YouSaid · the spoken record

Thomas Motsoahae Thabane

lines on the record: 109
first: 1998-09-24
most recent: 2019-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“I appeal to all members to rally behind Zimbabwe and call for an end to the sanctions that have for so long mutilated its economy and the livelihood of ordinary Zimbabweans. As I conclude my statement, I want to underscore that it is not our rhetoric delivered from this rostrum that will change the global socioeconomic, political and security trajectory but rather our willingness to put our words into action that will usher the world out of ongoing misery. We are not at the helm of our countries by chance. Almighty God has allowed us to lead the world at this time for a purpose. Let us therefore all remain faithful, in the true spirit of multilateralism, to the principles underpinning the Organization — principles that envision a truly representative and effective United Nations that can be a torchbearer.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It should be the United Nations that takes bold steps in addressing the question of Palestine and protecting the viability of a two-State solution, with Palestine and Israel coexisting side by side in peace and within internationally recognized secure borders. Our United Nations should be the Organization that protects the sovereignty of its Member States and prevents interference in the affairs of other States, and it should not be indifferent to the plight of the people of Western Sahara, who have yearned for independence for decades to no avail. Our United Nations should guarantee and protect the Cuban people’s right to freedom of trade and navigation and oppose unwarranted sanctions, such as those on Zimbabwe, which have resulted in the collective punishment of innocent Zimbabweans.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“At the same time, we must strengthen our counter-terrorism efforts through collective measures in order to put an end to the terrorist scourge that is indiscriminately causing great damage to property and resulting in a massive loss of innocent lives. The United Nations was founded by peace-loving nations in the conviction that the nations of the world should be able to cooperate to resolve conflicts peacefully. That abiding conviction of our forebears must be reasserted as we build the United Nations of the future. The United Nations of the twenty-first century should be able to give humankind hope for a world of peace and total eradication of poverty. It should be the United Nations that stands with the marginalized and oppressed.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We are hopeful that significant progress in nuclear disarmament will be made in the near future. In the midst of those developments, we cannot ignore the plight of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of terrorism and ongoing conflict in Africa, the Middle East and other parts of the world. Many undertake dangerous journeys across oceans in search of havens and countless people lose their lives in the process. While we thank the individual European countries that have opened their doors to migrants fleeing to their territory, we also call on the European Union to come up with a comprehensive strategy to resolve the crisis with us.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We therefore pray that negotiations on this very important subject will take place during this session. As the Security Council remains paralysed in critical situations, the threat of the use of nuclear weapons continues to haunt us. The security situation on the Korean peninsula does not give us comfort. The launching of different types of missiles, in total disregard of Security Council resolutions, puts an unnecessary strain on relations among States and flies in the face of our Charter obligations. I appeal to all Member States to join hands in ensuring a safer planet that is free of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons. However, a sense of hope is emerging. The ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has gathered momentum, despite some elements of opposition.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Threats to international peace and security persist, while conflicts continue to erupt in different parts of the world, putting the capacity of the international conflict-resolution machinery to a severe test. Lesotho underscores the imperative for prioritizing coordinated, sustained and inclusive conflict-prevention measures. It is in that connection that we reiterate our call for a reform of the Security Council with a view to making it representative, transparent and truly accountable. True reform of the Security Council must be modelled along the lines of the African common position, as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. That is the only way we see the possibility of the historical injustice done to Africa and the suffering it endured being reversed.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Without the invaluable support of the Southern African Development Community, the Peacebuilding Commission and the European Union, the strides that we have made so far would not have been possible. We are eternally grateful to those partners. We are confident that they will continue to undertake this journey with us, including through the implementation phase. Attaining the goal of establishing transparent, efficient and accountable institutions that are free of corruption and just laws that are responsive to the needs of our people is within sight. We hope to become a beacon of inspiration for others to also undertake legal and institutional reforms with a view to finding lasting solutions to their problems.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In my address to the Assembly at its seventy-third session (see A/73/PV.13), I underscored the fact that peace, security and socioeconomic development will remain elusive if our countries do not implement the necessary legal and institutional reforms. The archaic laws and institutions inherited from our colonial masters, which are far removed from the realities of the twenty-first century, must be done away with now. Our journey towards national reform in Lesotho is nearing fruition. We will be concluding the process of national dialogue on the Lesotho we want next month. Parliament will also soon conclude the process of enacting legislation and creating a national reform authority with the necessary remit to implement reform.