Global perspective Human stories

Social justice and political inclusion can prevent unrest, Trinidad and Tobago tells UN

Foreign Minister Surujrattan Rambachan of Trinidad and Tobago
Foreign Minister Surujrattan Rambachan of Trinidad and Tobago

Social justice and political inclusion can prevent unrest, Trinidad and Tobago tells UN

An equitable distribution of resources and greater political participation could ease some of the discontent that many young people feel across the world and prevent popular uprisings such as those seen in North Africa and the Middle East, Trinidad and Tobago has told the United Nations.

“In a world linked by social media, the risk of a peoples’ uprising that transcends continents and borders is real. It is a kind of social chaos which we must prevent,” said Surujrattan Rambachan, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister, in his address to the annual general debate of the General Assembly yesterday.

“The world must now more than ever allocate its resources equitably, ethically, sustainably and transparently.”

He observed that while the theme of this year’s general debate at the General Assembly is the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes among nations, there also has be to “real mediation between generations.

“Leaders must now adopt styles of leadership which embrace actively listening to the views of those governed. Leaders must develop approaches which are consensus building and promote participation as people now demand a greater say in how their futures are to be shaped.”

Dr. Rambachan urged the UN to recruit more women as mediators, especially from the so-called small island developing States (SIDS), stressing that as the most vulnerable group in times of conflict, women must also play a key role in the conflict resolution and prevention.

Noting that youth are also more susceptible to the negative effects of armed conflicts, he urged support for international mechanisms aimed at rehabilitating young people who have been involved in strife.

“We call on States that in a position to do so, to contribute to UNICEF (UN Children’s Fund), the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) and the Victims Trust Fund of the ICC (International Criminal Court), which assist in the rehabilitation of children and other victims of armed conflict.”