YouSaid · the spoken record

Arnold Nicholson

lines on the record: 39
first: 2014-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“In this seventieth year, let us reaffirm our commitment to the guiding principles of this Organization and place them firmly at the core of our efforts to attain our shared goals and objectives: sovereign equality of States, great and small; observance of fundamental human rights; the equal rights of men and women; respect for the rule of law and the Charter of the United Nations; the promotion of social progress and better standards of life for everyone; and a firm belief that diplomacy, not force, should be our recourse in the quest to resolve conflicts and advance development. Let us therefore prioritize our commitment to action, with renewed fervour and determination. In this noble endeavour I pledge Jamaica’s unwavering support and action.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In this regard, I call upon Member States to ensure the full implementation of its programme of activities. On the grounds of the United Nations now stands The Ark of Return, a monument erected in honour of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Jamaica and its Caribbean Community partners in tandem with the African Union spearheaded this initiative with the generous support of the membership. For those who may not have had an opportunity to view it, I would urge you all to spend what will prove to be a worthwhile few moments of reflection at this memorial. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the message of the memorial, that there is no place for racial discrimination in our world, continues to be passed on from generation to generation. Let us prioritize people over power.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Too many are victims of trafficking, violence and discrimination, of unequal treatment before the law, and of subjugation and domination. I applaud the active efforts of UN-Women to realize women’s human rights. Jamaica is proud of its long-standing social legislation and its record of championing the rights of women, even as we recognize that more remains to be done, in keeping with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Racism, xenophobia and other forms of racial intolerance must also be rooted out in order to help create a more level playing field for all peoples. The launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent last December was a welcome development in our collective efforts to address these issues.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We must continue to take stronger action to protect our children and to safeguard their rights. Persons with disabilities also face disproportionate hardships that hinder their ability to contribute effectively to their communities and societies. Jamaica is pleased to have recently passed its landmark Disabilities Act, which seeks to ensure that we fulfil our obligations to meet the needs and development aspirations of this important community. Across the world, we ought to make greater efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. We therefore welcome the higher number of ratifications of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities over the past year. Too many women continue to face gross violations of their human rights.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We are therefore pleased that the recent convening of the first Conference of States Parties has laid the foundation for the full and effective implementation of the Treaty. Let us prioritize vision over short-term gain. The promotion of human rights is a major pillar on which the United Nations was founded. We must remain resolute in our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, knowing that every human being is equal in value and dignity and endowed with inalienable rights. In too many circumstances, the rights of the most vulnerable are treated with scant regard. Children are often exposed to a climate of violence and face persistent abuse; they are exploited and trafficked; used as labour and denied their fundamental rights.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We must invigorate our disarmament efforts through new and more effective approaches. Jamaica therefore supports efforts to address the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and joins the strong call for the negotiation of a legally binding instrument to prohibit their use, which is embodied in the recent humanitarian pledge endorsed by 114 States. Of immediate concern to Jamaica is the proliferation of firearms of every description that endanger the lives of ordinary citizens, undermines the rule of law, threatens economic and social stability and fuels violent crime. Those who manufacture such weapons must exercise greater controls and support anti-proliferation efforts. The Arms Trade Treaty, which entered into force less than a year ago, can make a significant 10/29 15-29822 02/10/2015 A/70/PV.26 contribution to such efforts.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I now turn to the area of disarmament and arms control, which is in danger of becoming a neglected and forgotten goal of the United Nations. Sadly, the disarmament machinery has been languishing in a state of paralysis for the past 19 years. The vast expenditures on weapons and military equipment of all kinds, which consume a massive share of the world’s resources, could be more properly channelled into the development agenda that we have just adopted. By so doing, the world would not only be more prosperous, it would also be much safer and more secure. We are disheartened that the international community has failed to seize the opportunity provided by the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to make significant progress on its commitment to ridding the world of nuclear weapons.