quand on sait que l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes contribue à la paix, au développement durable, à l’action climatique et bien plus encore.
C’est précisément pour cela nous avons pris des mesures spécifiques pour atteindre la parité hommes-femmes parmi les hauts responsables de l’Organisation des Nations Unies,objectif qui est déjà complété.
C’est faisable.
J’exhorte les institutions politiques et économiques du monde dominées par les hommes à le faire aussi.
Excellences,
Les inégalités mondiales se reflètent et se renforcent jusque dans nos propres organisations internationales.
Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies a été conçu par les vainqueurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
À l’époque, la majeure partie du continent africain était encore sous domination coloniale.
À ce jour, l’Afrique n’a toujours aucun siège permanent au sein de la principale instance de paix du monde.
Un changement s’impose.
Il en va de même pour l’architecture financière mondiale, mise en place il y a 80 ans.
Je félicite les dirigeants de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international pour les mesures importantes qu’ils ont entreprises.
Mais comme le souligne le Pacte pour l’avenir, la lutte contre les inégalités exige une accélération de la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.
Au cours des huit dernières décennies, l’économie mondiale s’est développée et transformée.
Les institutions de Bretton Woods n’ont pas suivi le rythme.
Elles ne sont plus en mesure de fournir un filet de sécurité mondial, ni d’offrir aux pays en développement le niveau de soutien dont ils ont tant besoin.
Dans les pays les plus pauvres du monde, le coût des intérêts de la dette dépasse, en moyenne, le coût des investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures publiques réunis.
Et à l’échelle du monde, plus de 80 % des cibles des Objectifs de développement durable ne sont pas en bonne voie.
Excelencias,
Volver al camino correcto requiere un aumento de financiamiento para la Agenda 2030 y el Acuerdo de París.
Esto implica que los países del G20 lideren un Estímulo para los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de 500.000 millones de dólares al año.
Implica reformas para aumentar sustancialmente la capacidad de préstamo de los Bancos Multilaterales de Desarrollo – y permitirles ampliar masivamente la financiación asequible a largo plazo para el clima y el desarrollo.
Implica ampliar la financiación de contingencia mediante el reciclaje de los Derechos Especiales de Giro.
E implica promover una reestructuración de la deuda a largo plazo.
Excelencias,
No me hago ilusiones sobre las barreras a la reforma del sistema multilateral.
Los que tienen poder político y económico, o y los que creen tenerlo, son siempre reacios al cambio.
Pero el status quo ya está agotando su poder.
Sin reformas, la fragmentación es inevitable, y las instituciones globales perderán legitimidad, credibilidad y eficacia.
Excellencies,
The third driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty.
The ground is shifting under our feet.
Anxiety levels are off the charts.
And young people, in particular, are counting on us and seeking solutions.
Uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats – the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology — in particular, Artificial Intelligence.
Excellencies,
We are in a climate meltdown.
Extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods are not natural disasters.
They are human disasters — increasingly fueled by fossil fuels.
No country is spared. But the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.
Climate hazards are blowing a hole through the budgets of many African countries, costing up to five per cent of GDP – every year.
And this is just the start.
We are on course to careen past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise.
But as the problem gets worse, solutions are getting better.
Renewable prices are plummeting, roll-out is accelerating, and lives are being transformed by affordable, accessible clean energy.
Renewables don’t just generate power. They generate jobs, wealth, energy security and a path out of poverty for millions.
But developing countries cannot be plundered in that journey.
Our Panel on Critical Minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet global demand for these resources, which are essential to the renewables revolution.
Excellencies,
A future without fossil fuels is certain. A fair and fast transition is not.
That is in your hands.
By next year, every country must produce an ambitious new national climate action plan – or Nationally Determined Contributions.
These must bring national energy strategies, sustainable development priorities, and climate ambitions together.
They must align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy, and contribute to every one of the COP28 energy transition targets.
An International Energy Agency report released today breaks this down.
By 2035, on average, advanced economies must slash energy emissions 80 per cent, and emerging markets 65 per cent.
The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions.
They must lead the charge – keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.
But this must be a joint effort — pooling resources, scientific capacities and proven and affordable technologies for all to be able to reach those targets.
I’m honoured to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil – who is both G20 Chair and COP30 host – to secure maximum ambition, acceleration and cooperation. We just met for that purpose.
Finance is essential.
COP29 is around the corner.
It must deliver a significant new finance goal.
We also need a Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge – and developed countries meeting their adaptation finance promises.
And we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation:
We continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet.
The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies, while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe – from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods.
I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition;
To put an effective price on carbon;
And to implement new and innovative sources of financing – including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction – through legally-binding, transparent mechanisms.
All by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill.
Polluters must pay.
Excellencies,
The rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk.
Artificial Intelligence will change virtually everything we know — from work, education and communication, to culture and politics.
We know AI is rapidly advancing, but where is it taking us:
To more freedom – or more conflict?
To a more sustainable world – or greater inequality?
To being better informed – or easier to manipulate?
A handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI – with little accountability or oversight for the moment.
Without a global approach to its management, artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board – a Great Fracture with two internets, two markets, two economies – with every country forced to pick a side, and enormous consequences for all.
The United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus.
It is uniquely placed to promote cooperation on AI – based on the values of the Charter and international law.
The global debate happens here, or it does not happen.
I welcome important first steps.
Two resolutions in the General Assembly, the Global Digital Compact, and the recommendations of the High-Level Body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI.
Let’s move forward together to make AI a force for good.
Excellencies,
Nothing lasts forever.
But a feature of human life is that it appears otherwise.
The current order always feels fixed.
Until it is not.
Across human history, we see empires rising and falling; old certainties crumbling; tectonic shifts in global affairs.
Today our course is unsustainable.
It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway; to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it.
Many have said that the differences and divisions today are just too great.
That it is impossible for us to come together for the common good.
You proved that is not true.
The Summit of the Future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise, we can join forces to steer our world to a more sustainable path.
It is not the end.
It is a start of a journey, a compass in the whirlwind.
Let’s keep going.
Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability …. less inequality and more justice … less uncertainty and more opportunity.
The people of the world are looking to us – and succeeding generations will look back on us.
Let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter … on the side of our shared values and principles … and on the right side of history.
I thank you.
***
[all-English]
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our world is in a whirlwind.
We are in an era of epic transformation – facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.
Yet geo-political divisions keep deepening. The planet keeps heating.
Wars rage with no clue how they will end.
And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.
We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world.
Meanwhile, 2024 is the year that half of humanity goes to the polls – and all of humanity will be affected.
I stand before you in this whirlwind convinced of two overriding truths.
First, the state of our world is unsustainable.
We can’t go on like this.
And second, the challenges we face are solvable.
But that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.
The Summit of the Future was a first step, but we have a long way to go.
Getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability.
A world of impunity – where violations and abuses threaten the very foundation of international law and the UN Charter.
A world of inequality – where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge.
And a world of uncertainty – where unmanaged global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways.
These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding.
Excellencies,
The level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.
Today, a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.
They can trample international law.
They can violate the United Nations Charter.
They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.
They can thumb their nose at international humanitarian law.
They can invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people.
And nothing will happen.
We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.
The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up.
Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities.
It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law and on UN resolutions.
Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.
Look no further than Lebanon.
We should all be alarmed by the escalation.
Lebanon is at the brink.
The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.
Let’s be clear.
Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned.
And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General.
More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families.
And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian aid.
I know you join me in paying a special tribute to UNRWA and to all humanitarians in Gaza.
The international community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.
For those who go on undermining that goal with more settlements, more landgrabs, more incitement — I ask:
What is the alternative?
How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights or dignity?
In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence — including widespread rape and sexual assaults.