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“And we urge those who are contemplating withdrawing from the Paris Agreement to refrain from doing so so that at this defining moment we do not spoil the benefits of our collective action. It is time for all countries — developed or developing, rich or poor — to join hands and take bold climate action to save Mother Earth. Indeed, we would be remiss if we did not commend the Secretary-General for his tireless drive to foster action beyond words. We particularly applaud his inclusion of young people in the global discussions on climate-action initiatives. It is my firm belief that this is a step in the right direction towards enabling them to be the drivers of climate action, since they are the generation that will affected the most in the long run.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“With regard to climate change, Lesotho is aware of its serious vulnerability to the challenges it faces due to its location, size and topography. As a result, our Government has made a commitment to building resilience to the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 by 10 per cent using internal resources, and by 25 per cent using external resources. At the same time, we call for international assistance in our adaptation efforts in the area of capacity-building and the provision of adequate resources, in line with existing commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We also call on Member States to ratify the Paris Agreement and fulfil their obligations under it.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that regard, the Government of Lesotho is taking steps to raise the quality of basic education with a view to bestowing the Basotho with a strong foundation for skills development and an enhanced ability to participate more productively in the economic space. We must nevertheless underscore the fact that the achievement of the SDGs will elude us if the least developed countries do not receive the assistance they need. The commitments made in that connection must be fulfilled. We must take concerted measures over the next 10 years to foster stronger partnerships at the national, regional and, of course, global levels and ensure that no one is left behind as we guide our countries towards the 2030 milestone. Collaboration with development partners, financial institutions and the private sector, among others, is critical.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It should also be recalled that Lesotho was among the 47 countries that underwent voluntary national reviews during the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. In our review, we recognized that the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires the implementation of priority programmes under various SDGs that have a combined impact on every aspect of unemployment and poverty reduction. We also attach importance to an all-inclusive approach and the participation of all citizens in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We also recognize the need for quality education that fully responds to the needs of our country.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“With regard to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lesotho has demonstrated commitment to their implementation by operationalizing the Goals through its recently adopted second national strategic development plan for the period from 2019 to 2023. The plan also emphasizes the importance of pursuing sustainable inclusive growth and creating decent jobs as the most effective route for poverty reduction. In that context, the Government recently launched a job and investment summit aimed at fostering private investment and creating new job opportunities for over 30,000 Basothos, with a particular focus on young people, women, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Climate change, the problem of refugees and migration, armed conflict and violence, internal displacement, a lack of respect for human rights, terrorism and many other challenges continue to transcend our borders. It is in that context that we hail the relevance of our theme for this general debate, “Galvanizing multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion”. In the space of one week, we have held four summits seeking to address the most pertinent issues facing the world right now — climate change, universal health coverage, sustainable development and financing for development. The experiences that we shared in the summits and the ideas that we exchanged should propel us to adopt policies and put in place measures in our respective countries that are responsive to the needs of our people.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Today we can all attest to the strides that the United Nations has made in pursuit of those goals. Indeed, the Secretary-General, in his report on the work of the Organization at the current international juncture, aptly captures the progress that the United Nations has made so far when he says, “The Organization, and its ethos of international cooperation, have yielded great and wide-ranging benefits to humankind, lifting millions out of poverty, upholding human rights and helping to forge peace in troubled lands” (A/74/1, para. 1). Despite those laudable achievements of our beloved Organization, challenges remain on the path towards assuring humankind a bright, prosperous, dignified and secure future. We are seeing signs that hegemonic positions and unipolarity are once again emerging in the international political landscape.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande on his well-deserved election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fourth session. I assure him of my delegation’s full support and cooperation during his tenure in office. Seventy years ago, when the world was under the shadow of the ominous threat of extinction, perceptive men and women from 50 countries, representing all the continents of the world, appended their signatures to the Charter of the United Nations in the clear determination to save the world from the follies of the leaders of the time. Those visionary individuals envisioned a world of peace, justice and equitable relations among nations. They dreamt of a world characterized by freedom, socioeconomic development, respect for human rights and international law.