Madame President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
I am honoured to address you on this historic occasion of the first observance of the International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures.
Today, we reflect the collective determination of Member States to raise awareness of the adverse impacts of unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law and the UN Charter, and reaffirm the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, understanding, tolerance and multilateralism.
Excellencies,
Unilateral coercive measures such as trade embargoes, financial restrictions, or targeted sanctions have long been a concern at the United Nations.
From a human rights perspective, targeted sanctions against individuals and companies and other entities, consistent with international law, can be important tools to promote peace and protect human rights. Conversely, unilateral coercive measures inconsistent with international law seriously threaten human dignity and development.
Our report on unilateral economic measures highlights key findings from Member States and the UN system.
The number of developing countries impacted by unilateral measures is significant and continues to climb, reflecting an accelerating trend.
Member States held divergent views on these measures. Some viewed them as admissible in specific circumstances; and most opposed, stressing that unilateral measures curtail economies, hinder the Sustainable Development Goals and worsen humanitarian conditions.
Responding entities observed that collateral impacts disrupted supply chains, including those for energy, health, agriculture and food items, with the most vulnerable disproportionately affected.
Additionally, UN operations faced higher costs and delays in aid delivery due to the impact of unilateral coercive measures.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
The General Assembly has repeatedly urged Member States to refrain from adopting, promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial, or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the UN Charter that impede, or in any other manner undermine, the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries.
I trust that today’s observance advances two main goals: raising global awareness of the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures and promoting greater international cooperation and solidarity to address their consequences.
Together, through dialogue and cooperation, we can build a global system where no one is left behind.
Thank you.