The Government of Belarus is reverting to such oppressive, drastic means to hide the truth to avoid its own accountability for human rights violations. But what’s inspiring, what’s inspired me listening today, is hearing how, that even in the face of this, brave journalists continue to play an essential role in covering, uncovering the facts …

The Verification Mission has played a vital role in supporting Colombia’s peace and reconciliation efforts and the Mission should be proud of its contributions. The United States also wants to acknowledge here the government of Colombia’s commitment to Peace Accord implementation, particularly in the face of the daunting public health challenges posed by COVID-19, and …

Mr. President, the United States extends our deepest condolences to the families of the two Burundian peacekeepers killed on December 25, the Rwandan peacekeeper killed on January 13, the Burundian peacekeeper killed on January 15, and the Gabonese and Moroccan peacekeepers killed in an ambush on January 18. We also express our deep condolences to …

The United States has worked tirelessly with partners to push for a change in the political dynamics that afflict this Council and continue to deny the Syrian people a path toward peace, stability, and hope. This Council is failing millions of civilians of Syria, not just today but for more than a decade. It is …

Unfortunately, Taiwan has been the target of just such efforts by the People’s Republic of China, and I believe the time is right for the nations of the world to stand as one in opposition to efforts to exclude and isolate Taiwan.

The United States also values our important partnership with the League. We thank the League of Arab States for working with us as we mutually seek a stable, prosperous, and secure Middle East. This includes the League’s ongoing engagement in a range of protracted conflicts that continue to threaten regional stability and create multiple complex …

I have to say, though, that the U.S. view is that it is sad, but true, that the political process, which has now been ongoing for many years, has produced limited results – despite the heroic efforts of the Special Envoy and his team. That compelled the United States to believe it had to look …

The United States believes that Taiwan is a force for good in the world, and that is very true. It is also true that young women and men, like you, deserve to pursue careers and opportunities, and on the international stage, including in organizations such as the World Health Organization, where your expertise has been …

Taiwan has been an inspiration for the region, and might I add, for the world. Your courage and your vision only reinforce Taiwan’s global reputation. There are quite a number of nations represented in the UN who should look at Taiwan – not for opportunities to exclude it, but for reasons to aspire to be …

The United States supports the reform agenda that the transition government and the African-led Support Group for the transition announced last November. That agenda focuses on security, governance, a renewed social compact, elections, and implementation of the Algiers Accord.

Finally, it’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the horrific events of 9/11, but I just want to begin by remembering the innocent lives lost that day – all victims of terrorism. As well as remember, with gratitude, the heroic actions of the first responders who saved so many lives on 9/11.

This past fall, UNOWAS played an integral role in supporting free and fair presidential elections in five West African nations. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the situation, and we extend our appreciation to you, and your team, for your tireless support of long-term stability and security in the region. Though much work needs to be done, …

Ambassador Kelly Craft will travel to Taipei January 13-15 for meetings with senior Taiwan counterparts and members of the diplomatic community. During her trip, the Ambassador will reinforce the U.S. government’s strong and ongoing support for Taiwan’s international space, in accord with the U.S. one-China policy that is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the …

Fragile states are often characterized by their vulnerability to armed conflict, large-scale violence, or other instability – including the inability to manage transnational threats. Fragility can result from ineffective and unaccountable governance, weak social cohesion, and corrupt institutions or leaders who do not respect human rights.

The Security Council, we believe, has a responsibility to ensure that there are serious consequences for those who use chemical weapons. We cannot remain silent nor allow chemical weapons and their use to become normalized or acceptable. The United States condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, often …

Today, this body is poised to adopt a budget that reflects such an accommodation that extends a shameful legacy of hate, anti-Semitism, and anti-Israel bias. The United States rejects this effort and called for this vote to make clear that we stand by our principles, stand up for what is right, and never accept consensus …

The United States regrets that the membership of this Committee made the decision to retain funding in the budget counter to the principles of the UN Charter and against the sincere requests of the most generous UN donor.

My delegation would like to call for a recorded vote on draft resolution three, program budget for 2021 A/C.5/75/L.19. We do that because the United States cannot in good conscience support a budget that further perpetuates anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias and refuses to recognize the rightful re-imposition of sanctions on Iran. We appreciate the tireless …

The United States made clear, both in statements and in a letter to the President of the Security Council in September, that previously lifted United Nations sanctions measures on Iran have been re-imposed, pursuant to the process outlined in Security Council Resolution 2231.

Mr. Chairman, the United States remains firmly committed to combating racism and racial discrimination in all its forms and to working with civil society, international mechanisms, and all nations in pursuit of this goal. However, we cannot agree to the creation of an official event during the general debate of the 76th General Assembly commemorating …

The United States recognizes the contributions and leadership of the United Nations and the African Union, as well as the many troop and police contributing countries that helped protect civilians and advance peace in Darfur. We also recognize the 288 UNAMID personnel who paid the ultimate price in advancing peace and security for the region …

Yet, as Iran continues to flout this Council’s resolutions, too many Council members, unfortunately, are eager to ignore or overlook Iran’s disregard for the restrictions that the Council has put in place, including those which the United States has re-imposed through our legitimate snapback process.

Ambassador Kelly Craft will travel to Israel for meetings December 22-24. Ambassador Craft will meet with senior Israeli government leaders and UN officials, including the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

Recognizing the impasse we found ourselves in, President Trump presented a bold new vision for Middle East peace – a realistic, detailed plan to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, while making Israelis, Palestinians, and millions of others in the region both safer and more prosperous.

The United States strongly supports the Council’s efforts to enhance the Force Intervention Brigade and strengthen MONUSCO’s performance, consistent with the request of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for a better-equipped, better-trained and more mobile peacekeeping force.

We appreciate the opportunity to address the relationship between the Court and the Security Council and the complementary role these principal organs play in the maintenance of international peace and security. The ICJ plays a vital role in promoting and preserving the rule of law, and in advancing international peace and security through the peaceful …

Sadly, just like our last session, the people of Afghanistan continue to face terrible violence in their country. The rocket attack on November 21, that killed eight people and wounded over thirty near Kabul’s Green Zone, is one of the latest crimes committed by ISIS. The last few months have also seen barbaric attacks on …

As 2020 comes to a close, there is little to celebrate in Syria, and much to mourn. More than nine million Syrians need food assistance, the largest number since the outbreak of the conflict nearly a decade ago. We must not forget that it was Russia and China that forced this Council to slash the …

Mr. President, today the United States welcomes progress in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, forming a national unity government and building institutions. We also welcome the December 9 announcement by South Sudan’s presidency of an agreement to promptly appoint officials to state and local government and the Transitional National Assembly. The United States looks forward …

It would be a grave mistake for the United States to return to the Council before it is reformed. History tells us that reforming the Human Rights Council from within does not work. The ideas below are commonsense and have broad and bipartisan support. As the General Assembly’s comprehensive review of the Human Rights Council …

Sadly, the UN’s organization charged with the protection and promotion of human rights, the Human Rights Council, includes the voices of the very human rights violators it was designed to counter.

