PRESS RELEASE : We must defend the UN Charter – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 July 2024.
Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on multilateral cooperation.
The world of 2024 looks very different to the world of 1945, but the challenges we face are no less stark.
More countries globally are engaged in conflicts than at any time since the Second World War, we are facing a climate crisis and scientific and technological breakthroughs are raising new questions, which we need to answer.
A UN fit for the 21st century is vital to meet these challenges. I would like to make three points:
First, we need reinvigorated systems that are more inclusive and more responsive to deliver on important priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals and international financial architecture reform.
That is why the UK is committed to making a success of the Summit of the Future in September and realising its potential to set a new, ambitious course for the UN.
We also recognise that members sitting around this table need to be more representative of the world today and that is why we have long supported Security Council reform.
Second, we need to ensure that this Council delivers on its mandate to uphold international peace and security.
We regret that recent Council resolutions 2735 and 2736 calling for a ceasefire deal in Gaza and de-escalation in and around El Fasher in Sudan have yet to be fully implemented.
We call on all parties to do their utmost to see these resolutions implemented to prevent further human suffering.
We as Council members also have a responsibility to uphold our own commitments.
It is therefore vital that the Russian government stops sourcing weapons from DPRK in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and ceases its attempts to disrupt UN efforts in Africa, including by stopping Russian proxies targeted actions against MINUSCA.
Third, we must defend the UN Charter.
President, while you tell us how you believe the world order can become more just, democratic and sustainable, your military is systematically bombing civilians in Ukraine in an unprovoked war of aggression and in flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
What is just about trying to annex another country’s land? What is democratic about trying to subjugate another country’s people? What is sustainable about waging a war that has killed or injured over 500,000 of your own people?
The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder of what kind of world order Russia really wants – a world where might is right, and powerful countries can bully and invade other countries with impunity.
The UK does not accept such a world. We will continue to stand staunchly behind Ukraine. We will support its aspiration for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter and international law, and its demand for accountability.
We will continue to be a tireless advocate for effective multilateralism and for the principles at the heart of the UN Charter.
I thank you.
