Speeches at the General Assembly






Mr. President,

1. Peru, as a country committed to multilateralism, international law and the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, welcomes Poland’s initiative in convening today’s important open debate. We want to highlight the presence of the President of Poland, as well as other high-level participants.

2. We would like to thank Ms. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chef de Cabinet of the Secretary-General; Judge Hisashi Owada, President Emeritus of the International Court of Justice; and Judge Theodor Meron, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, for their briefings.

3. Peru would like to stress that in a world of increasing interdependence, the validity, development and defense of a rules-based international order are essential if the international community is to effectively address serious global challenges and threats to international peace and security.

4. In that regard, we believe that the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and a consistent approach to sustainable peace, should continue to guide our efforts to address contemporary conflicts.

5. In particular, Peru believes it is essential to ensure that the United Nations, especially the Security Council, promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VI of the Charter.

6. We stress the importance of strengthening the Organization’s capacities in preventive diplomacy and the early warnings required for that purpose, in compliance with Articles 1, 34 and 99 of the Charter.

7. In that regard, Peru supports the reforms proposed by Secretary-General António Guterres and his efforts, including those of his Special Envoys, to promote more coherent, efficient and effective action by the United Nations system to prevent conflicts and humanitarian crises.

8. To that end, we welcome the establishment of strategic alliances with regional and sub regional organizations, especially the African Union, and have great expectations for the recently established High level Advisory Board on Mediation.

9. In the past few years, Peru has used various means to peacefully settle disputes, including submitting a dispute to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and engaging in negotiations supported by friendly guarantor countries to resolve sensitive and complex border issues with its neighbors.

10. On a basis of international law, we have excellent relations with them today that are undoubtedly in the interests of our people and theirs.

11. In that context, we support the provision in Article 36 of the Charter for the Council to recommend that parties to a legal dispute should, as a general rule, resort to the Court. We also believe that it would be appropriate to request more frequent advisory opinions of the Court, in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter.

Mr. President, ¿

12. We want to take this opportunity to express our deep concern about the current frequent instances of violations of international law, including Security Council resolutions, and especially of international humanitarian law. We cannot maintain international peace and security without respect for the rule of law.

13. For example, one of the cornerstones of the international order is the prohibition of the use of force in any way that is incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations. We are concerned about the possibility that some countries are testing arguments and interpretations that are ultimately alien to international law and that undermine the system of collective security.

14. The Security Council is, in essence, a political body, with the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security. That means defending and promoting a rules-based international order, which is evident, for example, with regard to its role in maintaining regimes for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

15. The Council is also a source of law, insofar as it adopts resolutions and presidential statements that may be binding. That implies an additional responsibility, since its decisions, or the lack of them, have a decisive impact on an effective, legitimate and predictable system of collective security. In that regard, there is much to be done.

16. The Council also has a responsibility to promote access to justice by creating ad hoc tribunals, referring situations to the International Criminal Court and ensuring the implementation of its decisions. Accountability is vital in order to prevent the commission of atrocity crimes, which should not, under any circumstances, remain unpunished.

17. The Security Council establishes various kinds of sanctions that create legal obligations for all States, which should always respect the guarantees of due process.

18. In conclusion, we would like to underscore the urgent need to respect the Charter of the United Nations and in particular the importance of the Council’s remaining united in carrying out the imperative task of upholding and promoting international law and shouldering its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Thank you very much.





I shall now make a statement in my national capacity.

1. I wish to extend a welcome to the high authorities present here and to thank Secretary-General António Guterres; the Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs of Romania, Mr. Dan Neculăescu, in his capacity as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission; and Mr. Smaїl Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, for their important briefings.

2. Peru has convened this meeting because of the importance it attaches to the promotion of the sustainable peace approach with a view to preventing and resolving conflicts with greater coherence, efficiency and effectiveness; addressing their root causes in an integral manner; and strengthening the institutional framework required to do so.

3. In this regard, we are also pleased to have been able to provide a draft resolution for the Council with content considerably identical to that to be adopted by the General Assembly. We consider it very important that both main bodies remain committed and coordinated in the promotion of these agenda item.

4. The priority that we accord to sustaining peace has also been reflected in the Security Council’s high visibility under the presidency of Peru for the month of April and its agenda, which included the topic of women and peace and security and the convening of the Council’s first open debate this past Monday on youth, peace and security, concerning which we have been working on a draft resolution together with Sweden.