This month, we passed the one-year mark since the reported emergence of COVID-19, and it is unacceptable that we still have very little information on how it began and spread so quickly among the population in Wuhan, China.

The egregious human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is well known to the international community and has been documented, inter alia, by reports of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR), the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK (COI) as well as the Special …

Given the comments of our Russian colleague that proceeded my own, I need to begin by saying, the United States strongly supports the leadership and the impartial and independent work of the OPCW. We applaud the OPCW Technical Secretariat. We believe it conducts its work in a professional manner and carries out its mission in …

On December 14 at 1:30 p.m., Ambassador Kelly Craft will join the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute for a live conversation, entitled “How to Fix the Broken UN Human Rights Council.” Ambassador Craft will propose reforms the Council must make to merit U.S. membership. The event will be livestreamed.

The United States is committed to supporting the critical work of UNITAD to collect, store, and preserve evidence of ISIS’s atrocities that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

When the Taliban signed the February 29, 2020 agreement to enter into negotiations with the Islamic Republic, it publicly and explicitly agreed to prevent al-Qa’ida and other terrorist groups from using the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of the United States and its allies. The Taliban recognized the legitimate concerns about international terrorism …

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, We, the above listed signatories of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, established and adopted in 1948, recommit ourselves today to the Declaration and its foundational ideal that certain principles are so fundamental as to apply to all human beings, everywhere, …

Of all the countries under your purview, as was noted earlier, perhaps one of the greatest concerns is Cameroon, where more than 6.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance – 2.3 million people more than at the beginning of the year. Cameroon is facing multiple crises, including terrorist attacks in the Far North, …

While our concern is global, freedom of the seas is especially threatened in the South and East China Seas. The assertion of unlawful and sweeping maritime claims – including through ongoing intimidation and coercion against long-standing oil and gas development and fishing practices by others – threatens the rules-based international order that has enabled the …

As we said then, the United States is encouraged by the willingness of the parties to this agreement to come to the table in a spirit of good faith to address the long-standing causes of instability and conflict in Sudan.

Looking forward, the United States is focused on three key areas of the Council’s work in the DRC: First, the need for more progress on disarmament, demobilization, as well as reintegration and security sector reform; second, the full implementation of reforms to improve peacekeeping performance; and third, strategic planning for MONUSCO’s responsible drawdown and transition.

One of the most critical challenges before us all in confronting COVID-19 is a lack of transparency. It was a lack of transparency that prolonged the pandemic and compounded its death and misery. For almost exactly one year, we have been calling for full transparency and cooperation with the international scientific community.

The African Union has proven itself, time and again, an indispensable partner to the United Nations on the African continent. In recent years, we have deepened cooperation between the UN and the AU, recognizing each organizations’ distinct advantages, shared values, and common interests. Together, we are firmly committed to the spirit of the 2030 Agenda …

Effective security sector governance is vital to any nation’s long-term growth, stability, and security. Additionally, successful security sector reform must encompass all elements of a country’s security sector, including the military, the police, border security, and justice systems.

Russia held a meeting at the UN today on what Russia claims is the status of the implementation of the Minsk agreements. This meeting was a transparent attempt to present a false and misleading narrative regarding the conflict in eastern Ukraine. We strongly reject Russia’s premise that it is acting as a mediator within an …

The United States has the honor to call your attention to the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family whose four main objectives are: (1) to secure meaningful health and development gains for women; (2) to protect life at all stages; (3) to declare the sovereign right of every nation to …

World War II inflicted unspeakable pain and suffering for tens of millions who fell victim to that horrendous chapter of mankind. And 75 years later, we still feel this impact. This is why the United States is proud to join the global community in commemorating the anniversary of the end of the war.

The United States imposes sanctions to address bona fide threats to national security and foreign policy interests, such as to deter threats to international peace, stability, and security, including to counter terrorism, deter nuclear and conventional weapons proliferation, constrain abusive and radical regimes, and to promote accountability for human rights abuse and corruption.

The Assad regime and its allies, including permanent members of this Council, would greatly prefer that the world ignore your briefings, pretend that Resolution 2254 is obsolete, believe somehow that political and humanitarian conditions in Syria are stabilizing, and that the conflict is over. Sadly, the realities cannot be obscured and must not be ignored.

The United States commends Bosnia and Herzegovina, like many of the other speakers, for reaching the milestone of 25 years of peace since signing the Dayton Accords. The agreement created a framework to rebuild and provide a stable and prosperous future for the people of the country. In that spirit, the United States envisioned a …

Last fall, Iraqis took to the streets in unprecedented numbers demanding political and economic reforms, with many protestors killed and injured. One year later, the COVID pandemic, economic hardship, increased regional tensions, and rising security threats have only reinforced the need for those reforms. The Iraqi government has responded, in part, by calling for early …

The next months in Somalia are indeed particularly important for the future trajectory of the country. Constructive dialogue among Somali leaders over the last several months has led to the development of an electoral model. While we know the agreed-upon structure does not achieve the ‘one person, one vote’ model most Somali people want, we …

Tremendous challenges lie ahead for all engaged in this process to establish a sovereign, unified, and democratic Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and at peace with its neighbors. We must remain vigilant as spoilers attempt to disrupt this cause of peace.

Since this Council last met on Libya in September, that work has borne considerable fruit. The Libyans have agreed to a nationwide ceasefire and come together to conduct the first round of the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum.

The United States has co-authored this much-needed resolution that addresses the appalling human rights situation in Syria. We thank our cross-regional core group and all of the resolution’s co-sponsors for their support. We strongly encourage all United Nations members to vote yes in support of this resolution. Following my statement, I kindly ask the Secretariat …

The United States welcomes the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and echoes the resolution’s call for all countries to grant the IIMM access and provide it with every assistance in the execution of its mandate. We also hope to see Myanmar authorities cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human …

The COI findings describe human rights violations and abuses that are “systematic, widespread, and gross,” including those involving “extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortion and other sexual violence, persecution of political, religious, racial and gender groups, the forcible transfer of populations, and the enforced disappearance of persons and the inhumane act of knowingly …

The Abraham Accords have made peace all the more possible. We are witnessing the accumulating fruits of the Accords with each passing day. It is no overstatement to say that the Accords have triggered a wave of commercial, educational, and cultural interactions in the Middle East that are without recent precedent.

The United States thanks France and the Netherlands for their resolution on increasing global efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. While the United States remains deeply committed to genuine and effective efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, we regret that this resolution strays from the critical issue at hand.

