Statement delivered by Her Excellency Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate: “Multilateral cooperation in the interest of a more just, democratic and sustainable world order”

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16 July 2024

Thank you President,

International law and the UN Charter, underpinned by respect for all fundamental human rights, are the bedrock of multilateralism. They form the essential tenants for diplomacy and international relations.

We must remain committed to all fundamental principles of international law, emphasizing that these principles should be seen complementary rather than conflicting. During times of unprecedented global challenges, it is imperative that we uphold them even more vehemently.

Conflicts have escalated both in intensity and in volume, with the emergence of various risk factors and threat multipliers. This includes climate change, which exacerbates various challenges such as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the reduction of food supplies, and the subsequent escalation of conflicts.

Human rights are increasingly being curtailed and violated, and inequalities are rising. This further enhances the importance of multilateral cooperation which is crucial for effectively addressing such global challenges.

Malta remains dedicated to multilateralism based on international law and the UN Charter to address these challenges. We reiterate that in these times enhanced cooperation between multilateral organisations at international and regional level, with the UN at the core of this work, is especially important.

The system must continue to evolve to answer to today’s challenges.

It is fundamental that such an evolution safeguards and facilitates the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women, in order to promote gender transformative actions and agreements.

President

We believe that the Summit of the Future presents a critical opportunity for all States to recommit to multilateralism based on a good faith interpretation of international law and the UN Charter, with the UN at its centre.

Peace and Security, sustainable development and adherence to human rights are intrinsically linked. We must therefore accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, promote and defend the universality and indivisibility of human rights within the UN system, while remaining committed to strengthening transitional justice and accountability for serious violations and abuses of human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law.

Malta therefore remains a strong advocate for the integrity, independence and functionality of the UN human rights mechanisms as well as a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court and other international judicial mechanisms.

We cannot have peace and security without adherence to the entirety of international law and the UN Charter. In this regard, we must point out the continued blatant disregard shown by the Russian Federation for international law and the UN Charter in their unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.

This illegal aggression has caused death and injury to hundreds of thousands, including many civilians, grave violations against children, destruction of civilian infrastructure including schools and hospitals, and caused worldwide food shortages.

On this occasion, we once again urge the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and to turn to dialogue and diplomacy as the tools which can bring stability to the region.

In closing, multilateralism based on international law and the UN Charter, with respect for fundamental human rights is the only way to rise to today’s global challenges. Malta remains committed to working towards this goal.

I thank you.

 

 

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