5. We believe that the participation of women and young people is key to contributing to a shared, peaceful, inclusive and sustainable vision of the future. Peru, which chairs the Counter-Terrorism Committee, is promoting more effective responses to this scourge, through greater cooperation and coordination aimed at severing its links with organized crime.

6. We believe that the concept of sustaining peace and its focus on the root causes of conflicts is consistent with our Peacebuilding and sustaining peace own experience in achieving peace and consolidating democracy following the period of violence and instability created by terrorist groups in our country.

7. Peru was able to overcome that tumultuous period thanks to a broad national consensus on national policy related to security, development and human rights.

8. We underscore that there are no one-size-fitsall models or recipes for achieving sustainable peace and that every country must find its own way under international law and with the commensurate support of the United Nations and the international community.

9. However, as our times are characterized by deep-seated global interdependence, we need to work together to confront shared challenges and vulnerabilities that can potentially degenerate into threats to international peace and security. I am referring to climate change, desertification, increasing inequality, corruption, arms race and violent extremism, which lead to terrorism, among other phenomena of a global scale and transnational nature.

10. We see as obvious the causal link between such phenomena and the tragic proliferation of violent conflicts and humanitarian crises, which have significantly expanded the Council’s agenda in recent years. In response, we deem it crucial to strengthen multilateralism as it relates to the concept of sustaining peace as an overall goal and a continuous process focused on prevention.

11. There is much that the United Nations and the Security Council can and must do to support Member States in their work to build and strengthen capacities in order to confront the serious challenges of today.

12. We therefore welcome the Council’s cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission and convey our support for the restructuring of the Organization’s peace and security pillar, initiated by the Secretary-General, with the ultimate goal of contributing to sustaining peace.

13. In addition, we believe that the Council must adopt a more systemic approach to conflict prevention, based on timely risk assessments and management plans that the Secretary-General and the various United Nations system agencies and programmes must be able to provide.

14. That is a long-standing demand. We recall that, in 1991, in his last annual report, former Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar highlighted the importance of preventive diplomacy and, consequently, the need for early-warning mechanisms able to provide the Council with reliable information for its timely consideration.

15. Furthermore, we must encourage greater synergies linking peace operations deployed by the Council with agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system in countries affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises, as well as with regional and subregional organizations, neighbouring and donor countries and financial institutions. It is crucial to step up cooperation with all relevant actors on the ground.

16. We underscore the important role of the African Union, which has accomplished outstanding work in various countries affected by conflict, and the need to continue bolstering its diverse efforts in sustaining peace.

17. Sustainable peace must be the ultimate goal of Security Council missions, and the degree to which they adhere to and fulfil their mandates must be judged in terms of the actual capacities of the country in which they operate to move from a conflict situation to one guided by the rule of law and the precepts of sustainable development.

18. In that regard, we highlight the need to adopt, on a case-by-case basis where appropriate, exit strategies for peacekeeping operations, in cooperation with the respective United Nations country teams, with the aim of ensuring a coherent and orderly transition of the Organization’s activities to support sustaining peace on the ground.

19. We believe that the 2030 Agenda, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 16, dedicated to the promotion of peaceful societies with inclusive and accountable institutions, provides an appropriate universal normative framework for the United Nations system to support national efforts to consolidate and maintain peace.

20. In conclusion, I affirm that Peru — a country committed to multilateralism, international law and the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes — will continue to actively work to promote those concepts and see them reflected in more coherent, efficient and effective action taken by the Organization and the Council.

Thank you very much.





I shall now make a statement in my national capacity.

1. We appreciate the important briefings by Ms. Jayathama Wickramanayake (Envoy of the Secretary-General for Youth), Mr. Graeme Simpson (principal author of the report), and Ms. Sophia Pierre-Antoine and Ms. Kessy Ekomo-Soignet, representatives of civil society.

2. We welcome the large number of countries participating in today’s open debate of the Council, and we would particularly like to thank the civil-society organizations for their support and contributions to the preparation of this debate. We would also like to thank the United Nations Population Fund and the Secretariat’s Office for Peace Consolidation and Support.

3. We also want to express our recognition and support for the work of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, and to highlight the Secretary-General’s commitment to empowering young people and their participation in decision-making that affects their future.

4. The current generation of young people is the largest in history. Overall, the majority of the population affected in the various armed conflicts occurring in the world is young. At the same time, young people can make important contributions in favor of peace and security.

