 |
| Minister of External Affairs of India, Ms. Sushma
Swaraj. Photo by: Livemint Website |
United Nations is an Inter-governmental organization which was established on 24th October 1945 to promote international co-operation. Its General Assembly is the policy making & representative organ of the organization in which all member nations have equal representation. The General Debate of the 70th session of UN General Assembly is currently on-going at UN Headquarters located at the New York City, USA. At the 70th session of UN General Assembly world leaders are speaking about issues concerning their own nations & international interests. Following is the full text of the speech given by the Minister of External Affairs of India, Ms. Sushma Swaraj at the 70th session of UN General Assembly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. President,
The United Nations is completing 70 years this year. Therefore,
this General Assembly is historic. I congratulate you on behalf of the Prime
Minister and people of India as well as on my own behalf for assuming the
responsibilities of the post of the President of this historic General
Assembly. I hope that this year will also be historic for the United Nations
from the perspective of outcomes. I would like to assure you that you will get
India’s full support in your efforts.
Mr. President,
70 years ago the foundation of the United Nations was laid on the
western shores of this country through the San Francisco Charter. India was one
of the countries which signed the Charter although we were not independent at
that time. We got our independence two years later. When the United Nations was
established, a rather diminutive looking man with the powerful weapon of
non-violence was writing out the final act in a struggle that would become a
symbol of hope for the colonized and the oppressed everywhere.
I am grateful that the United Nations has declared the day this
extraordinary man was born as the International Day of Non-Violence. It is a
pleasant coincidence that we will be celebrating this day tomorrow. Gandhiji
had said, “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing
would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems”. This message of his fits
most appropriately in the context of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
In the life of any human being the 70th year is a milestone where
one can look back to reflect as to what one has achieved and what one has lost.
Similarly, for people associated with an institution the 70th year gives an
opportunity to analyze whether the institution has been able to fulfill the
purpose for which it was formed, and whether it has been able to achieve the
goals for which it was established. Today all of us need to ask ourselves
whether we have been able to fulfill the purpose and achieve the goals for
which the United Nations was established 70 years ago.
When I ask this question to myself, I get an answer in the
affirmative for some questions and in the negative for some. For example,
United Nations has been successful in preventing a third world war, in
assisting decolonization and dismantling apartheid, in combating global
epidemics and reducing global hunger, and in promoting democracy and human rights.
Yet, when we ask ourselves whether we have been able to prevent
conflicts taking place in several parts of the world, the answer is no. If we
ask whether we were able to find permanent solution to these conflicts, the
answer is no. If we ask whether we were able to show the path of peace to a
world which is going on the way of violence, the answer is no. On these
parameters, the United Nations appears as an ineffective institution in the
area of international peace and security. It has failed to effectively address
the new challenges to international peace and security.
International Peace & Security
Today, the world is ravaged by war in three continents with the
Security Council being unable or unwilling to stanch the flow of blood.
Traditional solutions that emphasize force have only proven to exacerbate
problems. We must ask ourselves if we have the political will to craft
alternatives to conflict and to pursue them with commitment and single-minded
dedication.
Nowhere is such a goal more important than in the peacekeeping
process. Under the blue flag, several men and women are constantly working to
prevent conflict, protect civilians and sustain peace processes. With 180,000
peacekeepers deployed so far, India has been the largest provider of international
security by the UN. Even today, about 8000 Indian military and police personnel
are participating in 10 Missions, operating in highly challenging environments.
India remains committed to continue supporting the UN Peacekeeping
Operations and even enhance our contributions, as announced by our Prime
Minister at the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping. Our new contributions will
cover all aspects of peacekeeping – personnel, enablers and training.
At the same time, it is necessary that there be no dilution of the
cardinal principles of peacekeeping. It is a matter of concern that there is no
role of troop contributing countries in the formulation of mandates, which are
often amended without consultations. This is a clear violation of Article 44 of
the UN Charter. It has also been our view that peacekeeping operations cannot
substitute for political solutions. This has been underscored by the Horta
Panel as well.
As we mark the 70th anniversary of the UN, I take the opportunity
to pay tribute to more than 3,300 peacekeepers including 161 from India who
have made the ultimate sacrifice. We stand ready to contribute to the
Peacekeepers Memorial Wall, which has been approved by the 69th General
Assembly.
The safety of our peacekeepers, the security of our nations, indeed
the future of the international community itself is now dependent on how we
respond to the greatest threat that we face today: terrorism. A threat that
India has lived with for more than a quarter of a century was tragically
brought home to this very city in the autumn of 2001. Since then, the
proliferation of terrorist acts, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the
impunity of states that back it have not been adequately countered.
