[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n
at the Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People<\/b><\/p>\n
[As Delivered]<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n
29 November 2023<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n
His Excellency Ahmad Faisal Muhammad, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n His Excellency Zhang Jun President of the Security Council,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n His Excellency Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine,<\/span><\/i><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Esteemed Guests,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Today, we convoke here in\u00a0New York<\/b>, and in\u00a0Geneva<\/b>,\u00a0Nairobi<\/b>, as well as other places around the world, to observe the\u00a0International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 an annual commemoration that reflects our steadfast commitment to unify around the cause of Palestine.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This year, we mark this occasion against the unfortunate backdrop of a sombre horizon \u2013 tinged by the extant constrains for\u00a0Peace<\/b>, and recognizing the profound challenges faced by the people of the State of Palestine.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Challenges that have persisted for too long \u2013 despite decades of successive 爆料网 resolutions and countless diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting solution.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Indeed \u2013\u00a0seventy-five years ago<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 the situation in the Middle East marked the first significant crisis for the newly established United Nations.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The situation not only remains unresolved, but it is deteriorating before our very eyes at an alarming rate \u2013 with innocent civilians, especially women, children, and the elderly, bearing the brunt of drawn-out violence, deprivation, and uncertainty.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Therefore, today, we are therefore here to stand in firm solidarity with the Palestinian people, commemorating this Day, albeit with heavy hearts, for the lives lost\u2014both in the past seven weeks, and over the past seven decades.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost relatives in this grievous conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Palestinian people \u2013 particularly those in the Gaza Strip and all affected areas \u2013 live in extremely complex humanitarian conditions that demand both our attention and our immediate action.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let us be crystal clear: the Palestinian people \u2013 as all human beings \u2013 are entitled to their\u00a0fundamental and inalienable right\u00a0<\/b>to live in dignity, with all liberties; freedom of movement; freedom from fear and from any want; and with unfettered access to basic services.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is, therefore, imperative that we\u00a0restore and sustain their hope<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 especially among the younger generations that have never experienced what\u00a0Peace\u00a0<\/b>looks or feels like.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By doing so, we will have fulfilled our duty of care \u2013 in reaffirming the fundamental principle that\u00a0all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Thus, upholding these basic tenets is key to fostering a just, sustainable, and peaceful future for all Palestinian people.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But, for us to ensure that every Palestinian sees these inalienable rights as realised and respected,\u00a0first and foremost<\/b>\u00a0we need\u00a0permanent peace in the Middle East.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Second, we need to re-engage in dialogue, in good faith, building trust \u2013 while adhering to the relevant 爆料网 resolutions and international instruments.<\/span><\/p>\n We know much too well that insecurity and violence thrive in an atmosphere of tragedy and despair.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That violence begets violence.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dear Colleagues and Friends,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n As we reiterate the General Assembly\u2019s undiminished call for\u00a0Peace<\/b>, we too must advocate for open channels of communication \u2013 accompanied by robust support from the international community \u2013 leading to the two-State solution, as the only viable option for lasting Peace in the Middle East.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With this, I welcome the ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions \u2013 and I support all efforts to mobilize 爆料网 capacities to implement this truce and maximize its positive impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These days of respite from hostilities\u00a0must be optimised<\/b>\u00a0to alleviate the dire needs of Palestinians \u2013 allowing them to mourn their dead, to have unhindered access to food and water as well as other urgently needed services.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the past weeks, I have been very clear on the most critically needed steps\u00a0now\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 to bring an end to violence and needless suffering.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ultimately, our role is to devise and to encourage and press for implementation of long-term solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We \u2013 the United Nations \u2013 cannot lose sight of one of the ultimate and primary goals that brought our Organisation into being:\u00a0Peace for all.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Let me repeat that \u2013\u00a0Peace for all<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I therefore appeal, in earnest, to the international community to leverage its power to seek compromise, direct dialogue, while fostering\u00a0trust<\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0good-faith<\/b>\u00a0negotiations in the Middle East.