The United States agrees that the G5 Joint Force and its civilian component are key to addressing some of the root causes of the conflict. The United States, as with others, as we’ve heard, remains committed to bilaterally supporting the Joint Force with equipment, training, and supplies, and advisors. We, of course, encourage other partners …

The United States understands that General Assembly resolutions do not change the current state of conventional or customary international law. We do not read resolutions to imply that Member States must join or implement obligations under international instruments to which they are not a party, and any reaffirmation of such Conventions or treaties applies only …

Unfortunately, the goodwill of the international community has not been matched by the Houthis, who continue to focus their efforts on prolonging the conflict and lashing out against Yemen’s neighbors.

The United States is concerned about crimes and human rights abuses in Libya, including violence against civilians and atrocities in Tarhouna, that we have just heard described in the briefing. But there are long outstanding crimes that also must be accounted for expeditiously.

Assad’s enablers, including the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, share this responsibility with all of us. How can these governments defend the grotesque reality that Syria’s air force has repeatedly dropped sarin and chlorine bombs on civilians; and claim that they support international norms against the use …

he United States commends the tremendous progress made throughout the last 60 years of UN Policing. Today, UN Police are deployed to increasingly more complex, dynamic, and multidimensional missions. They play a critical role in protection, public order management, partnering with host-nation authorities, and preventing and investigating crime.

Sadly, we are living in a world where violent conflict is increasingly common after years of decline. We know that violence begets more violence. It distorts social norms, undermines institutions, and destroys countries and lives. Fragile states are particularly susceptible to destabilizing violence and armed conflict – and its everyday citizens that pay the price.

The United States has historically been, and will continue to be, a strong supporter of meaningful accountability and justice for victims of atrocities through appropriate and legitimate mechanism. Perpetrators of atrocities must face justice, but we must also be careful to recognize the right tool for each situation.

On 2 November, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, established pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution 68/163, we commend the work of all journalists and media workers, online as well as offline, who daily risk their lives and health in the service of the general public, upholding a free, independent, plural …

No nation is more committed to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda than the United States. We were the first nation to enshrine the objectives in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in our national legislation and develop a whole-of-government effort to measure progress and maintain accountability across our domestic and global implementation.

The United States commends the Council for affirming its support for MINURSO with today’s mandate renewal. While we share fellow Council members’ frustration with the lack of progress on the political front, we would like to highlight the importance of the daily work of the peacekeepers. In renewing MINURSO’s mandate, the Council is recognizing the …

The United States has never been more committed to the goals of Resolution 1325, and the Trump Administration has been a leader in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

The United States remains focused on limiting the ability of al-Shabaab to conduct attacks against civilians, and is committed to partnering with Member States to utilize the 751 Somalia sanctions regime to its full extent. This effort includes technical assistance and capacity building to counter the financing of terrorism and the threat of IEDs.

n the fall of 2017, President Trump, in one of his first engagements at the UN General Assembly, and the United States led the political call, along with 131 member states, in support of the Secretary-General and his efforts to reform the UN’s management, peace and security and development structures because we saw the world …

The United States Government will remain unwavering in calling for the implementation of Resolution 2254, and that resolution’s calls for an inclusive Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

The United States supports the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people to choose their own path through free and fair elections. Unfortunately, the August 9 election was neither free nor fair. Authorities have detained thousands of citizens for the simple act of exercising their human rights. The crackdown on peaceful protestors, journalists, and opposition members …

We support the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people to choose their own path through free and fair elections; we are inspired by the people’s commitment to determine their own future, free from external intervention or threats, and in full respect of Belarus’s sovereignty. The 9 August 2020 presidential election was neither free nor fair.

Once again, we find ourselves in the Council debating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and members states will read statements packed with the same rhetorical fodder of hundreds of statements before them. It’s time to stop this unproductive practice. Jews and Arabs are Abraham’s children, they share Middle Eastern ancestry, culture and history, and deserve a future …

In the near term, the AU and UN should strengthen their support to develop administrative and security arrangements for Abyei. They also should encourage the parties to support local communities to engage in meaningful dialogue. Regular meetings of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism should inform this process.

The United States was very pleased to hear that despite the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic that affect all of us every day, the Mechanism has been able to carry out its important work and deliver results. We join others in commending the judges for their ability to adapt to these trying circumstances and …

The agreements signed at the White House on September 4 spanned a range of economic normalization issues. They will bring growth, investments, and jobs to citizens in both countries and set a new tone of reconciliation in the pursuit of progress for the Western Balkans.

As long as Iran and others support the terrorist activities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, our sincere efforts to help Israelis and Palestinians reach peace and build a better future together will be threatened by terror and mired in meaningless and perpetual violence and conflict.

The Trump Administration has taken decisive action to combat this evil crime, including the dedication of nearly half a billion dollars to the global fight against it.

It hardly bears repeating that since the founding of the United Nations, the United States continues to be the largest contributor by far to the organization. Already this year, the United States has contributed $2.3 billion in assessed contributions. This is $1 billion more than the next largest contributor, and more than the total contributions …

Despite the promise this agreement holds, I am deeply concerned that progress on the political front is stalled because of the Houthis’ failure to uphold their commitments. Their continued offensive on Marib demonstrates they are not interested in a political process, and only want more years of war for the people of Yemen. Marib is …

This resolution ensures the UN has the mandate that it needs to continue its critical efforts to support democratic institutions, strengthen the rule of law, promote stability, and to protect human rights in Haiti, in partnership with the United States, Haiti’s neighbors, the Core Group, and the international community.

The United States continues to stand with Colombia as we confront COVID-19. The Trump Administration has provided more than $23.6 million in assistance for Colombia’s response to COVID-19. The United States is helping Colombians prevent the spread of the virus, deliver water and sanitation supplies, care for COVID-19 cases, and provide emergency food assistance.

Since we last met to discuss the situation in the Great Lakes, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to turn our world upside down. The Great Lakes region, which was in the midst of overcoming the second most deadly Ebola epidemic in world history, is no different. Despite the obstacles to travel created by the pandemic, …

It is a solemn honor to join with so many others today in paying tribute to His Highness Sheikh Sabah. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and to the people of Kuwait. He will be missed not only by the people of his country, but also by his friends and admirers in the …

Since the creation of WFP in 1961 at the request of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a man who believed in the UN’s mission and understood that combatting hunger is critical not just because it is a moral thing to do, because it is the best way to build stability in the world, the United States …

Mediation is most successful when the right set of stakeholders is engaged – and I think that this has been highlighted throughout the conversation already today – and that the mediator is trusted. Increasing evidence also demonstrates that women’s meaningful participation is critical to successful and sustainable negotiations, reconciliation, and the transition processes.

It is remarkable to consider that the United Nations did not exist more than 75 years ago, and, alarming to think that just a couple of decades ago, there was no Palermo Protocol. Generations of victims were trafficked – abducted and forced into labor and sexual slavery – and there wasn’t the coordinated commitment of …

Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, Ambassador Kelly Craft, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Ghada Waly will provide opening remarks on October 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM EDT.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) were signed into law last March. In April, the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Community Living announced $1.2 billion in CARES Acts grants to support older persons and persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 emergency.