International terrorism can only be defeated by organized international
action. The world must demonstrate that it has zero tolerance for terrorists
who kill and maim innocent civilians with action based on the principle of
prosecute or extradite. Countries that provide financing to terrorists and safe
havens for their training, arming and operations must be made to pay a heavy
price by the international community.
Equally importantly, an international legal regime, under the
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism can no longer be held up.
19 years ago, in 1996, India had made this proposal at the United Nations but
we have been unable to adopt it and entangled ourselves in the issue of
definition. We have to understand that there can be no distinction between good
and bad terrorists. Neither can terrorism be linked to any religion. A
terrorist is a terrorist; one who commits crimes against humanity cannot have
any religion. Therefore, my appeal to all of you is that we should come
together in this 70th anniversary year of the United Nations and pledge to unanimously
adopt the CCIT.
While on the subject of terrorism, I take the opportunity to share
the challenges that we face in our ties with Pakistan. None of us can accept
that terrorism is a legitimate instrument of statecraft. The world shared our
outrage at the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which citizens of many nations
were helplessly butchered. That the mastermind behind the attack is walking
free is an affront to the entire international community. Not only have past
assurances in this regard not been honoured but new cross-border terrorist
attacks have taken place recently, in which two terrorists from across the
border have also been captured alive. We all know that these attacks are meant
to destabilize India and legitimize Pakistan’s illegal occupation of parts of
the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir and its claim on the rest of it.
Let me use this occasion to spell out our approach clearly. India
remains open to dialogue. But talks and terror cannot go together. Yesterday
the Prime Minister of Pakistan proposed what he termed as a four-point new
peace initiative. I would like to respond. We do not need four points, we need
just one – give up terrorism and let us sit down and talk. This was precisely
what was discussed and decided by the two Prime Ministers at Ufa this July. Let
us hold talks at the level of NSAs on all issues connected to terrorism and an
early meeting of our Directors General of Military Operations to address the
situation on the border. If the response is serious and credible, India is
prepared to address all outstanding issues through a bilateral dialogue.
Social and Economic Development
Even as we counter the menace of terrorism, we must acknowledge
that real social and economic progress remains a critical goal. The elimination
of basic human want leads almost invariably to more peaceful societies, as is
evidenced by a map of the conflicts that engulf parts of the world.
Mr. President,
Just a few days ago we adopted the new Development Agenda, with the
Sustainable Development Goals at their core, a blueprint more comprehensive and
holistic than the Millennium Development Goals. However, their successful
implementation will require political resolve and an inclination to share –
both technology and financial resources – while simultaneously improving our
delivery mechanisms.
As a woman and an elected Member of Parliament, it has been my firm
conviction that there is a shortcut to real social change – empowering the girl
child. Our Government’s policy of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Educate the Girl
Child to empower her) was conceived with this vision. Similarly, with the
transformative power of technology and the resources available to the
international community, we now have the ability to glimpse a future which
provides basic human dignity for all of the world’s people. Whether we can
reach that goal depends on how we act.
A Sustainable Planet
Our future must rest on building a sustainable planet for our
children and our children’s children. As we prepare to meet in two months time
in Paris, the world expects us to deliver an ambitious and credible agreement
on climate change. We have a duty for common action but in doing so we must
keep in mind the larger historical contribution of some and the differentiated
responsibility of others.
If today Mahatma Gandhi was among us, he would ask if we have used
the resources of the planet for our needs or for our greed. Also if adapting
our lifestyle choices and reducing extravagant consumption would help us
correct the course. For this reason, the agreement in Paris needs to be
comprehensive and equitable, while delivering concrete action. Developing
countries can do more if they are enabled in their efforts with the provision
of finance, technology transfer and capacity building support from developed
countries. India has always been and is a willing partner in global efforts
towards this goal. We will play our due role in reaching a meaningful,
equitable and effective agreement in Paris.
India’s reverence for the environment is based on our traditions
that have always held nature as sacred. The health of the planet is tied to our
own well-being and it is this holistic approach that guided us in our call for
the First International Day of Yoga, celebrated with much fervor in 192
countries of the world – indeed in this very hallowed institution. I thank the
international community for their enthusiasm and support for this occasion. I
hope that the seed that has been planted will grow into a magnificent tree.
I also congratulate the States for their prompt action in tackling
the threat of global epidemics. By linking our efforts, we have managed to
eradicate small pox and, nearly, polio. HIV/AIDS has been controlled and more
recently, Ebola, though not before an unacceptably high price in lives had been
paid. The Ebola crisis is an important example of how national action and
international support can resolve a global crisis. We are proud that India
played its due part in these efforts. But we must be inspired by our successes
and redouble our efforts at eradicating other health crises, whether it be
tuberculosis or malaria.
