Brazil: UN's reputation depends on action regarding ongoing war
"Much of the reputation of the United Nations depends on its approach to the ongoing crisis," said Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Tuesday (Oct. 24) at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, USA.
"This Council must rise to the challenge we face. We will probably be judged—and found guilty—by future generations for our inaction and complacency," said the Brazilian minister.
The meeting discussed the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East, which began on October 7 after Hamas attacked Israel. Brazil, the current Council chair, saw its proposal vetoed by the United States last week.
The Brazilian Foreign Minister insisted that diplomacy and dialog are the most powerful assets in the UN Security Council and that the body "has a crucial responsibility in the immediate response to the evolution of the humanitarian and hostage crises."
Mauro Vieira pointed out that since 2016, the Council has struggled to pass a resolution addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Obstructive strategies have hindered critical decisions related to international peace and security. As a result, the Middle East situation is by far one of the most frustrating issues in the Security Council," he lamented.
The Brazilian government's representative at the UN strongly emphasized Brazil's condemnation of acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians and urged the immediate and unconditional release of civilian hostages. Simultaneously, Vieira highlighted that the escalation of violence in Gaza is unacceptable and cited the bombing of civilian infrastructure, which has resulted in the destruction of 42 percent of homes in the Gaza Strip.
"We cannot tolerate the loss of more than 2,000 Palestinian children. As the occupying power, Israel has a legal and moral obligation to protect the local population under international humanitarian law. The recent events in Gaza are particularly worrying, including the so-called 'evacuation order,' which is causing unprecedented levels of suffering for innocent people," stated the Brazilian diplomat.
Mauro Vieira also called for strict adherence to international law and advocated the two-state solution in the region. The Brazilian minister underscored that the ongoing occupation of the West Bank is not only illegal but also undermines the potential for lasting peace.
"Israel must stop all colonization activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The difference in treatment towards settlers and locals is unacceptable. The current and projected Israeli expansion practically eliminates the viability of a future Palestinian state and generates violence and hatred," he said.