ECOWAS and MINUSMA leadership have played vital roles in stabilizing the political situation created by the August 18 overthrow of Mali’s elected president. The United States condemned these actions and immediately halted our security assistance in Mali in response. Since August, progress has been made to return to constitutional order, but let me stress: the …

The United States is committed to protecting and promoting the fundamental human rights of all, including ethnic, religious, and other minorities. We take every opportunity to advance equality for women and girls, and we will always proudly defend life and human dignity.

The United States is deeply troubled by rising levels of violence in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, which were characterized by clashes between armed groups; tit-for-tat militia attacks against civilians, including many women and children; and the Allied Democratic Forces’ continued brutal campaign. We must use all tools at hand to work toward the …

We are gravely concerned about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and the recent developments in Hong Kong. In June 2020, 50 UN Special Procedures mandate holders issued an exceptional letter of concern, calling on the People’s Republic of China to respect human rights. We share their grave concerns. We call on China to respect …

We have a consequential session before us in examining the functioning of the Secretariat and the reforms we have embarked upon in the management, peace and security and development realms. We will examine whether the reforms are delivering the expected benefits along with making the Organization more effective and efficient.

Let me start by saying, that the United States is committed to forthright and transparent discussions in the Security Council. We have no interest in allowing this Council to be used for propaganda. Regardless of what Russia has said, the additional briefer that was proposed, at the last minute, for this afternoon’s discussion, was removed …

While the Haitian government’s announcement of the members of the Provisional Electoral Council was a necessary step in that direction, there is much more work to be done, including the approval of an electoral law, an electoral budget, and an electoral calendar. The people of Haiti deserve peace, prosperity, and stability, which can only come …

Our celebration this year of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is an especially opportune moment to reflect on Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence, which inspired and shaped the principles on which the United Nations was founded.

Taiwan has a trusted friend in President Donald J. Trump, and an administration that champions the international role that Taiwan holds. That’s why the Trump Administration is partnering with Taiwan and Japan on the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. Taiwan deserves the highest platform where it can share its remarkable innovation and expertise in data …

Last month, we opened our remarks by highlighting the most significant step towards peace in the Middle East in over 25 years – the agreement to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. For the second month in a row, we are pleased to draw the Council’s attention to yet another momentous step …

The United States welcomes these opportunities to expose to the world the hypocrisy and disinformation Russia continues to spread in its attempts to shield the Assad regime from accountability for its continued chemical weapons attacks.

The United States commends the efforts of the civilian-led transitional government, the Sudan Revolutionary Front, and the Sudan Liberation Movement – Minni Minawi, to reach an agreement that could – if upheld in earnest, and in a spirit of peace, reconciliation, and development – usher in a new era throughout Sudan. It is now up …

The United States has been unrelenting in its efforts to combat COVID-19, both at home and abroad. President Trump noted in his address to the 75th General Assembly, our nation launched the most aggressive national mobilization since World War II to address the pandemic.

The already enormous challenge of responding to global humanitarian concerns has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. And as we speak, nearly 170 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance around the world, and more than 90 million of those require food assistance.

The United States has been a global champion for universal human rights since well before the Declaration was adopted in 1948 and every day since.

On this 75th anniversary of the United Nations, I have the awesome honor of introducing today someone who has taken to heart the core principle that this international organization was founded upon – peace. On September 15th, we all witnessed the results of President Trump’s vision and perseverance, which brought Israel, the United Arab Emirates, …

The actions we’re announcing today and our work in the Security Council over the last three months have been driven by a single purpose – the pursuit of peace. What makes America unique is that we stand up for what is right. As we have in the past, we will stand alone to protect peace …

The UN Charter begins as the U.S. Constitution begins: “We the People.” It is for good reason that those who composed the UN Charter and framed the U.S. Constitution began with a reminder that government and multilateral institutions exist to serve the people.

During the Council’s last Syria political meeting to the start of the Constitutional Committee, I outlined three specific benchmarks that we had hoped the Committee would reach during the third round of the meetings. Those benchmarks were: A substantive discussion among the Syrian parties on specific constitutional reforms; meeting for longer than a few symbolic …

Just over two years ago, the Council passed Resolution 2417, which made clear the linkages between insecurity and hunger. These past two years have underscored that connection. Insecurity and violence borne of various sources, from terrorism to political violence, have a profound impact on vulnerable populations. Families are torn apart. Livelihoods are upended. Rule of …

The Syrian people themselves continue to face a humanitarian disaster and remain in need of strong humanitarian response from the international community. There is no doubt that Syria’s humanitarian challenges would be lessened if the Assad regime was committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the Syrian people. But the regime is not. …

The United States fully recognizes the efforts – domestic, regional, and international – which support achieving these benchmarks. We applaud the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and other regional partners who continue to play a key role in achieving progress. We also recognize and welcome South Sudan’s role in brokering peace agreements for Sudan.

In that vein, the United States urges the Government of the Republic of Yemen and the Houthis to work with Special Envoy Griffiths towards agreement on the final draft of the Joint Declaration. We regret that this process has not yet made more progress. The Yemeni people, as we just heard so clearly – struggling …

This year marks many important anniversaries for women’s equality and empowerment around the world. Here in the United States, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. In the United Nations, we are recognizing the 20th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, the 25th anniversary …

The United States is deeply committed to UN peacekeeping as a critical tool for promoting international peace and stability. To ensure this tool effectively serves its purpose, we seek strong leadership, performance, and accountability across missions.

The United States has been and remains the largest bilateral donor of global health assistance. Over just the past few weeks, we have increased our funding for the development of vaccines and therapeutics, global preparedness efforts, and overseas economic, health, and humanitarian aid from $12 billion to more than $20.5 billion. Our steadfast and heartfelt …

As committed supporters of Myanmar’s democratic transition, we recognise the efforts made by Myanmar’s government in the country’s democratization. The elections on 8 November are an important milestone in Myanmar’s transition, which the international community has supported with funding and technical expertise. We underline the importance of ensuring individuals of all communities, including Rohingya, are …

In 2013, this Council adopted Resolution 2118 welcoming the Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons. That Framework expressed the U.S. and Russian determination to “ensure the destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons program in the soonest and safest manner.” Further, the Framework set the first half of 2014 as the target date for completing …

The United States remains fully committed to supporting the UN’s critical work to address the effects of conflict on children. There is no issue more important than those affecting the next generations of leaders and citizens in the world. It is only when we support every child in reaching their fullest potential that we will …

The United States recognizes the vital and diverse role that young people play in our governments, political processes, civil society, and international organizations in shaping a secure and prosperous future. Our focus on youth, peace, and security today could not be more timely. Youth are the most vulnerable victims when schools are shut down because …

Since this pandemic began, the Trump Administration has been very clear that transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information are essential to fighting it effectively. Unfortunately, however, failures at the outset of the pandemic by the People’s Republic of China, where COVID-19 originated and was first diagnosed have imperiled all of …

The Belarusian government must promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its people. Instead, we see consistent abuses of the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association and expression – and these abuses must be addressed immediately. The United States vows to support Belarusian sovereignty and independence, and we call on …

We urge all sides to move swiftly to deny spoilers the opportunity to shake the faith of those demanding peace now, when Afghanistan is closer than ever to advancing its peace process. President Ghani’s decree paving the way for the government’s release of members of the Taliban, following the brave decision of the Loya Jirga, …

Libya is at a critical juncture. With UNSMIL and international partners, we welcome the August 21 declaration by Libya’s Prime Minister and Speaker of the House of Representatives calling for a ceasefire, demilitarization, resumption of oil sector operations, and a return to UN-facilitated political talks.

