Mr. President,
At the outset, my delegation expresses its sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate on the necessity to eliminate Unilateral Extraterritorial Coercive Measures as a Means of Political and Economic Compulsion. We firmly believe that the continuation of unilateral coercive measures against sovereign states is contrary to the recognized principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. In this regard, the Lao PDR reiterates its unwavering commitment to promoting the principles of the UN Charter, which includes respecting the sovereignty of states, refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, and promoting friendly relations among all nations.
Against this backdrop, the Lao PDR has closely followed with deep concern, the negative consequences unilateral sanctions have caused on the lives of innocent people in many countries. As widely recognized, the impacts of unilateral coercive measures extend far beyond the realm of economy. Such measures currently imposed on more than 30 countries detrimentally affect the fundamental rights of the people including the right to development and survival as well as impede people’s access to their essential needs including food, medicines, and other means of daily subsistence. On the whole, the UCMs can exacerbate extreme poverty and hunger, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. All this contravenes the overall objectives contained in the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs.
At a time when the international community is already facing multifaceted and severe impacts of global insecurity, it is morally indefensible to impose additional deprivation on innocent people. Moreover, the UCMs have hindered the collaborative efforts required to address our common challenges such as climate and global health crises, and economic stagnation. As we continue to promote multilateralism, the repercussions of these measures are not limited to the targeted states but can ripple outward, affecting regional and international efforts to advance the agenda for sustainable development.
As a strong supporter of multilateralism, the Lao PDR is among the overwhelming majority of UN member states who voted in favor of the General Assembly’s Resolution entitled “Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial, and Financial Embargo against Cuba”. The Lao PDR stands firmly in solidarity with the Cuban people, emphasizing that the embargo, which has persisted for over six decades, is in direct contradiction to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and established international norms. This prolonged embargo has inflicted severe hindrances on Cuba's social and economic development, depriving its people of the ability to advance their national development efforts. On this note, we reiterate our steadfast support for the global call for an immediate end to unilateral coercive measures imposed on Cuba and remove it from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism".
In conclusion, the Lao PDR calls for a renewed commitment to peaceful dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to resolve international disputes, aligned with the principles of the UN Charter. We urge all member states to amplify our collective determination to foster equitable and sustainable development while safeguarding the legitimate rights of all countries, especially in this challenging global uncertainty.
Thank you, Mr. President.
