We just need to be more serious about the implementation of that regime. Frankly, the 1718 Committee is not doing its job. We need to enforce these violations. We need to ramp up the implementation of the sanctions.

So long as armed groups and others continue to profit from minerals – especially gold – smuggled illegally from the DRC, we must pursue greater cooperation across borders on supply chain standards, traceability, tariff standardization, and tax harmonization.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, will deliver brief remarks on the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Wednesday, October 20, at the UN Security Council Stakeout following the 3:00 PM EDT Council briefing.

The first step toward resolving any conflict is frank and direct dialogue. So, the United States supports the resumed, direct contact between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. To that end, we also welcomed the re-engagement between Israeli and Jordanian leaders, as well as the progress from the Abraham Accords. I had the opportunity to sit down with …

Today, we lost an American hero with the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell. His life touched so many. From the New Yorkers who grew up with him, to those he mentored at the State Department, to those who served under him in the military; so many of us grieve today.

President Biden made clear in his speech to the General Assembly last month that the United States is committed to addressing climate change, lest we suffer its ever-worsening impacts, including rising seas. We are taking meaningful steps to demonstrate this. We will work with our Congress to quadruple public financing of international climate efforts by …

First, Madam President, the United States welcomes this important ceasefire announcement. We call on all armed actors to lay down weapons immediately and recommit to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. Building on this positive step, we reiterate our commitment to work alongside Central African authorities, the UN, the AU, ECCAS, the ICGLR, and other partners to support a peace process. We hope this will include an inclusive and credible dialogue necessary for Central …

Today, we mark World Food Day at a time when 41 million people remain at imminent risk of famine unless we take urgent action. An estimated 811 million people went hungry last year, and the world has witnessed a dramatic rise in food insecurity in 2021, driven by conflict and climate change, as well as …

As we all know, the past year has been especially turbulent in Haiti. By renewing the mandate of BINUH, we have helped to ensure the UN can continue its vital efforts to support democratic institutions and planning for elections, strengthen the rule of law, and promote stability. We know that decisions about Haiti’s future and …

The UN Country Team and the Haitian National Police rely on BINUH support. BINUH has an important role to play at this critical moment in supporting the Government of Haiti’s efforts to promote human rights, stabilize the situation on the ground and create the conditions for national elections to be held. Now is not the …

The United States expresses disappointment that prior calls from Council members to review and take steps to end the UNMIK mission have gone unheeded. We again call for the development of such a plan, so that the Council can sunset UNMIK and help transition to a more effective UN presence that helps Kosovo and the …

While many challenges remain, the progress made to date and the work of the Verification Mission serve as a model for how to address long-standing conflicts. We commend the work of all parties over the past five years and know that the lives of Colombians have benefitted from these efforts.

Before I conclude, I want to acknowledge the third Yemen report released by the Office of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict. The report details the ravages this conflict has inflicted on Yemen’s children. It is truly sobering. The conflict is killing Yemen’s children – Yemen’s own future.

“All human beings,” as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes, “are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This profound statement is not an opinion, it is a fact. Our human rights are inalienable, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated. And they are universal.

They are the same root causes that have always driven racial, ethnic, regional, partisan, and religious conflict. Working together, we can take away the power of these divisive forces – not by shying away from diversity and inclusion, but by embracing them.

We all must do more to provide support and agency to all girls and women in their effort to seek resources and opportunities. We know that when they are able to be free and full participants in global conversations, we are all better for it. We are proud to join the global community in celebrating …

We maintain our call for Belarusian authorities to begin a peaceful, inclusive, and constructive dialogue with opposition leaders and Belarusian civil society that is done in a way that respects the aspirations of the Belarusian people.

We called for today’s urgent meeting because of the Ethiopian Government’s reckless expulsion of seven key UN officials, including the head of UNICEF, the head of the UN OCHA, and a senior official from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. These expulsions are an affront. They are an affront to the …

The Security Council’s credibility is at stake today here. We must take all appropriate actions to keep civilians safe, to promote accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and deliver humanitarian relief to Ethiopians in dire need.

We pledge ourselves in continue urging all Member States to combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons as a primary way to mitigate the continuation and escalation of hostilities in conflict-prone areas around the world.

The United States has been, and will continue to be, unequivocal in its call to an end to predatory behavior across the entire UN system, no matter the setting or the nationality of the accused. We demand accountability for parties guilty of criminal acts and assistance for victims and survivors, and I join my British …

The main session includes several items with direct bearing on how well the UN achieves these goals. My delegation will comment on individual items when they are introduced, so allow me to highlight just a few overarching priorities:

This list is not exhaustive, but it is indicative. These countries of concern – and every country around the world – must do more to protect and promote human rights. The United States will do everything in our power to hold abusers and violators to account.

The Security Council should impose measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter in response to Syria’s non-compliance with Resolution 2118. At this point, there can be no doubt, Mr. President, that the Syrian government has repeatedly violated its international obligations, including its failure to cooperate with the OPCW through the denial of visas. It …

As we look to renew the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti’s mandate later this month, we must keep the plight of the people of Haiti firmly in mind. To that end, today, I’d like to address three aspects of the situation in Haiti: the political path forward, security threats and human rights abuses, and …

Let me be clear: The United States is committed to serving as a strong partner to the Agency to help it provide the most effective and efficient assistance possible, consistent with UN principles of neutrality, tolerance, respect for human rights, equity, and non-discrimination.

Failure to restructure UNSMIL now only serves to undermine our collective efforts to stabilize Libya. We must ask ourselves today, how can we move forward in a manner that places the UN and the people of Libya in a position to build on previous diplomatic achievements?

The United States also remains committed to widening the circle of peace between Israel and its neighbors. In the past year, we have seen Israel open embassies in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and the UAE and Bahrain appoint their first ambassadors to Israel.

We call on all Member States to adopt and implement National Action Plans and strategies on Women, Peace, and Security. Together, we must make it a priority to elevate and amplify women’s voices, ensure they are heard, protect women and girls’ safety and security, and make sure they can lead meaningfully in promoting international peace …

Last week, after a decade of conflict in Syria, one number stood out for my delegation, as it did for the Special Envoy: 350,209. This was the number that the High Commissioner for Human Rights released after the UN’s painstaking research to identify all those who have been killed since the beginning of the uprising …

And so, in everything we do, I try to remember who we are serving. And I am honored to be on the team of President Biden and Vice President Harris, and it really is the privilege of a lifetime. But above all, I am honored to serve the American people and the world’s most vulnerable. …

As we look ahead to the future of the CTBT, the United States is committed to taking a leading role in revitalizing international arms control efforts. We welcome engagements with all states who share our commitment to implementing effective measures toward achieving a world without nuclear weapons.

As the Duke and Duchess said, we need to stop the spread and get vaccines to everyone. That is why President Biden announced this week that we’re donating another 500 million vaccine doses to the world. That brings our total donations to 1.1 billion doses.

We support accountability for all atrocities in Syria, regardless of the perpetrators or their allegiance. After all, accountability is the first step toward justice for victims and peace for Syria. And accountability is only meaningful if it applies to all. The Syrian people deserve that first step.

We believe it makes a difference when the United States shows up, listens, leads; gives us a unique platform to bring others together in tackling the great challenges of our time. It allows us to strengthen the rules and institutions that have helped defend our values and advance our interests for many years. And all …

From day one, President Biden has made addressing the climate crisis a top priority of our administration, including by directing me – and every one of our diplomats – to ensure it’s a core element of U.S. foreign policy. We’re taking into account how every bilateral and multilateral engagement we have – every policy decision …

The United Nations has taken some mitigation efforts that we know will help improve the situation. They’re doing intensive cleaning after each speaker. We worked with the city to put a van right outside UN Headquarters to do testing and provide vaccines to those who wish to have vaccines. And we will continue to work …

So today, I am pleased to announce the United States will contribute nearly $180 million in additional assistance for the humanitarian crisis facing Rohingya in and outside Burma, and for Rohingya refugees and affected host communities in Bangladesh. Of this funding, nearly $158 million is for programs inside Bangladesh.

Today, I am pleased to announce more than $336 million in new U.S. government humanitarian, economic, development, and health assistance for the response to the Venezuela regional crisis, including inside Venezuela. This adds to the nearly $407 million Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced at the International Donors’ Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants on June 17.  This brings the total …

So, let’s share our experiences, our expertise, our best practices. Let’s bring our funding and our technology to bear. And let’s work together through the WHO, COVAX, and the United Nations to vaccinate the world and make 2022 the year we learned that public health is absolutely essential to global security and safety.