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The conflict-fuelled humanitarian crises unfolding throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and into Central Europe, require our urgent attention. So too do the humanitarian crises that impact people living in areas prone to natural disasters. It is unthinkable that we should tolerate the immense suffering of millions, including vulnerable women and children. Let us be our brothers’ keeper and reach out in the universal and timeless spirit of “one love” so poignantly championed by Jamaica’s musical icon, the late Bob Marley. It is Jamaica’s hope that the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 will signal a turning point in how we, the global community, treat with such crises in order to contain and reverse their effects, and where possible prevent their occurrence.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We are therefore heartened to see the warming of relations between two of our closest neighbours and call on the United States Administration to take a further bold step by immediately lifting the unjust economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. The Group has further noted and welcomed the efforts of the Secretary-General to facilitate a solution to the controversy between the two countries. The importance of keeping diplomatic channels open and engaging in dialogue was reiterated. Jamaica remains concerned about the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. We therefore welcome the recent decision of our two neighbours to resume diplomatic dialogue with a view to bringing the controversy to an early end.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“That is a significant step forward and Jamaica is honoured to have made its contribution as Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations during the past session. Jamaica is well aware that in our region, as elsewhere, peace and development are inextricably linked. However, they can fall prey to rising social and political tensions, which too often culminate in conflicts. For that reason we are pleased that on the occasion of the second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States held in Cuba in 2014, our Community proclaimed Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Jamaica recognizes that it is through dialogue and mutual respect that we can begin to address many long- standing conflicts.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Forging effective partnerships will be the key. History has shown us time and again that when the United Nations works with other actors within the international community, we can produce effective and enduring solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. As we move to decisively address threats to and breaches of international peace and security, I call on the Security Council to act more decisively to address these challenges. Let us prioritize peace over political expedience. However, the Assembly continues to grapple with the urgent question of Security Council reform. Fortunately, the consensus decision of the sixty-ninth session is a call for the commencement of substantive, text-based negotiation during this historic seventieth session.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“With that in mind, Jamaica welcomes the Secretary-General’s timely initiative to review and assess the peacekeeping architecture undertaken by the eminent United Nations High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations. We commend the resultant comprehensive agenda and robust action plan set out by the Secretary-General. As a proud police-contributing country, Jamaica is keen to participate in the forthcoming discussions within the General Assembly and in sharing the lessons learned and the ways we might use our enhanced understanding of the new contexts in which our peacekeepers are being deployed. 15-29822 9/29 A/70/PV.26 02/10/2015 We, the United Nations, must redouble our efforts to find new avenues for maintaining peace and security, through preventative approaches and the creation of durable solutions.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Transnational organized crime and the presence of weapons of mass destruction continue to threaten international peace and security, while the proliferation of conventional arms in the hands of non-State actors pose a grave risk to many countries and regions. In the face of these crises, our peoples look to the United Nations to find solutions to end human suffering. Yet, the Organization has been impotent to respond in many of these situations, calling its credibility and relevance into question. We must admit that traditional peace and security responses have to date proven grossly inadequate in the face of today’s diverse conflicts.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Let us prioritize sustainable development over short-term goals. The maintenance of international peace and security remains a most urgent and demanding objective of this body. While we have avoided a war of global scale over the past 70 years, today we face increasingly complex, interconnected threats to our peace and security. Intra-State conflicts and terrorist activities have transformed the geopolitical landscape and increased the threats to international peace and security. In his annual report the Secretary-General (A/70/1), points to some alarming developments in which millions of people are engulfed by conflict and crisis, most notably in the Middle East and North Africa. Millions suffer the brutal tactics of violent extremists such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The next major step for multilateralism will come in a few weeks when we hope to conclude negotiations in Paris on a global agreement on climate change. We must capitalize on the momentum that we have generated throughout this year and work in concert to make the climate Conference a success for us all. The sustainability of our planet and the prosperity of our peoples depend on a meaningful outcome. We can and we must deliver for present and future generations. Our deep concern about climate change underscores the urgent need to protect our oceans and seas. As host of the International Seabed Authority, Jamaica views with considerable interest developments that impact the preservation and sustainable use of the resources of the ocean for the benefit of mankind. We urge greater vigilance by all.