Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, has once again affirmed the nation’s steadfast commitment to fostering world peace.
She recently urged developed nations and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to actively pursue and endorse peaceful resolutions to ongoing global conflicts.
She made the call while delivering Jamaica’s policy statement to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 26.
Advocating for dialogue and cooperation
Highlighting the essential values of dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation, Johnson Smith emphasized their importance as effective tools for resolving competing international interests.
She advocated for prioritizing the pursuit of peace over perpetuating aggression and conflict, noting the severe impact of war on ordinary and vulnerable populations.
A particular focus was placed on calling for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and promoting dialogue and co-existence in regions engulfed by civil unrest and war.
Preserving peace in the Caribbean
Proudly acknowledging Latin America and the Caribbean as a designated Zone of Peace and a nuclear-free area, Johnson Smith expressed grave concerns over escalating global tensions and the associated risks stemming from nuclear proliferation, safety, and use.
She echoed Jamaica’s and the wider Caribbean community’s longstanding call for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the cessation of nuclear weapons testing, use, and threats.
Support for stability in Haiti
In light of the complex and multi-faceted challenges Haiti currently faces, Johnson Smith underscored the necessity for international support to restore order and security within the nation.
She advocated for concerted efforts to back Haitian-led solutions and emphasized that inaction was not a viable option.
Bolstering Haitian National Police
Johnson Smith offered support for the initiation of a multinational security support mission aimed at strengthening the Haitian National Police’s capacity to counteract the rise of powerful criminal gangs in the area.
Subject to the approval of the relevant Security Council resolution, she confirmed Jamaica’s willingness to contribute personnel to participate in this crucial initiative.
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A unified call for action
Highlighting the clear demands of the majority of the Haitian population, as evident in polls conducted by reputable local and international agencies, Johnson Smith called on the Security Council’s permanent members to set aside geopolitical sensitivities.
She urged a unified response to the needs of the Haitian people and their Caribbean neighbors by promptly adopting a UNSC Chapter 7 resolution to authorize the multinational security support mission.
Meeting aspirations of future generations
Minister Johnson Smith concluded by emphasizing the urgency for nations to act now to meet the aspirations and dreams of current and future generations worldwide.
She acknowledged the growing frustrations among the youth, who have been increasingly calling for enhanced efforts from global leaders.
Noting the significant progress Jamaica has made in delivering peace, prosperity, and progress to its citizens despite its challenges as a small island developing state, Johnson Smith celebrated the nation’s strong tradition of peace, political stability, democratic values, and respect for human rights.
