World ‘cannot remain indifferent’ as millions suffer, Guinea‑Bissau President tells UN Assembly

“We cannot remain indifferent to so much suffering and despair,” the President of Guinea-Bissau urged world leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly, drawing attention to the millions killed and displaced by conflict and fear.

“Many conflicts persist around the world, and many people continue to suffer the destruction of war. Many deaths, including those of children, and millions of people who are forced to abandon their homes and families in search of asylum,” said President José Mário Vaz, addressing the UN Assembly’s general debate.

Spotlighting the plight of those seeking asylum in Europe, as well as those in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Yemen and Syria – which continues to be a major source of concern for the international community – he said that on the African continent, internal tensions caused by terrorist groups, especially in the Sahel region, spread fear among populations and prevent Governments from focusing on development issues.

President Vaz warned of the increasing impact of climate change that are manifesting in frequent droughts and floods in places around the globe, drawing concern to the situation of small island developing States that risk “disappearing due to rising sea levels.”

 “These challenges require from all of us efforts, new attitudes and more responsible behaviours,” he stressed, calling on nations to rigorously meet the commitments they made under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

President Vaz also highlighted the obligations and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, especially those of the peaceful resolution of disputes, the non‑interference in the internal affairs of other countries and multilateralism as the cornerstone of building international peace and security.

At the same time, countries in today’s world are also independent, he continued, “one country’s national policies may gravely affect all other countries … this demands shared responsibility.” 

“We must join forces to better manage globalization, eradicate poverty and hunger, combat diseases, and guarantee education and potable water for all [and] implement the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he said.

Concluding his address, the President of Guinea‑Bissau recalled the 2017 agreement to overcome the political and constitutional impasse in the country and cited positive developments in his country, including elections to be held in November as progress to that end. He also urged the Security Council to lift sanctions imposed on some of the nation’s armed forces officials.

Full statement available here.