'Without full inclusion and equality, peace is a job half done' - UN Chief at the Security Council

The United Nations of Earth reporting on this issue: "'Without full inclusion and equality, peace is a job half done' - UN Chief at the Security Council"
The topics: Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Exclusion, inequality, and conflict - Security Council, 8900th meeting. " (...) For the poorest and most vulnerable people, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified misery and inequalities. Around 120 million more people have been pushed into poverty. Hunger and famines are stalking millions of people around the world. We face the deepest global recession since World War 2. Billions lack the safety nets they need to cope — social protections, health care and job protection. People in the richest countries are getting third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while only five per cent of Africans are fully vaccinated. Even before the pandemic, the world’s billionaires held more wealth than 60 per cent of the global population — and that gap has widened enormously. At the same time, the stage is being set for a lopsided recovery. While advanced economies are investing 28 per cent of their GDPs into economic recovery, the least-developed countries are investing just 1.8 per cent — of a much smaller amount. Mr. President, when speaking about economic inequality last year, you reminded people of the fiction of policies based on the notion that if those at the top are doing well, those at the bottom will, too. You rightly said: “Wealth isn’t contagious.” Exclusion and inequalities of all kinds — economic, social and cultural — come with a devastating toll to security. Indeed, rising inequalities are a factor of rising instability. Especially in areas where basic services like health, education, security and justice are lacking. And where historical injustices, inequalities and systematic oppression have locked generations of people in cycles of disadvantage and poverty. Excellencies, Today, we face the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945. They’re lasting longer — and are more complex. A dangerous sense of impunity is taking hold — seen in the recent seizures of power by force, including military coups. Human rights and the rule of law are under assault. From Afghanistan, where girls are once again being denied an education — and women denied their rightful place in society. To Myanmar, where minorities are targeted, brutalized and forced to flee. To Ethiopia, where a man-made humanitarian crisis is unfolding before our eyes. These and other tragedies are enflamed by COVID-19 and the climate emergency. Humanitarian funding, assistance and conflict management tools — the very kind that the United Nations provides around the world — are all under tremendous strain. Peace has never been more urgent. That’s why conflict prevention is at the heart of my proposed New Agenda for Peace, as part of the report on Our Common Agenda. The Agenda calls on the global community to work as one — in solidarity, as a human family — to address the roots of violent conflicts. To build and strengthen the bonds of trust between people who inhabit the same borders — and in the governments and institutions representing them. And for countries in transition, to ensure that all groups are part of the peace process — so people can reject the voices of division and instead lend their hands to the task of shaping a better future for all. Excellencies, Without inclusion, the puzzle of peace remains incomplete, with many gaps to be filled. Today, I’d like to outline a roadmap for inclusion, built around four key pathways to fill these gaps: people, prevention, gender and institutions. First — we need to invest in the development of all people, equally. (...) Second — we need to strengthen our prevention agenda on multiple fronts to address different types of exclusion and inequalities. (...) Third — we must recognize and prioritize the crucial role of women in building peace. (...) Fourth — we must build trust through national institutions that include and represent all people, anchored in human rights and the rule of law. In every society, diversity of culture, religion and ethnicity should be viewed as a powerful benefit, rather than a threat. (...) This is essential in all countries — but especially in those experiencing conflict. Without full inclusion and equality, peace is a job half done. Because true, sustainable peace can only be carried forward by people who are supported. Who are included and valued. Who feel they are truly part of their society — and have a stake in its future. I welcome this Council’s continued support to help every person, everywhere, lend their hands, hearts and minds to the vital task of peace. Thank you" - António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations [Excerpt] Full Remarks [as delivered]: https://www.un.org/sg/en/node/260570


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