Right now, over 70 countries criminalize LGBTQI status or conduct. For millions of people, it is illegal for them to be who they are. To love who they love. We need to repeal and eliminate these laws. For our part, the United States is using our diplomacy, our foreign assistance, and every tool we have …

The United States will not participate in the United Nations 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action (DDPA) consistent with longstanding U.S. policy going back multiple administrations. The United States remains opposed to the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic underpinnings of the Durban process, and has longstanding freedom of expression concerns with the …

We are taking a strong leadership role on COVID. The President has made clear that we can’t address this pandemic alone, that every country has to engage, and I’m very happy to see that the Chinese are engaging. But I will stress what the President stressed: Our vaccines are being donated, they’re being donated without …

As a global community, we’re challenged by urgent and looming crises wherein lie enormous opportunities if – if – we can summon the will and resolve to seize these opportunities.

Whether it’s Ethiopia or Afghanistan or the Central African Republic, the dangers women and girls face daily should serve as clarion calls to action. For our part, the United States stands firm in our commitment to promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda and protecting the equal rights of all – here at home and across …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, will co-host a virtual event titled “The Gendered Impacts of Security Challenges: The Role of the UN System” on Monday, September 20, at 8:30 a.m. EDT. This event will consider the gendered impacts of security challenges in Africa and the Indo-Pacific, as well as the role …

Today, these are the same principles with which the Biden-Harris administration has approached our commitment to multilateralism and the work of the United Nations. Next week, President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, Special Envoy Kerry, and other senior officials from the State Department will join us here in New York for the 76th UN General …

By extending UNAMA’s work as assigned in Resolution 2543, we are emphasizing the importance of the UN’s continued commitment to human rights, civilian and child protection, humanitarian assistance coordination, and countless other functions, which will be fundamental to the future of Afghanistan.

We’re dealing with climate. We’re dealing with the pandemic. You mentioned cyber. Cyber is a huge, huge issue for us. But there are roiling humanitarian and political crises that we’re dealing with. So Afghanistan is certainly high on our list, but Ethiopia is equally of concern to us. You see what is happening in Haiti …

The Security Council maintains a unique set of tools to combat the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, but sanctions and arms embargoes are only effective if they are effectively implemented. UN reporting often highlights the lax implementation or violations of UN sanctions and arms embargoes.

MEDIA ADVISORY:  Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to Hold Hybrid UN Press Briefing Highlighting U.S. Participation and Priorities at UNGA76 

The only solution is a political solution, in line with Resolution 2254, which represents the only sustainable path to the peace and prosperity the Syrian people deserve.

In its report delivered to the Security Council, the Independent Strategic Review team recommended that the Head of Mission be relocated to Tripoli, as a matter of priority, in order to increase engagement with Libyan actors, which is critical at this juncture in the political process.

The safety and wellbeing of children is also a deep concern as the conflict in Tambura could lead to an increase of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, particularly against girls. Also, forced recruitment and use of child soldiers by armed groups and the denial of humanitarian access to children in need.

On the International Day of Democracy, we reflect upon and rededicate ourselves to the principles of democracy, both here in the United States and around the world.

In addition to protecting civilians, the government must hold accountable those responsible for perpetrating human rights abuses and violations. So, the United States welcomes the government’s initiative to enhance implementation of the Juba Agreement and advance reforms that address the root causes of violence in Darfur, including the provisions on transitional justice and land reform.

Peace begets peace and friendships begets relationships. And that is what we are here to commemorate and to honor today. So, thank you ambassadors. Thank you, everyone for being here today, for choosing the path toward peace. I hope that this time next year, we are celebrating even more positive steps toward a more peaceful …

So today, I am proud to announce that the United States is providing nearly $64 million in new humanitarian assistance. This new funding will support the work of the United Nations, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and World Health Organization, as well as international NGO actors. This funding will help provide lifesaving food …

Today we honor the nearly 3,000 people, from the United States and 90 countries across the globe, who were taken from us on September 11, 2001. Twenty years later, we remember them – those who perished in the World Trade Center, including the heroic first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to help others, the …

It is time for this Council to live by its words. Council members must support the implementation of – and abide by – the ceasefire agreement and facilitate the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya without delay. Those who obstruct or undermine the successful completion of Libya’s political transition may be subject …

While this work is important and is needed, only a durable peace agreement can begin to help reverse the dire humanitarian crisis, which is the result of seven years of war, and the erosion of the economy and basic services.

If a new Afghan government upholds its commitments and obligations, brings greater stability to the country and region, demonstrates real inclusion, and protects the gains of the past two decades, we’ll work with it. But we will not do that on the basis of trust or faith alone. The Taliban seeks international legitimacy and support. …

So, today, the members of the Security Council re-commit to the words set forth in the Charter of the United Nations to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war…and for these ends to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.” Those words are a guiding light to all nations as we engage …

Over 90 countries, including some of us here today, lost citizens on that day. And I hope that we can use this occasion to reflect and remember and honor those victims, as well as the survivors and first responders from that day. The Council and the world should never forget the attack on the city …

This morning, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield led the United Nations Security Council on a visit to the National September 11th Memorial and Museum to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Security Council delegation laid a memorial wreath in honor of the 2,977 people from …

Transitions are only successful if they are supported by committed and accountable host governments, and we appreciate the Government of Sudan’s reform efforts. But we remain very concerned about the intercommunal violence occurring in Darfur and the resulting number of people displaced from their homes.

The funding announced by Vice President Harris will strengthen national asylum systems and other government protection capacities, including child protection and gender-based violence prevention and response mechanisms.

Systemic racism, regular targeting of the LGBTQIA+ community, and persistent discrimination against religious minorities, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and women and girls continues in every country around the world. Including mine.

The United States is committed to meeting our human rights obligations and ending discrimination in all its forms. To that end, in July, the United States announced its intent to issue a formal standing invitation to all UN experts who report and advise on thematic human rights issues.

It is time for the Assad regime to uphold its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and Resolution 2118.

And I want to end by saying that the United States stands firm in our commitment to promoting the women, peace, and security agenda and to protecting the equal rights for all people, but particularly for women and girls – both here at home, as well as abroad.

Today, we join people around the world in commemorating the first International Day for People of African Descent. By creating this day, the United Nations aims to promote the contributions of the African diaspora while seeking to eliminate discrimination against people of African descent around the globe. This inaugural celebration falls mid-way through the International …

On the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the United States stands with victims of enforced disappearances, as well as their family members and friends, who live every day with anguish and uncertainty about what has become of their loved ones.

Today, the Security Council took decisive action, and we must continue to do that going forward. The United States will keep pushing here at the United Nations and in other diplomatic contexts to protect the rights of the people of Afghanistan, and to do everything in our power to advance security and peace.

First, the Security Council expects the Taliban to live up to its commitment to facilitate safe passage for Afghans and foreign nationals who want to leave Afghanistan, whether it’s today, tomorrow, or after August 31. Consistent with the right to leave any country, including one’s own, everybody must be allowed to safely leave Afghanistan, for …

We strongly condemn any targeting of journalists and the grave attacks on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including for members of the media, in Afghanistan. We particularly share our deep concern over intimidation and violence that has disproportionately targeted women journalists in Afghanistan.

The United States is committed to a negotiated two-state solution. We firmly believe that Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of freedom, dignity, security, prosperity; and U.S. diplomacy will remain focused on practical steps to advance that vision in the immediate term.

This will help Somalia resume work on stabilizing the country, addressing terrorism, and providing security for its people.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

We mourn and honor the U.S. servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of this mission to save others. And we grieve the deaths of so many Afghans and innocent civilians, crowded at the gates of the airport, in the hopes of reaching safety.

This Council was very clear when we passed Resolution 2417 in 2018: the denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians of objects indispensable to their survival is a violation of international humanitarian law and can constitute a war crime. Mr. President, Council Members: This is happening on our watch.

To this end, we applaud UNAMI’s work documenting human rights abuses and violations and laying the groundwork for proper accountability. Together, let us hold perpetrators accountable, support free and fair elections in Iraq, and prepare for the new phase of the Defeat-ISIS campaign in Iraq, led by Iraq and its people.

The United States supports Ukraine’s initiative to establish an international Crimea Platform to focus diplomatic efforts on ending Russia’s occupation and restoring the peninsula to Ukraine.

After more than a decade of conflict, we need to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to this war. So, the United States remains committed to Resolution 2254. It provides the only viable path to a political solution to the Syrian conflict. We call on the Assad regime to adhere to …

We continue to have grave concerns over the state of the Safer tanker, as you have heard from other members today. With their delays and unreasonable demands, the Houthis have thus far squandered the opportunity the UN has afforded them to avoid an environmental and economic calamity.

