As others have done from this rostrum, I would like to begin by warmly thanking the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Jordan for successfully co-facilitating this year’s review process. After four weeks of intense negotiations, we commend them and their teams on their patience and dedication …
Australia was pleased to partner with Ghana to propose this important debate, the first General Assembly debate on the responsibility to protect in this decade. In 2005, the world’s leaders declared that we must never again react with indifference in the face of mass atrocity crimes. Leaders agreed …
Thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s important debate. The maintenance of international law, and through that, of international peace and security, is a pillar of the Charter of the United Nations. In past statements, the Council has explicitly affirmed its commitment to an internationa…
Sustaining peace is a policy agenda with the potential to have a transformative impact on the United Nations effectiveness. Properly implemented, it will make the United Nations more fit for purpose in the modern world and enhance implementation of the United Nations founding principles in this day …
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassadors Jinga and Khiari for ably leading the Security Council reform process during the previous session and, Mr. President, to warmly welcome your appointment of Ambassadors Imnadze and Nusseibeh as co-Chairs to take the process forward during the…
When we met to consider this agenda item a year ago, Australia acknowledged that the International Criminal Court (ICC) was facing more challenges than ever before and the need to work with States that had raised concerns. While that work is ongoing — and we are disappointed by Burundi’s withdrawal…
The one key message that I want to convey today is the importance of partnership and regional collaboration in combating trafficking in persons. No one can tackle the issue alone. Last week’s launch of the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery and Child Labour, hosted by Alliance 8.7, was a testament
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I would like to take this opportunity to briefly thank all the member States that supported Australia and Ghana’s initiative. Given the overwhelming number of supporters it found, I will not be able to thank all delegations in person, so I would like to formally record our appreciation for the fact …
The Charter of the United Nations tells us that one of the purposes of the Organization is to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of a humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. The drafters who …
At the outset, Australia joins others in strongly condemning the horrific bombing in Kabul on 31 May — a shocking attack to take place
during the holy month of Ramadan. In a letter of condolence to President Ghani Ahmadzai and in his remarks to the Australian Parliament, Prime Minister Turnbull re…
Australia welcomes the Secretary-General’s focus on prevention. It is undoubtedly the best long-term strategy for protecting civilians. However, where such efforts fail, the protection of civilians must remain our highest priority. The reason is obvious. Already in 2017, we have witnessed frequent, …
Australia is deeply committed to the implementation of the sustaining peace agenda. The sustaining peace resolutions (General Assembly resolution 70/262 and Security Council resolution 2282 (2016)), facilitated by Australia and Angola, set out ambitious objectives to deliver on the international com…
Australia welcomes the opportunity that this forum presents to raise awareness of the dangers of irregular migration. While Australia is geographically distant from the Mediterranean basin, the horrific images of people drowning at sea are etched in our minds. As in the Mediterranean, the Asia-Pacif…
Australia would like to express its appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for its efforts as Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2016. We thank the United Arab Emirates for its generous hosting of Kimberley Process meetings and for organizing additional special forum meetings. We acknowledge the ha…
Conflict prevention and sustaining peace go to the heart of the Charter of the United Nations. They are core principles bringing together all three pillars of the work of the United Nations. We therefore welcome Sweden’s choice of today’s topic for the first open debate under the tenure of the new S…
I have the honour of speaking today on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and my own country, Australia.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ) wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm our strong support for the International Criminal Tribunals, for the important work that continues before the Intern…
Recurrent intra-State conflicts, expanded terrorist and extremist networks and the deliberate targeting of civilians define global security today. United Nations peacekeepers are facing unprecedented demands, more complex and dangerous environments and significant fatalities through malicious acts.
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The world needs the International Criminal Court. The Court embodies States parties’ commitment to hold to account those most responsible for the crimes that shock us most, namely, genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It embodies a commitment that when States are unwilling or unable to …
Australia is appalled by the continuing use of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence in conflict and the targeting of women and girls by extremist groups. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2016/822) is clear that, despite progress made on the women and peace and security agenda…
Let me start by joining others in welcoming Mr Tadamichi Yamamoto and thanking him for his first briefing as Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
The security situation across Afghanistan remains challenging. Recent violent attacks in Kabul, deliberately targeting Afghanistan’s civilian…
