Tunisia has called for an accelerated, comprehensive and far-reaching reform process within the United Nations, stressing that restoring confidence in the Organization and in multilateral action requires two indispensable conditions: a genuine commitment and effective reform.
The call was made in a statement delivered by Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti during the general debate of the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The statement said the first condition was a sincere determination and responsible commitment by all States to uphold international law, based on consensus and the sovereign equality of States, while adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. These include refraining from the use of force, settling disputes through peaceful means, and fulfilling international obligations in good faith.
The second condition, it said, was to accelerate a comprehensive and far-reaching reform of the United Nations that reflects the profound transformations the world has undergone. Such reform should, in particular, revisit the Organization’s decision-making mechanisms to ensure more balanced and equitable geographical representation, while establishing more effective mechanisms for transparency and accountability. This, Tunisia stressed, would help restore the confidence of States and peoples in the Organization’s institutions and their ability to respond to the aspirations of all.
Tunisia also stressed that addressing the United Nations’ liquidity crisis requires all Member States to fully meet their financial obligations. It underlined that UN reform must not result in reduced support for developing countries, humanitarian operations or development programmes implemented by the Organization and its specialized agencies.
Tunisia called for a fair and balanced approach that preserves both the effectiveness and credibility of the United Nations.
Palestine: Restoring Confidence in International Legitimacy
The Tunisian statement stressed that confidence in the UN system should be measured by the commitment of it members to the principles of the UN Charter and its resolutions, as well as by the Organization’s ability to ensure respect for international law without selectivity or double standards and to protect peoples who have no recourse other than international legitimacy.
Against this backdrop, Tunisia questioned how confidence in the international system could be restored while the Palestinian people continue to face what it described as grave violations and are deprived of basic rights to life, security, freedom and self-determination, amid the international community’s inability to bring an end to their prolonged humanitarian suffering and ensure compliance with international and international humanitarian law.
Tunisia condemned the continued settlement policies in the occupied West Bank, as well as what it described as policies of repression, starvation and isolation in Gaza, and denounced the continuing loss of life in the absence of accountability.
The statement called on the international community to assume its legal, moral and humanitarian responsibilities in addressing what Tunisia described as a longstanding historical injustice against the Palestinian people.
Tunisia further stressed that the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, marked by continued casualties, displacement, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the collapse of the healthcare system, requires safe, immediate and sustained access for humanitarian assistance.
It also called for enabling the United Nations and its specialized agencies to fully carry out their mandates, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Tunisia warned against any attempt to dismantle or undermine UNRWA or curtail its mandate before a just and lasting solution is reached to the Palestinian refugee issue, arguing that such moves would undermine the right of return and the Palestinian cause as a whole.
Middle East: Call for De-escalation and Political Solutions
Tunisia expressed deep concern over the continued escalation in the Middle East and its potentially serious security, political and economic consequences, warning that the continuation of the current situation could further complicate regional conditions and produce repercussions extending beyond the region.
It renewed its call for an immediate cessation of military operations and urged all parties to prioritize reason and restraint, return to dialogue and negotiations, and give absolute priority to political and peaceful solutions as the only means of resolving outstanding disputes.
Such an approach, Tunisia said, would strengthen the foundations of security and stability in the region and prevent further escalation.
Tunisia also reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of navigation and maritime security in accordance with the principles and provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law, while stressing the importance of safeguarding global energy security, international supply chains and the economic rights of States.
Libya: Support for a Libyan-Led Political Settlement
Regarding Libya, Tunisia said it supports every sincere Libyan effort and every serious UN initiative aimed at ending the crisis, on the basis that the solution must be Libyan-owned and Libyan-led, founded on dialogue and consensus among the various parties.
The objective, it said, should be to preserve Libya’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity while responding to the aspirations of the Libyan people for security, stability and stronger institutions of a unified State.
Lebanon and Syria
Tunisia renewed its full solidarity with Lebanon and its support for the Lebanese people, reaffirming its commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence.
It condemned repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon, describing them as a flagrant breach of UN resolutions, and called for the United Nations to be enabled to fully exercise its mandate in the country.
Tunisia also reaffirmed its rejection and condemnation of what it described as repeated Israeli attacks targeting Syrian territory and the resources of the Syrian people.
It expressed hope that the Syrian people would be able to preserve the unity, independence and sovereignty of their country throughout its territory.
Sudan and Yemen
Tunisia said it was following with deep concern the continuation of the war in Sudan and renewed its solidarity with the Sudanese people.
It called on the United Nations to support every effort aimed at achieving an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities, with the hope of restoring security and stability in Sudan and bringing the conflict to an end so that the Sudanese people can turn their attention to reconstruction and rebuilding.
On Yemen, Tunisia expressed hope that the Yemeni parties would reach a comprehensive and lasting political settlement capable of restoring security and stability, preserving the country’s territorial unity and responding to the aspirations of the Yemeni people.
It also renewed its support for regional and international efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Yemen.
Migration: A Comprehensive and Human-Centred Approach
Turning to migration, Tunisia reiterated its call for a comprehensive and balanced approach that recognizes the humanitarian and historical dimensions of migration and moves beyond a narrowly security-based perspective.
The Tunisian statement stressed the need to address the root causes of irregular migration, including conflicts, poverty, economic and social disparities, limited employment and development opportunities, as well as the proliferation of human trafficking networks.
Such an approach, it said, should be based on shared responsibility, solidarity and cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination.
Tunisia said its authorities continue to make efforts to save the lives of irregular migrants on land and at sea, provide them with care and ensure appropriate conditions for their voluntary return to their countries of origin, in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The statement stressed Tunisia’s commitment to protecting migrants’ dignity and rights, combating human trafficking and countering migrant smuggling.
Tunisia once again affirmed its categorical rejection of becoming either a transit country or a settlement destination for irregular migrants who are victims of human trafficking networks.
TunisianMonitorNews (Douha Essaafi)
