[…] In the ensuing debate, many speakers echoed those sentiments, calling for the parties to avoid any further confrontation. Emphasizing the long-standing reputation of the Latin America and Caribbean region as a “zone of peace”, some speakers — especially those from the region — echoed concerns about the tragic impacts of the transnational drug trade, while meanwhile calling for diplomatic solutions in line with international law.
Guyana’s representative said the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs have been the primary drivers of crime and violence across Latin America and the Caribbean, which is home to just 8 per cent of the world’s population, 33.6 million of its poor and nearly one third of global homicides. The illegal drug trade and its criminal networks risk undermining State institutions, perverting the rule of law and destabilizing economies, she said, noting that efforts to eradicate them have so far failed. While countries can and must collectively respond, she stressed: “It is the responsibility of all leaders to be beacons of peace and not to contribute to the proliferation of armed conflict.”
The representatives of Greece, Somalia, Algeria and Slovenia echoed those sentiments, calling for a prompt de-escalation and due consideration for the socioeconomic and humanitarian crisis across the region. The latter warned that, as maritime security in the Caribbean has significant implications for regional stability, the recent escalation risks setting a “dangerous precedent” and placing the parties on a volatile path. It is therefore the Council’s responsibility to ensure that parties do not stray from the UN Charter and international law, and to insist that the obligations therein are respected at all times. Läs pressmeddelande