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Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes last night’s ceasefire agreement in Israel and Gaza.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the violence. The hostilities have led to needless human suffering.

The Secretary-General commends Egypt’s key role in bringing the hostilities to an end, alongside the efforts of Qatar, Lebanon and the United States to reach a ceasefire. He calls on all sides to observe the ceasefire.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to the achievement of the two-State solution based on relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and prior agreements and the importance of restoring a political horizon. He reiterates that only a negotiated sustainable political solution will lead to lasting peace and end, once and for all, these devastating cycles of violence.

10 MAY 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the latest security developments in Gaza, and the ongoing escalation and risk of further loss of life.

The Secretary-General condemns the civilian loss of life, including that of children and women, which he views as unacceptable and must stop immediately. Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force and taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations.

The Secretary-General also condemns the indiscriminate launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, which violates international humanitarian law and puts at risk both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

The Secretary-General urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to work to stop hostilities immediately. He reiterates his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

NOTES AND REMARKS
AT OPENING OF THE 2023 SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE EXERCISE OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

New York, 22 February 2023

[As delivered]

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my privilege to join this meeting of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

I congratulate the Chair, Ambassador Cheikh Niang, and other members of the Bureau on your election. And I commend all of you for your tireless commitment.

We meet as the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is at its most combustible in years.

Just this morning, we had more deeply concerning news.

An operation by Israeli security forces and ensuing clash in Nablus left ten Palestinians dead and over 80 injured.

Deadly cycles of violence keep accelerating. Tensions are sky high. And the peace process remains stalled.

The situation in Jerusalem/Al-Quds is becoming more fragile amidst provocations and acts of violence in and around the Holy Sites.

It radiates instability across the region and beyond.

The position of the United Nations is clear: The status of Jerusalem cannot be altered by unilateral actions.

Jerusalem’s demographic and historical character must be preserved – and the status quo at the Holy Sites must be upheld, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Excellencies,

2022 was the deadliest year for Palestinians since OCHA began systematically tracking fatalities in 2005.

Two months into the new year, violence rages on without reprieve.

Across the occupied West Bank and Gaza, hopelessness is spreading, feeding anger and despair.

Each new settlement is another roadblock on the path to peace.

All settlement activity is illegal under international law. And it must stop.

At the same time, incitement to violence is a dead end.

Nothing justifies terrorism. It must be rejected by all.

Our immediate priority must be to prevent further escalation, reduce tensions and restore calm.

Excellencies,

I am deeply concerned by Israel’s recent punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority following the resolution of the General Assembly seeking an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the occupation.

There should be no retaliation with respect to the Palestinian Authority in relation to the International Court of Justice.

These measures risk further destabilizing the Palestinian Authority at a time when it is already struggling with a dire fiscal crisis that is undermining its ability to provide services to people.

Meanwhile, another vital lifeline for Palestinians – UNWRA – continues to confront the impossible task of meeting soaring needs with stagnating funding.

And yet UNRWA remains remarkably resilient, high-performing, and highly cost-effective.

I urge all donors to live up to their commitments and ensure UNRWA has the predictable and sustained support it needs to fulfil its critical mission.

In this context, let me also note the importance of easing the movement of goods and people in and out of the Gaza Strip.

I reiterate my call to work towards a full lifting of the debilitating closures in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1860.

Excellencies,

Our ultimate goals remain unchanged: end the occupation, realize a two-state solution.

But we must face today’s reality.

The truth is that trends on the ground mean time is working against us.

The longer we go without meaningful political negotiations, the further these goals slip from the reach.

Regional and international partners must collectively work – with greater urgency and determination – to help Palestinians and Israelis restore a credible political horizon.

The outlines of the solution are clear – they are laid out in United Nations resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements.

What is needed is the political will and courage to make the difficult choices for peace.

A peace that ends the occupation and ensures two states – Israel and an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state – living side by side within secure and recognized borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

A peace in which Palestinians and Israelis alike enjoy equal measures of democracy, opportunity, and dignity in their lives.

A peace, in short, that is just, comprehensive, and lasting.

I pledge to keep working to support this goal.

And I thank you.

