Statement delivered by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN at the UNSC meeting on the mandate renewal of EUFOR ALTHEA and debate on 'The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina'

Thank you, Madame President,

Please allow me to congratulate you and your team on the United Kingdom’s assumption of the Presidency of the Security Council for November.

I also wish to commend Switzerland for their successful Presidency during the month of October.

I acknowledge the contribution of the Office of the High Representative in executing its mandate, in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement, and take note of the contents of the report submitted on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I also welcome the participation of His Excellency Mr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations and the representatives of Serbia and Croatia, in today’s meeting.

Madame President,

At the outset, Guyana extends condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the severe floods and landslides in central and southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 3rd and 4th October 2024.

We express our solidarity with those whose lives have been impacted by this tragedy and commend the swift coordination efforts at the national, regional and international levels which saved many lives and avoided further damage to vital infrastructure in the affected areas.

Permit me, Madam President, to also congratulate the local authorities and the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the peaceful conduct of their local elections in October. We note from the report of the joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that the elections were efficiently prepared with fundamental freedoms respected. Regrettably, we also noted that there continues to be a persistently low level of women’s participation in political life. We urge more concrete measures to address this troubling trend and to enhance women’s political participation and leadership in the country.

Madam President,

Guyana notes the positive developments, notably the March 2024 decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with the country. This is an important priority for the citizens of this country and a critical step in their pursuit of socio-economic development. They each stand to benefit tremendously from the free flow of goods, services and people in the region, which will no doubt contribute to the economic growth and stability of the country and the wider Balkan region.

We encourage continued collaboration to achieve this goal, as agreed by the two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.

In this vein, we welcome today’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2757(2024) which renewed the authorization of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-Althea), which continues to play an important stabilizing role in the country and region.

While noting the positive developments, we remain concerned about the reported continued divisive rhetoric which threatens the political stability of the country and ultimately, its security. Guyana urges the political leaders to prioritize the interests of all citizens and underscores the importance of upholding the provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We further encourage all relevant stakeholders to act in accordance with those provisions.

Madame President,

The report of the Office of the High Representative highlights the inequalities faced by women, particularly in the labour market and education and political sectors. We believe that the inclusion and participation of women in all sectors and at the highest levels significantly contributes to the development of a country. Their perspectives can lead to sustainable solutions, notably in building peace and resolving conflict. In this regard, we welcome the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda by the local Ministries and relevant authorities, with the support of the Peacebuilding Fund.

We also commend the implementation of programmes geared toward the empowerment of youth. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved unless all members of a society are empowered to participate in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.

In closing Madame President, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and reiterates its call to all actors at all levels, to continue their efforts to ensure that the peace and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina is achieved and with full respect to its sovereignty.

Thank you.