The United States is deeply concerned about the recent developments in Mali and is monitoring the situation there closely. Although we have been made aware of reports of President Keita’s release, we call on the mutinous officers to immediately release the other officials they have extrajudicially detained in good health and to pave the way …

There is no nation on earth more committed to confronting and defeating terrorism than the United States of America. Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States has crushed ISIS and taken out its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In January, the United States rid the world of another dangerous terrorist – Iranian Quds Force …

Today’s vote on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) underscores the strong and continued commitment of the United States and international community to supporting peace, stability, and development in Somalia. UNSOM remains a critical partner to the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states in bringing political, security, and economic stability …

The United States is committed to an effective and accountable UNIFIL mission and supports the resolution today with that goal in mind. Today’s action is an important step in that direction, and I applaud my French counterparts for working diligently with us toward this outcome. Today we halt a long period of Council complacency on …

At this time of significant humanitarian need, the welfare of millions of Syrians remains at the mercy of the political calculations of the Assad regime and the Russian Federation. Due to the callous and inhumane Russian and Chinese vetoes earlier this summer, UN humanitarian access via the cross-border modality is forced to trickle into Syria …

The United States believes strongly that all UN member states must work together to safeguard the extraordinary benefits of cyberspace. UN member states have been considering the security of cyberspace for more than two decades, and remain focused on two areas of work: domestic cybersecurity policy best practices and how to achieve and maintain international …

During their meeting at the White House, President Trump and Prime Minister Kadhimi reaffirmed that the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq is based on a mutual desire for security and prosperity. We continue to work in close coordination to ensure ISIS is rendered incapable of posing a threat to Iraq or any …

For months and months, we told the Council that President Trump would never allow the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism to freely buy and sell planes, tanks, missiles, and other kinds of conventional weapons. The countries of the Middle East most familiar with Iran’s terror pressed us to stay true to our commitment.

The leadership and foresight of President Trump, as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed made this momentous achievement possible. Opening direct ties between two of the Middle East’s most dynamic societies and advanced economies will transform the region by spurring economic growth, enhancing technological innovation, and forging closer people-to-people relations.

Last year, we saw how our collective efforts resulted in ISIS’s loss of territorial control and the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. These victories in the battle against ISIS are a testament to the ongoing work of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The Coalition continues to pursue four main non-military lines of …

Mr. President, Somalia sits before a moment of profound opportunity. The country faces difficult circumstances and security challenges to get there, however, including the attack on a hotel Mogadishu last weekend, which the United States condemns. We express our condolences to the victims and their families. This and other attacks highlight the need for Somalia …

I want to take a moment to note the irony in discussing this issue after the results of last Friday’s vote on renewing an arms embargo on Iran. Iran continues to engage in activity in Syria that is counter to the interests of the Syrian people, and yet many members of this Council voted on Friday …

One of the enduring truths of the last 75 years is that the United Nations rarely lives up to its own ideals, and far too often falls victim to the narrowest political interests of its membership. Well, today was one of those days. When the worst tendency of the United Nations was on display in …

The United States introduced a resolution to extend the 13-year old arms embargo on Iran. Our commonsense resolution proposes a clean rollover of the existing arms embargo.

Today the United States introduced a draft Security Council resolution to extend the existing embargo on conventional weapons sales to and from Iran. The resolution introduced by the United States follows months of active American diplomacy. It is a straightforward, common-sense measure requested by countries in the Middle East that have suffered the most as …

We adopted Resolution 2532 a little over a month ago, supporting the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire to secure a respite for countries and regions that, weakened by violence and conflict, are especially vulnerable to the virus. We should now reflect on how the pandemic has affected particularly sensitive areas.

The Lebanese people are among the most generous in the world. Over the last decade they have welcomed over 1 million refugees from Syria. And now, we are committed to do all we can to help the Lebanese people in their hour of need. We recognize the urgent requirements for emergency medical support, shelter materials, …

It is clear that in some cases and some regions, terrorist and organized criminal groups exploit and benefit from weak democratic institutions and law enforcement and take advantage of porous borders and ungoverned or under-governed territories. In some parts of the world, these conditions provide opportunities for terrorists and transnational criminal groups to coexist in …

The continuing Russian military presence in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well as Russia’s recognition of the so-called independence of these regions violates the territorial integrity of Georgia and undermines Georgia’s sovereignty, as well as the Rules Based International Order.

The Council’s adoption of Resolution 2533 provides a lifeline and hope to millions of internally displaced persons in northwest Syria, who have relied on the UN’s cross-border humanitarian aid deliveries day-in and day-out over the past five years. They know now they will continue to receive life-saving food, shelter, and medicine for another year, including …

It is important the parties de-escalate the tensions on the ground and recommit to a UN-mediated political settlement. Cross-border Houthi attacks undermine efforts toward a settlement that can only serve to prolong the conflict – and the suffering of the Yemeni people. And as Mark has stated today, that this is leaving millions of the …

We know that Afghan women, for far too long, have borne the brunt of this lengthy conflict and that they have been regularly excluded from discussions about Afghanistan’s future. We recognize there have been social, economic, and political impediments in Afghanistan that have hindered meaningful inclusion of women and girls.

The United States reaffirms our commitment to working with our global partners to enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change and prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Just as we have in the past, the United States will continue to research, innovate, and grow our economy while reducing emissions and extending a helping …

We need to see a real, genuine progress and negotiations. Not staged photo opportunities and elections that are far from being free and fair. The Trump Administration sees the July 19 parliamentary elections for exactly what they are – a false pretext to undermine the UN-led political process and another in a long line of …

A number of factors contribute to the desperate situation in Gaza, however, the oppressive rule of a terrorist organization, Hamas, is at the center. Today, Hamas pretends to function as a government, employing violent intimidation tactics against any chance for free press, civil society, and freedom of expression. Hamas’ charter states “there is no solution …

Over the course of many decades, Nelson Mandela strove for justice in words and deeds. In addition to playing a leading role in defeating Apartheid and ushering in a new era for the people of South Africa, President Mandela was a global leader in ending stigma against persons with HIV/AIDS and promoting the search for …

We cannot discuss sexual violence in conflict without acknowledging the very serious impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls. When we discussed the pandemic on July 2, we talked about the impact of self-quarantine and stay-at-home orders as an exacerbating risk factor for gender-based violence, particularly intimate partner violence against women. We are …

This landmark report describes the American rights tradition and how we have evolved as a nation based on our founding principle of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It has been a constant struggle, marked by historic breakthroughs, as we work toward achieving our central belief that every person possesses unalienable rights that must …

Since March of 2015, the Safer oil tanker has been under Houthi control, and Houthi inaction has turned the Safer and its million-plus barrels of oil into a ticking time bomb. Any kind of ship that sits in the sea has to be regularly maintained. Without maintenance, rot sets in and the hull could breach. …

The illegal exploitation of the DRC’s natural resources impacts nearly everyone at every level in the country, from people whose lives and livelihoods are directly threatened by armed groups to people who could have seized the opportunity for education and formal sector employment if only there had been the option.