A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads. Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace.
In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity – but regional and international cooperation have broken down.
From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions.
Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where simply there is no peace to keep.
Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.
For all its perils, the Cold War had rules.
There were hot lines, red lines and guard rails.
It can feel as though we don’t have that today.
Nor do we have a unipolar world.
We are moving to a multipolar world, but we are not there yet.
We are in a purgatory of polarity.
And in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides, doing whatever they want with no accountability.
That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, to respect international law, to support and implement decisions of international courts, and to reinforce human rights in the world.
Anywhere and everywhere.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Rising inequalities are a second driver of unsustainability and a stain on our collective conscience.
Inequality is not a technical or bureaucratic issue.
At its heart, inequality is a question of power with historic roots.
Conflict, climate upheaval and the cost-of-living crisis, are pushing those roots deeper.
At the same time, the world has not recovered from the surge in inequalities caused by the pandemic.
Of the world’s poorest 75 countries, one-third are worse off today than they were five years ago.
During that same period, the five richest men in the world have more than doubled their wealth.
And the top one per cent of people on earth own 43 per cent of all global financial assets.
At the national level, some governments are supercharging inequalities by doling out massive tax giveaways to corporations and the ultra-rich, while shortchanging investments in health, education and social protection.
No one is being short-changed more than the world’s women and girls.
Excellencies,
Rampant gender-based discrimination and abuse are the most prevalent inequality across all societies.
Every day, it seems we are confronted by yet more sickening cases of femicide, gender-based violence and mass rape, both in peacetime and as a weapon of war.
In some countries, laws are being used to threaten reproductive health and rights.
And in Afghanistan, laws are being used to lock-in the systematic oppression of women and girls.
And I am sorry to observe that despite years of talk, gender inequality is on full display, and I am sorry for mentioning it here, gender inequality is on full display in this very Hall.
Less than 10 per cent of speakers during this week’s General Debate are women.
This is unacceptable – especially when we know gender equality delivers for peace, sustainable development, climate action and much more.
That is precisely why we took targeted measures to achieve gender parity among the United Nations senior leadership, an objective that has already been achieved.
It’s doable.
I call on male-dominated political and economic establishments around the world to do it as well.
Excellencies,
Global inequalities are reflected and reinforced even in our own global institutions.
The United Nations Security Council was designed by the victors of the Second World War.
Most of Africa was still under colonial domination.
To this day, Africa has no permanent seat on the world’s preeminent council of peace.
This must change.
So must the global financial architecture, set up 80 years ago.
I commend the leaders of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for taking important steps.
But as the Pact for the Future emphasizes, tackling inequalities requires accelerating reform of the international financial architecture.
Over the past eight decades, the global economy has grown and transformed.
The Bretton Woods institutions have not kept pace.
They can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
Debt interest payments in the world’s poorest countries now cost more, on average, than investments in education, health and infrastructure combined.
And around the world, more than 80 per cent of Sustainable Development Goal targets are off track.
Excellencies,
Getting back on track requires a surge of financing for the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
That means G20 countries leading on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
It means reforms to substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks and enable them to massively scale-up affordable long-term climate and development finance.
It means expanding contingency financing through recycling Special Drawing Rights.
And it means promoting long-term debt-restructuring.
Excellencies,
I have no illusions about the obstacles to reform of the multilateral system.
Those with political and economic power – and those who believe they have power – are always reluctant to change.
But the status quo is already draining their power.
Without reform, fragmentation is inevitable, and global institutions will become less legitimate, less credible, and less effective.
Excellencies,
The third driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty.
The ground is shifting under our feet.
Anxiety levels are off the charts.
And young people, in particular, are counting on us and seeking solutions.
Uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats – the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology — in particular, Artificial Intelligence.
Excellencies,
We are in a climate meltdown.
Extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods are not natural disasters.
They are human disasters — increasingly fueled by fossil fuels.
No country is spared. But the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.
Climate hazards are blowing a hole through the budgets of many African countries, costing up to five per cent of GDP – every year.
And this is just the start.
We are on course to careen past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise.
But as the problem gets worse, solutions are getting better.
Renewable prices are plummeting, roll-out is accelerating, and lives are being transformed by affordable, accessible clean energy.
Renewables don’t just generate power. They generate jobs, wealth, energy security and a path out of poverty for millions.
But developing countries cannot be plundered in that journey.
Our Panel on Critical Minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet global demand for these resources, which are essential to the renewables revolution.
Excellencies,
A future without fossil fuels is certain. A fair and fast transition is not.
That is in your hands.
By next year, every country must produce an ambitious new national climate action plan – or Nationally Determined Contributions.
These must bring national energy strategies, sustainable development priorities, and climate ambitions together.
They must align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy, and contribute to every one of the COP28 energy transition targets.
An International Energy Agency report released today breaks this down.
By 2035, on average, advanced economies must slash energy emissions 80 per cent, and emerging markets 65 per cent.
The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions.
They must lead the charge – keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.
But this must be a joint effort — pooling resources, scientific capacities and proven and affordable technologies for all to be able to reach those targets.
I’m honoured to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil – who is both G20 Chair and COP30 host – to secure maximum ambition, acceleration and cooperation. We just met for that purpose.
Finance is essential.
COP29 is around the corner.
It must deliver a significant new finance goal.
We also need a Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge – and developed countries meeting their adaptation finance promises.
And we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation:
We continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet.
The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies, while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe – from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods.
I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition;
To put an effective price on carbon;
And to implement new and innovative sources of financing – including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction – through legally-binding, transparent mechanisms.
All by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill.
Polluters must pay.
Excellencies,
The rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk.
Artificial Intelligence will change virtually everything we know — from work, education and communication, to culture and politics.
We know AI is rapidly advancing, but where is it taking us:
To more freedom – or more conflict?
To a more sustainable world – or greater inequality?
To being better informed – or easier to manipulate?
A handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI – with little accountability or oversight for the moment.
Without a global approach to its management, artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board – a Great Fracture with two internets, two markets, two economies – with every country forced to pick a side, and enormous consequences for all.
The United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus.
It is uniquely placed to promote cooperation on AI – based on the values of the Charter and international law.
The global debate happens here, or it does not happen.
I welcome important first steps.
Two resolutions in the General Assembly, the Global Digital Compact, and the recommendations of the High-Level Body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI.
Let’s move forward together to make AI a force for good.
Excellencies,
Nothing lasts forever.
But a feature of human life is that it appears otherwise.
The current order always feels fixed.
Until it is not.
Across human history, we see empires rising and falling; old certainties crumbling; tectonic shifts in global affairs.
Today our course is unsustainable.
It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway; to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it.
Many have said that the differences and divisions today are just too great.
That it is impossible for us to come together for the common good.
You proved that is not true.
The Summit of the Future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise, we can join forces to steer our world to a more sustainable path.
It is not the end.
It is a start of a journey, a compass in the whirlwind.
Let’s keep going.
Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability …. less inequality and more justice … less uncertainty and more opportunity.
The people of the world are looking to us – and succeeding generations will look back on us.
Let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter … on the side of our shared values and principles … and on the right side of history.
I thank you.
***
[all-French]
Monsieur le Président,
Excellences,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Notre monde est pris dans un tourbillon.
Nous vivons une ère de transformation aux proportions épiques et faisons face à des défis sans précédent qui exigent des solutions mondiales.
Et pourtant, les divisions géopolitiques ne vont qu’en s’aggravant. La planète continue de se réchauffer.
Les guerres font rage sans que l’on sache comment elles vont se terminer.
Les gesticulations nucléaires et les nouvelles armes font planer sur nous une ombre inquiétante.