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It is through our solidarity, more than anything else, that the United Nations will thrive and successfully put humankind at the centre of its activities. The United Nations is the only platform that enables us to embrace true multilateralism. At the same time, let us remember that, although we may have a shared vision and leadership determined to address peace, equity and sustainability challenges, the truth is that we are mortal beings with intellectual and other constraints. As such, we need to acknowledge that there is a divine Power above, which is the source of true wisdom. Let us therefore keep our communication lines with God open in order to find real and lasting solutions to the world problems that so often besiege us.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is equally important to underscore that the gains made in the field of disarmament are being eroded gradually. Small arms and light weapons continue to flood the illegal market. The threat of the use of weapons of mass destruction has re-emerged, and the United Nations is paralysed by the current size, allocation of membership and power configuration of the Security Council, making the call for the reform of that organ even more urgent. In conclusion, I note that the United Nations, to a very large extent, has attempted to put people at the centre of its core business. However, still more needs to be done. I appeal to all present to shun those who seek to divide and incite us against each other.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In the same vein, the economic and commercial embargo imposed on Cuba continues to weigh heavily on our conscience. There is no doubt that that measure has had a negative impact on the people and the economy of Cuba. We call for the embargo to be lifted and for Cuba to be reintegrated into the world trading system. In today’s globalized world it is indefensible and incomprehensible that decisions that bind us all are left in the hands of a few Member States. Our advocacy for the democratization of the United Nations must be intensified. Reform of the Security Council, one that takes into account the aspirations of Africa, as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus, cannot be postponed any longer. Transparency, inclusivity and democracy must inform the work of the entire United Nations system.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“As the plight of the Palestinian people worsens, the hope for the resolution of the crises in Syria and Iraq also diminishes. We cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of those innocent people. Unilateral actions that defy international agreements and United Nations resolutions will only worsen the situation of the Palestinians. A two-State solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and harmony, remains the only viable option for the settlement of the Palestinian question. Achieving peace is a process that requires engagement, accommodation and genuineness. Peace cannot be achieved through war or oppression. All of us joined this Organization voluntarily and professed a love for peace. Our actions must also reflect that commitment.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The developments in the Horn of Africa offer hope for a prosperous and peaceful region. In particular, the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea through the signing of a peace deal and the opening of embassies in both countries’ capitals will usher in a new era of peace, with substantial concomitant economic, humanitarian and strategic implications for the region. We continue to be saddened, however, by the situation in Western Sahara, which continues to be the only colony on the African continent. The suffering of the Sahrawi people has been going on for far too long now. They deserve to be afforded an opportunity to voice their aspirations for independence through universal suffrage. Lesotho will continue to stand with them in their pursuit of emancipation.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Peace and prosperity cannot be achieved when women and girls are marginalized and not given the opportunity to contribute to development. The role of women and other disadvantaged sectors of our communities in advancing the global development agenda must be further enhanced. It is equally important to underline that the protection of human rights is a noble objective of the international community that must not be politicized, redefined or even subjected to double standards according to the whims and caprices of a few powerful States pursuing their own agendas. Today on the African continent we are more determined than ever to rid ourselves of conflict by settling disputes through peaceful means. The warring parties in South Sudan have finally brokered a peace deal.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In addition, a national consultative committee was set up to deal with a range of migration-related matters, such as the development of a strategic plan on migration and development. Included in the plan are interventions aimed at enhancing the proper utilization of remittances from the diaspora. We therefore need to embrace migrants at the global level for their contribution to the economic development of both their countries of origin and their host countries. We find it disturbing that migrants all over the world continue to face challenges of unprecedented magnitude. We call upon all parties concerned to adhere to the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration, and we look forward to the adoption of the compact in December.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In line with our national priorities, we are taking substantive steps towards providing an appropriate space for private-sector investment and entrepreneurship as a complement to public investments. An industrial hub has been launched in the northern region. When fully operational, it will create job opportunities for more than 14,000 people. Private property investors will also be invited to build factory shells there. We also cannot ignore the disturbing issue of migration. We all know that the movement of persons across borders is an issue of staggering importance. It is our view that migration is one area where opportunities for skilled and surplus labour can be explored. To that end, my Government is working closely with international partners to explore development outcomes related to migration.