Press releases

I am honoured to close the 11th meeting of Heads of United Nations Police Components.   Let me begin with a sincere thank you for the valiant efforts of your blue berets, who are protecting civilians and making communities safer around the world. United Nations police are engaged in United Nations peace operations, post-conflict and other crisis situations across the entire peace and security spectrum. Time and again, we have seen the breakdown of law and order trigger United Nations deployments. 

USG DFS 4TH COMMITTEE ADDRESS – PEACEKEEPING  20 October 2016  INTRODUCTION 

Thank you for being here today to discuss the critical situation in South Sudan. For years, South Sudan struggled to gain their independence.  Now it is struggling for survival.   Rarely have such high hopes been squandered so quickly.  Time and again, the country’s leaders have resorted to weapons and identity politics to resolve their differences. The children, women and men of South Sudan are paying with their lives. 

Peacebuilding is at the core of the United Nations’ activities in conflict-affected countries throughout the world. The recent historic resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and this Council emphasize that sustaining peace is a shared responsibility of Governments, national stakeholders and the United Nations. Peace in Africa is a top priority. As we meet, South Sudan remains precariously poised on the brink of an abyss. The promises of the new State for peace, justice and opportunity have been squandered.