I’d like to begin by commending the government and people of Colombia, and the Verification Mission, for their efforts to continue implementing the peace accord against the backdrop of COVID-19. The pandemic has worsened an already complex humanitarian situation and it has negatively impacted the security situation of women and girls. It has strained health …

Today, the UN Security Council worked on behalf of the very people the Charter set out to protect. The United States thanks co-penholders Belgium and Germany for their responsible stewardship of this negotiation, and once again thanks all of those Council members who stood up for what was right. Today, we saved lives.

The text that Russia presented today was entirely predictable; it follows their now established pattern to obstruct, lie, deny, and distract. The Russian draft did not come close to meeting the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. It is riddled with false and misleading language related to sanctions targeted at the Assad regime – clearly …

Today, the United States again voted in favor of a draft resolution that would have enabled the UN and its implementing partners to deliver humanitarian assistance to otherwise inaccessible places inside northwest Syria through two border crossings. We cast our vote to save nearly 3 million Syrian lives, and we were proud to do it …

With growing instability and the COVID crisis, 2020 has proven and is showing to be a critical year for the future of West Africa and the Sahel. West Africa will see five presidential elections from October to December, including in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger. We look to UNOWAS to play a …

Yesterday Russia and China vetoed a compromise Security Council resolution that would have maintained two humanitarian border crossings into Syria – the bare minimum necessary to address the growing desperation of Syria’s civilian population. That resolution had the support of the thirteen other Council members, including the United States.

The United States of America voted against the draft resolution authored by the Russian Federation today. We are disappointed, but not surprised, by Russia’s disingenuous attempt to put forward a resolution designed to protect the murderous Assad regime and divide this Council.

Since this Council last met to discuss Libya, we have seen dramatic shifts on both the military and health fronts. On the military battlefield, fighting has led to territorial gains for one side and losses for the other, and unfortunately a continued influx of foreign fighters, weapons, and materiel for both. And on the COVID-19 …

It is sadly no surprise that Russia and China look for every opportunity to support the murderous Assad regime and its campaign of brutality against the Syrian people. Once again the voices of the Syrian people, humanitarian experts, and the Secretary General calling for increased cross-border assistance to Syria have fallen on deaf Russian and …

Today the United States voted in favor of Belgium and Germany’s draft resolution to renew the UN Security Council’s authorization of the cross-border humanitarian life-line into northwest Syria. In the midst of a global pandemic, this draft resolution would have made it possible for the United Nations and its implementing partners to continue to provide …

Human rights are universal, and defending them is non-negotiable. That’s why 154 member states, including the United States, endorsed the Secretary-General’s Declaration of Shared Commitments. These commitments in part recognize that lasting progress in human rights is fundamental to advancing political solutions to conflict. Integrating human rights into peacekeeping enhances the impact of peacekeepers while …

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft will speak with Sarah Kassem, a young Syrian in Idlib, about the humanitarian situation on the ground in Syria ahead of the upcoming UN Security Council vote to continue cross-border aid into Syria.

Early on, President Trump rightly pointed out the unquestionable need for complete transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information with the international community. Our recent experiences have only further underscored that important point. Timely age- and sex-disaggregated data collection and accurate, science-based analysis of the origins, characteristics, and spread of the …

The world has known about the Chinese Communist Party’s gross and systematic abuses of human rights for decades, but too often turned a blind eye. I salute the United Nations special rapporteurs and human rights experts for courageously breaking this silence and standing up for the Chinese people.

The GERD poses a unique opportunity for this part of Africa, where precipitation droughts, desertification, and economic underdevelopment have befallen generations of people. An agreement on the GERD has the potential to transform a region that is home to over 250 million people, expanding economic opportunities through transboundary cooperation and regional integration.

In only 11 days, the Council’s mandate for the life-saving cross-border humanitarian aid mechanism will expire. Eleven days. I can’t overstate how important this Council’s decision will be to millions of people throughout Syria. And the decision before the Council is simple: Will we do the right thing and save lives, or will we allow …

The United States joins with the international community today to commemorate the signing of the United Nations Charter.  This is an appropriate moment for reflection on the aspirations of the international community when this document was signed, how far we have come since, and yet, how far we have to go.

The United States recognizes the efforts to date by the Government of the DRC and MONUSCO to develop a joint strategy and benchmarks to prepare for the eventual drawdown and transition of the UN peacekeeping mission out of the eastern DRC. We look forward to hearing the outcomes of these discussions and would encourage the …

The United States remains fully committed to assisting Afghanistan achieve a political settlement to the conflict. Recent developments reflect the promise of peace and the critical challenges that must be overcome to end a conflict that claims Afghan lives every single day.

Given that Iran has neither abided by current restrictions nor demonstrated a change in its threatening behavior, Special Representative Hook and Ambassador Craft called on Security Council members to extend the arms embargo.

Peace between the Israelis and Palestinians is the primary reason we are gathered here today and President Trump has dedicated so much time and energy into developing the Vision for Peace. The United States cares deeply about the people in the region and we believe that the status quo hurts both the Israelis and the …

Fifteen years after the Council established its working group on Children and Armed Conflict and the UN-led monitoring and reporting mechanism, the United States remains fully committed to supporting this critical work – because the impact of conflict on children remains all too real around the world. Far too often, and sadly, we still see …

The United States remains concerned about increasing violence in Jonglei State, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence. This has already killed at least 600 individuals this year and resulted in the abduction of 150 women and girls. The violence, which is spreading to other parts of the country, risks eroding gains in the peace process …

First and foremost, today, we want to congratulate the Government of the Central African Republic on its efforts to advance preparations for credible, free, and fair elections. We were especially heartened by the Constitutional Court’s recent decision emphasizing that, quote, “any slippage of the electoral calendar should derive from broad national consultations seeking a consensual …

As we all know, COVID-19 has placed significant stress on Haiti’s already fragile healthcare system. Reports of attacks on COVID-19 patients, and on medical facilities treating them, are deeply concerning, as fear and distrust will only worsen the situation. In this challenging time, the United States stands with Haiti: to date, we have committed over …

The United States remains strongly committed at the highest levels to prevent sexual violence in conflict, hold perpetrators accountable, and support survivors. We continue to promote equality and accountability by leveraging the full weight of the U.S. government including through the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) strategy to promote human rights and dignity for all …

The United States commends UNHCR’s efforts to assist and empower millions of refugees and internally displaced and stateless people around the globe. Especially in times like this, we would be remiss not to acknowledge the thousands of aid workers in the field who are not only “staying and delivering” assistance to the most vulnerable, but …

The United States reiterates its call for the Assad regime to immediately release the thousands of civilians being held arbitrarily in detention centers, where – as we’ve noted before – crowded and inhumane conditions significantly increase the risk of a rapid spread of COVID-19. Equally important is progress on the Constitutional Committee, whose stakeholders have …

The United States’ commitment to UNITAD is unwavering. Not only did we contribute $2 million nationally in support of UNITAD’s first exhumations of mass grave sites in the Yezidi Sinjar region, but we provided an additional $1 million to UNITAD’s work with Iraqi religious minority communities, including Christians and Shabaks.