And as President Biden has stressed, we will hold the Taliban accountable for its commitments not to allow any terrorists to threaten the United States or its allies from Afghan soil. And as I said earlier this week, we all, we must all work together to ensure Afghanistan cannot ever, ever again be a base …

Today, we honor the world’s humanitarian aid workers who selflessly put themselves at risk to ensure vulnerable people have the food, medicine, and supplies they need to survive. Every day, humanitarian workers head directly into the most challenging and dangerous places on earth – sites of famine, pandemic, and war – to save lives and …

You know, Gayle, absolutely preparations were made. We did contingency planning but none of us can appreciate what happens when the end of a civil war takes place and the victors entered the city. But we were prepared for this and we’re working around the clock to ensure that people are given support to get …

Technology can be used both as a tool for good or a weapon for harm. It can take lives. Or, more importantly, it can save lives. Together, let us make sure we deploy technology rightly, and justly, to protect the protectors and empower them to better serve so many of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Let me just state, one, to say how courageous Malala is, and I did read her article in the New York Times. And yes, we can. We have to. Our commitment to Afghan women and children, and to all Afghans, is unwavering, and is not related to our military presence. We have diplomatic tools, we …

Well, look, there is always a window for diplomacy. That is what we do. But, I think we have to be clear that any – any future relationship with the Afghan government is going to require that government to be exclusive.* And we will be looking at what this government does, not just what it …

We are hearing from people in Afghanistan that they are getting threats from the Taliban. And we have expressed, in no uncertain terms, here at the United Nations through a very strongly worded press statement from the Security Council, that we expect the Taliban to respect human rights, including the rights of women and girls. …

The members of the Security Council called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities and the establishment, through inclusive negotiations, of a new government that is united, inclusive and representative – including with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. They underlined that institutional continuity and adherence to Afghanistan’s international obligations, as well as …

Finally, and critically, all Afghan nationals and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so safely. President Biden has made clear that any action that put U.S. personnel or our mission at risk will be met with a swift and strong military response. The United States promises to be generous in …

The United States remains committed to ensuring both UNSOM and AMISOM are mandated to provide tailored, appropriate support to the Somali people during this time of political transition. This is a moment of tremendous opportunity for Somalia, and we would urge the government to do its utmost to adhere to established electoral timelines, to continue …

So, to conclude, it’s imperative that the UN Security Council collaborate with Member States, humanitarian organizations, civil society, and the private sector to tailor solutions on how best to navigate requirements and risks under domestic sanctions regimes and international sanctions obligations. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and continued dialogue is essential to ensure counterterrorism measures and humanitarian operations are mutually reinforcing.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand today in Bangkok. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Prime Minister Prayut reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.-Thai alliance and the importance of our longstanding partnership, which has advanced shared prosperity and security across the Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also affirmed the United States’ commitment …

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield met in Bangkok today with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and National Security Council Secretary-General Nattaphon Narkphanit. In both meetings, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield reaffirmed the strength of the longstanding U.S.-Thailand alliance. The Ambassador also underscored the U.S. commitment to the Thai people as we work together to fight …

I am proud to announce the U.S. government is providing 55 million dollars in assistance, the vast majority of which is going toward humanitarian response efforts. We are also providing assistance to support the pandemic response that will help alleviate the strain on Thailand’s health systems.

Together, our nations have spent decades building this maritime order and the broader rules-based international system that it is a part of. We’ve done so out of a shared recognition that it benefits all our nations and all our people when governments accept certain constraints on their actions rather than living in a world where …

Climate change is a challenge the world must take on together, which is why President Biden has made it a top priority for the United States to lead the way on raising our global ambition. The international community, the private sector, and each of us individually must accelerate our efforts to protect our planet and counteract …

Let me just say how proud I am that the President selected me to lead this trip to the closing ceremony. It is important that we be there for a number of reasons. One, President Biden and the First Lady wanted to make sure that we were there to cheer on the young people of …

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and State Minister Uto reaffirmed the shared commitment of both governments to bilateral and multilateral cooperation with allies and partners to address pressing global challenges and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, as well as to uphold and strengthen the rules-based international order.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu today in Tokyo. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield thanked Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato for hosting First Lady Dr. Jill …

I am grateful that law enforcement moved swiftly to respond to the horrific alleged plot to seriously injure or kill my colleague and UN counterpart, Kyaw Moe Tun, Burma’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The United States stands in solidarity with Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who continues to demonstrate remarkable courage and bravery in …

As we continue with our military withdrawal from Afghanistan, we want all Afghans to know, as President Biden has stated, that we remain committed to a strong partnership with the country and its people. U.S. security assistance continues to Afghan forces, as does our development and humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. We will continue …

Well, I think they represent the best that the world has to offer. These are young people who have faced adversity. They have been forced to flee their homes in – under circumstances that none of us would want to have to experience. And yet, they have brought their competitive spirit, their grit to the …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will lead the Presidential Delegation to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan from August 6-9, to represent the United States at the Closing Ceremony.

We remain deeply worried that in the past several years no international human rights monitoring mechanism has been granted unrestricted access to the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We therefore call for immediate unhindered access to be granted to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights and other international and regional human …

The challenges Africa faces are great. But Africa’s promise – thanks to motivated young people like you – is far greater. We are here to support you. But you’re in the driver’s seat now. And we cannot wait to see what you accomplish.

The Security Council must call out atrocities and hold those who use chemical weapons accountable. Without accountability for the atrocities committed against the Syrian people, lasting peace in Syria will remain out of reach. It is disappointing that the use of a weapon of mass destruction by a government against its own people could possibly …

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the deplorable attack against the United Nations compound in Herat, Afghanistan, on 30 July 2021, which resulted in the death of an Afghan security forces guard and several injured. The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the family …

First, we want to emphasize that our strong support for this resolution does not change the United States position on Durban. The creation of this forum is one step – among many – the UN System and Member States are taking to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance.

The United States condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat by anti-government militants, which resulted in the death of a local guard defending the compound. Attacks against civilians and protected persons and objects are prohibited under international law, and the perpetrators of this deplorable action must be held accountable. The civilians who …

The United States remains committed to helping vulnerable persons from Burma seeking protection and assistance, including Rohingya, and is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rakhine State and Rohingya refugee crisis. But the long-term crisis in Rakhine cannot be addressed if the ongoing violence does not cease.

​We also call on the CAR authorities to cooperate fully with MINUSCA, ensuring that UN peacekeepers are fully empowered to carry out their mandate. A key component of that mandate is the protection of civilians against any and all actors who threaten them.

It’s important that we recognize the role that gender stereotypes play in radicalization. In June, the White House released our first National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism, which highlights the threat from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism. It notes the need for specialized analysis, including on ways gender-motivated violence can have implications for domestic …

I was at the Syria border and I saw the extraordinary work that was being done by humanitarian workers, NGOs, United Nations, as well as local organizations to support people who were in need. And I asked the question, and I’ve repeated this several times so people have heard it over and over again, but …

The United States has zero tolerance for manifestations of anti-Semitism, racism, or other forms of hatred in UN agencies, and that includes UNRWA. This is why our framework of cooperation – the most robust to date – outlines expectations and include benchmarks to increase UNRWA’s transparency and accountability, consistent with UN principles, including neutrality.

We emphasize that the primary responsibility to protect civilians remains with the Government of Sudan. We support UNITAMS fully utilizing its mandated authority to assist Sudan in protecting civilians and building trust between Darfuris and new Joint Force. We urge the Government of Sudan to take full advantage of this assistance and actively cooperate with …

We have to do everything possible to ensure that whatever experiences women have right now in Africa that we find a way to turn those around. There is a lot at risk, but it’s not just for women and girls. It’s for their entire families, because we know that when women are empowered, they empower their families, they empower their communities, they empower their countries.

We have to look for opportunities to invest in the continent, and we have, through our institutions, worked to do that. So to give you another example through the Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development, we’ve provided roughly $541 million to health and humanitarian and economic support assistance to more than 40 …

Members of the Presidential Delegation to the funeral of President Moïse have arrived safely back in the United States. The people of Haiti deserve peace, security, and a better future. Now is the time for the international community to come together to support the Haitian people in a time of great suffering.

At the UNAIDS PCB, civil society, represented through the NGO delegation, is an invaluable voice, one that firmly—and necessarily— grounds us in the reality of the AIDS epidemic. They push each of us to do better as governments – voices who question or disagree with governments are important as they keep us accountable and shed …

Our delegation is here to bring a message to the Haitian people: You deserve democracy, stability, security, and prosperity, and we stand with you in this time of crisis. So, we come here in solidarity with the Haitian people during this difficult time. And also, it’s important that we share our condolences with First Lady …

Ahead of the Presidential Delegation’s travel to Haiti this morning, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Representative Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, participated yesterday in a virtual dialogue with civil society representatives in Haiti hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Michele Sison. The officials heard from diverse civil …

The objective and critical role of the High Representative in this process is essential to ongoing efforts for peace and security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and remains so until the conditions of the 5+2 Agenda are met. These conditions have been endorsed by the Security Council numerous times, most recently in November 2020. …

Around the world, young people are following President Mandela’s footsteps and driving change with resilience and creativity. Young people have been at the frontline of global movements against systemic issues like racism and climate change, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are driving campaigns to ensure that the most impacted and vulnerable communities have access …

I once had the great honor and fortune of a lifetime to meet Madiba. His leadership, his courage, and his commitment to doing what was right – in the face of difficult odds and grave danger – continue to inspire me today. As the international community honors him today, let us follow in his footsteps …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today in New York with Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and discussed issues of common interest. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield thanked Foreign Secretary Ebrard for Mexico’s support in the Security Council on renewing the Bab al-Hawa humanitarian border crossing in Syria.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Libyan Interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba to discuss the Libyan political process, and the need to maintain forward momentum. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern that there is not yet a constitutional basis for timely elections, and emphasized the importance of holding elections on December 24, 2021, as outlined in …

Humanitarian workers represent the best of us and they deserve our protection. And as Mr. Mardini said, without exceptions. So today, let us recommit ourselves: to protecting them, to holding those that threaten them accountable, and to ensuring they have the space and the resources they need to serve the world.

