The institution recalls in this sense its “vital” function as a mediator in armed conflicts
The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has renewed this Saturday, the day to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the international institution, the appeal to which he has dedicated the last few months: the declaration of a global ceasefire to facilitate efforts of the countries of the entire world and combat to the maximum capacity the coronavirus pandemic that has already killed more than a million people around the planet.
“We celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in the midst of a pandemic. Our founding mission is now more important than ever,” declared the Secretary-General in his commemorative message of the formation of the UN, in which he recalled the vital the institution’s work as a mediator to resolve armed conflicts throughout the world.
This work is an intrinsic part of the founding objectives of the institution: “to promote human dignity; protect human rights; guarantee respect for international law; and save humanity from war.”
“At the beginning of the pandemic, I called for a global ceasefire. In today’s world, we all have a common enemy: COVID-19. Now is the time to further push for peace and bring a halt to the world fire. Time is short, “declared the secretary general.
“There is extraordinary collaboration globally to achieve a safe, affordable and accessible COVID-19 vaccine for all. We face enormous challenges. Thanks to global solidarity and cooperation, we will be able to overcome them,” he said.
Likewise, Guterres has also referred to the climate emergency that threatens “life itself” and has considered it essential “to make peace with the planet.” “We must mobilize the entire world to achieve carbon neutrality, that is, net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A growing number of countries and companies have already committed to meeting this goal,” he added.
FOR THE WOMEN
Guterres has also asserted that more needs to be done around the world to end human suffering caused by poverty, inequalities, hunger and hatred, in addition to fighting discrimination based on race, religion, gender or any other. distinction.
“During the months of the pandemic there has been a terrible increase in violence against women and girls,” he warned, before asking that the achievements made so far be taken advantage of.
“As the Charter of the United Nations says:” We, the peoples, “the people, are the foundation and heart of the UN. Let us defend its enduring values together. Let us build on the achievements made over decades. Let us make our vision a reality common of a better world for all the people “, has concluded.
MEDIATION
The United Nations was founded 75 years ago in a world devastated by the Second World War and prevails as the highest body in charge of ensuring peace.
To fulfill the objective of avoiding conflagrations, the UN has counted since its inception with mediation and conflict prevention mechanisms that it has used throughout history on numerous occasions and that today’s complex world makes more indispensable than ever.
Guterres has put forward “a comprehensive vision” on the support that the United Nations can provide to countries to help them avoid the outbreak of crises that can cost many lives and undermine institutions and capacities to achieve peace and development. In this perspective, the UN plays a key role in supporting member states to prevent violent conflict.
Under these precepts, the Organization works at a variety of points throughout the conflict cycle, addressing issues that pose long-term crisis risks, engaging in dialogue with parties on the brink of violence, and helping to negotiate an end to conflicts. existing conflicts, as well as assisting countries to achieve reconciliation and build “resilient and inclusive societies”.