Nous allons tout droit vers l’inimaginable : une poudrière qui risque d’engloutir le monde.
En 2024, la moitié de l’humanité doit se rendre aux urnes – et c’est sur l’humanité tout entière que pèsera l’issue de ces scrutins.
Je me tiens devant vous, face à ce tourbillon, convaincu de deux vérités primordiales.
Tout d’abord, l’état dans lequel se trouve notre monde n’est pas viable.
On ne peut pas continuer ainsi.
Et deuxièmement, il est possible de relever les défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés.
Mais pour cela, nous devons nous assurer que les mécanismes de règlement des problèmes internationaux permettent bel et bien de régler les problèmes.
Le Sommet de l’avenir était un premier pas, mais le chemin à parcourir est encore long.
Pour y parvenir, il faut s’attaquer à trois grands facteurs de l’insoutenabilité.
Un monde d’impunité – dans lequel les violations et les atteintes menacent le fondement même du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.
Un monde d’inégalités – où les injustices et les griefs auxquelles elles donnent jour menacent d’affaiblir les pays, ou pire, de les précipiter dans le gouffre.
Et un monde d’incertitude – où les risques mondiaux ne sont pas gérés, ce qui hypothèque notre avenir, bien au-delà de ce que l’on peut imaginer.
Ces mondes d’impunité, d’inégalité et d’incertitude sont liés entre eux et se télescopent.
Excellences,
Le degré d’impunité dans le monde est indéfendable sur le plan politique et moralement intolérable.
Aujourd’hui, un nombre croissant de gouvernements et d’autres acteurs se sentent autorisés à bénéficier, comme au Monopoly, d’une carte « Vous êtes libéré de prison ».
Ils peuvent fouler aux pieds le droit international.
Ils peuvent violer la Charte des Nations Unies.
Ils peuvent ignorer les conventions internationales relatives aux droits humains ou les décisions des tribunaux internationaux.
Ils peuvent bafouer le droit international humanitaire.
Ils peuvent envahir un autre pays, dévaster des sociétés entières ou mépriser complètement le bien-être de leur propre peuple.
Sans que rien ne se passe.
Partout ‒ au Moyen-Orient, au cœur de l’Europe, dans la Corne de l’Afrique et au-delà ‒ c’est l’ère de l’impunité.
La guerre en Ukraine s’étend et rien n’indique qu’elle va s’arrêter.
Ce sont les populations civiles qui en paient le prix. À preuve, les morts de plus en plus nombreuses, les vies et les communautés brisées.
Il est temps d’instaurer une paix juste, fondée sur la Charte des Nations Unies, le droit international et les résolutions des organes des Nations Unies.
Pendant ce temps, Gaza vit un cauchemar permanent qui menace d’entraîner toute la région dans le chaos.
À commencer par le Liban.
Nous devrions tous être alarmés par cette escalade.
Le Liban est au bord du gouffre.
Le peuple libanais, le peuple israélien et les peuples du monde ne peuvent se permettre que le Liban devienne un autre Gaza.
Soyons clairs.
Rien ne peut justifier les actes de terreur abominables commis par le Hamas le 7 octobre, ni les prises d’otages, que j’ai condamnés à maintes reprises.
Mais rien ne peut justifier d’infliger un châtiment collectif au peuple palestinien.
La rapidité et l’ampleur du massacre et des destructions à Gaza ne ressemblent à rien d’autre de ce que j’ai connu depuis que je suis Secrétaire général.
Plus de 200 membres du personnel des Nations Unies ont déjà été tués et, souvent, des membres de leurs familles ont aussi péri à leurs côtés.
Et pourtant, les femmes et les hommes des Nations Unies continuent d’accomplir leur mission.
Je sais que vous vous joignez à moi pour rendre un hommage appuyé à l’UNRWA et à tous les humanitaires à Gaza.
La communauté internationale doit se mobiliser pour obtenir un cessez-le-feu immédiat, la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle des tous les otages et le lancement d’un processus irréversible pour qu’une solution des deux États voie le jour.
J’aimerais poser une question à ceux qui continuent de saper cet objectif en multipliant les implantations, les expulsions, les provocations:
Quelle est l’alternative ?
Comment le monde pourrait-il accepter un État qui inclurait un grand nombre de Palestiniens et de Palestiniennes privés de liberté, de droits et de dignité ?
Au Soudan, une lutte brutale pour le pouvoir a donné lieu à d’horribles violences, notamment des viols et des agressions sexuelles à grande échelle.
Une catastrophe humanitaire est en train de se produire dans un pays en proie à une famine rampante. Pourtant, les puissances extérieures continuent de s’ingérer sans aucune approche unifiée pour trouver la paix.
Au Sahel, l’expansion dramatique et rapide de la menace terroriste exige l’adoption d’une approche commune fondée sur la solidarité, mais la coopération régionale et internationale est en panne.
Du Myanmar à la République démocratique du Congo, en passant par Haïti et le Yémen, les populations restent exposées à des violences et des souffrances effroyables, sur fond d’incapacité chronique à trouver des solutions.
Pendant ce temps, nos missions de maintien de la paix opèrent trop souvent dans des lieux où il n’y a tout simplement pas de paix à maintenir.
L’instabilité que l’on observe en de nombreux endroits du monde est la conséquence de l’instabilité des relations de pouvoir et des clivages géopolitiques.
La Guerre Froide était pleine de dangers, mais elle avait aussi ses règles.
Il y avait le téléphone rouge, des limites à ne pas franchir et des garde-fous.
On a parfois l’impression que l’on n’a rien de tout cela aujourd’hui.
Nous ne vivons pas non plus dans un monde unipolaire.
Nous sommes en train de passer à un monde multipolaire, mais nous n’y sommes pas encore.
Nous sommes en fait dans le purgatoire de la polarité.
Et dans ce purgatoire, de plus en plus de pays occupent les espaces laissés vides par les divisions géopolitiques et font ce qu’ils veulent sans avoir à rendre de comptes.
C’est pourquoi il est plus important que jamais de réaffirmer la Charte, d’appuyer et de respecter le droit international et de renforcer les droits humains à travers le monde.
Partout et en tout lieu.
Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
L’augmentation des inégalités est un deuxième facteur de l’insoutenabilité et une tache sur notre conscience collective.
L’inégalité n’est pas une question technique ou bureaucratique.
Au fond, l’inégalité est une question de pouvoir, aux racines historiques.
Les conflits, les bouleversements climatiques et la crise du coût de la vie étendent ces racines historiques plus profondément encore.
Dans le même temps, le monde peine encore à se relever de la flambée des inégalités engendrée par la pandémie.
Si l’on regarde les 75 pays les plus pauvres du monde, un tiers d’entre eux se trouve aujourd’hui dans une situation pire qu’il y a cinq ans.
Au cours de la même période, les cinq hommes les plus riches de la planète ont plus que doublé leurs fortunes.
Et un pour cent des habitants de la planète détient 43 % de l’ensemble des avoirs financiers mondiaux.
Au niveau national, certains gouvernements décuplent les inégalités en accordant des cadeaux fiscaux massifs aux entreprises et aux ultra-riches — au détriment des investissements dans la santé, l’éducation et la protection sociale.
Et personne n’est plus lésé que les femmes et les filles du monde entier.
Excellences,
La discrimination et les abus généralisés fondés sur le genre constituent l’inégalité la plus répandue dans toutes les sociétés.
Chaque jour, il semble que nous soyons confrontés à de nouveaux cas révoltants de féminicides, de violences fondées sur le genre et de viols collectifs – en temps de paix comme en tant qu’arme de guerre.
Dans certains pays, les lois sont utilisées pour menacer la santé et les droits reproductifs.
Et en Afghanistan, les lois sont utilisées pour entériner l’oppression systématique des femmes et des filles.
