Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President.
Denmark was pleased to co-lead negotiations in a very constructive partnership with Pakistan on today’s resolution, as part of our continued and sustained cooperation through the peace operations duo.
At the outset, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all Council members for their constructive engagement, flexibility, and commitment throughout the negotiation process, which has led to the adoption this morning of Resolution 2823.
The unanimous support for this resolution sends a strong and important message.
To the over 50,000 personnel currently serving in peacekeeping missions across the globe - from Lebanon over Cyprus to South Sudan and the Central African Republic - it sends a message of solidarity.
That this Council, this body which sets their mandate, stands firmly behind them.
To the troop and police contributing countries, many of whom who have cosponsored today’s resolution, who deploy their most precious resource in support of peace, it sends a message of reassurance.
That in the event of any crimes against their peacekeepers, this Council and the United Nations system, is ready, willing and able to step in.
To the perpetrators of any crimes, wherever and whoever they are, it sends a firm message that the international community is watching. That crimes will not go unpunished. That accountability and justice will be pursued and will be upheld.
Madam President,
United Nations peacekeeping represents the promise of the Charter in action. It is the affirmation that peace is a global good and that it is fundamentally a collective commitment and a shared endeavour.
We are therefore particularly grateful to the more than 150 Member States from all regions, representing the majority of this entire organisation, that joined as co-sponsors of this critical resolution.
Your support demonstrates the broad commitment of the international community to strengthen the safety and security of those who serve under the United Nations flag, often in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.
But it is more than symbolic.
This resolution is practical and implementable. It seeks to fill accountability gaps, support investigations and prosecutions, and improve coordination across the United Nations system.
Colleagues,
The adoption of today’s resolution should not be understood as an endpoint. Rather, as the beginning of a renewed phase of commitment and a foundation for continued action.
By requesting further options from the Secretary-General, the Council has recognised that strengthening accountability and protecting peacekeepers requires sustained attention and continuous improvement.
We look forward to receiving those proposals, to considering them and to working together to translate them into meaningful progress.
In closing, Madam President,
Let me pay tribute to the brave women and men, serving under the blue flag. For more than seven decades, they have been maintaining peace and security, protecting civilians, and supporting political processes around the world.
4,507 of them have paid the ultimate price.
Today’s resolution honours their sacrifice.
We look forward to continued cooperation with all Member States and relevant stakeholders in implementing this resolution and translating its commitments into concrete action.
Thank you.
