Deputy Secretary-General Says Organization of Islamic Conference, in Addressing Root Causes of Regional Instability, Can Mobilize Communities for Peace
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General remarks, as prepared for delivery, to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) annual coordination meeting, today in New York:
On behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, I am honoured to address this important meeting. World leaders have just taken a historic step by adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It aims to eradicate poverty, foster well-being and prosperity and protect our planet. It embraces peaceful societies and well-functioning institutions as integral to development progress.
Together with the successful outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, and a meaningful climate change agreement, which world leaders have committed to adopt in Paris in December, this is truly an inspiring and transformative agenda for change. We must now turn commitments into action for a life of dignity for all.
Let me turn to some specific issues of concern.
There is reason for all of us to be troubled by the plight of refugees and internally displaced people. Nearly 60 million men, women and children have been forced from their homes. They are fleeing conflict, persecution, sexual violence and atrocities. But there are in today’s world many more who are escaping the negative consequences of poor and unrepresentative governance, weak or absent rule of law and a lack of economic prospects.
The United Nations is grateful that millions of Syrians have already been hosted by OIC member States, including notably Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. However, the international community has failed to live up to its responsibilities to prevent or resolve the armed conflicts and heinous conditions they flee. There is also in some cases lack of support of refugee conventions, humanitarian law and human rights. Now is the time for compassion and solidarity, and for charting a viable road in this spirit.
At the same time, violent extremism is becoming an even greater global threat, undermining positive intentions and developments. Good governance, respect for human rights and political strategies are central to neutralizing this menace.
The Secretary-General intends to present a plan of action to prevent violent extremism in the beginning of next year. The plan is intended to take a proactive approach, address the drivers of violent extremism, and provide Member States and the United Nations System with recommendations for action. The strong support of the OIC members will send a message of unity in the face of hatred and division — a provocation we must never accept.
In Syria, political instability and chaos must be addressed by serious political efforts by the Security Council and countries in the region. I urge all countries to work together to find a political settlement and an end to this nightmare as soon as possible. The Geneva Communiqué of June 2012 is still the basis for a peaceful solution.
This meeting is taking place against the backdrop of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by Israel’s continuing settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Such actions are illegal under international law and must stop. Rocket attacks by extremist Palestinian militants from Gaza must also stop. Let me reiterate the Secretary-General’s call to international partners to make good on their pledges to assist reconstruction in Gaza.
Progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could have a positive impact on regional stability. We are hopeful that the renewed efforts of the Quartet plus regional Arab partners will create the conditions to resume direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians. The OIC has an important role to play in supporting the peace efforts.
The conflict in Yemen remains a deep concern. The humanitarian impact of the war and the devastating bombings and attacks on the ground is disastrous. Four out of five Yemenis, or more than 21 million people, are in need of humanitarian assistance. Civilian casualties are mounting. Al-Qaida is getting stronger. We must urgently find ways to end this conflict. The United Nations Special Envoy will continue his efforts to engage with all sides on a peaceful way forward.
Iraq requires solidarity of the broader region to achieve unity, prosperity and stability. It is particularly important to support Iraq on the path of reform and national reconciliation. I welcome the OIC’s support for Prime Minister [Haider] al-Abadi’s efforts of reform and of improving the delivery of essential services in Iraq.
It is now more than ever crucial to ensure a peaceful and stable future for Afghanistan. It is important for all to enhance regional cooperation and build trust. I welcome your consistent support in this pursuit.
With respect to Myanmar, the United Nations remains engaged in the Government’s reform efforts, as well as its efforts of peace and reconciliation. The issue of citizenship for the Rohingya needs to be addressed decisively and in a humane way. The upcoming electoral period will provide a crucial opportunity to build a genuinely multi-ethnic and diverse democracy in Myanmar.
The United Nations and the OIC have worked closely in support of the inter-Malian dialogue which concluded with the signing of the Algiers Accord. The OIC can continue to play an important role in addressing the root causes of instability across the region. This includes encouraging regional cooperation and mobilizing communities at the local level in favour of a culture of peace.
The Central African Republic is moving towards elections this fall. It has made important steps toward reconciliation. At the same time, more needs to be done to address the dire humanitarian situation and to create an environment conducive to the voluntary and safe return of refugees and internally displaced people.
The partnership between the United Nations and the OIC remains a crucial tool in our collective efforts to achieve a lasting and sustainable resolution of the conflicts in Sudan, including the protracted crisis in Darfur. A core of this partnership has been the support of the OIC for the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, under the leadership of the State of Qatar.
Finally, I would like to thank the OIC for co-chairing the special meeting on Somalia in the margins of the current General Assembly session. Somalia has made impressive progress in State-building. I welcome the launch of consultations to achieve common modalities for an inclusive 2016 electoral process. But the situation is still fragile. We must press for continued positive momentum. AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia] and its partners have made important gains against Al-Shabaab. However, a military strategy alone will not address extremism. The international community should forge a comprehensive approach, involving political, social and economic elements.
As our two organizations prepare for the general cooperation meeting next year, I am confident that our strengthening ties will promote lasting peace, sustainable development and human rights. Secretary General [Iyad bin Amin] Madani and I have discussed further cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC in the areas of prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Such cooperation has a great potential to strengthen peace and a life of dignity for all. I wish you a successful meeting.