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In fact, another member of our Caribbean family, the Bahamas, is now being pummelled by Hurricane Joaquin. In spite of this fact, however, the international community can ensure the impact of the next natural disaster on our small island and low-lying coastal countries is lessened by helping us to improve our resilience in the face of these ever increasing calamities. We firmly believe that the successes recorded by the Organization over the past years have reinforced the value of multilateralism as the best framework for tackling global problems. The adoption of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda are recent examples of our commitment to collective action.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“A key part of our work will be to ensure that, as we implement the new development paradigm, we fully address the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS, and the persistent economic and social challenges of countries in special situations, such as middle income countries. This must include the adoption of approaches to measuring development that reflects the realities of our countries. In yet another reminder of the devastating and disproportionate impact of natural disasters on SIDS, our sister island of Dominica is currently struggling to recover from the ravages of tropical storm Erika. Jamaica joins the appeal to the international community to rally in support of the people of Dominica by assisting in the recovery, reconstruction and humanitarian efforts that are required. It is an unfortunate fact that such events will certainly occur again.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have great expectations of the 2030 Agenda, but they will not be met without determined effort, the exercise of political will and the forging of genuine and durable partnerships between and among all States. We must also marshal the resources required at the 8/29 15-29822 02/10/2015 A/70/PV.26 national, regional and international levels to increase the likelihood of success. The challenge posed by climate change is an existential one for the peoples of small island developing States (SIDS), whose lives and livelihoods too often hang in the balance. We therefore look for the continued support of the international community for SIDS.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“At the same time, we acknowledge that the overall results have been mixed as we have fallen short of our expectations in some key areas. Today, our world continues to be plagued by poverty and strife, which place too many people in vulnerable situations. Suffering and inequality remain widespread and too many are marginalized and left behind. To tackle these challenges we must heed the call to do more and to do better. This is an historic moment and we must use it to muster our collective will to imbue this seventieth session with a firm determination to make the eighth decade in the life of our Organization a period of unparalleled achievement. Let us prioritize action over rhetoric. Last week, we adopted the most comprehensive, universal global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) the world has yet seen.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We concede that the United Nations is by no means perfect. Yet we shudder to contemplate the kind of world that would have emerged from the ravages of the Second World War without its existence. We recognize the commendable role played by the United Nations in various fields, from peacekeeping, human development and the protection of human rights, to the codification of international law and environmental sustainability. We also value and commend the work of the specialized agencies for their impressive achievements in agriculture, population studies, labour, industrial development, health and culture, among many other areas of pursuit. It is a record of which the international community can be justly proud.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is an honour for me to address this historic seventieth session of the General Assembly. I extend to Mr. Mogens Lykketoft my sincere congratulations on his election to the presidency of the Assembly. We feel confident that under his capable guidance, this session will inspire what he has called for in this seventieth year — a new commitment to action for international cooperation towards peace, security, human rights and economic justice for all persons. I also express Jamaica’s profound gratitude to the outgoing President, His Excellency Sam Kutesa of Uganda, for his outstanding stewardship during what has been a truly defining year for the United Nations. As we mark the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Organization, let us reflect on its value and work over the decades.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We reiterate our support for an end to the economic, financial and commercial embargo against Cuba, and urge all States that continue to apply such measures to repeal or invalidate such laws. We have it within our power to shape a world that is just and equitable and that embraces both peace and development with equal fervour. As we prepare to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations next year, we recommit to the lofty goals enshrined in the Charter — peace and security and the economic and social advancement of all people. Let us get on with the task.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Only a small shortfall remains. Let us press on to the end and meet the final goal. Jamaica looks forward to the commencement in January 2015 of the International Decade for People of African Descent, through which the international community will undertake a range of activities to address racism, xenophobia, discrimination and prejudice, as well as systemic inequalities and underdevelopment. People of African descent must be engaged directly in the range of measures that can be taken to redress the legacy of the historic wrongs they have suffered. CARICOM countries believe that reparatory justice is an important element in that process. Jamaica remains opposed to the unilateral application of economic sanctions and trade restrictions applied by one State against another.