Statement delivered by Ms. Marissa Edwards, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guyana, at the Security Council meeting on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security"
Mr. President,
I thank Special Advisor Nderitu for her briefing on the implementation of resolution 2686 in the context of situations on the Council’s agenda.
Guyana views resolution 2686 as a significant contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security as it provides another framework for promoting respect, understanding, inclusion and tolerance. These elements are essential for conflict prevention, resolution, reconciliation, reconstruction, and peacebuilding and thus are important tenets for advancing the human rights of all individuals, including their right to live in peace and dignity. The Council made a useful stride by adopting a resolution on tolerance and can go even further by being a beacon of tolerance in a world where its deficit is growing.
Mr. President,
We are increasingly witnessing how intolerance can fuel conflict, particularly when it manifests as misinformation and disinformation, violent extremism, hate speech and suppression of the freedom of expression. Efforts must continue to be exerted from the local to the global level to address intolerance in all its forms and to promote respect and understanding. In this context, it would be extremely useful for the Security Council to mainstream responses to intolerance as it executes its mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security. Resolution 2686 offers an important pathway in this respect.
Guyana is particularly concerned about how intolerance is disproportionately impacting women and girls in conflict situations when it intersects with the gendered dimensions of conflict. We emphasize the importance of also viewing intolerance through a gender lens in order to capture and address any gaps that may be detrimental to the wellbeing of women and girls.
Mr. President,
Guyana’s experience as a pluralistic society that has moved from tolerance to harmony is one from which several positives may be drawn that are applicable to the global context. By way of background, Guyana is comprised of six ethnic groups and the three major religions practiced are Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Our peoples have managed to use our diversity as a point of unity, creating a culturally rich and harmonious tapestry interwoven with understanding, respect and acceptance. This state of harmony has been built through deliberate strategies for promoting interfaith harmony, respect for diversity and good relations among Guyanese. These strategies have a strong constitutional basis. Our experience has taught us that tolerance is really the minimum that could be achieved and that harmony should be the end goal that we aspire to.
Guyana therefore proffers three points for consideration to further strengthen implementation of resolution 2686.
First, national and international stakeholders, including governments, must cultivate a strong culture of dialogue as an antidote to intolerance.
It is through dialogue that understanding is achieved and differences can be resolved. The rising incidence of hate speech around the world is concerning and the proliferation of information and communication technologies only exacerbates the problem. As the Secretary-General himself has said, “Hate speech is an alarm bell – the louder it rings, the greater the threat of genocide.” We must collectively do everything possible to counter this tide and promote dialogue.
Second, we must continuously promote the responsible use of information and communication technologies in ways that both uphold individuals’ right to freedom of expression and reinforce their responsibility not to harm others with what is said.
Third, there must be accountability for acts of intolerance, including in conflict situations so that a culture of impunity is not created around such acts.
Mr. President,
Allow me to conclude by expressing Guyana’s commitment and support for addressing all issues that have implications for international peace and security. While some issues may not be in the conventional domain of the Council’s work, it is nonetheless imperative that we continue to broaden our horizons to treat with them in the context of prevention and in the interest of peace.
I thank you.
