At UN, Bolivian leader proposes alliance to save humankind

Bolivian President Evo Morales proposed the creation of a new alliance to save humankind by guaranteeing human rights, saving the environment and promoting equality and social justice for all during his address to the General Assembly’s annual high-level segment.

The provision of water and other basic services, including energy and electricity, are human rights, he said, also urging the protection of migrants.

“Walls were built for cattle and sheep,” Mr. Morales told world leaders gathered at the Assembly yesterday, criticizing the erection of barriers in Mexico and the occupied Palestinian territory. “We cannot confuse human beings with animals.”

Commerce can circulate freely but people cannot, he said, calling for an end to embargoes such as the one against Cuba put in place by the United States.

The new alliance would also help to conserve the environment, the President said, speaking out against the selling of so-called carbon bonds. “How can Mother Earth be turned into a business?” he asked.

The coalition must also promote equality and justice for all, which he said is the backbone for peace.

Its final objective, Mr. Morales said, is to strengthen the United Nations by democratizing it, which he said would be a “difficult task.”