YouSaid · the spoken record

Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson

lines on the record

57

first

2017-09-24

most recent

2020-09-24

sittings or episodes

4

sources

un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

1. “With UN-Women as a key partner, Iceland is a dedicated proponent of women’s human rights. We actively work to engage men in the fight for gender equality and, indeed, our Prime Minister is a HeForShe IMPACT Champion. We support the United Nations Population Fund and the SheDecides initiative for sexual and reproductive health and rights, and continue to promote women’s participation in the peace and security agenda. I commend the Secretary-General for his commitment to gender equality within the United Nations and his determination in addressing the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers and United Nations staff — a betrayal of the civilians under their care and of the values of the United Nations. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Iceland was one the poorest countries in western Europe.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)

2. “It is grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as human rights, peace and development are inseparable and essential to the successful implementation of the Agenda. I take very seriously the Secretary-General’s warning that disregard for human rights is a disease, and it is a disease that is spreading — north, south, east and west. The violation of freedom of expression, of rights to free assembly, of the fundamental rights of women — all undermine the 2030 Agenda. Extrajudicial killings, repression of minorities and the denial of the right to legitimate opposition set back sustainable development, sometimes by generations. Here I would like to express deep concern at the completely unacceptable situation of the Rohingya population in Myanmar. Iceland knows first-hand the massive potential that lies in gender equality.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)

3. “The Security Council bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Along with several other countries, Iceland has encouraged the Security Council to include long-term perspectives in its mission mandates to lay the foundations for lasting peace. The modern era has also seen the rise of non-State actors — something our system did not plan for. Terrorists have sought to undermine trust and tolerance within and among our communities. Alongside improvements of the United Nations anti-terrorism mechanism, we must identify the drivers of violent extremism and terrorism. At the heart of conflict and violent extremism lies a failure of development. That is where the 2030 Agenda must play a vital role. The 2030 Agenda is indeed a remarkable achievement.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)

4. “During the past weeks, we have at last seen a united Security Council act firmly but constructively to push for dialogue and confidence-building measures, while staying firm on strengthening sanctions in the face of continued provocation. The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Government against its own people was a blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws and demanded a firm response by the international community. Complex internal conflicts have led to displacement and suffering on a massive scale, with famine looming in many areas, including Yemen. The issue of Western Sahara remains unresolved with tensions rising. The disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is another serious assault on the international rule-based order.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)

5. “Climate change is nowhere as visible as in the Arctic, with far-reaching consequences in the other parts of the world. The melting of the polar ice in the North causes higher sea levels in the South. What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. In fulfilling our Paris Agreement obligations, we aim to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 collectively with our European countries. Iceland remains committed to that goal. Since the establishment of this institution, a rule-based international order has been the foundation for peace and prosperity. The assault on the rule of law by certain Governments undermines the stability of the international system. We condemn in the strongest terms the illegal actions of North Korean leaders and call on them to accept generous offers to return to the negotiating table.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)

6. “It is our common responsibility to safeguard the progress we have made since the establishment of this institution and to make good on our promises of prosperity for all. The world’s economic and social progress has, in large part, been driven by science and rational action, based on evidence. We must hold firm to that approach. Only policy, grounded in facts and evidence, can help us deal with such common threats as climate change and create a world that truly reflects our values. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provide the blueprints for our success. Now we must deliver. Droughts, sea-level rise, ocean acidification and other consequences of climate change have wide-ranging implications for all our communities.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)

7. “We live in a world of opportunity. Never have we had such potential to end poverty, hunger and violations of human rights, and focus on people striving for a decent life. We can either succeed or we can fail. It is a choice; it is a decision. It is our responsibility and it is our task. This task is not just about numbers or statistics, but real-life people. There is purpose and worth to each and every life. Let us not forget. Our task is not easy. But the most important things in life are never easy. The right path is always difficult, and we definitely face difficulties. The consequences of climate change, bad governance, terrorism and conflict have made our world seem more dangerous, less predictable and more chaotic, as our Secretary-General has put it.”

   2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)