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Our resolve to build a safe, stable and secure country is motivated by the fact that peace and security are preconditions for development. We are determined to take charge of our socioeconomic transformation as a country, in line with the African Union Agenda 2063, as well as the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — premised upon the principle of inclusivity and leaving no one behind. We note, however, the important role that financing plays in any attempt to achieve the goals enshrined in both Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. While we acknowledge that official development assistance remains a catalyst for development, we also advocate for robust domestic resource mobilization. We are determined to combat illicit financial flows, strengthen tax administration and harness remittances.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“With the help of the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and other development partners, we are on the path to changing the trajectory of a vicious circle of instability and volatile insecurity in Lesotho. The Kingdom of Lesotho is now embarking on a comprehensive national reform agenda that will culminate in the calibration of pivotal elements of Government, and thus achieve the tenets of the National Vision 2020. Our shared commitment as a nation to transforming our mountain kingdom into a just, prosperous and stable country, marked by effective and people-focused institutions, national unity of purpose, the rule of law, good governance and human rights, will certainly be attained.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“From feeding more than 104 million people in over 80 countries every year to assisting millions of refugees and protecting women and children, fighting against poverty, HIV and AIDS, and restoring calm through peacekeeping initiatives, the United Nations has undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of global citizens. When addressing the General Assembly at its seventy-second session (see A/72/PV.17), I did so with a heavy heart, as there was a dark cloud of instability and insecurity hovering over my country. But today, I stand before the Assembly to attest to the difference that the United Nations can make in people’s lives.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The multilateral system seems to provide no sustainable solution to the multifaceted challenges that confront our world, while unilateralism is on the rise. Those challenges put to the test the trust that humanity has put in the United Nations. Their hope that future generations will be saved from the scourge of war, which, as stated in the Preamble to the Charter, has twice in our lifetime brought untold sorrow to mankind, is further receding from sight. The above scenario is a reality. Even so, the centrality and relevance of the United Nations cannot be challenged. The world would not have been the same without the United Nations. Imperfect as it is, its positive impact on the lives of countless people is a fact that cannot be denied.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“With this Charter the world can begin to look forward to the time when all worthy human beings may be permitted to live decently as free people.” (Proceedings of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, final plenary session, San Francisco, 1945) For the past 73 years now, we have been standing at this rostrum making commitments and inspiring hope among the citizens of the world. However, our rhetoric has not been matched with action. Our lack of fidelity to the principles enshrined in the Charter remains a concern. Seven decades on, we are still embroiled in vicious conflict and violence. The world envisioned by our forebears, where “worthy human beings may be permitted to live decently as free people” (ibid.), continues to elude us.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“As the session of 51 representatives who came from across the world to adopt the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 was drawing to a close, the then President of the United States, Harry Truman, said: “The Charter of the United Nations which you have just signed is a solid structure upon which we can build a better world Between the victory in Europe and the final victory, in this most destructive of all wars, you have won a victory against war itself. ...”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“As new wars and civil unrest seem to be flaring up every week, our people look to us as their leaders for solutions, and they yearn for help from the United Nations. It is in that context that we welcome the theme for this session — “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”. The theme speaks to the very principles underpinning the formation of the Organization. The Charter of the United Nations puts people at the centre of the United Nations with the following words in its Preamble: “We the peoples of the United Nations”. The big question today is: have we put the people at the centre of our efforts as an Organization for more than seven decades?”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Miroslav Lajčák, for his noteworthy leadership during the previous session. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the work of the Organization (A/73/1), which outlines the state of our United Nations. World history has been replete, since time immemorial, with periods when peace was lacking. It speaks of conflict among brothers and sisters — wars between and within nations. Terrorism and violence have disrupted and displaced families, while economic devastation has ruined countless lives. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and tornadoes caused by climate change have taken their toll on humankind. Injustice continues to permeate countries, and societies are left devoid of hope for a prosperous, free, peaceful and just world.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Allow me at the outset to sincerely congratulate the President on her well- deserved election as the fourth woman to ascend to the highest seat at the United Nations. Although we are happy about her election, we can certainly take no pride in our own record as leaders. Out of 73 Presidents of General Assembly sessions to date, only four have been women. Nevertheless, all is not lost. We must resolve to walk the talk and ensure that women get the same opportunities as men, in line with the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. I assure the President of my delegation’s full support. Her impeccable credentials and experience spanning more than two decades in the multilateral setting assure us of a successful seventy-third session. It would be remiss of me not to commend her predecessor, Mr.