The truth is, no one country can eliminate racism and uproot white supremacy on its own. We need strong leaders like you – people positioned to push for progress, advance equity, and serve as examples in your own society. So together, let’s dismantle systemic racism, brick by brick. Let’s fight for civil rights and fundamental …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Foreign Secretary Shringla discussed enhancing multilateral cooperation between the United States and India, including at the Security Council, as the two countries deepen their strategic partnership. The Ambassador also expressed the need for continued coordination between the two countries to combat …

The international community clearly and fully supports the Libyan people on their road to national elections. Now, we must do everything we can to help ensure potential spoilers – both internal and external – do not derail months of hard-fought progress. Mr. President, in this final stretch, it is incumbent upon all of the parties …

I join my distinguished colleagues here today in expressing our shock, and sadness, and strong condemnation over the horrific assassination on July 7 of President Jovenel Moïse and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse. I only just met them in Ecuador in May. We wish the First Lady a full recovery and extend our …

Mr. President, despite these ongoing challenges, we believe Colombia continues to be on the road toward a great success story, and a model to countries seeking a way out of entrenched conflict. The work that both the Colombian government and the Verification Mission have done over the last four years is admirable, and Colombians from …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today in New York with Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield thanked Vice President Ramírez for Colombia’s consistent engagement with the Security Council and its democratic leadership in the region. The two officials discussed the ongoing implementation of the Colombia Peace Accord and the importance of …

This humanitarian agreement was possible thanks to the strong leadership of the co-penholders at the UN Security Council, Ireland and Norway, who worked tirelessly over the last year to help preserve this crossing, and thanks to all of our colleagues aligning on this issue in the Security Council. The result was a 15-0 unanimous Security …

This humanitarian agreement was possible thanks to the strong leadership of the co-penholders, Ireland and Norway. It is possible thanks to all of my colleagues who were able to align on this vitally important outcome. And it was possible, above all, because the United States and Russia were able to come together, work diplomatically, and …

Thanks to this resolution, millions of Syrians can breathe a sigh of relief tonight, knowing that vital humanitarian aid will continue to flow into Idlib through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing after tomorrow. And parents can sleep tonight knowing that for the next 12 months their children will be fed. The humanitarian agreement we’ve reached here will literally …

Mr. President, the Horn of Africa is at an inflection point. Decisions in the weeks and months ahead will have significant, long-term implications for the people of the region. The United States is committed to addressing the interlinked regional crises and to supporting a prosperous and stable Horn of Africa. So, we stand ready to …

So, we support UNOWAS and the governments in West Africa and the Sahel working together, in partnership, to develop a civilian-led joint project to address local conflicts. This project will be critical – and hopefully, it will help lead to long-term peace, prosperity, and security in this region.

This morning, I met with the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations, AmbassadorAntonio Rodrigue. I expressed my condolences on the shocking assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and attack on First Lady Martine Moïse. Those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice. The United States echoes calls for calm, and we …

Ultimately, we must take care that our approaches to countering disinformation also do not inadvertently abuse or violate human rights and fundamental freedoms, which undergird our democracies – including freedom of expression, both online and offline.

Looking ahead, we welcome joint efforts by MONUSCO and the Government of the DRC to set benchmarks to guide future transition planning and the transfer of tasks to the UN country team, and what will be eventual government ownership that will allow the peacekeeping to end. Strengthening the capacity of local authorities, supporting community-level mediation, …

To my other colleagues from UN Member States and UN Agencies, I implore you to engage Council members, both in New York and in capitals to urge them to vote for the renewal, and to vote for the expansion. To those of you who are on the front lines of this humanitarian effort, again, I …

We have offered to support expanding cross-line aid, and we will continue to do so in good faith. In fact, we have put forward a serious and credible proposal to expand humanitarian assistance across Syria, – including cross-line and cross-border, including urgent COVID relief – to meet the urgent needs of the Syrian people.

The United States stands ready to assist Ethiopia in solidifying and implementing a ceasefire, providing life-saving humanitarian aid, and resolving this devastating conflict. We’re also standing ready to support the wider, necessary dialogue across Ethiopia, and toward democratic renewal, national unity, and peace. The Security Council should step up to these tasks as well.

Well, the U.S. has already acted. We called for this meeting. This – we’ve had six closed-door meetings, and the situation in Tigray has not significantly improved. And so, we think it’s time to have an open meeting and give the Security Council the opportunity to address this issue in a public way, so that …

As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s “America’s Back Together” tour, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield will visit a mobile vaccination site at Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene, Brooklyn on Friday, July 2, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The Ambassador will be joined by NYC’s Commissioner for International Affairs Penny Abeywardena and NYC …

Marginalized groups are at even greater risk. Transgender women, indigenous women, and women and girls of color experience higher rates of gender-based violence. Women in humanitarian crisis areas caused by conflict and climate change face acute risks too. And women and girls with disabilities experience gender-based violence ten times more than their non-disabled counterparts.

One of the United Nations’ founding purposes was the promise of collective measures to prevent and counter threats to international peace and security. For almost 20 years since the September 11 attacks, Member States and UN entities have fulfilled this purpose. The United Nations has created collective mechanisms to identify strategic counterterrorism priorities and strengthen …

As the United States said in 2018, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review resolution should guide global efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism, not be yet another vehicle to unjustly criticize Israel at the UN. The United States cannot accept the divisive reference to foreign occupation in preambular paragraph 43 of the resolution that …

This report underscores what has been apparent for some time: Iran continues to disregard the provision of 2231 that calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology. We share the concerns stated by the E3 and …

Russia must immediately stop the violence, hold those responsible accountable, and remove mercenaries endangering UN peacekeepers and undermining their crucial work in support of peace and security in the CAR.

As the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board established and many of the Council members before me have affirmed, Bosnia and Herzegovina must meet specific criteria – the 5+2 Agenda – in order to graduate from international supervision. And I note, in that regard, that Russia agreed to this Agenda in 2008. In contradiction to the 5+2 Agenda …

In light of MINUSMA’s immense tasks, my delegation reiterates that a clear line must be maintained between counterterrorism-mandated operations and peacekeeping missions in order to protect the UN’s impartiality, its personnel, and its effectiveness. The G5 Sahel governments – not the Security Council – direct the Joint Force, which is a coalition of domestic forces …

The framework UN Member States have worked so hard to develop now provide the rules of the road. We have all committed to this framework. Now, it is time to put it into practice. We have substantial work to do to ensure that all states that want to act responsibly in cyberspace have both the …

Let me start by thanking in advance the families who will share their stories with us today – the abduction of family members is heartbreaking. And let me also start by being as clear as we can be: The United States absolutely condemns the DPRK government’s involvement in international abductions and forced disappearances. Abducting citizens …

To that end, the United States recently joined the Christchurch Call to Action to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online. The goal is to develop new approaches to prevent terrorists and violent extremists from exploiting the Internet while safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Around the world, if we want to give the future a fighting chance, we need to act now. The United States is the leading donor to UNICEF. We’re a strong believer in its core mandate. And we urge others to generously contribute. Because this is not some small subset of the population. In many places, …

Millions of Syrians are struggling, and without urgent action, millions more will be cut off from food, clean water, medicine, and COVID-19 vaccines. The situation is devastating, and will only get worse if we don’t act. The Security Council must meet the moment with the robust humanitarian access that people of the region desperately need. …

For millions of Syrians, Bab al-Hawa is a literal lifeline. And we must reauthorize it and reinstate Bab al-Salam and al Yaroubiyah. This dire humanitarian crisis directly informs the political situation. If we cut off cross-border aid, we further destabilize the region – it will encourage more internally displaced people to flee. So, we call …

There’s new leadership in Israel. And we congratulate the new government and hope it can make serious headways on these issues. Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of security, democracy, dignity, and prosperity. Achieving that goal is critical to ensuring peace and stability, and avoiding violence over the long-term. But in the meantime, we look …

My message to the Council was simple: I told them that people will die if we do not renew the mandate. After 10 years of war, Syria is among the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. And COVID has only made the situation worse. Three weeks ago, on the border, I spoke to a humanitarian worker, and …

We need your ideas. Your advocacy. Your fresh perspectives. We’re relying on you to be even smarter than us. Even kinder than us. Even more thoughtful than us. Because one day – hopefully – many of you will go on from being junior ambassadors to ambassadors. And maybe one of you will take my job …

Here’s our choice: Do we ensure our humanitarian aid continues to be monitored from start to finish? Do we follow through with our commitment to end the COVID-19 pandemic? Do we help Syrians in desperate need? Without cross-border access, more Syrians will die – and we know that. Frontline UN workers know it. NGOs know …

As with other Member States, the United States determines its conduct of economic relationships with other countries in accordance with its national interests. Sanctions are a legitimate way to achieve foreign policy, national security, and other national and international objectives, and the United States is not alone in this view or in this practice.

It is essential the ongoing violence in CAR is brought to an end in a peaceful manner, with full implementation of the peace agreement and inclusive political dialogue. In that regard, let me emphasize that it is crucial to take the needs of women and girls into account. Ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation …

First, as part of our commitment to Afghanistan’s future, the United States is providing more than $266 million in new humanitarian assistance. That brings total U.S. humanitarian aid for Afghanistan to nearly $3.9 billion since 2002 – on top of the $36 billion in civilian development assistance we have also provided since that time. Eighteen …

But the reality is that I have spent 35 years of my life serving the U.S. Government. It’s 35 proud years. And I give speeches all the time to young people that say, “The proudest moment, for me, is seeing the American flag fly outside my window, driving up to a building and seeing that …

So over recent decades, extensive research has shown, for example, that human beings focus on the short-term and we often ignore the long term. Research has shown that people can be unrealistically optimistic. We exaggerate some risks and ignore others altogether, even in circumstances in which we know that making some change in our personal …

The United States remains committed to the people of South Sudan and to working closely with the transitional government, the Security Council, and all stakeholders to enable peace and prosperity for the country and for the region.

As part of our strong support for the people of Myanmar, the United States continues to engage with the full range of civil society and pro-democracy groups from Myanmar that seek to restore democratic governance and protect the human rights of all the people of Myanmar – including the National Unity Government. We encourage other …

We have seen the unfortunate consequences of the continued presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya. Recent violent instability in Chad underscores the dangers foreign mercenaries pose not just to Libya but to the wider region. Preventing greater instability in the Sahel is a critical priority. All of us here today have agreed on …

The United States is proud to be the largest donor of vital assistance worldwide, having provided more than $10.5 billion in humanitarian aid globally in Fiscal Year 2020, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to restoring America’s promise to protect the world’s most vulnerable, including refugees, stateless persons, conflict victims, and other forcibly displaced persons. …

Mr. Secretary-General, you have proven yourself a capable leader in a demanding role, and we look forward to collaborating with you over these next years. You are once again being charged with the gravest of responsibilities: taking on the most important global challenges of our time. These past five years, those challenges have included a …

The United States recognizes the many challenges the Secretary-General will face in the coming years, and we hope that through his continued leadership, the next five years will see more peace, more security, and more prosperity than the last. To achieve these shared goals, it will require hard work, political will, and accountability from all …

President Biden and Vice President Harris have made eliminating racial discrimination and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion one of our core priorities, both at home and abroad. It is the right thing to do, and it is central to our strategy. That is true whether we are discussing how to hire and retain a more …

The United States remains strongly committed to preventing sexual violence in conflict, holding perpetrators accountable, and supporting survivors. We are proud of our longstanding support for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict. We must work diligently to safely identify and provide necessary services for survivors of sexual …

Haiti faces a variety of serious and complex challenges. None of them can be fully addressed without political stability in the country. That stability can only be achieved by free and fair elections that deliver a democratic and fully representative government. The time for action by President Moïse and all key stakeholders is now. The …

On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I am proud to announce nearly $407 million in new humanitarian assistance for the response to the Venezuelan regional crisis, including inside Venezuela. This new funding will provide the Venezuelan people with a wide range of lifesaving and essential assistance, such as …

Today U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced nearly $407 million in new humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable Venezuelans in Venezuela, Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and their host communities across the region.

Though the pandemic may have restricted our ability to deliver some capacity building and assistance programs, we have adapted and maintained support for our partners. We must work together to continue to develop new means of delivering assistance, and look forward to opportunities to restart other programming and assistance that was put on hold due …

Nonetheless, the United States is concerned that these virtual discussions have not had the status of actual meetings of the Security Council. And because they are not actual meetings of the Security Council, the Council’s provisional rules of procedure do not apply to them. Thus, due to the objections of one Council Member as the …

To adapt a phrase from President Biden, at the United Nations, we are in a battle for the soul of the world. This is why it is critical for the United States to lead. That means paying our dues in full and on time; aiding humanitarian and pandemic recovery efforts; expanding opportunities for American citizens …

Houthi intransigence is not the only impediment to lasting peace in Yemen. We call on the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council to put the interests of the Yemeni people first and resolve their differences. Time is of the essence – the people of Yemen need a unified government that can provide services and …

So, as we celebrate the power of inclusion and honor refugees on June 20th, let’s remember the millions of Syrians who desperately, desperately need our help. They – and millions of others around the world – are counting on us. They’re counting on us for lifesaving support, they’re counting on our common humanity to extend …

The United States is a committed partner to the G5 Sahel countries. We support the G5 Sahel Joint Force with equipment, training, and advisory support to fill critical capability gaps on a bilateral basis. In the past four years we have committed more than $580 million to provide security assistance and other countering-violent extremism support …

My view is sovereignty does not come into play when you have foreign troops in your country, when your people are crossing borders into other countries, and we’re watching on national TV your people starve to death. And I’ve said and I will say here, as I’ve said in the Security Council, don’t African lives matter?

The United States Mission to the United Nations and the UN Refugee Agency will host a virtual event, “World Refugee Day: The Power of Inclusion,” on Tuesday, June 15, at 9:15 a.m. EDT. Representative of the United States to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi will each give …

Today, we look to our fellow Member States to work with the United States toward ensuring all people have equal access to quality HIV services, regardless of who they are or who they love. We’ve made tremendous progress together in the 40 years since those first five cases were reported. Let’s build on our gains, …

The U.S.-EU partnership is built on a foundation of shared values. It is built on a common vision that includes a commitment to democracy and the rule of law, a respect for human rights, the promotion of economic opportunity, and the pursuit of transatlantic prosperity and security. The European Union remains an indispensable partner to …

We cannot let Ethiopia starve. We have to act now. And yet, despite the best efforts of many members of the Security Council – and sadly due to the impediments placed in front of us by some Council members – the Council still has not yet held a single – a single – public meeting …

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield will give opening remarks at a virtual high-level roundtable on the humanitarian emergency in the Tigray region of Ethiopia hosted by the United States and the European Union at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 10. The event will highlight the enormous humanitarian emergency unfolding in the region, which …

The United States supports the ICC’s efforts to shed light on the abuses and atrocities committed against countless Sudanese who deserve justice for these acts. Such accountability is a powerful deterrent against future abuses and makes clear to those who suffered that their pain will not be left unnoticed and unaddressed. Ending the culture of …

As President Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz note in their report, there is still much work to do to encourage the acknowledgement of historical facts and further justice at the domestic level. Serbia’s decision to grant citizenship to Mirko Vrucinic in June last year, while he faced war crimes charges in a court in Sarajevo, for …

The co-chairs of the United Nations Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists – Greece, France and Lithuania – and the undersigned Members of the Group of Friends strongly condemn the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk, Belarus, on May 23, 2021, prompted by Belarusian authorities in order to arrest and detain …

The United States remains deeply committed to ending the HIV epidemic, including ending inequalities for children through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief or PEPFAR. Preventing mother to child transmission, finding undiagnosed children living with HIV, and ensuring all children and adolescents living with HIV receive optimal care and treatment have been key tenants …

Russia’s new amendments target the majority – if not all – of the most sensitive and complex issues that the global HIV response must address full on if we are to meet our 2030 goals and targets. As you rightly point out, distinguished representative of Australia, the new Russian amendments are indeed severe and would …

As Ralph Bunche put it in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, the United Nations is “the greatest peace organization ever dedicated to the salvation of mankind’s future on earth.” But that’s only true if America is leading the way. If instead we walk away from the table, and allow others to fill the void, …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Natalia Kanem. This meeting marks the first high-level U.S. government engagement with UNFPA since the Obama Administration. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the resumption of U.S. funding for UNFPA humanitarian activities, including $2.6 million for the Rohingya refugee crisis, nearly $1.5 million in Afghanistan …

First, the United States would like to express its gratitude to the AU Peace and Security Council for its work in Chad as the country finds a way forward following the death of President Deby. We join the African Union and our international partners in calling for a peaceful, timely, and civilian-led transition of power …

Deputy Prescott will discuss U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s recent travel to Turkey and the recently announced more than $239 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people of Syria. After his opening remarks, he will then take questions from participating journalists. We are pleased to offer simultaneous interpretation for this briefing …

I just concluded a very productive three-day visit to Turkey, including a visit to the border region of Hatay. And yesterday I announced that the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, is providing nearly $240 million in humanitarian funding for the people of Syria and the communities that host them here …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the value of the strategic partnership between the United States and Turkey, our NATO Ally. She discussed her trip to the Turkey-Syria border and announcement of additional U.S. financial assistance for the humanitarian response in Syria and to support Syrian refugees …

The UNGASS against corruption is an opportunity to take stock of our progress while acknowledging the challenges still ahead. And for our part, the United States is committed to continued leadership in the global fight against corruption and turning our talk into action. That is why President Biden will be hosting the Summit for Democracy, …

As we made clear at the Council’s last meeting on this subject, no amount of disinformation – espoused by Syria and its very small number of supporters – can negate or diminish the credibility of the evidence that has been presented to us by the OPCW. The Assad regime must comply with its obligations under …

So today, I’m proud to announce the United States is providing nearly $240 million in additional humanitarian funding for the people of Syria and for the communities that host them.