Et je suis désolé de constater que, malgré des années de beaux discours, l’inégalité de genre se manifeste, et je vous demande pardon de le dire, elle se manifeste aujourd’hui encore, pleinement dans cette enceinte.
Moins de 10 pour cent des intervenants au Débat général de cette semaine sont des femmes.
C’est inacceptable, surtout quand on sait que l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes contribue à la paix, au développement durable, à l’action climatique et bien plus encore.
C’est précisément pour cela nous avons pris des mesures spécifiques pour atteindre la parité hommes-femmes parmi les hauts responsables de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, objectif qui est déjà complété.
C’est faisable.
J’exhorte les institutions politiques et économiques du monde dominées par les hommes à le faire aussi.
Excellences,
Les inégalités mondiales se reflètent et se renforcent jusque dans nos propres organisations internationales.
Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies a été conçu par les vainqueurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
À l’époque, la majeure partie du continent africain était encore sous domination coloniale.
À ce jour, l’Afrique n’a toujours aucun siège permanent au sein de la principale instance de paix du monde.
Un changement s’impose.
Il en va de même pour l’architecture financière mondiale, mise en place il y a 80 ans.
Je félicite les dirigeants de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international pour les mesures importantes qu’ils ont entreprises.
Mais comme le souligne le Pacte pour l’avenir, la lutte contre les inégalités exige une accélération de la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.
Au cours des huit dernières décennies, l’économie mondiale s’est développée et transformée.
Les institutions de Bretton Woods n’ont pas suivi le rythme.
Elles ne sont plus en mesure de fournir un filet de sécurité mondial, ni d’offrir aux pays en développement le niveau de soutien dont ils ont tant besoin.
Dans les pays les plus pauvres du monde, le coût des intérêts de la dette dépasse, en moyenne, le coût des investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures publiques réunis.
Et à l’échelle du monde, plus de 80 % des cibles des Objectifs de développement durable ne sont pas en bonne voie.
Excellences,
Pour que l’on puisse redresser le cap, les financements mobilisés pour le Programme 2030 et l’Accord de Paris doivent connaître un véritable bond.
Cela implique que les pays du G20 montrent l’exemple sur le Plan de relance des Objectifs de développement durable, de 500 milliards de dollars par an.
Cela implique également d’engager des réformes pour renforcer considérablement la capacité de prêt des Banques multilatérales de développement, afin qu’elles puissent proposer bien davantage de financements abordables et à long terme pour l’action climatique et le développement.
Cela implique de débloquer plus largement des financements pour imprévus, à travers le recyclage des droits de tirage spéciaux.
Et cela implique de promouvoir une restructuration de la dette à long terme.
Excellences,
Je ne me fais guère d’illusions sur les obstacles que nous rencontrerons dans le cadre de la réforme du système multilatéral.
Ceux qui détiennent le pouvoir politique et économique – et ceux qui croient le détenir – ont toujours une aversion au changement.
Pourtant, le statu quo ébranle déjà leur pouvoir.
Sans réforme, la fragmentation est inévitable, condamnant les institutions mondiales à perdre en légitimité, en crédibilité et en efficacité.
Excellences,
Le troisième facteur de l’insoutenabilité de notre monde est l’incertitude.
Le sol se dérobe sous nos pieds.
L’anxiété est à son comble.
Les jeunes, en particulier, comptent sur nous et recherchent des solutions.
L’incertitude est aggravée par deux menaces existentielles : la crise climatique et les bouleversements technologiques rapides, notamment l’intelligence artificielle.
Excellences,
Nous assistons à un véritable effondrement du climat.
Les températures extrêmes, les incendies violents, les sécheresses et les inondations catastrophiques ne sont pas des catastrophes naturelles.
Ce sont des catastrophes humaines, dont les combustibles fossiles précipitent l’enchaînement.
Aucun pays n’est épargné. Mais ce sont les pays les plus pauvres et les plus vulnérables qui paient le prix fort.
Les calamités climatiques obèrent les budgets de nombreux pays d’Afrique et leur coûtent jusqu’à 5 % de leur PIB – chaque année.
Et ce n’est que le début.
La température mondiale est sur le point de dépasser la limite de 1,5 degré.
Mais si le problème s’aggrave, les solutions que l’on y apporte deviennent plus efficaces.
Prenons l’exemple des énergies renouvelables : leur prix diminue fortement, leur déploiement s’accélère et des populations voient leur quotidien transformé par une énergie propre, accessible et d’un coût abordable.
Les énergies renouvelables ne servent pas qu’à produire de l’électricité. Elles créent aussi des emplois et de la richesse, sont gages de sécurité énergétique et permettent à des millions de personnes de sortir de la pauvreté.
Mais cela ne doit pas passer par le pillage des pays en développement.
Notre Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux essentiels a recommandé que des mesures équitables et durables soient prises pour répondre à la demande mondiale dans ces ressources, indispensables à la révolution des énergies renouvelables.
Excellences,
Il est certain qu’un monde sans combustibles fossiles verra le jour. En revanche, rien ne dit que la transition sera rapide ou équitable.
Cela dépend de vous.
D’ici à l’an prochain, tous les pays devront élaborer de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat ambitieux – ou déterminer leurs contributions au niveau national.
Ils devront faire converger leurs stratégies énergétiques nationales, leurs priorités en matière de développement durable et les ambitions climatiques.
Ils devront ne pas dépasser la limite de 1,5 degré, couvrir l’ensemble de l’économie et concourir à la réalisation de tous les objectifs de transition énergétique convenus lors de la COP28.
Dans le rapport qu’elle a publié aujourd’hui, l’Agence internationale de l’énergie chiffre le niveau d’ambition à atteindre.
D’ici à 2035, en moyenne, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre doivent diminuer de 80 % dans les économies avancées, de 65 % dans les marchés émergents.
Les pays du G20 sont responsables au total de 80 % des émissions.
Ils doivent mener la charge, en respectant le principe des responsabilités communes mais différenciées et en tenant compte des capacités de chacun, en fonction des différents contextes nationaux.
Mais cette action doit s’inscrire dans une démarche collective et suppose la mise en commun des ressources, des capacités scientifiques et de technologies abordables à l’efficacité avérée pour que tous puissent atteindre cet objectif.
J’ai l’honneur de collaborer étroitement avec le Président Lula, dont le pays préside le G20 et accueillera la COP 30, afin de garantir le plus haut degré d’ambition possible, d’accélérer le rythme des progrès et de favoriser la coopération.
Nous venons de nous rencontrer pour discuter de cela.
Les financements sont d’une importance cruciale.
La COP29 arrive à grands pas.
Elle doit être l’occasion de fixer un nouvel objectif ambitieux en matière de financement.
Il faut également que le fonds pour les pertes et les préjudices soit à la hauteur de l’enjeu et que les pays développés tiennent leurs promesses en matière de financement de l’adaptation.
Et l’heure est venue de faire bouger les lignes face à une situation insensée.
Nous continuons de récompenser les pollueurs qui détruisent notre planète.
Le secteur des combustibles fossiles continue d’engranger des profits et des subventions considérables, mais ce sont les populations qui supportent les coûts de la catastrophe climatique, depuis la hausse des primes d’assurance jusqu’à la perte de leurs moyens de subsistance.
Je demande aux pays du G20 de mettre fin aux subventions et aux investissements liés aux combustibles fossiles et de financer à la place une transition énergétique juste,
De mettre un prix au carbone.
Et d’adopter des sources de financement nouvelles et novatrices – notamment en instaurant une redevance internationale de solidarité sur l’extraction des combustibles fossiles, au moyen de mécanismes juridiquement contraignants et transparents.
Et ce, d’ici à l’année prochaine.
