Statement of Vanuatu in the UNGA72

Nuclear Weapons: My government is concerned by the menace to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea’s provocative missile program constitutes a violation of numerous Security Council resolutions, and represents a menace without precedent for security in the region and in the world. Vanuatu condemns in the strongest possible terms the latest series of missiles and joins the international community in urging the North Korean administration to put an end to its nuclear and missile development program.

Disarmament: My government reaffirms its engagement for the denuclearisation of the Pacific, and we welcome the Treaty adopted by the Conference for the negotiation of a binding legal instrument to ban nuclear arms. Vanuatu reaffirms its commitment to total nuclear disarmament.   

Focus countries: Vanuatu notes with deep concern the irrefutable link between the global migration crisis and the failure to respect the principles of responsibility for the protection and prevention of mass atrocity crimes in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and South Sudan, to only cite a few.

SDGs: My Government welcomes the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the repositioning of the United Nations development system in Agenda 2030. I am particularly encouraged by the fact that the report highlights the need for coordination and accountability more robust at the heart of the UN system and to realign it to better respond to the efforts of countries to implement the transformative agenda 2030.

SDGs: Vanuatu is convinced that to end poverty, we must offer opportunities to all, notably women, offer access to education, nutrition and health. My government is committed to eliminate barriers that affect vulnerable groups disproportionately.

Gender Equality: We have successfully launched a national political plan on gender equality and protection of children in November 2016. Both take into account violence and discrimination against women and girls, as well as negligence, exploitation, abuse and violence towards children.

Human Rights/Gender Equality: I return to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations to reaffirm the belief in the fundamental rights of human beings, in the dignity and value of humans and in the equal rights of women and men, and nations, large and small.