Excerpts from the Noon Briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for Secretary-General António Guterres
Monday, 13 February 2023

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by yesterday’s announcement by the Israeli Security Cabinet that it has decided to authorize nine settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.

If these measures are implemented, they would further undermine prospects for a viable two-State solution. He reiterates that all settlements are illegal under international law and a substantial obstacle to peace.

He calls for unilateral actions that erode the prospects for a political solution on the basis of United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements to stop.

SG/SM/21684

12 FEBRUARY 2023

Status of Jerusalem Cannot Be Altered by Unilateral Actions, Secretary-General Stresses in Message to Cairo Conference

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the High-Level Conference on Supporting the City of Jerusalem and its Population, in Cairo today:

Excellencies, Secretary-General Aboul Gheit, ladies and gentlemen,

I welcome the initiative of the League of Arab States in convening this conference to focus on the challenges faced by the Palestinian population in Jerusalem. I share your deep concerns.

Jerusalem — Al-Quds is not only a treasured home for so many — it also holds a unique place in the hearts of millions of Muslims, Jews and Christians the world over.

As we have seen time and again, what happens in Jerusalem reverberates globally — and tensions, incitement and violence often spill into wider instability.

It is therefore imperative that all parties exercise restraint and refrain from provocations, inflammatory actions and rhetoric. I am very concerned by the unilateral initiatives that we have seen in recent weeks.

The position of the United Nations is clear: The status of Jerusalem cannot be altered by unilateral actions, including settlement activities in occupied East Jerusalem; it can only be resolved through negotiations between the parties.

Jerusalem’s demographic and historical character must be preserved — and the status quo at the Holy Sites must be upheld, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The United Nations remains committed to help Israelis and Palestinians chart a credible path forward: Towards an end of the occupation; towards two States living side by side with Jerusalem as the capital of both; towards lasting security, peace and dignity for all. Thank you. Shukran.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Terror Attack in Jerusalem

The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's terrorist attack by a Palestinian perpetrator outside a synagogue in Jerusalem, which claimed the lives of at least seven Israelis and injured several others.

The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured.

It is particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship, and on the very day we commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day. There is never any excuse for acts of terrorism. They must be clearly condemned and rejected by all.

The Secretary-General is deeply worried about the current escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. This is the moment to exercise utmost restraint.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 27 January 2023

12 January 2023

The Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Promotion and Strengthening of the Rule of Law in the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: The Rule of Law Among Nations

I congratulate Japan on its Presidency at the beginning of your tenure on the Security Council and thank you for opening the new year with this debate on the rule of law.

I also welcome my two fellow briefers, Judge Joan Donoghue, President of the International Court of Justice, and Professor Dapo Akande.

The rule of law is foundational to the United Nations, and to our mission of peace. The Security Council has a vital role in upholding it.

The cornerstone of the rule of law is that all people, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable before the law.

From the smallest village to the global stage, the rule of law is all that stands between peace and stability, and a brutal struggle for power and resources.

The rule of law protects the vulnerable.

It prevents discrimination, harassment and other abuses.

It is our first line of defence against atrocity crimes, including genocide.

It creates and bolsters trust in institutions.

It supports fair, inclusive economies and societies.

And it is the basis of international cooperation and multilateralism.

As the Charter says: “We the people of the United Nations [are] determined… to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained.”

The 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States, and the 2012 Declaration on the rule of law at the national and international levels, further develop the principles stated in the Charter.

The body of international humanitarian law saves lives and reduces suffering amid conflict. The Geneva Conventions, agreed after the horror of the Second World War, demonstrate that even wars have laws.

Today’s debate sends a strong message that ensuring the rule of law is our priority, and that all countries must adhere to international standards.

All stakeholders – Member States, regional organizations, civil society and the private sector – have a responsibility to contribute to building and upholding the rule of law.

But the international situation shows that we still have far to go.

We are at grave risk of the Rule of Lawlessness.

In every region of the world, civilians suffer the effects of devastating conflicts, loss of human life, rising poverty and hunger.

From the illegal development of nuclear weapons to the illegal use of force, States continue to flout international law with impunity.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatized a generation of children, and accelerated the global food and energy crises.