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Let us march forward with unity of purpose, while focusing on our peoples and striving for peace so that we can all have a decent life.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As I conclude, I would like to point out that we should continue to resist all attempts to undermine the global consensus that the United Nations has built around many issues of importance to our peoples. We remain convinced that it is the only universal institution that can safeguard world peace and ensure the survival of all and sundry. For it to do so, however, the reform agenda of the United Nations must proceed without further delay, including reform of the Security Council. A Council that is transparent and representative of all regions, including Africa, will go a long way to fulfilling the ideals for which the United Nations was founded. Unilateral actions that defy civility and international law belong to the past.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Concerning the nuclear-disarmament landscape, the United Nations made significant progress a few months ago with the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons with the goal of eventually achieving their total elimination. That is a historic achievement, especially in the light of the ongoing tensions in the Korean peninsula. The argument that nuclear weapons are a deterrent is a fallacy. Such weapons are a threat to human existence, and their possessors should do the right thing and renounce them in line with their international obligations. The Treaty should not remain a mere paper agreement; it must be ratified and implemented by all.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The agreement by the POLISARIO Front and Morocco to resume negotiations in order to reach a long-term solution has not gone unnoticed. We commend them for that bold step and assure them of our support in that noble endeavour. The question of Palestine has been on the United Nations agenda for decades. We continue to believe that a two-State solution, based on the 1967 borders, whereby Israel and Palestine coexist side-by-side in equal sovereignty, is the most viable proposal for a permanent settlement to that vexing problem. The Palestinians too deserve to enjoy the right to peace, development and the sanctity of life.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The questions of Western Sahara and Palestine have defied solutions for a long time. We reiterate our support for Western Sahara in its struggle for self-determination. Every day that passes without a change in the lives of the people of Western Sahara is a reminder to the world that we must renew our determination to fight the injustices perpetrated against the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. History will judge us harshly if we watch in silence as unjust treatment is meted out to the people of that African country. Our silence and inaction will leave an indelible mark of failure on our collective character. In the modern world the use of colonial tactics is totally unacceptable. In that connection, we call on the United Nations to remain resolute in its determination to rid the world of the scourge of colonialism.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The principles of common but differentiated responsibility and economic might and capability between developed and developing nations will be critical to our success in building a sustainable world. We therefore call on the international community to continue mobilizing and providing additional financial resources to Africa for climate-friendly technologies to address both the urgent adaptation and mitigation needs of Africa and other developing countries. Similarly, we urge countries that have reneged on their support to the Paris Agreement to reconsider their position and return to the fold. The eradication of colonialism is one of the most notable achievements accomplished by the international community through the United Nations. However, that business remains unfinished.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The recent hurricanes that have devastated the Caribbean and parts of the United States, along with the torrential rains that have been witnessed in many countries, including floods of biblical proportions, are a stark reminder that climate change is with us and that urgent action is required in accordance with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which was concluded more than a year ago. We reiterate our appeal that small countries such as Lesotho, including small island States, should be empowered with technologies for dealing with and adapting to climate-change challenges. Sustainable development will elude us without genuine commitment on the part of all, including our development partners.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As a result of the ongoing violence in the Middle East and elsewhere, the world’s refugee population has grown; there are more than 65 million displaced persons, including those fleeing hunger. That situation is intolerable, as it has created an environment in which young people have become vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist movements and human trafficking. In recent years, Lesotho has faced prolonged droughts due to the El Niño effect, which crippled the entire Southern African subcontinent and led to food shortages and other hardships.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I must therefore mention the need for increased international assistance in infrastructure development and institutional capacity-building, as well as industrialization and enhancement of productive capacity, for all developing countries, not only the least developed. Lesotho continues to support the maintenance of international peace and security. We are deeply disturbed by the ongoing violence in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. The rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has added another dimension to the scourge of international terrorism. It has become a force of destruction and generates mayhem on a global scale. We are encouraged by recent efforts aimed at shrinking the boundaries of the territories controlled by ISIL in Iraq and Syria.