Et ce en tenant compte du fait que pour les responsables, l’heure des comptes a sonné.
Les pollueurs doivent payer.
Excellences,
L’essor rapide des nouvelles technologies est une autre menace existentielle dont les conséquences sont imprévisibles.
L’intelligence artificielle transformera notre monde du tout au tout : le travail, mais aussi l’éducation, la communication, la culture ou encore la politique.
Nous savons que l’intelligence artificielle progresse rapidement, mais où nous mène-t-elle ?
Vers plus de liberté ou plus de conflits ?
Vers un monde plus durable ou de plus grandes inégalités ?
Serons-nous mieux informés ou plus faciles à manipuler ?
Une poignée d’entreprises et même de particuliers ont déjà acquis un pouvoir immense grâce au développement de l’intelligence artificielle, sans, pour le moment, avoir véritablement à rendre des comptes et sans grand contrôle.
Faute de mesures mondiales pour en gérer le déploiement, l’intelligence artificielle risque d’engendrer des divisions artificielles dans tous les domaines, de donner lieu à une grande fracture entre deux internets, deux marchés et deux économies et, ainsi, de faire naître une situation où chaque pays serait contraint de choisir un camp, ce qui serait lourd de conséquences pour l’humanité tout entière.
L’ONU est une instance universelle de dialogue et de consensus.
Elle est particulièrement bien placée pour promouvoir la coopération en ce qui concerne l’intelligence artificielle, sur la base des valeurs de la Charte et du droit international.
C’est dans cette enceinte, et nulle part ailleurs, que les membres de la communauté internationale débattent.
Je salue les premières mesures importantes qui ont été prises.
Deux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale, le Pacte numérique mondial et les recommandations de l’Organe consultatif de haut niveau sur l’intelligence artificielle, peuvent asseoir les bases d’une gouvernance inclusive de l’intelligence artificielle.
Ensemble, faisons de l’intelligence artificielle une force au service du bien.
Excellences,
Rien n’est éternel.
Mais l’humanité a ceci de particulier qu’elle croit le contraire.
L’ordre en place a toujours l’air d’être indémontable.
Jusqu’au jour où tout bascule.
L’histoire de l’humanité a été marquée par l’essor et la chute d’empires, l’effondrement de vieilles certitudes et de véritables séismes sur le théâtre du monde.
Aujourd’hui, nous allons droit dans le mur.
Il est dans notre intérêt à toutes et à tous de gérer les transformations colossales qui sont en cours, de déterminer l’avenir que nous voulons et de faciliter son avènement dans le monde.
Beaucoup pensent que les divisions et les divergences d’aujourd’hui sont insurmontables,
Que nous ne parviendrons pas à nous rassembler pour le bien commun.
Vous avez prouvé que ce n’était pas le cas.
Le Sommet de l’avenir a montré que nous pouvons unir nos forces dans un esprit de dialogue et de compromis pour engager le monde sur une voie plus durable.
Ce n’est pas une fin.
Ce n’est que le début, une boussole dans la tempête.
Il faut continuer sur cette lancée.
Ne ménageons pas nos efforts : pour lutter contre l’impunité et renforcer le respect du principe de responsabilité… pour moins d’inégalités et plus de justice… pour échapper à l’incertitude et élargir le champ des possibles.
Les populations du monde entier comptent sur nous, et les générations futures nous jugeront à l’aune de ce que nous aurons accompli.
Nous devons ne pas les décevoir. Nous devons être à la hauteur de la Charte des Nations Unies… de nos valeurs et principes communs… et du bon côté de l’histoire.
Et je vous remercie.
Source: United Nations – Geneva
The Committee on Enforced Disappearances today concluded its consideration of the initial report of Ukraine, with Committee Experts commending the State on the adoption of the law on the legal status of persons missing in special circumstances, while asking questions on secret detentions and the forced transfer of children to the Russian Federation.
Several Committee Experts paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the people of Ukraine in the context of the ongoing war on its territory. Carmen Rosa Villa Quintana, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the Committee could not be indifferent to war in any circumstances. It was essential to bring about peace in line with the United Nations Charter.
Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chair and Country Rapporteur, congratulated the State party for adopting the law on the legal status of persons missing in special circumstances, and for its 2022 revision, which contributed positively to the search for missing persons. Could Ukrainian State agents be held accountable under the law?
Mr. de Frouville said there were allegations of secret detentions in Kharkiv, particularly during the period of 2014 to 2016, and that basements of buildings in Kyiv were being used as unofficial detention sites. Did the State party have information on these allegations? There did not seem to be an effective mechanism to prevent these practices from continuing.
Addressing the forced transfer of children to the Russian Federation and occupied territories, Mr. de Frouville asked how many of the 19,546 children who had been transferred were considered as victims of enforced disappearance. Was there a specific procedure for reviewing placements of children who had been illegally adopted?
Introducing the report, Leonid Tymchenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and head of the delegation, said that the law on the legal status of persons missing under special circumstances stipulated that the Ukrainian State was obliged to take all possible measures to trace a person missing in special circumstances. The law also established enforced disappearance as an offence in national criminal law.
Since September 2015, Mr. Tymchenko reported, law enforcement agencies had registered more than 5,000 criminal offences directly related to enforced disappearances, including the deprivation of liberty of more than 14,000 civilians.
The delegation said investigations had been carried out that had disproven allegations of incommunicado detentions. The State party investigated all such allegations.
Regarding the forced transfer of children, Mr. Tymchenko said several heads of the occupation authorities and two deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation were charged by Ukraine with committing criminal offences in this regard, while the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for President Putin and lvova-Belova, the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights.
The delegation added that the State party was doing everything possible to obtain information on the missing children. It was negotiating an agreement regarding the return of around 300 children. Russian officials had not recognised the transfer and illegal adoption of Ukrainian children and had made falsified documents to hide these crimes.
In concluding remarks, Horacio Ravenna, Committee Vice-Chair and acting Chair for the dialogue, said the Committee and the State party shared a common goal: full implementation of the Convention. Ukraine had shown its commitment to this goal. He called on the State party to remain in contact with the Committee, which would support its efforts to implement the Convention. The Committee’s strong hope was that peace would be achieved in Ukraine.
Mr. Tymchenko, in his concluding remarks, said cooperation with the Committee would help the State party in its efforts to uphold its international obligations. He called on the Committee to keep in mind the current circumstances in Ukraine. Every day, aerial attacks were being carried out across the State. The State party was aware that it needed to uphold human rights, even those of its enemies.
The delegation of Ukraine consisted of the Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances and representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor General; Security Service; Ministry of Internal Affairs; National Police; and the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Ukraine at the end of its twenty-seventh session, which concludes on 4 October. Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. The programme of work of the Committee’s twenty-seventh session and other documents related to the session can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public this afternoon, Tuesday 24 September, at 3 p.m. to consider the initial report of Morocco (CED/C/MAR/1).
Report
The Committee has before it the initial report of Ukraine (CED/C/UKR/1).
Presentation of Report
LEONID TYMCHENKO, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and head of the delegation, said this dialogue was an important event that marked a new chapter in the protection of human rights and freedoms. In the midst of an unprovoked war with the Russian Federation, Ukraine remained committed to human rights principles and this dialogue was an important part of the collective struggle for justice. In 2015, Ukraine became a State party to the Convention, and thus undertook to eradicate and prevent enforced disappearances. Currently, enforced disappearances committed on Ukraine’s sovereign territory were related to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Despite these challenging times, Ukraine continued to comply with its international obligations.