The United States is committed to supporting COVID-19 response efforts in the subregion, and we share your concern regarding the ability of national health systems to prevent the spread – especially in countries already experiencing humanitarian crises. To that end, we have committed more than $1 billion for emergency health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance …

I wish to congratulate you and your country’s courageous forces for killing the leader of Al Qaida in northern Africa, Abdelmalek Droukdel, along with members of his inner circle, last week. This daring operation and others, such as the capture of a senior Islamic State group commander in Mali last month, are exacting severe blows …

The United States wishes to congratulate the Residual Mechanism, the Government of France, and all the other national and international bodies that collaborated to bring about the recent arrest of Rwandan businessman, Félicien Kabuga, who was indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.

We have seen COVID-19 quickly unleashed interconnected health, social, and economic consequences that affect all member states. As the world prepares for the associated second- and third-order effects of the disease, women around the world are serving on the frontlines of this crisis. In the United States today, one in three American women hold a …

The G5 Sahel Joint Force remains the long-term solution to reestablishing security in the Sahel. The United States is committed to supporting the Joint Force by providing equipment, training, and advisory support to fill critical capability gaps on a bilateral basis and continue to call on other countries to do the same. We commend the …

The pandemic has challenged UN peacekeeping missions in new and unforeseen ways, including through suspended troop rotations, restrictions on movement of personnel and equipment, the need for quarantine and isolation facilities, and access issues in countries such as South Sudan. Force Commanders have re-prioritized mandate implementation while dealing with movement restrictions on troops. But even …

We appreciate the Chair’s efforts during negotiations of this resolution to bring delegations to consensus under unprecedented circumstances. However, we are disappointed with the approach the Chair chose to take for this year’s resolution, specifically that the vast majority of this year’s text is a cut-and-paste job from previous text, key elements of which garnered …

Last month, when we gathered to discuss this issue, we were briefed by OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias and IIT Coordinator Santiago Onate. They provided the Council with an important overview of the IIT’s first report, which explicitly attributed responsibility to the Assad regime for three chemical weapons attacks in Syria in March 2017. They did …

I have the honor to convey a letter to you regarding Note Verbale No. CML/14/2019 sent by the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to you on December 12, 2019 in response to the submission by Malaysia to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) dated December 12, 2019. The …

In 1984, the People’s Republic of China made a promise to the United Kingdom and the People of Hong Kong. It was a binding promise. A solemn promise witnessed by this very community and registered here at the UN as a formal treaty. But today, the Council must confront the shameful fact that China’s promise …

For decades, Hong Kong has flourished as a bastion of freedom and enterprise – dynamic, prosperous, and secure. In 1984, the People’s Republic of China made a promise to the United Kingdom and the people of Hong Kong. It was a binding, solemn promise made in the presence of the international community and registered here …

The United States welcomes expanded cooperation between the UN and EU, and we are hopeful that the strong, invaluable transatlantic relationship between the U.S. and the EU provides a useful model to follow.

The United States is deeply concerned by actions taken by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) National People’s Congress that fundamentally undermine Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and freedoms as guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, which was registered with the UN as a legally binding treaty, and the Basic Law. This …

The United States has already provided over $1 billion in health and humanitarian aid to combat COVID-19. Our foreign assistance is saving lives and helping address economic devastation around the world. Consistent with the U.S. strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, we are working to ensure our assistance includes local strategies to mitigate COVID-19’s acute …

The United States remains committed to working with all member states to safeguard the extraordinary benefits of cyberspace. We must all redouble our efforts – and not just in New York and Geneva – to create accountability for state actions in cyberspace. Cyberspace has become a central and indispensable domain of global activity, and its …

The United States welcomes the positive developments Somalia has made so far this year. Debt relief has opened new access to international grants to support economic growth, development, and reform. The Somalia National Army forces and AMISOM have continued to gain ground south of Mogadishu against Al-Shabaab. And the meeting between President Farmaajo and Somaliland …

The letter from the illegitimate Maduro regime that prompted today’s meeting is – as such letters always are – a long-winded compilation of fantastical accusations and demonstrable falsehoods. Unfortunately, for the second time in less than a month our Russian colleagues have indulged their client regime’s habit of blaming others for its appalling choices.

Today, I want to speak about what needs to be done to move in the direction of meaningful progress in the Middle East. We listened closely to what each Council member will be saying about this matter and what they have said in February, March, and in April. So, I want to note, as I …

The United States remains deeply concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in Syria. This Council knows full well that the virus is worsening the existing humanitarian crisis, and that the country’s already fragile health system, continuing displacement, high population density, and low levels of sanitation heighten the risk of a severe outbreak. Left unaddressed, an …

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a human crisis of unprecedented scale, seriously affecting health and disrupting the livelihood and overall wellbeing of people all over the world. It impacts human rights and exacerbates inequalities already in existence. Persons with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and we need to ensure that they are not …

To begin today, I want to be clear about the following points: all actors involved in the conflict in Libya must immediately suspend military operations; they must halt the ongoing transfer of foreign military equipment and personnel to Libya, including, as the UK mentioned, Wagner Group mercenaries; and they must allow local health authorities to …

What is becoming increasingly clear is that the Assad regime is intent on exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to its own strategic political and military advantage. When Russia and China forced the reduction of cross-border aid points from four to two, they said that the UN should engage the regime to facilitate cross-line aid from Damascus …

In recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the United States Mission to the United Nations reaffirms its commitment to the principle that “the inherent dignity and … the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Under …

The United States remains concerned about the situation in Burma, and the many factors there with the potential to affect the peace and stability not only of Burma, but of the wider region. The significant number of internally displaced persons, as well as people living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, continue to face great …

In light of these hardships, we welcome the Saudi-led Coalition’s extension of its unilateral ceasefire in support of the UN peace process and efforts to fight COVID-19. The U.S. strongly urges the Houthis to join the Government of Yemen in halting offensive operations in support of this ceasefire. This is so that all parties may …

This launch was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a terrorist organization responsible for decades of violence and thousands of deaths throughout the Middle East. The IRGC’s leading role in Iran’s space program puts to rest Iran’s absurd claims that its space program is solely civilian in nature. It is not.