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We recognize that poverty and the AIDS pandemic go hand in hand, and our poverty eradication policies therefore target the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, AIDS orphans, women and young people. We remain committed to ensuring that those objectives are tackled, for they are key components of the SDGs. On the economic front, like other landlocked developing countries, Lesotho continues to face challenges inherently linked to its unique geographic position. The burden of high transport costs and cumbersome and slow export processing procedures continues to impose serious impediments to our external trade.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Countries therefore have to develop strategies for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization. In that regard, the Government of Lesotho remains committed in its resolve to harness the energy of young Basotho men and women in order to further the advancement of the economy of our country. Lesotho continues to deal with the scourge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is more prevalent among young women, who are the backbone of our economy. The empowerment of women is a focus of our development policy. We believe that elevating them to positions of leadership in both the private and public sectors will lead to a more equitable and prosperous society in Lesotho.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As a least developed country, we believe that the concept of development is meaningful only when it gives communities tangible benefits in a sustainable manner. It is indisputable fact that young people are the thread that holds together the fabric of every nation and that at the same time they can be major agents of change. It would be a serious and unwise miscalculation not to recognize them as our partners of today and leaders of tomorrow. In that regard, we emphasize the importance of young people’s participation in decision-making at all levels. Job creation for young people also remains a priority. With reference to SDG 8, our global strategy for youth employment is set to be operationalized by 2020.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“On the development front, I am happy to report that the Government of Lesotho is committed to maintaining fiscal discipline in order to stabilize the national economy and stimulate growth and business activity while preserving the environment. At the same time, we are relentlessly committed to combating crime and corruption at all levels of our society, in accordance with SDG 16, which recognizes that corruption undermines efforts to combat poverty and gender equality. It further acts as a tax on the poor when it comes to accessing their right to public services. We are aware that on our own, without the support of our cooperating partners, our efforts to root out corruption cannot yield the desired results; hence our urgent call to them to join forces with us in our crusade.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Today I have to once again report to the Assembly with sadness and great humiliation the assassination of the current Army Commander, Lieutenant General Khoantle Motsomotso, less than three weeks ago, on 5 September, by two senior army officers, who were in turn shot and killed by the General’s bodyguards. Despite such daunting challenges to our small mountain Kingdom’s political and security instability, SADC is standing firmly behind us as a regional bloc to help restore peace, political stability, security and the rule of law in Lesotho. On that note, I wantto thank SADC, our development partners, the Friends of Lesotho, the African Union and the United Nations for their unwavering support in ensuring that Lesotho’s democracy is protected in its pursuit of economic growth and stability.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is an exercise that will involve all stakeholders, who must engage with genuine and total commitment to establishing a stable political order that is conducive to economic development. As the new Government of Lesotho, our resolve and commitment to implementing SADC decisions signifies our commitment to working together with our regional body in pursuit of lasting peace and security in our country and the whole SADC region. We have made good progress in the implementation of SADC decisions following the recommendations of Justice Mpaphi Phumaphi, which were laid out during his enquiry in Lesotho after the brutal assassination of Lieutenant General Mahao, Lesotho’s Army Commander, in June 2015.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“To that end, our immediate challenge is to come up with a new strategy that encapsulates the SDGs and multidimensionally integrates them into the concept, as the theme outlines. We are cognizant of the fact that in Lesotho our destiny is in our hands and that the chief responsibility for sustainable and equal development resides with us. As a newly inaugurated Administration, we have set for ourselves the very lofty goal of restructuring all our important Government institutions. In that regard, we intend to embark on an ambitious yet achievable reform programme. We are committed to fully implementing the decisions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and putting Lesotho on a path of inclusive reform that will consist of constitutional, parliamentary, electoral, public-sector and security- sector reforms.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The complexities and dichotomies that characterize humankind’s existence on the planet and the inequalities that prevail between developed and underdeveloped countries would be a thing of the past if we could remain true to our mission and focus on people on our development path. While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embrace the concept of universal prosperity for all societies, we are all aware that, in essence, that ideal is still far from being realized. We must move forward cooperatively in our efforts to achieve peace and a decent life for all. It is incumbent on the entire international community to act in unison as we strive to restore peace and deploy a universal response to our goals.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)