Ukraine took measures to ensure the uniform application of the Convention within its internationally recognised borders, including in the territories controlled by the aggressor State and its occupation forces, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions, as well as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. It ensured that all reports of unlawful acts as defined in article two of the Convention deliberately committed by representatives of the occupation administration of the Russian Federation were promptly, thoroughly and impartially recorded and properly investigated, with all perpetrators identified and brought to justice, and, if found guilty by a court, punished in accordance with the gravity of their actions.
The law on the legal status of persons gone missing under special circumstances stipulated that the Ukrainian State was obliged to take all possible measures to trace a person missing in special circumstances. The law also established enforced disappearance as an offence in national criminal law. On 21 August 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on the ratification of the Rome Statute. In order to implement the Rome Statute, it adopted in the first reading a draft law that would add articles to the Criminal Code on crimes against humanity, which would include enforced disappearance within the meaning of article five of the Convention.
Since September 2015, law enforcement agencies had registered more than 5,000 criminal offences directly related to enforced disappearances, including the deprivation of liberty of more than 14,000 civilians. Special attention should be paid to the results of the investigation conducted by the State into the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine from 2022 to 2024, their deportation to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus and the forced granting of Russian citizenship, and their placement in Russian families and adoption.
Several heads of the occupation authorities and two deputies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation were charged with committing criminal offences by Ukraine in this regard, while the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for President Putin and lvova-Belova, the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights, for the illegal transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children.
The Prosecutor’s Offices had served 275 persons with notices of suspicion in 137 criminal proceedings, and 119 indictments against 241 persons were sent to bring the perpetrators to justice. The State party had also established a unified register of persons gone missing under special circumstances, which had been in operation since May 2023. As of today, it contained information on 48,324 such individuals who were currently being sought to determine their fate. Around 4,700 people had been confirmed to be in captivity; the actual number could be much higher. The aggressor State was not fulfilling its international obligations under the Geneva Conventions, denying the Red Cross access to visit places of detention and holding civilian hostages. This made it impossible to exert influence on the Russian Federation, which was not a State party to the Convention.
Measures had been taken to release both captured Ukrainian defenders and illegally detained civilians. In the period before the full-scale invasion, 3,497 people were released; since the invasion, 3,669 people had been released. More than 90 per cent of persons returned from captivity reported that they were subjected to various forms of violence and torture by representatives of the aggressor State, and in the period before the full-scale invasion, all detainees without exception were subjected to psychological and physical violence.
The Constitution of Ukraine stipulated that everyone had the right to liberty and personal inviolability. No one could be arrested or held in detention, except by a reasoned court decision and only in accordance with the conditions and procedures established by law. Ukraine had established a national preventive mechanism to ensure the effective prevention and elimination of enforced disappearances. In 109 territorial units of the national police, the “Custody Records” information subsystem was implemented, designed to guarantee the safe stay of detained persons under police control.
The State ensured the police’s ability to effectively fight crime without violating human rights through the introduction of electronic recording of all actions against persons under police control, as well as a mandatory interview of the detained person and the police officer who carried out the detention. The State also ensured that there was sufficient infrastructure in the police unit; round-the-clock video surveillance; a human rights inspector; and remote oversight by authorised officials of the central police authority. In 2018, Ukraine established the State Bureau of Investigation, a State law enforcement agency responsible for preventing and investigating criminal offences committed, in particular, by law enforcement officers.
During this time of crisis for Ukraine, the country had a special responsibility to take strict measures to prevent and eliminate enforced disappearances in accordance with the requirements of the Convention. The end of the aggressive war of the Russian Federation would prevent enforced disappearances in Ukraine. Ukraine’s strategic goal was a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in the State for the security of the whole world, which it hoped to achieve through the Ukrainian peace formula initiative put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Questions by Committee Experts
OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair and Country Rapporteur, said the Committee acknowledged that Ukraine had a situation of armed conflict in its territory which affected the implementation of the Convention. This was particularly true in the context of the large-scale invasion conducted since February 2022. Mr. de Frouville paid tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Despite the difficult situation, Ukraine continued to exert efforts to comply with its international obligations. It was acting to search for victims of enforced disappearance on its territory and uphold the rights of families. He expressed hope that the dialogue would help the State party to better apply the Convention.
The report was drafted by the national Ukrainian police in collaboration with other State agencies. Were victims’ associations or other civil society organizations involved in drafting the report? Had the State party made any response to communications sent to it under the urgent actions procedure? Were there any examples of courts directly invoking the Convention? The Ukrainian Human Rights Commission had contact with the Russian Human Rights Commission. Had the sharing of information between these bodies led to the identification of missing persons? What efforts had been made to increase the financing and human resources of the Human Rights Commission and to implement its recommendations?
Mr. de Frouville congratulated the State party for adopting the law on the legal status of persons missing in special circumstances, and for its 2022 revision, which contributed positively to the search for missing persons. The law covered some cases of enforced disappearance, but not cases that did not have a link to the armed conflict or other special circumstances. The law also potentially excluded enforced disappearance committed by the Ukrainian State. Could Ukrainian State agents be held accountable under the law?
The Committee welcomed the unified register of missing persons. The register was limited to cases of special circumstances leading to disappearances. The clear category of enforced disappearance was not included in the register; would this be done in future? When would DNA data be included in the register, and was the DNA data of relatives of disappeared persons being collected? The State party had several different databases related to human rights violations; were these connected to the register of missing persons? The Prosecution Service had identified over 1,000 victims of enforced disappearance. Could this data be included in the missing persons register?
What risks had the State party identified related to martial law declared as part of Ukraine’s state of emergency? Had the State party taken steps to prevent violations in the context of the state of emergency?
CARMEN ROSA VILLA QUINTANA, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, paid tribute to the courage of the people of Ukraine. The Committee could not be indifferent to war in any circumstances. It was essential to bring about peace in line with the United Nations Charter.
The State party had reported that it had not identified any facts implying that Ukrainian authorities were involved in any cases of enforced disappearance. However, the Ukrainian Security Service was investigating several cases of violations of the laws and customs of war. Were there any cases that could fall into the category of enforced disappearance? Third party information indicated that there were individuals or groups involved in cases of enforced disappearance. In one case, two police officers had been found to have committed crimes of enforced disappearance and torture in 2021. There was information about the enforced disappearance of 30 journalists. What investigations had been carried out into these cases? Had perpetrators been held accountable? How was the State party implementing the Istanbul Protocol?
There were cases of Russian officials being prosecuted without being informed of the charges against them. Would the State party make informing accused persons of the charges against them a legal requirement? Did judges have the ability to define crimes as enforced disappearances? How did the State party address violations of the Convention in the territories occupied by the Russian Federation?
What institutions were involved in investigating the disappearance of two members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church? How was the State party investigating cases of enforced disappearance in the context of human trafficking, migration or forced displacement due to armed conflict and working to prevent this phenomenon? Did the State party intend to define the forced transfer of children to the Russian Federation as acts of enforced disappearance? Could information be provided on the outcomes of investigations into these cases?
Ms. Villa Quintana welcomed planned amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Did the State party plan to increase the penalty for the crime of enforced disappearance, which was currently not commensurate with the seriousness of the crime? When would the amendments to the two Codes be adopted? Was enforced disappearance being considered as a stand-alone crime in these amendments, and were aggravating circumstances being considered?
Legal provisions on hierarchical responsibility were not in line with international standards. What progress had been made to adopt draft legislation on hierarchical responsibility? What was the statute of limitations for enforced disappearance? When did it start? The provisions on the statute of limitations in the Convention had not been incorporated in national law. Could foreigners responsible for enforced disappearance who were not residing in Ukraine be tried in Ukraine? Were accused persons given access to a lawyer, and appointed a lawyer if they could not afford them? What measures were in place to notify accused persons from Russia to guarantee their active participation in trials? What was the procedure for the appointment and removal of judges and prosecutors, particularly those charged with corruption?