Any annexation of a State’s territory by another State resulting from the threat or use of force is a violation of the Charter and of international law.

2022 was a deadly year for both Palestinians and Israelis. We condemn all unlawful killings and acts by extremists. There is no justification for terrorism.

At the same time, the expansion of settlements by Israel, as well as home demolitions and evictions, are driving anger and despair.

I am also very concerned by the unilateral initiatives that we have seen in recent days. The rule of law is at the heart of achieving a just and comprehensive peace, based on a two-state solution, in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements.

Unconstitutional changes in government – coups d’état – are regrettably back in fashion.

They are particularly worrying in places that are already enduring conflict, terrorism and food insecurity, namely in the Sahel.

The United Nations is ready to support regional efforts to strengthen democratic governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.

The unlawful nuclear weapons programme being pursued by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a clear and present danger, driving risks and geopolitical tensions to new heights. The onus is on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations and return to the negotiating table.

In Afghanistan, unprecedented, systemic attacks on women’s and girls’ rights and the flouting of international obligations are creating gender-based apartheid.

This deliberately undermines the development of a country that desperately needs the contributions of all, in order to return to sustainable peace.

The breakdown of the rule of law in Myanmar since the military takeover in 2021 has led to a cycle of violence, repression and severe human rights violations.

I urge the authorities to listen to their people and return to the democratic transition.

The situation in Haiti is characterized by a deep institutional crisis and weak rule of law, widespread human rights abuses, soaring crime rates, corruption and transnational crime. I call on Haitian stakeholders to work together to restore inclusive democratic institutions and the rule of law.

As these examples illustrate, adherence to the rule of law is more important than ever. All Member States have a responsibility to uphold it at every turn.

The rule of law is foundational to efforts by the United Nations to find peaceful solutions to all these conflicts, disasters and crises and more, and to support the most vulnerable people and communities around the world.

The strong and mutually reinforcing relationship between the rule of law, accountability and human rights is reflected in my Call to Action on Human Rights.

Ending impunity is fundamental.

From the International Court of Justice to the Human Rights Council and its fact-finding missions and Commissions of Inquiry, United Nations entities and mechanisms promote and implement the rule of law.

The International Court of Justice, with its unique mandate, occupies a special place.
I note the importance of accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court and call on all Member States to do so without any reservations. Members of the Security Council bear a special responsibility here and should take a leading role.

Around the world, the United Nations is mobilized against impunity and committed to holding perpetrators to account through fair, independent judicial proceedings.

We also strengthen the rule of law by supporting victims and survivors and providing access to justice, remedy and reparation.

The courts and tribunals established by this Council in the 1990s, and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, have held to account a number of those responsible for atrocity crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.

Today, the International Criminal Court is the central institution of the international criminal justice system; an aspiration for accountability for the most serious crimes.

I now turn to how Member States can further strengthen the United Nations and its organs with a view to promoting the rule of law.

First and foremost, I urge all Member States to uphold the vision and the values of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to abide by international law.

To settle disputes peacefully, without recourse to the threat or use of force.

To recognize and promote the equal rights of all people.

To commit to non-intervention in domestic affairs, self-determination of peoples and the sovereign equality of Member States.

I count on Member States to support our efforts to promote the rule of law across the board, including on this Council.

Disputes in one area must not prevent progress elsewhere.

While the challenges are many, the primacy of the rule of law is essential to the maintenance of international peace and security and for peacebuilding efforts.

This includes clear rules governing the threat or use of force, as set out in Article 2, paragraph 4 and Chapter VII of the Charter.

Second, I urge Member States to make full use of the rule of law as a preventive tool.

At the international level, the Charter devotes an entire Chapter to the Pacific Settlement of disputes, including through negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and judicial settlement.

This is prevention in action, rooted in international law.

At the national level, the rule of law builds trust between people and institutions. It reduces corruption and creates a level playing field. It enables societies and economies to run smoothly, for the benefit of all.

Conversely, when the rule of law is weak, impunity prevails, organized crime flourishes, and there is a high risk of violent conflict.

Third, I urge Member States to reinforce the rule of law as a key enabler to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Goal 16 on access to justice for all and effective, inclusive and accountable institutions is a critical enabler for the other SDGs.