As with health emergencies, natural disasters and man-made
conflicts also deserve our coordinated response. In recent months, the
international community has been found wanting on the refugee crisis due to the
conflict situations in Syria, Iraq and Libya. A swift response backed by
political will is the need of the hour. Our own response in our neighborhood to
humanitarian crises has been quick, responsive and holistic. Whether it was
Nepal or Yemen, India has emerged as a net security provider, assisting not
only our nationals but those of other countries that sought our help. India
would be hosting the first Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk
Reduction in November 2016 on Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Paving an Indian Path
Mr. President,
Like the UN, India too has walked a long way these past 70 years.
As 1.25 billion of my countrymen would attest, we have done so under the
rambunctious joy of our deeply embedded democratic traditions. But every once
in a while there is a need for a transformative change – one that can
reinvigorate the nation and redeem its spirit. Ever since the new Government of
Prime Minister Modi took office a year and a half ago we have committed
ourselves to this renewal, one that has enabled India to play its rightful role
in international affairs while also becoming the fastest growing major economy
in the world. The driving force of this comprehensive renewal has been premised
on the motto of sabka saath, sabka vikas, an emphasis on the welfare of all our
people.
At the same time, we have initiated an energetic outreach to all
our partners in the international community. Our efforts have focused, first
and foremost, on our immediate neighborhood and the results have been truly
transformational. We have reached out to our extended neighborhood as well,
renewing ancient linkages and constructing modern economic partnerships, including,
most recently, a Summit with 14 Pacific Island nations. The Act East policy has
replaced the earlier Look East one, with more vigorous and proactive engagement
with an economically vibrant region. This complements our Link West engagement.
We remain committed to the Middle East Peace Process which is the key to
prevent further radicalization of the region. We have also qualitatively
upgraded our relations with all the major powers.
Africa is a region with which we have historical bonds, a solidarity
born out of a common struggle against colonialism and the belief in a future of
shared prosperity. Later this month, we will host the 3rd India Africa Forum
Summit, the first time that the leaders of all 54 countries of the continent
have been invited.
As a nuclear weapon state, India is aware of its responsibility and
its support for global, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament
has not diminished.
UN Security Council reform
As with nations, so with institutions. It is only a periodic
renovation that provides an organization with meaning and purpose. In a world
that continues to be dominated by wealthy and influential nations, the notion
of sovereign equality of the UN has permitted the developing world to question
some unfair norms. But it has not permitted a fundamental challenge to the
inequity of a system built for a world that longer exists.
If we are to preserve the centrality and legitimacy of the UN as
the custodian of global peace, security and development, the reform of the
Security Council is its most urgent and pressing need. This is the need of the
hour. How can we have a Security Council in 2015 which still reflects the
geo-political architecture of 1945? How can we have a Security Council which
still does not give place as a permanent member to Africa and Latin America?
We have to include more developing nations in the decision making
structures of the Security Council. And we need to change the way it does
business by doing away with outdated and non-transparent working methods.
Imparting more legitimacy and balance to the Council would restore its
credibility and equip it to confront the challenges of our times. We are happy
that during the last one year under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa and
H.E. Mr. Courtnay Rattray we have achieved what we could not do so over two
decades of discussions – a text to negotiate, unanimously adopted by consensus
in the General Assembly under Decision 69/560. This first, but critical step
must be the springboard for action in this historic 70th Session of the UNGA.
The United Nations as a Banyan Tree
Mr. President,
For an organization like the United Nations, 70 years has a unique
significance. It is an occasion for revitalization and for renewal. I invite
all of you to contemplate the idea of the United Nations as a Banyan Tree. In
the Eastern tradition, the Banyan is a tree that signifies wisdom, yet is non-judgmental
and all-encompassing. It has not one trunk, but many, growing outwards, each
connected to the other, and the sky and the earth. Its expansive branches
provide shade and relief, and its base has always been a place for discussion
and debate.
Unlike the men and women who may have planted its seed, the banyan
is still a young tree at 70. But without constant regeneration and expansion,
it withers away. This could be the fate that awaits the UN. We have a historic
opportunity to permit a renewal of this critical institution or we can condemn
it to irrelevance and a tragic withering. We can easily lose ourselves in a
labyrinth of our creation. But if we seize the day, we will see a United
Nations that will grow to its full potential, a United Nations which reduces
the deficit between what it does and what it is capable of doing, a mighty
banyan tree providing the canopy for a peaceful and prosperous humanity. I end
my speech with the hope that the United Nations will grow into such a banyan
tree.
Thank you.
No comments: