Archiv: Dennis Francis


22.01.2024 - 08:43 [ United Nations ]

Carnage in Gaza: ‘How much is enough?’ asks UN Assembly President

(19.01.2024)

Addressing the 19th Non-Aligned Summit in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, President Dennis Francis urged the bloc of 120 nations to exert its influence to bring an end to the “carnage” in the war-ravaged enclave.

“That situation behooves us to ask: how much is enough? And does the very concept of enough even exist in this setting?” he said. “I renew the demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release of all hostages. This stands as the only credible course of action to authentically address – let alone resolve – this conflict.”

30.12.2023 - 16:45 [ United Nations ]

United Nations Charter (full text)

Article 7

1. There are established as principal organs of the United Nations: a General Assembly, a Security Council, an Economic and Social Council, a Trusteeship Council, an International Court of Justice and a Secretariat.

(…)

Article 94

1. Each Member of the United Nations undertakes to comply with the decision of the International Court of Justice in any case to which it is a party.

2. If any party to a case fails to perform the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgment rendered by the Court, the other party may have recourse to the Security Council, which may, if it deems necessary, make recommendations or decide upon measures to be taken to give effect to the judgment.

(…)

Article 96

– The General Assembly or the Security Council may request the International Court of Justice to give an advisory opinion on any legal question.

– Other organs of the United Nations and specialized agencies, which may at any time be so authorized by the General Assembly, may also request advisory opinions of the Court on legal questions arising within the scope of their activities.

13.12.2023 - 01:26 [ United Nations ]

UPDATING LIVE: UN General Assembly votes by large majority for immediate humanitarian ceasefire during emergency session

6:16 PM

The acting President of the General Assembly adjourned the meeting. The session will reconvene at 3 PM (New York time) on Friday, 15 December, with the Assembly resuming its debate. (…)

Text of the adopted resolution

Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations

The General Assembly,

Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling its resolutions regarding the question of Palestine,

Recalling also all relevant Security Council resolutions,

Taking note of the letter dated 6 December 2023 from the Secretary-General, under Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations, addressed to the President of the Security Council,

Taking note also of the letter dated 7 December 2023 from the CommissionerGeneral of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East addressed to the President of the General Assembly,

Expressing grave concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population, and emphasizing that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law,

1. Demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire;

2. Reiterates its demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians;

3. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access;

4. Decides to adjourn the tenth emergency special session temporarily and to authorize the President of the General Assembly at its most recent session to resume its meeting upon request from Member States.

19.09.2023 - 22:12 [ United Nations ]

Unity, solidarity and action needed now: General Assembly President

The message is even more important in the face of the continued violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, the Assembly President continued.

The “horrendous war” has unleashed untold suffering in the country, with fallout across the globe, affecting food security and energy prices, and even raised “the unconscionable threat” of nuclear war.

“We all want this war to end. It is an affront to everything that this organization and the UN Charter stands for,” he said.