Late April saw a disturbing turn of events in Lebanon. Peaceful protests that began in October became violent, amid economic distress and major public health concerns. Lebanon’s currency has collapsed. Its banking system is reeling. And inflation is spiraling out of control. We welcome Prime Minister Diab’s reform efforts, and we encourage him to undertake …

Last month, the Council received from the Secretary-General the first report issued by the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team. The report explicitly attributed to the Assad regime responsibility for three chemical weapons attacks in Syria in March of 2017. Now, today, we have heard in person from the leaders of the OPCW and its IIT …

Last week’s confirmation of Prime Minister al-Kadhimi by Iraq’s Council of Representatives marks a tremendous achievement. In the face of COVID-19, low oil prices, and long-standing economic and security challenges – including state control of armed groups – Iraq could not have asked for a more capable leader.

The U.S. envisions a modern, multi-ethnic, stable, and prosperous democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina – one that is responsible for its own destiny. Valentin, your latest reports demonstrates that while there are encouraging signs, there is still much work to do – and that is another thing that you were very honest about this morning …

The United States is closely following the situation in Lebanon, which finds itself in an unprecedented crisis. The need for reform – reform that provides economic opportunity and ends corruption – is especially acute given the extraordinary economic and public health challenges now facing the country. The Trump Administration remains committed to its partnership with …

The Secretary-General’s report clearly states that the process to gain a response from the Syrian government for a request to deliver medical supplies to the northeast by land or air takes three to four months. Not days, months. In that same amount of time, COVID-19 has spread across the globe and more than 3 million …

In its report released on April 6th, the UN Board of Inquiry found it was “highly probable” that the Assad regime and its allies launched attacks that destroyed medical facilities – an utterly inexcusable action. We also note and welcome the Secretary-General’s stated intention to appoint a senior independent advisor to address the recommendations of …

The United States recognizes Ethiopia’s leadership, and we welcome the Ambassador today, in supporting UNISFA, as well as some positive steps Sudan and South Sudan have undertaken to address insecurity in Abyei, such as joint security monitoring, and we welcome the Ambassador to Sudan here today as well. However, despite these steps, the United States …

In so many conflicts, youth continue to be caught in the crosshairs. Ninety percent of the 1.85 billion young women and men in the world today come from developing countries. Twenty five percent of them – more than 400 million people – are directly affected by violence or armed conflict. Surely this cannot continue to …

The United States stands in solidarity with the Sudanese Government as it continues to engage in the Juba Peace Process, especially in the face of economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. We condemn, as other have today, the assassination attempt last month against Prime Minister Hamdok, and we remain concerned about continued insecurity, including ongoing …

The United States supports a stable, secure, and prosperous Western Balkans, and we are committed to helping countries in the region advance their integration into Western institutions. Furthermore, it has been encouraging to hear continued statements from both Kosovo and Serbian leaders that they remain committed to the normalization of relations.

Israel is suffering from over 13,000 cases of coronavirus, and we understand that there are more than 300 cases in the West Bank and 15 in Gaza. Because of its limited medical infrastructure and fragile economy, Gaza is especially vulnerable to this virus. Fighting the pandemic must remain the focal point of regional authorities. But …

Special Envoy Xia, this is a difficult moment and your role is more critical than ever. We urge your office to innovate, including by using videoconferencing technology to support Great Lakes governments. They will need this support especially as they balance their focus on both the COVID-19 response and the political, security, and economic needs …

Today’s conversation is especially important, as we approach the two-year anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 2417, which acknowledged the clear connection between conflict and hunger. In a perfect world, our discussion today would focus on the positive trajectories we are beginning to see in some countries, where there has been progress in the decoupling …

U.S. MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy April 20, 2020 Explanation of Position on resolution “International Cooperation to ensure global access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to face COVID-19” The United States remains deeply committed to working with the global community to respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. …

Ambassador Kelly Craft Permanent Representative U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, New York April 23, 2020 Explanation of Position on the UN General Assembly Resolution on the Rwandan Genocide Since the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda and the establishment in 2003 of the “International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda,” April 7 …

In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the undersigned chairs and members of the Groups of Friends on the Safety/Protection of Journalists are calling on all states to protect journalists’ and media workers’ safety, safeguard a free and independent media and ensure unhindered access to information, both online and offline. Free, independent and pluralistic media …

Unfortunately, as is too often the case in Yemen, many areas of concern remain. In Marib, internally displaced people and host communities remain equally vulnerable to continued ground fighting and the very real danger of a COVID-19 outbreak. The Houthis’ ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh are unacceptable and directly contravene their stated support for the …

The United States stands with Colombia as we all confront the challenges posed by COVID-19. This being personal commitment for me as well, as when I visited Colombia back in November, I would be remiss not to compliment and acknowledge Colombia’s behavior and their full treatment of respect and acknowledge the dignity that they gave …

In addition to those women leading their communities in the fight against COVID-19, many women and girls around the world are battling the virus themselves. Moreover, in contexts where women and girls are already at risk of violence, the necessary public health measures put in place to battle the spread of the virus, such as …

The United States reiterates today the need for complete transparency and the timely sharing of public health data and information within the international community. The most effective way to contain this pandemic is through accurate, science-based data collection and analysis of the origins, characteristics, and spread of the virus. We cannot stress enough how important …

As we approach MINUSMA’s mandate renewal in June, the Council needs to reflect on why the situation has continued to deteriorate so rapidly, and what changes should be made to the mandate to more effectively achieve MINUSMA’s objectives. The new mandate must further encourage the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups to swiftly …

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge. Addressing it requires global action, international solidarity, and unity of purpose. We hope this resolution will rally the international community to take tangible steps to counter the virus and its spread.

Afghanistan has now suffered through 40 years of war. The United States remains committed to helping Afghanistan achieve a political settlement to end this constant state of conflict. That is why the Trump Administration efforts to create the conditions for Afghans to begin Intra-Afghan Negotiations, which we believe can result in a durable peace.

I understand that in the current environment, much of our attention rightly remains focused on minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on communities around the world. We also recognize that this is not the time for a complex discussion of the granular details of the Trump administration’s Vision for Peace. There will be another day to …

We’ve all seen how disruptive and deadly this virus can be, which is why there is no place where their calls for mercy and restraint are more urgent than in Syria. We reaffirm our full support for you, Geir, as you launch this effort to implement the ceasefire requested by the Council in Resolution 2254. …

Once again, we are forced to bring specific attention to Houthi obstruction of humanitarian operations, which has become the unacceptable refrain of these briefings. We reiterate our message from last month to the Houthis: time is running out. Please do not make it impossible for us to continue providing aid in the areas where you …