5. Peru would like to emphasize the role that young people are called on to play in conflict prevention and resolution, justice and reconciliation. Young people are crucial to building an inclusive vision of the future and achieving sustainable peace.

6. We therefore welcome the progress study on Youth, Peace and Security, provided for in resolution 2250 of this Council. It gathers the voices of thousands of young people from all regions of the world. They want to stop being seen as a problem and to be recognized as stakeholders in peace processes.

7. Peru believes firmly that this is the right approach to effectively implementing and promoting this issue on the Council’s agenda. It is essential if we are to take advantage of and maximize the potential, commitment and resilience of young people in preventing and coping with conflicts.

8. To that end, it is important to create inclusive and safe spaces that allow young people to participate and contribute to peacebuilding and peace consolidation processes in their national communities. We welcome the efforts that are being made in that regard and encourage their continuation.

9. This issue is clearly linked to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Among other actions, the Sustainable Development Goals commit us to creating decent employment for our young people; guarantee equal opportunities through access to health and education; and promote peaceful societies with inclusive institutions.

10. We are also committed to promoting the human rights of all young people, safeguarding their diversity, and fighting against discrimination. That means rejecting stereotypes that stigmatize them as persons prone to violence, as well as recognizing and promoting their capacities for participation and leadership in public life.

11. The participation of youth delegates in various forums and processes of the United Nations is undoubtedly a good practice insofar as it establishes bridges between Governments and youth organizations around agendas that contribute with the maintenance of international peace and security.

12. It is also necessary to combat the stereotypes that perpetuate forms of discrimination and violence against women. The empowerment of women and the promotion of gender equality are central components in the affirmation of youth in support of peace and security.

13. It is important to invest in peacebuilding efforts linked to young people, and to promote positive, nonviolent and equitable masculine identities. With this we move towards the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies and we distance young people from the violent extremism that leads to terrorism.

14. We believe that promoting dialogue between Governments and youth-led organizations is important to the effective implementation of resolution 2250. Their opinions should be taken into account for the design of policies and programs. This is essential to foster civic trust among youth.

15. Peru believes that this Council should continue to promote this important topic and provide periodic follow-up, particularly in the area of conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding. In that regard, together with Sweden, we will present a draft resolution that we hope will have the support of all the members of the Council.

16. As the progress study on youth and peace and security indicates, the time has come to take a radical turn that recognizes young people as the missing element in peace.

Thank you very much.





I shall now make a statement in my national capacity.

1. I welcome the important briefings of the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, and Ms. Pramila Patten (Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict) and Ms. Razia Sultana (senior researcher at Kaladan Press, representing the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security). We also welcome the participation of a significant number of countries that have requested to take part in this open debate.

2. My delegation is especially grateful for the support and contribution of women’s organizations in preparing for this annual debate and for the Informal Expert group on Women and Peace and Security, which Peru has the honour to chair alongside Sweden.

3. We wish to express Peru’s commitment to the women and peace and security agenda, which is a crucial component of the fight against sexual violence in conflicts. We are convinced that the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, has a fundamental role to play in preventing this atrocious crime.

4. We note with deep concern the magnitude of the problem and the changing patterns of sexual violence reported in the Secretary-General's latest report. Its widespread and systematic use, as a military tactic and attack against collective identities, must be acknowledged and confronted as a threat to international peace and security.

5. Consequently, we must condemn in the strongest terms all forms of sexual violence in armed conflicts, which overwhelmingly affects women, girls and boys. We must protect the victims and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

6. But that is not enough. A comprehensive strategy against this scourge requires facing its root causes. To that end, the empowerment of women, gender equality and access to justice are key.

7. Evidence illustrates that a greater participation by women in decision-making processes results in a lower likelihood of conflict and that defending and promoting their rights reduces their vulnerability. Equality and empowerment have a direct impact on the maintenance of peace and security.

8. The same applies to access to justice. We reaffirm the critical need to ensure that those responsible for such acts of violence are held accountable before the justice system and to eliminate all structural obstacles that hamper investigation and prosecution of rape and other forms of sexual violence.

9. Moreover, due attention to and the rehabilitation of the victims are critical to any process of building sustainable peace. It is necessary to understand that their traumas are also psychological in nature and carry the potential to destroy the social fabric of a community.

10. We cannot ignore the stigma and fear of the victims, or their intimidation by their attackers. The majority of cases of sexual violence are not reported. This reflects the low level of confidence in and credibility of national institutions, which is exacerbated when the aggressors are members of the security forces.