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Jamaica’s group of States has nominated the Jamaican jurist Patrick Lipton Robinson as a candidate for election to the International Court of Justice for the term 2015-2024. His nomination demonstrates Jamaica’s preparedness to contribute to the work of the Court and underscores that all States, regardless of size, can make a contribution to the development of the rules and norms of international law. In 2015 we expect to erect a permanent memorial to honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Its location outside this very Hall will serve as a place of meditation and solemn reflection on the horrors of slavery and the need to prevent its recurrence and to address its ongoing legacy. I encourage Member States to contribute to the Trust Fund established to underwrite the cost of the memorial.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We are pleased that, with the fiftieth ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty earlier this week, that historic Treaty will enter into force on 25 December. All States, whether small or large, have a role to play in the maintenance of international peace and security. Jamaica is therefore honoured to assume the chairmanship of the First Committee at this sixty-ninth session, which reflects our commitment to advancing the objectives of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. Among the major milestones to be celebrated next year will be the seventieth anniversary of the International Court of Justice. Jamaica is firm in its commitment to the highest standards of respect for international justice and supports the role of the Court.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Jamaica believes that the cycle of violence will continue in the absence of a negotiated political settlement based on a just, lasting and comprehensive agreement that guarantees the security of Israel and recognizes the Palestinian State within internationally recognized borders. We reiterate our commitment to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. In the Caribbean we are acutely aware of the pernicious impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, fuelled by a dangerous nexus with the drug trade. That combination is the single greatest cause of fear and insecurity among our citizens. For the past two decades we have remained resolute in our call for a global partnership to fight that scourge.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It is unfortunate that the number and scale of those crises not only place extraordinary demands on the international aid system, thereby hampering its capacity to respond, but also serve to desensitize the international community to the horrific levels of suffering being borne by civilian populations. Resolving those conflicts requires global and regional cooperation. It is clear also that conflict prevention must assume greater prominence. We cannot continue to operate in crisis mode only. Our vision is that of a United Nations transformed into a more effective instrument for preventing conflict and securing just and peaceful settlements. Recent events in Gaza demonstrate that the need for a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains as urgent as ever.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“It is undeniable that those crises are fuelled by the growing propensity to funnel and transfer conventional arms to non-State actors, including rebel groups and separatist militias. The militarization of such groups often serves to further those conflicts rather than hasten their end. Each passing day, the international community is confronted with new crises, the emergence of greater acts of barbarism, and the rise of more lethal terrorist groups. In the past few months, we have witnessed the atrocities of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the downing of a civilian aircraft in Ukraine and a United Nations peacekeeping helicopter in South Sudan. We also dare not forget that it is now 166 days since the Boko Haram terrorist group brazenly abducted 200 schoolgirls, yet their desperate plight continues.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The pandemic nature of global health threats such as Ebola and HIV/AIDS, including the silent killers of non-communicable diseases, require that we employ measures to combat them that are similar in intensity and urgency to those used in the fight against other global challenges. Jamaica is concerned that the conflicts in Syria, the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Ukraine, South Sudan and Mali pose serious threats to regional and international security. Those conflicts are neither limited in scope nor confined to national borders. The instability in Libya, Yemen and the Central African Republic is equally troubling. Of even greater concern are the resulting humanitarian crises and the widespread violations of human rights.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The challenges to security and sustainable development posed by threats to global public health have been devastatingly illustrated by the recent outbreak of the Ebola epidemic. As we heard just two days ago from the Director-General of the World Health Organization, every day, every minute, counts in fighting the most severe public-health emergency seen in modern times. This is the time for courageous partnership, not inaction based on fear. An urgent and robust international response is required to marshal all the medical expertise and modern technologies that are at our disposal.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We also call for special attention to be paid to achieving gender equality. Rooting out violence against women, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and promoting their equal participation at all levels of decision-making should be essential tasks in that regard. I now turn to the problem posed by the heinous activity of human trafficking, a crime of global proportions that exploits the most vulnerable among us, not the least of whom are women and children. Jamaica calls upon the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to provide a framework for Member States to develop a robust programme to help to bring an end to that affront to human dignity and freedom. We cannot ignore the link between our efforts to spur development and the need to safeguard the health of our people.