Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana at the 9534th Meeting of the UN Security Council on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question"
Mr. President,
I wish to thank the Secretary-General for briefing on the situation in Gaza and for the update on the implementation of resolution 2712. The information provided painted a stark picture of the brutal reality that Palestinian men, women and children are living – a reality which has progressively worsened since the events of 7 October. Guyana unequivocally condemns the violent, sub-human treatment to which the Palestinian people continue to be subjected.
Mr. President,
The desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza has rightly attracted worldwide outrage and condemnation and Guyana underscores our collective responsibility as members of this Council to respond in adequate measure for the protection and relief of Palestinian people. In this vein, Guyana welcomes the Secretary-General’s appointment of Ms. Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands as Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza pursuant to resolution 2720. We look forward to the urgent establishment of the United Nations mechanism to accelerate humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the Coordinator and the mechanism once established.
While Guyana acknowledges these as important steps for the relief of the Palestinian people, we emphasize that the impacts of these interventions will not be sustainable outside of a lasting ceasefire. Guyana has taken note of the Secretary-General’s observation that an effective aid operation requires “security; staff who can work in safety; logistical capacity; and the resumption of commercial activity.” These conditions do not exist currently and can never be met amidst constant and unrestrained bombings. Guyana therefore urges intensified efforts towards the achievement of a ceasefire and is prepared to work with fellow Council members to this end.
Mr. President,
The continued violations of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip and in the occupied West Bank, should never be met with silence. Guyana deplores such violations by all parties and underscores the obligation to adhere to and respect international law. We condemn the ongoing and indiscriminate attacks against hospitals, refugee camps and UN facilities and call on the Israeli Defence Force to cease the killing of innocent civilians.
These actions do not align with the obligations of UN Member States and are contrary to the purposes and principles of the Organization as outlined in the Charter. There must be consequences for these illegal actions.
Mr. President,
As is the case with war everywhere, this war in Gaza is disruptive in myriad ways. The delivery of education has been jeopardized, the delivery of quality healthcare services has been seriously compromised and the healthcare system brought to its knees. The scarce economic opportunities that previously existed for Palestinian people have now dwindled. Almost the entire population of Gaza has been internally displaced. The extent of the crisis in Gaza is exponential and places the Palestinian people even further behind in the global quest for sustainable development. The anticipated long-term impacts of the war confirm this. The hostilities must end so that the Palestinian people can rebuild their lives. On this latter note of rebuilding their lives, Mr. President, we must seriously consider what that should entail after this war ends.
We must seriously contemplate what must be done to change the worsening circumstances that the people of Gaza, and indeed the entire Palestinian population, have been experiencing for more than seven decades. This is a difficult question the answer to which lies in altering certain deep-rooted ideologies that justify policies of discrimination against the Palestinian people.
Frankly, Mr. President, this discriminatory stance cannot be reconciled with the United Nations Charter which mandates Member States to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours. Let me also underscore Guyana’s rejection of any plans for the forced resettlement of the population of Gaza to foreign countries. Any such move would be contrary to international humanitarian law and would violate the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Guyana therefore urges this Council and the international community to do all in their power to prevent such an occurrence.
Mr. President,
Allow me to conclude by reiterating the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We also need meaningful actions geared towards improving the standard of living of the Palestinian people, facilitating the enjoyment of their human rights including their inalienable right to self-determination, and most importantly, achieving the two-state solution. Peace can never be carved out through violence and conflict. Security can never be achieved through insecurity and chaos. The instruments of war must be set aside, and we must work to implement a peaceful and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. We cannot miss the opportunity that this moment provides to advance the two-state solution. Guyana is ready to contribute constructively to genuine efforts to this end.
I thank you.