11. It is necessary to create a closer relationship between the State and its institutions and the victims. In this regard, Peru has a National Plan on violence against women and a Comprehensive Reparations Programme for the victims of violence in Peru between 1980 and 2000.

12. The Peruvian commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda is also manifested in the progressive increase in the participation of Peruvian women as Blue Helmets, in accordance with the requirements of resolution 1820 of this Council.

13. In this regard, we wish to highlight the importance of incorporating the gender perspective into the mandates of peacekeeping operations deployed by the Council. There is also the need to adequately train Blue Helmets to protect women and children’s human rights.

14. The Security Council must also continue to encourage, support and monitor specific commitments and plans to prevent sexual violence in the conflicts on its agenda, and work on it with local non-governmental organizations and United Nations entities in the field.

15. We consider it important to recall, in line with resolution 1820 (2008) that sexual crimes should not be subject to amnesty in the context of conflict resolution processes.

16. We would like to conclude by expressing our appreciation and support for the work and vision of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and to emphasize the priority that the Secretary General assigns to this issue, in line with the need to build a sustainable peace.

17. In the words of the Secretary-General, "it is time to give this agenda the investment and the action it deserves, so as to replace the horror with hope".

Thank you very much.





Mr. President:

1. I congratulate Mr. O-Gon Kwon on his election as President of the Assembly and I express the full support of my delegation. I also take this opportunity to thank the outgoing President, Mr. Sidiki Kaba, for his outstanding work.

2. I congratulate the six new judges of the Court elected this week, to whom I wish the greatest success.

3. The opportunity is propitious to express the special thanks of the Government of Peru for the support given to Judge Luz Ibańez Carranza. We are convinced that the demonstrated experience of Judge Ibáñez in the fight against impunity in Peru will contribute to continue renewing and enriching the approach of the International Criminal Court in the fulfillment of its mandate.

Mr. President,

4. The International Criminal Court is essential to prevent that the most serious crimes remain unpunished. Although each State has the primary responsibility to protect its population, this also implies the obligation to investigate and prosecute the alleged atrocious crimes. In this way, the principle of international criminal justice that is complementary to national jurisdictions is strengthened.

5. In this context, I would also like to highlight the relationship between international criminal justice and the promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive societies, as enshrined in Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

6. With regard to the imperative of preventing atrocity crimes, my delegation wishes to reiterate the need to move towards the reform of the Security Council, particularly with regard to the work methods and the use of the veto.

7. Regarding the relationship between the International Criminal Court and the Security Council, a body in which Peru will participate as a non-permanent member from 2018, my delegation wishes to emphasize that it is necessary to encourage increased cooperation between both instances.

Mr. President,

8. As an expression of our commitment to the Court, I would like to recall that Peru ratified the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the ICC this year, which raises the number of States Parties from this important Agreement to 77. This ratification favors compliance -in Peruvian territory- of the mandate that the Court and its staff have for the achievement of its noble objectives.

9. However, it is necessary, to make clear that the International Criminal Court, in view of the twentieth anniversary of the Rome Statute in 2018, requires more than ever political support and close cooperation on the part of all States.

10. Let us remind that the States parties to the Statute have a legal obligation to assist the Court, in particular by arresting and handing over the persons accused by it. In this regard, my delegation is particularly committed and fulfills the role of focal point in the GRULAC, in terms of non-cooperation.

Mr. President,

11. One of the most important issues before this Assembly is the question of the activation of the jurisdiction of the Court over the crime of aggression. My delegation hopes that this activation will be achieved by consensus and welcomes the fact that there are already 35 States Parties that ratified or accepted the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute regarding the crime of aggression. It should be noted that Peru continues to advance with the process of internal improvement, for its eventual approval and ratification.

12. Our position - expressed since Kampala - is that the Court cannot exercise its jurisdiction to try alleged crimes of aggression against the nationals of a State or the territory of a State unless that State accepts or ratifies the Amendments of Kampala. These on the basis of the relevant part of the Vienna Convention, as well as article 121, paragraph 5, of the Rome Statute.

Mr. President,

13. We support the deliberations leading to the adoption of practical measures that streamline processes and improve the effectiveness of the Court. In this regard, I take this opportunity to reaffirm the co-sponsorship of Peru to the Belgian proposal to amend Article 8 of the Rome Statute, which seeks to include as war crimes the use of four types of weapons that generate serious and indiscriminate suffering.