Which authorities were responsible for searching for missing and disappeared persons? How did the State party ensure that they cooperated and carried out their mandates effectively? The Code on Criminal Procedures established that persons charged with a crime could be suspended from their positions. How rigorously was suspension applied; could the State party provide examples?
A Committee Expert paid tribute to the courage and resilience of Ukraine. Were the 5,000 cases of enforced disappearance registered by Ukraine cases of disappearance carried out by State agents against non-State actors?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party had established a database of persons who went missing in special circumstances to address disappearances related to the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the national police collected biological material and DNA of persons who went missing in all contexts and registered it in relevant databases. Authorities could also collect the DNA of the relatives of missing persons. Data in State databases on enforced disappearances was unified. In future, Ukraine planned to add DNA data collected by the International Commission on Missing Persons to its databases to help identify missing persons. The Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances and relatives of victims, including those who lived abroad, had access to the information in registries of missing persons.
Judges could apply the Convention directly and there were examples of cases in which judges had done so. The State party did not have access to occupied territories and could not conduct investigations there. However, it had identified two mass graves in liberated regions, in which around 125 bodies were buried, and around 400 bodies buried in other graves in these regions. It predicted that there were many more such graves in the occupied territories.
Victims of human rights violations committed by Ukrainian authorities had the right to seek redress. All persons had the right to a lawyer. Persons who could not hire a lawyer were provided one by the State. In cases where authorities were not able to arrest suspects residing in the Russian Federation, trials could be held in absentia. After the State party had ratified the Rome Statute, it would be required to investigate hierarchical responsibility. Prosecutors who were suspended for corruption or other violations were no longer able to work on cases; they were replaced immediately.
There was a clear division between trafficking in persons and enforced disappearance in the Criminal Code. The State party had registered cases of the trafficking of persons to the occupied territories. Seven minors had been identified as victims in these cases and four perpetrators had been identified. All cases of disappearance of children by Russian authorities qualified as war crimes. Investigations into such crimes were being carried out in cooperation with non-governmental organizations to determine the fate of these children.
When authorities received allegations that State agents had committed a crime, the State Bureau of Investigation investigated these allegations independently.
The law on the legal status of persons missing in special circumstances did not define the precise characteristics of the victims of enforced disappearance. The State party welcomed the Committee’s advice concerning the revision of the law in this regard.
Questions by Committee Experts
CARMEN ROSA VILLA QUINTANA, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked for information on regions where large numbers of enforced disappearances were reported, and how the State party obtained information on these cases. Was there a specialised unit within the Security Service for investigating enforced disappearance? Were there investigations being carried out into disappearances of activists? What protection mechanisms were in place for persons involved in investigations of enforced disappearances and family members of victims? Had specialised protection been provided to such persons?
What conditions were applied regarding extradition agreements? Had there been applications for extraditions of persons allegedly involved in enforced disappearance? How did the State party uphold international standards in the investigation of missing persons and exhumations? Were there any cases of intimidation or reprisals against witnesses of enforced disappearance? How were prosecutors nominated?
OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair and Country Rapporteur, asked about the mandate of the Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances. How was Ukrainian law that addressed hierarchic responsibility adapted to the provisions of the Rome Statute? What follow-up was carried out regarding urgent actions, particularly when protection measures were requested? Was cooperation between the Ukrainian Human Rights Commission and the Russian Human Rights Commission effective? Did the Ukrainian Commission promote the provisions of the Convention? How did the State party prevent prolonged detention and arbitrary arrests in the context of the state of emergency?
A Committee Expert asked whether the 5,000 enforced disappearances reported by the delegation included cases carried out against Ukrainian forces. These should not be considered enforced disappearances. Did the State party investigate Ukrainian citizens who were accomplices in acts of enforced disappearance?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party worked together with the Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances and the Ukrainian Human Rights Commission to provide truth for the families and loved ones of victims.
The State party had qualified 438 war crimes involving enforced disappearance. At least 14,000 Ukrainian civilians were being detained by the Russian Federation. The Government had given the Human Rights Commission the power to work on liberating Ukrainian prisoners of war; this had led to cooperation with the Russian Human Rights Commission. The Prosecution Service had a war crimes department, which conducted investigations into war crimes.
Ukraine had ratified bilateral agreements with five countries that addressed extraditions. The State did not extradite persons unless it received guarantees that the safety and fair trial rights of the person involved would be respected. Judicial registries were open to the public.
The 5,000 cases of enforced disappearance recorded by Ukraine mainly concerned detained citizens held by Russian authorities. The State party did not have statistics on journalists and the occupations of detained persons; Russian authorities often classified civilian prisoners as combatants. Prosecutors were faced with a large workload and their work was hindered by ongoing attacks. Some investigators had been killed while carrying out investigations.
The Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances was empowered to cooperate with relevant national and international institutions, including the Ombudsman and law enforcement personnel, in investigations. The Commissioner provided family members and relatives with information on the outcomes of investigations, and determined whether disappearances were committed by military personnel.
Complaints of enforced disappearance against Ukrainian State agents could be taken to civilian courts, whereas complaints of enforced disappearances carried out by Russian authorities needed to be submitted to the dedicated Commission. The Government provided protection measures for victims of enforced disappearance such as name changes; however, it did not have a sufficient budget to provide measures such as safehouses.
In 2023, responsibility for searching for missing persons in special circumstances was transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Special circumstances included armed conflicts and natural or man-made emergencies. In October 2023, a hotline was established within the Commission for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances, which relatives of missing and detained persons could use to file reports. The Commissioner had met with more than 5,000 family members and held meetings with several non-governmental organizations.
The armed forces participated in searches for missing persons. They removed bodies and documented deceased persons. Around 55,000 people had been given “missing” status. This number included both military personnel and civilians. Around 5,000 cases had been discontinued due to the discovery of the body.
Questions by Committee Experts
OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair and Country Rapporteur, asked whether the State party planned to incorporate the risk of enforced disappearance into its legislation on extraditions? There was an agreement with Sweden regarding the confidential exchange of information towards locating missing persons. Could more information be provided about this positive practice?
There were allegations of secret detentions in Kharkiv, particularly during the period of 2014 to 2016, and that basements of buildings in Kyiv were being used as unofficial detention sites. There were also credible allegations that around 240 prisoners of war were being held in unofficial detention sites after a drone attack on a detention centre. Did the State party have information on these allegations? Rulings had been made on incommunicado detention conducted by the police, but there did not seem to be an effective mechanism to prevent these practices from continuing.
The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture had reported that not all persons deprived of liberty were given the right to contact family members and lawyers. This right needed to be respected. How was the right to habeas corpus implemented? Had there been complaints of delays in the registration of deprivation of liberty, or gaps in registration? What follow-up was made? There were reports of difficulties in registering the transfer of detainees. This could lead to enforced disappearance. How was the State addressing this? What training on enforced disappearance and international human rights law was provided for State agents, judges, prosecutors, civilians and family members?
It was positive that Ukraine was addressing legal difficulties created by disappearances. How was the State party working to resolve overlaps between the laws that addressed enforced disappearance? There was criticism that legislation related to enforced disappearance was complicated and that the compensation it provided was not sufficient. Did the State party plan to expand protection to all civilian victims of enforced disappearance, rather than only civilian prisoners?
The State party needed to adopt specific legislation to address crimes listed in article 25 of the Convention. How many of the 19,546 children who had been transferred to the Russian Federation were considered as “disappeared”? How were the best interests of the child and the rights of children to express their opinions respected regarding the return of children to their families? Was there a specific procedure related to the revision and review of a placement of a child who had been illegally adopted?