The UN Convention against Corruption and the UNGASS political declaration underscore our shared commitment to combating corruption. We have seen the debilitating impact that corruption has on the rule of law, economic growth, and security. Kleptocracy, in particular, erodes public trust in governance and siphons away public resources; resources that should be going to improve …

To this end, the United States fully supports the launch of the Group of Friends of Women in the Sahel by Niger, the African Union, and the European Union. The United States is very proud to join this group, and looks forward to working together on efforts to empower women and women’s organizations in this …

We call on Russia to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and end its occupation of Crimea and the egregious human rights abuses it inflicts on the Crimean population. We urge Russia to fulfill its Minsk commitments, including implementing an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and withdrawing its military personnel and materiel from the territory of …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Turkish Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the value the United States places on its strategic partnership with Turkey, our NATO ally. She and Spokesperson Kalin discussed the ongoing conflict in Syria and related humanitarian and security issues throughout the region. The officials discussed the importance of the …

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will travel to Turkey June 2 to 4. We’re going to leave here shortly. She’ll have a series of meetings and engagements with senior Turkish Government officials, some UN – United Nations partners on the ground, with NGOs and humanitarian groups, and some of the millions of refugees that tragically have been displaced …

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield will travel to Turkey June 2-4 to focus on the extensive support provided by the United Nations and its partner agencies to meet the dire humanitarian needs in Syria. The Ambassador will meet with senior Turkish officials to discuss opportunities to strengthen the U.S.-Turkey relationship; work with …

This Pride Month, we reassert our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, equality, and freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people in the United States and throughout the world.

We urge South Sudan’s leaders to remain focused on addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of their people, respecting human rights, and ensuring accountability, including for sexual and gender-based violence. Too many people – especially women and children – continue to suffer from ongoing violence. This resolution works to safeguard their rights, as we retain the …

The United States will continue to champion efforts to strengthen and reform UN peacekeeping operations, and we remain committed to ensuring UN peacekeepers have what they need to be safe, secure, and successful in carrying out their missions.

As President Biden has said, Palestinians and Israelis deserve equally to live safely and securely; to enjoy equal measures of freedom, opportunity, and democracy; and to be treated with dignity. So, as we work with the parties and others to address the urgent needs on the ground, let’s also start thinking through how we can …

We fully condemn this as yet another blatant attempt by the Belarusian authorities to silence all opposition voices. We continue to stand firmly with the people of Belarus in their quest for a democratic future and for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We stand united against the growing practice of authoritarian leaders reaching …

As today’s event showed, when peacekeeping missions withdraw, and when we’re considering withdrawing them, we need to prioritize the protection of civilians above all else. And that means early, close, and constant contact – as I described we did in the case of Liberia. It means taking a people-centered approach. And it means working together, …

The United States stands with the Syrian people, so we call on the Assad regime to adhere to a ceasefire, deliver on confidence-building measures, and fully engage in the political process. And we call on the Security Council to reauthorize and expand UN cross-border humanitarian assistance. The UN cross-border mechanism in Syria is one of …

The challenges Africa faces are great. But Africa’s promise – thanks to young people like you – is far greater. For our part, the United States is committed to doing what we can to help propel that promise forward. But you’re going to be in the driver’s seat. I’m going to sit in the passenger …

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield congratulated President Lasso on his inauguration after a transparent, free, and fair election, and praised the Ecuadorian people for participating in the democratic process. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and President Lasso discussed the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Ecuadorian people and President Biden’s commitment to accelerating the equitable distribution of vaccines globally.

UN peacekeeping is one of the most effective tools the Security Council has for protecting civilians in conflict areas. We will continue to work to ensure that the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights lie at the core of what UN peacekeeping missions do. That means making sure these missions have the …

I went to Africa for the very first time when I was 26 years old, and I went to Liberia to study, and I fell in love with the continent at that point. I fell in love with Liberia, so clearly Liberia is going to be listed as the country that is my favorite country …

Last month, the United States announced $154 million in additional humanitarian assistance to address the life-threatening challenges that result from chronic food insecurity, violence, desert locusts, and the cycles of drought and flooding. We remain committed to the Somali people, to supporting their aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future, and addressing their urgent humanitarian …

On Monday evening, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed appreciation for Costa Rica’s leadership on many areas of shared importance including democracy, human rights, migration, and climate change. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and Foreign Minister Solano also discussed the dire impact of COVID on the region. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also …

On Monday evening, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Venezuelan Interim Government Foreign Affairs Commissioner Julio Borges and Commissioner Leopoldo López. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored U.S. support for a negotiated outcome that leads to free and fair elections in Venezuela. They agreed on the importance of bolstering international consensus in support of …

The United States attaches great importance to our relationships with – and the needs of – our LDC partners and friends. As we all grapple with the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States is committed to supporting our LDC partners as they confront the compounding impact of the climate crisis, …

The United States welcomes this opportunity to discuss this critically important issue as we look ahead to the International Day of UN Peacekeepers later this week. We are deeply grateful – and let me echo Sven here – for the military, police, and civilian personnel who have served in UN peacekeeping operations. And we honor …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Haiti President Jovenel Moïse. She conveyed deep concern regarding Haiti’s ongoing political impasse, a lack of accountability for human rights violations, and deteriorating security conditions. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield noted that to date, preparations for the constitutional referendum scheduled for June 27 have not been sufficiently transparent or inclusive, and reiterated …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Felipe Solá. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also expressed the United States’ solidarity in the face of surging COVID cases in Argentina and emphasized President Biden’s commitments to accelerating global vaccine distribution and pandemic response. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also expressed appreciation for Argentina’s work through multilateral systems to …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader. They discussed the shared ties between the peoples of the United States and the Dominican Republic, and their partnership in support of common interests at the United Nations. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the United States’ commitment to leading an international and coordinated vaccination effort to …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Chile’s Foreign Minister Andres Allamand. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield thanked FM Allamand for Chile’s leadership in the fight against climate change, and expressed the United States’ hope to work with Chile on renewable energy. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield conveyed the United States’ appreciation to FM Allamand for Chile’s regional leadership in promoting human …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield participated in a roundtable discussion on Venezuelan refugees and migration today in Ecuador with representatives from UNHCR, IOM, WFP, UNICEF, HIAS, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Dialogo Diverso, and Desarrollo y Autogestion.

In these tough times, we also share great challenges – like the need to defeat COVID-19, recover from economic setbacks, and climate change. And we share tremendous opportunities, from economic partnerships and business development, to protecting human rights, to expanding education. This is why President Biden sent his very first Presidential Delegation here to Ecuador. …

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will travel to Ecuador May 23-25 to lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation for the inauguration of Ecuador’s President-elect Guillermo Lasso Mendoza and Vice-President-elect Alfredo Borrero Vega. In Quito, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will meet with senior Ecuadorian officials, regional heads of state, and other dignitaries attending the inauguration on May 24. The Ambassador will also …

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke today with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield shared concerns regarding attacks by armed groups, including ISIS-DRC, and conveyed the United States’ hope that the DRC’s efforts to address these attacks would be fully coordinated with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission …

Class of 2021: I have hope – I have light in my eyes – because of you. When I think of your promise, your potential, I swell with pride. With your Holy Cross mentors and role models by your side, I believe you will become men and women for others. I trust you will go …

The Council has an obligation to support the construction of sovereign institutions that are transparent, technocratic, and apolitical, and to punish those who engage in corruption. And as these institutions and others develop in Libya, civil society and women leaders must be included. Their inclusion will help foster peace, ensure equity, and advance accountability.

As President Biden said tonight, we will be working with the UN and UN bodies to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of the region, and we will be asking for other nations to step up their contributions, as well. And as we have repeatedly said, Israelis and Palestinians deserve safety and security, and …

The United States has had more than 60 diplomatic meetings at the highest levels, including at least five by President Biden. In his most recent call with Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday, President Biden communicated that we continue to stand by Israel’s right to defend itself, that we believe Israel is now in a position to …

Finally, Mr. President, commitment to the well-being of the Sudanese people, we believe, extends to the turnover of team sites from UN hands to government hands. These spaces were for years investments by the UN, investments in the Sudanese people, aimed at protecting Sudanese and giving them a sense of stability. The failed turnover of …

In response to this current pandemic, the United States has delivered over $570 million in economic support, humanitarian, and health assistance. And on Monday, President Biden announced that we will be donating 80 million COVID-19 vaccines by the end of June. We will work with COVAX and other partners to ensure their delivery and distribution …

I’m here because there are several global crises, like COVID-19 and climate change, which have demonstrated at once how interconnected we are and how important our partnerships are. As the entire world works to chart a path forward from this past year, the Security Council will be discussing the unique challenges facing countries across the …

For Chad, Mali, and the rest of the region – representative, elected governments are the best path forward. Democracy leads to good governance. Good governance leads to stability. And stability will lead to peace and prosperity for all.