Mr. President,

14. I would also like to highlight the important role that the Rome Statute recognizes to the participation of victims in proceedings before the Court. This participation is essential to help fulfill its mandate and must be guaranteed at all stages of the process, either individually or collectively.

15. Let me conclude, Mr. President, recalling that Peru is a peaceful and stable country that has overcome serious internal conflicts in its history thanks to the application of true accountability mechanisms. Looking to the future, we believe that the international community should continue the consolidation of a true "accountability era" and the fight against impunity. That must be our commitment.

Thank you very much.


Mr. President:

1. It is an honor to address this General Assembly, congratulate you for your appointment, and express our willingness to contribute to the success of your administration.

2. First of all, I would like to highlight Peru's commitment to the Charter of the United Nations; to the international peace and security, sustainable development and human rights; as well as to the achievement of sustainable peace. For this, we need to strengthen multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation.

3. For Peru, the United Nations is fundamental to building a peaceful and sustainable future, facing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism or grand corruption, and strengthening international governance with a view to achieving a more humane, open and inclusive globalization.

4. Peru is preparing to be a non-permanent member of the Security Council during the biennium 2018-2019. Our vocation of peace and respect for international law, the efficiency of collective security and attachment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, will be the guiding principles of our action.

5. We are a developing country that has suffered from terrorism, a strong defender of human rights and a promoter of democracy and the rule of law. We will give special attention to consolidate sustainable peace and the prevention of conflicts and humanitarian crises.

6. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their possible access to them by terrorist groups are real threats. That is why we have signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and we hope that all States possessing such weapons will adhere to this instrument.

7. We condemn the nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which today constitute the greatest threat to international security and peace. From the Security Council we will support the efforts to resume the six-party dialogue with a view to denuclearizing the Korean peninsula.

Mr. President:

8. Peru reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement and its implementation. Our country is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. It manifests itself in the warming of the ocean, the retreat of glaciers and their impact on the availability of water resources, the loss of biodiversity, and other extreme phenomena.

9. Climate change is a real threat that knows no borders. So far, Peru suffered the rains and floods of the so-called "Niño costero". The Caribbean and the United States have also suffered a series of devastating hurricanes. That is why we support the initiative of President Emanuel Macron of France, for establishing a Global Pact for the Environment.

10. Peru is also committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Last July we presented our first National Voluntary Review to the international community, giving an account of our efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda in line with national priorities, circumstances and needs.

11. From a rights-based approach, Peru promotes a social revolution aimed at eradicating poverty through quality public services. Ensuring access to water and sanitation represents the first priority of our government, which accounts for the participation of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in the High Level Panel on Water.

12. In line with the 2030 Agenda, we consider that corruption is also a global threat, which erodes the democratic governance and legal stability of our countries, detracts resources required to finance development, generates disenchantment and distrust in institutions, and increases the inequality.

13. Conscious of the need to face this scourge together, Peru has proposed that the central themes of the Summit of the Americas, to be held in Lima next April, will be democratic governance and the fight against corruption. These, with a view to adopting concrete measures, strengthen the institutional framework and fight against impunity.

14. The strengthening of our institutions and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals also contribute to the adoption of standards and good practices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, of which Peru aspires to be a member before 2021, year of our bicentennial as an independent nation.

Mr. President:

15. Peruvians believe that democracy is essential for stability, peace, development and the defense and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Guided by that conviction, my country led the process that culminated in the adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001.

16. In our region, democracy is an inalienable right. For this reason, Peru remains deeply concerned about the breakdown of the democratic order and the humanitarian crisis observed in Venezuela, as well as the violations and abuses of its citizens reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

17. The solution to the serious crisis in Venezuela must be peaceful and negotiated by the Venezuelans themselves. Any attempt, external or internal, to resort to force violates the principles of the Charter of this Organization and undermines the genuine interest in defending democracy and respect for the state of international and domestic law.

18. Along this line, together with the so-called “Grupo de Lima”, we recognize the initiative of the Dominican Republic to bring together the government and the opposition. We believe that such approaches should be developed in good faith, rules, objectives and clear deadlines, as well as compliance guarantees, for which international accompaniment is essential.

19. To conclude, Mr. President, I wish to convey to this General Assembly that Peru will continue to work constructively to resolve the problems we face and to realize the future that our people long for and deserve.

Thank you very much.