CARMEN ROSA VILLA QUINTANA, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked whether persons who were not relatives of victims but were under their guardianship could be categorised as victims. How were the rights established in the Criminal Procedural Code and the Criminal Code regarding truth, reparation and compensation provided to victims? Could the crime of enforced disappearance be subject to a reconciliation measure?
Damages for crimes of enforced disappearance could be obtained through a civil case in some cases, but the State was responsible for reparation in other cases. In what cases were perpetrators responsible for providing reparations? What amount was paid by the State? Did the State party plan to make amendments to legislation in this regard? Was access to compensation subject to a conviction, and was there a deadline by which compensation needed to be provided? How many victims of enforced disappearance had received reparation? What was the standard of proof for the granting of reparation?
What measures were in place related to medical, social and educational support for persons deprived of liberty? Did the State party adopt a differentiated approach for different categories of victims?
The Human Rights Commission and the Office of Persons Missing in Special Circumstances, as well as the Ukrainian police and other State and international bodies were involved in searches for disappeared persons. How did the State party coordinate these efforts and what resources were available in this regard? What outcomes had these activities achieved; how many disappeared persons had been identified overall? Were investigations being carried out by sea and water? Had sentences for enforced disappearance been handed down that were commensurate with the severity of the crime?
Were the two separate registries on missing persons interconnected and how did they contribute to the identification of deceased persons? How were places of burial registered? In how many cases had deceased persons been identified? There were allegations that State authorities had refused to provide information to relatives of victims regarding the whereabouts of disappeared persons. How would the State party prevent this?
In which registry were persons who had been transferred to the Russian Federation registered? How did the State party conduct searches for such persons? How many burial sites was the State party aware of that had not been exhumed? How many exhumed bodies had been returned to relatives? Had the State party mapped mass burial and common grave sites and taken measures to protect them?
The inclusion of missing persons in State registers could take around 48 hours. Did search activities begin before registration had finished? Did the State party follow the Committee’s guidelines on search practices? Were tools such as photographs and fingerprints used to identify missing persons? What organization was responsible for keeping human remains? Did relatives of victims have access to the State registry on human genomic information? Biological material was taken on a compulsory basis from State agents in cases of martial law. Was this information included in the registry on human genomic information? Who could access this information? In which registries were unidentified bodies registered?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the Ministry of Reintegration was responsible for collecting information about persons relocated within the country. It maintained a registry of reintegrated persons. To identify persons, the State party used facial recognition systems, tattoos, personal documents and fingerprints. When these methods were unsuccessful, DNA tests were conducted. The biological material of military personnel was collected by each military division, which held this material while the person was under their charge. When military personnel went missing, this data was registered in the missing persons registry. There was a DNA database that would soon be integrated with the registry of missing persons.
As of today, Ukraine had registered over 55,000 missing persons, including around 48,000 persons who had gone missing under special circumstances. The State had located around 2,500 unidentified bodies. Around 4,000 bodies had been identified through cooperation between State bodies and a procedure for identification had been developed.
Relatives of persons who went missing in special circumstances had the right to a comprehensive investigation of those persons’ whereabouts. Their property was subject to protection and marriages were valid until investigations were closed or the missing person was declared dead. Searches were not stopped until the person or their remains were located.
The family members of persons who went missing in military service were provided with payments by the State in line with the missing person’s salary. Families had the right to social protection. Guardianship for dependents of persons who went missing was established in accordance with domestic law. Persons whose family members had died or gone missing were not subject to conscriptions.
Investigation had been carried out that had disproven allegations of incommunicado detentions. The State party investigated all allegations of incommunicado detentions.
Training was provided to prosecutors and investigators, including by international experts. Seven training sessions were held for over 400 prosecutors and investigators on torture and enforced disappearance. Staff of the national police’s missing persons unit received special training on international humanitarian law.
There was no statute of limitations currently on the crime of enforced disappearance. Judges decided on the sum of money granted for compensation to victims by the State in civilian court cases. The Government was working to make the compensation process easier for civilians. Debate was ongoing about the amount and source of compensation funds. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, non-relatives who were close to victims could be recognised as victims.
A draft law was being prepared that would provide compensation for victims of illegal activities conducted by Russian authorities. The Register of Damage for Ukraine, which recorded claims and evidence on damage, loss or injury caused by the Russian Federation’s acts in or against Ukraine, had been established in the Netherlands, supported by the Council of Europe.
The Prosecutor General’s Office coordinated investigations involving a range of State bodies. It convened roundtables on investigations that included United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. It was open to revising its processes. All identified bodies from mass graves were returned to families and buried in accordance with the family’s religion.
Ukraine had no bilateral agreement with Sweden. Its relationship with Sweden was governed by the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine.
The Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances was appointed and dismissed by the Cabinet of Ministers and the term of their office was not specified by law.
Questions by Committee Experts
CARMEN ROSA VILLA QUINTANA, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked whether the Register of Damage for Ukraine was a physical register. Was there a single register of victims that allowed the State to assess the scale of compensation? Was the State party providing measures promoting non-recurrence? Almost all court cases held in absentia had led to guilty verdicts. Were the persons subject to trials properly notified? There were allegations that conscientious objectors had been held in police stations, sometimes in incommunicado detention. Had investigations identified State agents who had carried out incommunicado detentions?
A Committee Expert asked about the criteria that judges used to decide whether to provide compensation in criminal proceedings or whether to refer the case to civil proceedings. Was there a State fund that provided compensation when perpetrators were unable to provide compensation?
OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Committee Chair and Country Rapporteur, asked about measures to improve the monitoring of deprivation of liberty. Were there cases of the transfer of Ukrainian children that had been classified as cases of enforced disappearance? Was there legislation that allowed for the review of adoption procedures that had arisen out of enforced disappearance?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said a specific compensation mechanism was being created for persons who were victims of serious crimes to support these persons to integrate back into society. Many returned Ukrainian soldiers had suffered torture. If Ukrainian State agents were found to be guilty of enforced disappearance, the State provided compensation to victims. Judges assessed the nature of the crimes to determine compensation amounts.
The State party was doing everything possible to obtain information on the missing children. It was negotiating an agreement regarding the return of around 300 children. Russian officials had not recognised the transfer and illegal adoption of Ukrainian children and had made falsified documents to hide these crimes. There were specific rules regarding investigations of crimes involving children. Special child-friendly rooms were used for interviews with child victims to prevent traumatisation.
Closing Remarks
HORACIO RAVENNA, Committee Vice-Chair and Acting Chairperson for the review of Ukraine, said the Committee and the State party shared a common goal: full implementation of the Convention. Ukraine had shown its commitment to this goal. He called on the State party to remain in contact with the Committee, which would support its efforts to implement the Convention. The Committee praised the efforts exerted by civil society partners and the Ukrainian Human Rights Commission to prevent enforced disappearance. Its strong hope was that peace would be achieved in Ukraine. Humanity had been deeply shaken by the horrors that were unfolding in the war. The Committee was aware that the aid that it could provide the State party in this situation was limited. It wished for a swift end to the dreadful war.
LEONID TYMCHENKO, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and head of the delegation, said the dialogue had been fruitful. The presence of the high-level Ukrainian delegation demonstrated the importance that Ukraine attached to the issue of enforced disappearance. Cooperation with the Committee would help the State party in its efforts to uphold its international obligations. Mr. Tymchenko called on the Committee to keep in mind the current circumstances in Ukraine. Every day, bombs could be heard, and aerial attacks were being carried out across the State. The State party was aware that it needed to uphold human rights, even those of its enemies. Both State agents and citizens had had very difficult experiences over the past few years. The war had made the citizens of Ukraine aware of the price of freedom, independence, and the territory of their country.
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CED24.007E
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Daniel Risch, Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the situation in the Middle East, the implementation of the Pact for the Future as well as United Nations reform.