Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has commended Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts in leading the charge for reparative justice. This commendation was made during the general debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. President Lula da Silva acknowledged the significance of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of Resolution A/RES/80/250, which was spearheaded by President Mahama, the African Union, and CARICOM.
The resolution, adopted on March 25, declared the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and racialized chattel slavery as the "gravest crime against humanity". The resolution passed with 123 votes in favor, 3 against, and 52 abstentions. President Lula da Silva noted that the General Assembly had corrected a historical distortion on the world map by recognizing the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
President Lula da Silva emphasized the need for the international community to focus on crucial issues facing humanity. He highlighted the importance of choosing between multilateralism or unilateralism, democracy or extremism, and sovereignty or subordination. The Brazilian President stated that these choices required courage, political will, and clarity of objectives.
President Lula da Silva also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, expressing concern over the genocide of women and children perpetrated by the Netanyahu government in Gaza. He noted that generations of Palestinians would carry the pain and trauma left by these actions. The Brazilian President also emphasized the need to support the International Criminal Court and its members.
In addition to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, President Lula da Silva discussed the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has dragged on for five years. He stated that there would be no winners on the battlefield and that diplomacy was the only option. The Brazilian President also highlighted initiatives such as the Friends of Peace group, created by Brazil and China, which aim to promote dialogue.
President Lula da Silva also addressed the crisis in Haiti, which continues to test the limits of the international community's indifference. He expressed concern over the situation in Cuba, where a collective punishment has been imposed on 10 million people through an illegal economic and energy embargo. The Brazilian President emphasized the need for the international community to work towards dialogue and find solutions to these crises.
President Lula da Silva concluded his address by emphasizing the importance of democracy and the need to restore popular will. He noted that democracy was once again under threat and that there was a need to prevent interference in electoral processes. The Brazilian President's address highlighted the need for international cooperation and dialogue to address the complex challenges facing the world.
Key points
- President Lula da Silva commends President Mahama for leading the effort for reparative justice at the UN General Assembly.