The ICC’s work in Libya is a critical element of our international commitment to accountability, peace, and security. To achieve these goals in Libya, the appropriate mechanisms – including international, hybrid, and domestic courts – need to deliver for victims of atrocities. We will continue to support the ICC’s investigations and contributions, which we hope …

Our digital era could hardly have been imagined when the UN was founded 75 years ago. Yet – as we adapt to the benefits and challenges of these emerging technologies – the rules, norms, and principles to which our governments committed must still apply today. The United States will continue to lead and partner with …

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights begins with the word “universal” for a reason. The foundational unit of the United Nations – from the first sentence of the Charter – is not just the nation state. It is also the human being. Along with our fellow members of the UN LGBTI Core Group in New …

So, it’s time to end the cycle of violence. The United States calls on Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza to immediately halt rocket attacks and other provocations. We also are deeply concerned about the ongoing intercommunal violence within mixed communities in Israel. We urge all parties to avoid actions that undermine a peaceful …

What we’ve discussed today is not only an effort to punish those who are responsible, and vindicate the rights of victims. It’s also a commitment to an inclusive, peaceful, and democratic Iraq. So, thank you to everyone for working to hold ISIS accountable for its atrocities, and for your commitment to building a better future …

There is only one way to permanently address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen: a lasting ceasefire and an inclusive political solution. But until that happens, the international community must step up to fund the humanitarian response without delay. And all parties must permit the free flow of both commercial and humanitarian commodities such as fuel, …

We will keep standing up and speaking out until China’s government stops its crimes against humanity and the genocide of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. And we will keep working in concert with our allies and our partners until China’s government respects the universal human rights of all its people.

The people of Abyei deserve to live in peace without fear of violence. This resolution to renew UNISFA’s mandate recognizes that the people of Abyei also deserve a functioning security and administrative arrangement that can offer rule of law and stability. The United States welcomes continued cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan to manage bilateral …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will deliver remarks at a high-level virtual event on the situation of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12. This event, co-sponsored by the United States, brings together UN officials, civil society representatives, academics, journalists, and representatives of affected communities in order to exchange …

Ultimately, real economic recovery – like real elections – is about trust. The corruption endemic to so much of Iraq undermines economic progress at every turn. Robust reforms to end corruption are the key to restoring trust in Iraq’s political bodies. So, we commend the government for its efforts to build a foundation of trust …

Accountability is one of the most important pillars holding up our rules-based order. And so, we thank the Government of Iraq and UNITAD for their hard work and continued cooperation to hold ISIS accountable for its atrocities.

To President Wiewel; Dean Suttmeier, distinguished alumni, faculty, and staff; and most importantly to the Lewis & Clark College Class of 2021: Congratulations! You did it! And you have so much to be proud of. You worked hard. Maybe you spent late nights at Watzek – or perhaps early mornings at the Co-Op. However, you …

While we’ve all been impacted by this pandemic, the work of the Country Task Forces on Monitoring and Reporting has faced particular challenges. Their work tracking human rights violations and abuses against children has always been difficult, sensitive work. As we heard from the briefers, health precautions, teleworking, and changing dynamics on the ground have …

When countries came together after World War II to form the United Nations, virtually all of human history up till then indicated that might made right. Competition inevitably led to collision. The rise of a nation or group of nations necessitated the fall of others. Then our nations united in choosing a different path. We …

The United States assesses that the regime’s innumerable atrocities – some of which rise to the level of war crimes, crimes against humanity – include at least 50 chemical weapons attacks since the conflict began. The OPCW and the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism – together with this latest report – have now attributed eight chemical …

Russia held an informal Arria-formula meeting at the UN today to again promote a false narrative about Ukraine. We regret this deliberate attempt to divert the attention of the international community from Russia’s ongoing destabilizing activities against Ukraine over the last seven years. We remain saddened by the tragic loss of lives in Odessa on …

Let us all be clear about why we are here today. Russia continues to misuse its Security Council seat by convening events on Ukraine as part of Russia’s broader disinformation campaign. Russia aims to weaponize history, distorting and obfuscating Russia’s role in both the origin and continuation of the failed so-called “Russian spring” of 2014, …

I have one question for the panel’s thoughts: what can all of us do to reaffirm the foundational values, the principles, the rules of the free and open international rules-based order that we have all built together?

The U.S. position on the Dayton Peace Accords, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future as a single state destined for the Euro-Atlantic community, remains unchanged. We are committed to the principles of Dayton – that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a democratic, multi-ethnic, sovereign, and independent state with unquestioned territorial integrity. There is no future for either …

Today, we remember a leader and a partner who dedicated his life to the fight against violent extremism. His passing is a seismic development for Chad and the entire region. Most Chadians have never experienced another person in the presidency. President Déby’s death is a reminder to us all that the dangers faced by the …

To the people of Burma, and especially the journalists in Burma: The United States stands with you. We commend the brave journalists who are circumventing the military’s media ban, documenting the horrors committed by the junta, and sharing them with the world. And we condemn the arbitrary arrests and violence against journalists. Journalists must be …

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees journalists, and all people, a right to the freedom of expression. This is a foundational value of the UN system. The United States and our partners at the United Nations, including the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists, will continue to condemn and call out governments …

You may have heard President Biden say that “we’re in a battle for the soul of our nation.” As leading trackers of hate, extremism, and antisemitism, you know that better than anyone. Right now, as you’ve recently reported, our country is experiencing an alarming increase in white supremacist propaganda. We’re also experiencing more bullying and …

Jazz has a long history of cultural diplomacy. That’s just one reason we were so proud to partner with UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute to launch International Jazz Day. And today, I’m thrilled to be celebrating the 10th International Jazz Day with all of you.

The “public” in public health has to mean everyone. Especially those who aren’t in the room to represent themselves. Because time and time again, I’ve seen how the most vulnerable are the least likely to be heard. My father never learned to read. My mother raised me with only a middle school education. Their perspectives …

The United States stands with these people, and all of the people of Syria. So, we demand the Assad regime adhere to a nationwide ceasefire. We call for a political resolution to the Syrian conflict. And in the meantime, we beseech this Council to support the Syrian people and give them access to the humanitarian …

When we work together – when we take a multi-stakeholder, multi-hazard approach to disaster response – we can save lives. We can save entire communities. That is what we are here to do for our friends in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and our hearts go out to the people. We are proud to be …

Our charge – to advance peace and security – has to put people first. Their lives, their dignity, their wellbeing – that is what we are here to protect. And although we have not spoken at such length to the specific issue of civilian infrastructure before, I’m glad we are now. Because it is not …

Today is the 35th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear accident, a tragedy that demonstrated the Soviet Union’s disregard for nuclear safety and the safety of its own citizens. I wish to recognize, in particular, the representatives of Ukraine and Belarus, whose people were most seriously affected by the disaster.

Today, Vice President Kamala Harris and United States Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield each addressed UN representatives and stakeholders urging bold actions needed to prevent, detect, and respond to the threat of future infectious disease outbreaks and ensure resilient health systems. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield opened today’s event by highlighting the heartbreaking spike in COVID …

The United States wants to reiterate its commitment to support stability in Abyei, along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, and in the broader region. The overall recent deterioration of the security situation within and between countries in the region is of deep concern to the United States. Several overlapping crises could further endanger …

I want to take a moment to talk about the heartbreaking situation in India. The most recent spike of COVID-19 cases there has been devastating. The United States stands in solidarity with the people of India. We are doing everything we can to help, including deploying raw materials for vaccines, as well as therapeutics, rapid …

On World Malaria Day 2021, the United States joins the global community in celebrating continued progress in the fight against malaria. Over the past two decades, the United States has provided more than $140 billion in global health assistance and is the world’s leading donor to programs that work to eradicate malaria, including through the …

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern about the continued political impasse and disagreement among Somalia’s political leaders on the model for elections.

