Timor-Leste's Permanent Representative Addresses UN General Assembly on Peace, Development, and Human Rights

Timor-Leste's Historic Ties with the UN

• 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste, having joined the UN in 2002 after a long struggle for self-determination, views its relationship with the organization as historic and decisive.
• 💡 The UN is credited with restoring Timor-Leste's right to independence and supporting its development and growth.
• 🌍 The nation reaffirms its commitment to pursuing peace, freedom, equality, and self-determination through the UN.

The Necessity of Multilateralism in a Troubled World

• ⚠️ In an era marked by conflicts, humanitarian crises, and climate catastrophe, Timor-Leste asserts that the multilateral system is a necessity, not a choice.
• ⚖️ Upholding international law is crucial for small countries like Timor-Leste, guaranteeing justice, sovereignty, and independence.
• 🤝 The UN's role in protecting peoples, responding to crises, and mediating conflicts is vital, rejecting isolationism and unilateralism.

Urgent Need for UN Reform

• reform The erosion of international humanitarian law and civilian suffering necessitate a renewed commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
• 🏛️ Timor-Leste calls for urgent UN reforms to enhance its effectiveness in defending human rights and international law.
• 🌐 Proposals include granting the General Assembly greater power in security matters and reforming the Security Council to be more representative and effective.

Sustainable Development and Global Challenges

• 📈 Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda remains a priority, though progress is hindered by global inequalities.
• 🌍 Timor-Leste, as a member of G7 Plus and SIDS, highlights its vulnerability and the need for tailored development approaches and predictable means of implementation.
• 💻 The nation is embracing AI and digital capabilities while emphasizing the need for international cooperation on AI regulation and cybersecurity.

Advocacy for Self-Determination and Peace

• ✊ Timor-Leste hosted a UN Decolonization conference, showcasing its success story and renewing hope for self-determination.
• 🇪🇭 The nation advocates for the right to self-determination for Western Sahara, drawing parallels to its own history.
• 🇵🇸 Timor-Leste recognizes the state of Palestine and urges an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the establishment of a two-state solution.
• 🇺🇦 Deep concern is expressed over the human rights violations and humanitarian consequences of the war in Ukraine, calling for compliance with international humanitarian law.
• 🇨🇺 Support is reiterated for lifting the embargo against Cuba and removing it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Renewed Commitment to Multilateralism

• ✨ The UN, though imperfect, is recognized as the greatest common instrument for peace and collective progress.
• 🤝 A call is made to renew commitment to multilateralism through listening, compromise, and joint action.
• 🌱 Timor-Leste stands as proof that unity and determination can allow even the smallest states to thrive within the international community.