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“At the same time, we are on the cusp of the twentieth anniversary of the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, to be celebrated in 2015. This is therefore an opportune moment to evaluate the progress made in safeguarding the rights of women and children. All children have the right to live a life free from fear and violence. That is the essential prerequisite for the development of their full range of skills and talents. Earlier this year, Jamaica was pleased to host, alongside the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence against Children, an interregional meeting that examined the impact of violence against children. I urge members, as we craft the post-2015 development agenda, to be seized of the importance of addressing the special needs of children and youth.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We also need action to follow up on the additional document to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties, which may be a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that will be applicable to all parties. In that we dare not fail. Our commitment to addressing climate change must be given effect at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties in Paris next year. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally ratified human rights treaty. The year 2014 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the historic International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In recent years we have had to deal with the increased frequency of hurricanes and their widespread impact on our land, lives and livelihoods. The financial impact of hurricanes adds to the burden of the dire economic challenges that we continue to bear. Our fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in the eastern Caribbean will no doubt share their recent experiences with floods that lasted only a few hours last Christmas but caused gross domestic product losses from which they have yet to recover. As we prepare for the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Lima later this year, all countries must be engaged in a cooperative effort to devise an appropriate response to climate change that will result in a steep reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Among those concerns are the full and effective integration of SIDS into the multilateral trading system, an increased voice and participation in international financial institutions, the application of more relevant methods for measuring growth and representing our state of development, and increased support for efforts to enhance our resilience to natural hazards and economic shocks. We welcome the outcome of the Climate Summit convened by the Secretary-General. The participation of business interests, civil society and a range of international institutions highlighted the importance of promoting concerted action among various stakeholders to address climate change. While the threats posed by climate change may be theoretical for some, they are very real for those of us who live in the Caribbean.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Our ability to withstand the ever- increasing risk of economic and environmental shocks requires that we forge effective partnerships with other members of the international community. In short, we cannot do the job alone. Jamaica therefore welcomes the support of the international community in joining forces with SIDS to negotiate the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway, which builds on the Barbados Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy. Let me say, though, that support for SIDS must continue beyond support for the International Conference. Our concerns need to be addressed in the context of the post-2015 development agenda.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That provides an invaluable opportunity for us to address the critical challenges of poverty, inequality, global insecurity and environmental degradation. The post-2015 development agenda must have poverty eradication as its central focus. In so doing, we must give due regard to the developmental status of each country, in particular small island developing States (SIDS) and countries classified as middle-income. Implementing and delivering the post- 2015 development agenda requires a strong focus on the means of implementation. The third International Conference on SIDS drew international attention to the unique vulnerabilities that threaten the very existence and survival of that group of countries.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“At the same time, millions of citizens face unbearable levels of hardship and endure unconscionable levels of suffering. Far too many of our fellow men and women are being left behind. It rests within our grasp to build a better future for our peoples. This is the time to put people firmly at the centre of our development aspirations, to tackle the root causes of conflict, to create a culture of peace and to entrench the principles of justice, equity, democracy and respect for the rule of law. Recommitment to the principles of multilateralism and fidelity to the ideals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations are central to our efforts to accomplish those goals. In the coming months, our attention will be focused on elaborating an international development agenda for the post-2015 period.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I stand here today, as a representative of a nation with strong ancestral ties to the African continent, to welcome the election of Mr. Sam Kutesa to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. We are confident that the experience and skills that he brings to that high Office will be invaluable as we tackle the myriad challenges that confront us today. To his predecessor Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda, I also convey sincere appreciation for the leadership and vision that he showed in guiding our work, not the least of which was the success he achieved in setting the stage for the post-2015 development agenda. The quest for peace and development has assumed an urgency we have seldom seen. We live in a time of great instability and conflict.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)