MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY: SECURITY, DEVELOPMENT AND THE ROOT CAUSES OF CONFLICT
United Nations, 17 November 2015
Mr. President.
At the outset let me express our sincere thanks for convening this open debate on such a timely topic concerning the connection between development, security and the root causes of conflict. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the EU. These are some additional remarks in my national capacity.
Mr. President,
Nous sommes tous parisiens!
The Security Council plays the primary role in conflict prevention. It is therefore extremely important to hold such deliberations in open debates that seek the collective wisdom of the wider UN membership on issues that affect mankind as a whole. In 2001 the Security Council in a Presidential statement underlined that security and development are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing and key to attaining sustainable peace. It recognized that their relationship is complex, multifaceted, and case-specific. It also called for an approach to building sustainable peace that incorporates and strengthens coherence between political, security, development, human rights and rule of law activities, and addresses the underlying causes of each conflict. This vision is now included in the 2030 Agenda adopted last September by our leaders.
Whereas on the one hand we have adopted such an ambitious Agenda, on the other hand we have been witnessing ongoing turmoil, extremism, sectarianism, civil war and terrorism in many parts of the world resulting to death, persecution, property dispossession, displacement, destruction of cultural heritage and forced migration. In order to reverse these worrying developments we should direct our efforts so that all those countries and regions in the conflict zones are turned into places in which sustainable development is a reality. This can only be achieved through tackling the root causes that have led to this unprecedented situation: political instability and economic insecurity.
Mr. President,
In adopting Resolution 2171, the Security Council recognized the effectiveness of preventive action in maintaining international peace and security. The Republic of Cyprus believes that a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention requires awareness and tackling of the root causes of conflict, as well as implementation of policies for sustainable peace. In order to build stable societies that live in peace and security, inclusive development is essential.
Mr. President,
Marginalization of communities or groups based on racial, ethnic, social, gender, religious, cultural and/or economic grounds undoubtedly contributes to the destabilization of societies and underlies many conflicts today. Social, ethnic, and religious divides have been a critical factor in leading to conflicts in many regions in the world.
Exclusion, discrimination and deprivation are causes of poverty and inequality that threaten social cohesion. Meeting the imperatives of peace and security, means reaching to the most vulnerable, including women and girls, children and the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, internally displaced and indigenous and minority groups. An inclusive society should provide equal opportunity for every citizen regardless of her/his background, in particular women’s equal participation at all levels as their role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts is crucial. Tolerance, and sound democratic governance best ensure peaceful coexistence and welfare. At the same time, strong and effective institutions that are transparent, corruption free, accessible and accountable and democratic forms of participation are necessary ingredients for inclusive and sustained economic growth and for peaceful and stable societies.
Mr. President,
Peace and security, respect of fundamental freedoms and combating discrimination and all forms of violence are critical conditions for development but at the same time they are developmental outcomes. Addressing the sources of conflicts requires a multidimensional approach, which must take into account the interrelated dimensions of development, human rights, peace, security and the rule of law. We firmly believe that the 2030 Agenda provides us with a unique opportunity to act together in order to shape a more peaceful, just, prosperous and safer world for ourselves and for our children and future generations.