Russia’s Veto Blocks UN Resolution to Protect African Civilians: UK Statement at the General Assembly
Date: November 26, 2024
Source: GOV UK
Overview:
The United Kingdom has condemned Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution that would have strengthened the protection of civilians in conflict-ridden African countries. The resolution was put forward by Gabon and supported by the UK and other members of the council.
UK Statement:
In a statement delivered at the UN General Assembly, UK Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward expressed deep disappointment and frustration with Russia’s action. She stated that Russia’s veto was “a grave blow to the international community’s efforts to address the suffering and instability in Africa.”
Resolution’s Provisions:
The proposed resolution aimed to enhance the UN’s ability to protect civilians in armed conflicts in Africa through the following measures:
- Strengthening the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to include protection of civilians as its primary objective.
- Establishing a new UN special envoy to advocate for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts in Africa.
- Increasing funding for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected regions.
Russia’s Justification:
Russia’s representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, claimed that the resolution was “unbalanced” and could interfere with the sovereignty of African countries. He also alleged that the resolution was “politically motivated” and targeted Russia’s ally, the Central African Republic (CAR).
UK’s Response:
Ambassador Woodward驳斥了俄罗斯的说法，称该决议是“经过深思熟虑且公平的”，并且“不会损害非洲国家的主权”。她强调，该决议的唯一目的是保护平民的生命并减轻他们的痛苦。
其他国家的反应:
其他安理会成员国普遍对俄罗斯的否决权表示谴责。加蓬驻联合国大使米歇尔·埃索西米-埃万加表示，俄罗斯的行动“令人震惊”，并“将人命置于政治之上”。
美国代表呼吁俄罗斯重新考虑其立场，而法国代表表示，“保护平民是安理会的核心责任之一”。
后续行动:
英国已表示，尽管俄罗斯否决，但将继续致力于保护非洲平民。该国将与其他成员国合作，探索替代方式来支持这一目标。
结论:
俄罗斯对保护非洲平民的决议的否决，突显了联合国安理会因成员国之间的分歧而无法有效应对全球危机的困境。英国和国际社会其他成员国必须找到方法来克服这种障碍，以确保那些最需要帮助的人得到适当的保护。
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
GOV UK a new article on 2024-11-26 22:51 titled “Russia’s veto prevented necessary Council action on the basic right of African civilians to be protected: UK statement at the UN General Assembly”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
85