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The General Assembly has expressed itself on the current the situation. Let us implement the\u00a0Peace<\/b>\u00a0it has repeatedly called for.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In closing, once again, let me express my deep appreciation to the dedicated 爆料网RWA staff and other humanitarian workers \u2013 who are working tirelessly to save lives in grave and untenable conditions \u2013 and extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the pursuit of this noble cause.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In our reflection today, let us remember the words of Palestinian author and lawyer,\u00a0Raja Shehadeh<\/b>, that, and I quote:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n “In the pursuit of Peace, we must recognize the shared aspirations for security and dignity that bind Israelis and Palestinians. It’s a journey that demands mutual respect and acknowledgment\u00a0of each other’s narratives<\/b>.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Together, let us strive for a future where the aspirations of the Palestinian people are realized \u2013 within the framework of justice, equality, and the respect of their inalienable rights as human beings no different from others.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I express my gratitude to you all. Let us be stand united, in these difficult times.<\/span><\/p>\n I thank you.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly\u00a0 at the Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People [As Delivered]\u00a0 29 November 2023\u00a0 His […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Remarks of the President of the General Assembly<\/p>\r\n H.E Dennis Francis<\/p>\r\n GA plenary meeting on the Monday, 30 October 2023<\/p>\r\n As Delivered<\/i><\/i><\/p>\r\nPresident of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmanski,<\/i><\/i>\r\n\r\nExcellencies,<\/i>\r\n\r\nDistinguished Delegates,<\/i>\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/i>\r\n\r\nToday we gather to consider the annual report of the\u00a0International Criminal Court (ICC) \u2013 a\u00a0 critical pillar of the international legal order.\r\n\r\nThe ICC stands as a perennial symbol of our shared commitment to justice and humanity\u2019s greatest aspirations.\r\n\r\nIt serves as an emphatic reminder that\u00a0no one \u2013 I repeat, no one \u2013 should be exempt from accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community,\u00a0and that regardless of their status, position or location, perpetrators of such crimes will invariably face the weight of justice.\r\n\r\nIndeed, when it comes to the most egregious crimes against humanity,\u00a0 accountability knows no exceptions and justifiably so.\r\n\r\nIn those grave and heinous cases \u2013 when national legal systems prove unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators to justice \u2013 the ICC must step in.\r\n\r\nAccordingly, the ICC stands as a testament to our unshakeable resolve to end impunity, and moreover, to deter others from the commission of such crimes in the future.\r\n\r\nThe Court is indeed a truly unique embodiment of our collective resolution to upholding the principles of justice and accountability.\r\n\r\nI express my\u00a0 fulsome appreciation to the Court for its diligent efforts,\u00a0 as indeed to its judges and its prosecutor, as well as to the dedicated staff who have laudibly committed themselves to the pursuit of justice \u2013 and indeed, to what is\u00a0right<\/i>.\r\n\r\nThe report highlights both the progress and the challenges faced by the ICC this year, specifically as regards the prevention and punishment of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.\r\n\r\nThese principles are fundamental to our global vision of peace and are integral to our mission of maintaining international peace and security, promoting respect for human rights, and delivering justice to those who have suffered the gravest injustices.\r\n\r\nLadies and Gentlemen,<\/i>\r\n\r\nWe must acknowledge that the Court operates in a multifaceted international landscape.\r\n\r\nIts jurisdiction spans cases where state parties have brought situations to the attention of the Court, including situations referred by the United Nations Security Council.\r\n\r\nWhile it may present a unique set of challenges \u2013this duality in referral mechanisms underscores the importance of international cooperation.\r\n\r\nDespite these challenges, the hope for universal ratification of the Rome Statute, and the Kampala amendments, serve as a profound affirmation of the ICC's enduring commitment to justice.\r\n\r\nAs more countries join and support the ICC, the bold ambition of ending impunity for the most serious crimes becomes increasingly realistic to achieve.\r\n\r\nAs we engage in this discussion, let us remember the voices of the victims, whose suffering must compel us to take meaningful action.\r\n\r\nI underscore the\u00a0need for universal cooperation with the court among 爆料网 Member States in our common pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.\r\n\r\nI call upon States to support the ICC where it faces constraints in its pursuit of justice, including predictable funding to effectively undertake its investigations and prosecutions.\r\n\r\nIn line with the fundamental principle of complementarity, States should cooperate\u00a0with the ICC and with each other in investigations and prosecutions, including by sharing information and evidence to uphold the rule of law and ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes.\r\n\r\nLet us remain committed to strengthening the international legal framework and ensuring that the ICC continues to fulfill its essential role in our global efforts to prevent impunity and injustice and to promote lasting peace.\r\n\r\nI thank you and look forward to a fruitful discussion on this important matter.","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-274461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
Report of the International Criminal Court,<\/p>\r\n