Poverty, injustice and exclusion can only be addressed through effective, non-discriminatory, inclusive public policies.

Democratic legitimacy can never be used as a rationale for measures that weaken or undermine the rule of law. Civil society and other stakeholders have an essential role to play here.

The United Nations stands ready to support Member States through our Country Teams around the world.

Mr. President,

Looking ahead, my report on Our Common Agenda calls for a New Vision for the Rule of Law that is an opportunity to reset and reinforce the centrality of the rule of law in all activities of our Organization.

The New Vision will set out the links between the rule of law, human rights and development, and call for a people-centred approach that ensures laws and justice are accessible to all.

I will ensure that it is implemented throughout the Organization, including the elements that are aligned with the agenda of this Council.

The importance of upholding the rule of law will also be reflected in the New Agenda for Peace.

The rule of law is key to addressing existing and future challenges, from nuclear disarmament to the climate crisis, the collapse of biodiversity, pandemics and dangerous diseases.

Our rule of law efforts must adapt to the changing environment and technological advancements.

Mr. President,

The United Nations is uniquely positioned to lead in promoting innovation and progress in accordance with the rule of law.

There is no other global organization with our legitimacy, convening power and normative impact.

The Security Council has a critical role in advancing the rule of law through its efforts to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights and promote sustainable development.

Together, let us commit to advancing the rule of law to create a more stable and secure world for all.

Thank you.

12 January 2023

UN Secretary-General's comments to media after his meeting with the Permanent Representatives of the Extended Troika of the Arab Group

Question: Secretary-General do you have any comments after your meeting?

Question: Will you speak more loudly and bluntly against the Israeli atrocities please?

Secretary-General: I was invited by the of the Troika of the Arab [Group] to have this meeting and I had the occasion to reaffirm that we must preserve the status quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem and that it is essential to preserve the two-state solution to avoid any initiative that might put at risk the two-state solution.

On the other hand, if it is clear that we condemn acts of terrorism, it is clear that we recognize the right of Israel to exist and to live in security, it is also necessary to say that the construction of settlements, the evictions, destruction of homes are creating an enormous anger and frustration not only of the Palestinian people but further afield. And on the other hand, that it is perfectly legitimate that the General Assembly of the United Nations seizes the opinion of courts in relation of matters of interest of the Member States of the General Assembly.

Question: Secretary-General do you believe that the current Israeli Government believes in a two-State solution?

Secretary-General: That is a question to be asked to the government itself. What I believe is that there is no plan B, that to reject the possibility of a two-state solution is something that would undermine forever the possibilities of peace in the Middle East.

29 November 2022, New York

Secretary-General's message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

We commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at a time of diminished hope for peace.

I am deeply saddened by the growing number of Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in the spiral of violence engulfing the occupied West Bank. Each casualty fuels fear and yet more violence. I urge all parties to take immediate steps to reduce tensions and break this deadly cycle.

The long-standing drivers of conflict – including the ongoing occupation, settlement expansion, home demolitions and evictions – heighten anger, despair, and hopelessness.

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to endure debilitating closures and humanitarian crises. I reiterate my call on the parties to engage to end the closures of Gaza and improve living conditions of all Palestinians.

UNRWA remains a vital lifeline for Palestine refugees.

I commend the donors for their support and urge all to step up and provide predictable and sufficient funding to enable UNRWA to fully deliver on its mandate.

The United Nations’ position is clear: peace must advance – the occupation must end.

We are steadfast in our commitment to realize the vision of two States – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.

Together, let us reaffirm our support to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, justice, security, and dignity for all.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on
Algiers Declaration by Palestinian groups

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing on 13 October of the Declaration of Algiers by 14 Palestinian factions as a positive step towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation. He encourages all factions to overcome their differences through dialogue and urges them to follow up the commitments included in the Declaration, including the holding of elections.

The Secretary-General underscores the importance of Palestinian reconciliation for a politically stable, economically viable, sovereign and independent State of Palestine.

The Secretary-General greatly appreciates the efforts to this end of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and, notably, of President Abdelmajid Tebboune.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 15 October 2022