The members of the Security Council acknowledged the efforts by the Government of Ethiopia to provide humanitarian assistance and to provide increased humanitarian access. The members of the Security Council recognized, nevertheless, that, humanitarian challenges remain. They called for a scaled up humanitarian response and unfettered humanitarian access to all people in need, including in …

Here in America, this past year, we experienced extreme wildfires in California, unprecedented storms and blackouts in Texas, and devastating hurricanes in my own home state of Louisiana. And of course, we were far from alone. The world saw monsoons, and droughts, and rising sea levels, toxic air pollution. My point is, it doesn’t matter …

This Administration has been very clear about the United States’ commitment to advancing a negotiated two-state solution in which Israel lives in peace and security alongside a viable Palestinian state. We’ve also been clear about our desire to reengage with the Palestinians, and to restore U.S. assistance programs that support economic development and humanitarian aid …

For over a decade now, the Syrian people have endured the unimaginable: from torture, to attacks on hospitals and healthcare, to cutting off humanitarian aid. That inability to even imagine what that must be like is exactly why we need the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism. Their work builds on the work of the United …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will deliver remarks and moderate a panel discussion on climate security at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, as part of President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate. The session will highlight the global security challenges posed by climate change and discuss what international partners are doing to address them.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met virtually yesterday with the Commissioner-General for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini. The two discussed U.S. re-engagement with UNRWA, including the recent announcement of the resumption of U.S. assistance to the agency. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored the critical role that UNRWA plays in providing vital services to a …

As Vice President Harris has pointed out, the people in this region are so often driven by hope. Hope that change is possible. That life can be better. That humanity will win out over cruelty and suffering. Today, we are calling for solidarity. We’re calling for support to bring hope and help to vulnerable people …

Our renewed commitments to indigenous people extend beyond our borders. The United States will continue to actively engage in UN bodies which consider the many issues directly affecting indigenous people. We will proactively reach out to institutions representing indigenous people, seek their input, and advocate for them throughout the UN system. And that’s what it …

The U.S. position on the JCPOA is clear: we are ready to return to the agreement if Iran returns to full compliance with its nuclear commitments. And, as demonstrated by our participation in ongoing talks in Vienna, we are working with international partners to determine whether that is possible. At the same time, we will …

With Indigenous knowledge, our world can usher in a new era of peace, justice, and strong institutions to meet this moment and move our planet toward a more sustainable future. Our ancestors lived sustainably and survived famine and drought with the understanding that future generations would rely on their hard work and sacrifice in moments …

Regional organizations are essential partners in working toward peace and security. They are engines of diplomacy. We at the United Nations have to be in close contact with them to secure our success. So, we look forward to continuing to coordinate and collaborate with all of these organizations, as well as others, in the days, …

The United States commends the UK delegation as penholder on the two resolutions adopted today, particularly for the cooperative spirit in which they led the process. We also welcome the genuine commitment of members of this Council to crafting a strong resolution in support of the UN-facilitated political process in Libya and the extension of …

I should start by stating the obvious: the use of chemical weapons constitutes a threat to peace and security for all states. The United States remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of international non-proliferation regimes, which is the stated topic of today’s meeting. We certainly share this goal, and we certainly call on all members of this Council to uphold what …

Today the United States raised again in the Security Council its grave concern regarding the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and credible reports that Eritrean forces are re-uniforming as Ethiopian military in order to remain in Tigray indefinitely. The Eritrean government must withdraw its forces from Ethiopia immediately.

First: diplomacy can, should, and must end the war in Yemen. And we heard that from Martin. U.S. Special Envoy Timothy Lenderking is leading our diplomatic efforts, working closely with the UN to bring the parties together and conclude this conflict. The goals are clear: achieve a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire, re-open Sana’a’s international airport, implement …

We acknowledge – as always – that our nation is imperfect. But every day we strive to make it more perfect. It’s that striving that sets us apart. And today represents a remarkable step forward in that effort. Because you can’t aim for that more perfect union without a plan. You can’t strive without a …

Like in Burma, where Rohingya and others have been oppressed, abused, and killed in staggering numbers. Or in China, where the government has committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups. The prevalence – and pervasiveness – of racism and racial inequality might make the situation …

Speaking more broadly on gender-based violence, the United Nations has called the increased rate of violence over the last year “the shadow pandemic.” Well, I’d say it’s time to bring gender-based violence out of the shadows. Together, we have to work to shine a light on it. And let’s treat this like an emergency, with …

The United States Mission to the United Nations today announced the U.S. delegation to the 20th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, to be held April 19-30 in a hybrid format at United Nations Headquarters in New York and virtually. The theme of this year’s session is “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: …

The United States wants to begin by applauding Kosovo for conducting free and fair, transparent elections in February, elections that ushered in a new government, which, as the foreign minister mentioned, reflects the will of Kosovo’s population for reforms, reforms to strengthen peace, justice, and prosperity in country.

We are facing a global health crisis of unprecedented proportions. While the prospect of a fully vaccinated world offers a glimpse of life beyond COVID-19, we must remember that we are not safe until we are all safe. That is why the United States is proud to be the world’s largest donor to COVAX, with …

We know from last week’s briefings that the consequences of inaction are dire. We are particularly troubled by protests in North Kivu last week that turned violent, and highlighting civilian anger about unceasing armed group attacks. The Congolese people, our colleagues in MONUSCO, and the tens of millions of people in the region need us …

So, to the people of Burma, if you can see this or hear this – and certainly our briefers can – I want you to know that the United States stands with you. And we will do everything in our power, in coordination with our allies and our partners, here in the Security Council and …

The good news is, we can build resilience, we can stave off security threats, and we can even generate economic opportunity, if we work together. And that’s why we were proud to rejoin the Paris Agreement hours after President Biden was sworn into office. It’s why we are encouraging everyone to join us in raising …

President Biden believes we need to curtail the use of landmines. Now, there has been some discussion of the previous administration’s landmine policy this week, so let me speak plainly: President Biden has been clear that he intends to roll back this policy, and our administration has begun a policy review to do just that. …

As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, we honor the lives of six million Jewish men, women, and children who were systematically murdered in the Holocaust, and also remember the many others – including Roma, Slavs, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ persons – who were victims of Nazi persecution. We also pay tribute to those who survived …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met virtually this morning with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield raised the United States’ deep concern over the human rights situations in Burma, China, Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Yemen, and the importance of holding accountable those who commit human rights violations and abuses. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield reiterated U.S. …

On this somber anniversary, we reflect on the more than 800,000 people murdered during 100 days of terror in Rwanda in 1994. Today we grieve for the innocent lives lost and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the families who will forever cherish them and the survivors who suffer as both victims and witnesses to one of the …

Let me say again that the United States firmly supports the impartial and independent work of the OPCW and its investigative bodies. That includes the Investigation and Identification Team, the Fact-Finding Mission, and the Declaration Assessment Team. We applaud the OPCW’s leadership and the Technical Secretariat for the professional manner in which it carries out …

As the largest humanitarian donor to the Sahel region, the United States remains a steadfast partner to the Malian people. We recently announced more than $80 million in humanitarian assistance to the region. This aid will provide shelter, clean drinking water, emergency food assistance, and hygiene services for refugees, internally displaced, and vulnerable host communities.

The co-chairs of the United Nations Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists – Lithuania, France and Greece – and the undersigned Members of the Group of Friends and the UN Member States, express their deep concern over the attacks on the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the situation of journalists …

The members of the Security Council noted ongoing efforts to find agreement between leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States on implementation of the 17 September electoral model.

I mentioned to you when I spoke to you a month ago that I was hitting the ground sprinting. Today I can take a little bit, just a tiny bit of a breather. At the beginning of this month, I said America was back at the table. I declared we would re-engage with the world, …

The members of the Security Council met on 30 March 2021 to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). They were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bintou Keita.

As we mark International Transgender Day of Visibility, the United States celebrates the contributions, progress, and empowerment of transgender and gender non-binary people. Today, we also acknowledge and reflect upon the continued struggle faced by transgender and non-binary people to be safe, equal, and free in every part of our globe.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place at Makassar Church in Makassar, Indonesia, on 28 March 2021. The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and to the Government of Indonesia and they wished …

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, will deliver brief remarks and take questions from members of the media Wednesday, March 31, at approximately 1:00 p.m. EDT at the UN Security Council stakeout to mark the conclusion of the U.S. presidency of the Security Council. The press briefing will be livestreamed on UN …

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and their means of delivery, including to terrorists and other non-state actors, remains among the most serious threats facing the international community. Our collective efforts to address this threat are as important now as they have ever been.

Confronting the challenges in the eastern DRC also requires the full implementation of commitments under the 2013 Peace, Security, and Cooperation framework. That means enhancing security, ending impunity for human rights abuses, and supporting stabilization efforts.

Just yesterday, Secretary of State Blinken and I participated in a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the humanitarian situation in Syria. We heard from UN officials and from Dr. Amani Ballour about the dire need for humanitarian aid and the necessity of the UN’s cross-border mechanisms.

So today, I’m proud to announce over $596 million in new humanitarian assistance in support of vulnerable Syrians in Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, from the United States.

Let’s make the simple question that guides our decision on reauthorizing cross-border crossings, and on all questions of delivering aid to people in Syria: What will do the most to reduce the suffering of Syrian children, women, and men?

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will lead the virtual United States delegation to the fifth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” March 29-30, co-chaired by the European Union and the United Nations. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will deliver remarks on March 30th on behalf of the U.S. delegation, underscoring the United States’ commitment to …