– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
15 October 2019
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
It is an honour to address the Third Committee.
I congratulate the Chair, Ambassador Christian Braun, and the other Members of the Bureau on their election. I wish you successful deliberation throughout the session.
Excellencies,
In the coming weeks, this Committee will consider important issues relating to the advancement of women, the protection of children, rights of indigenous peoples, and the treatment of refugees.
The work of the Committee will address such important questions related to youth, family, ageing, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drugs control.
Human rights are the foundation for peace and prosperity. Indeed, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development builds upon respect for human rights and dignity.
They are also in my priorities, namely the promotion of peace and security through conflict prevention, poverty eradication, quality education, and the implementation of effective people-centered response to the climate emergency. Inclusion is the bedrock of rights, and we must work to guarantee it at all levels: in communities, nationally, regionally, and globally.
We cannot have a United Nations that excludes. The General Assembly is the most representative body in the United Nations system, and each one of us has a responsibility to advance representation and inclusion in our work.
This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
This should be an occasion to review what progress we have made towards what the convention envisages and, in particular it should be a moment to redouble our effort to prevent and stop all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
As we approach Beijing+25, there is a renewed sense of urgency. Much progress has been made since world leaders adopted the Platform for Action. However, we must now work harder to remove structural and cultural impediments for equal participation and equal opportunities for women and girls.
With regard to my key priority of quality education, Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states,
“Everyone has the right to education.”
Yet, one out of every five children in the world is not in school today.
The rights of children everywhere must be ensured so that they can fulfill their potential. If we do not take collective action now, we will fail these children and future generations.
In November, we will commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It should be an opportunity to reflect upon our accomplishments and deepen our commitment to the rights of the child.
We cannot have a United Nations that excludes. The General Assembly is the most representative body in the United Nations system, and each one of us has a responsibility to advance representation and inclusion in our work
Excellencies,
Distinguish delegates,
I encourage all entities including the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to work towards ensuring a better world for all.
As we look towards the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations, it is crucial to uphold the inalienable rights which safeguard the people we serve. We should remember what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“[We]… are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
I am certain that this involves a healthy dosage of sisterhood, as well.
I look forward to hearing from you throughout your deliberations. I am confident that by striving together, we will succeed in delivering for all.
I thank you.
