As it marks the passage of 67 years since ratification of the UN Charter, the United States of America today reaaffirmed its commitment to preserving and strengthening the important institution and the U.S.-UN relationship.
In her remarks on the United Nations Day in New York, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Susan E. Rice says the UN’s foundational treaty gave life to ideals embodied by the late American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and bore the signatures of 51 original members from every corner of the globe.
“As the principal forum for international cooperation, the United Nations has averted wars, saved lives, fought disease and poverty, and protected human rights for almost seven decades.” -Ms. Rice
UN Photo
In her remarks, Ms. Rice states that upon taking office four years ago, President Obama pledged to renew America’s leadership at the United Nations.
She cites President Obama has kept that promise and, today, the results of U.S. leadership are clear: the toughest UN sanctions ever against Iran and North Korea; progress towards our goal of a world without nuclear weapons; an unprecedented mandate to save lives in Libya; support for the birth of South Sudan; robust protection of democracy in Cote d’Ivoire; vital UN assistance in Afghanistan and Iraq; an historic political transition in Somalia; initial progress in improving the performance of the Human Rights Council; resolute defense of our staunch ally Israel against unbiased treatment; and reinvigorated global efforts to end conflicts, support democratic transitions and fight terrorism.
For four years, the Obama Administration has led in supporting the UN’s provision of lifesaving humanitarian aid in crisis zones and global efforts to empower women, Ms. Rice underlined.
The United States has stood up for the human rights of LGBT individuals and taken critical steps to reduce poverty, fight hunger, increase food security, combat disease, build resilient health systems and promote sustainable economic development, Ms. Rice cited.
“The United States has also championed a more modern, more efficient, more effective United Nations and helped the Organization achieve its first meaningful budget cut in more than a decade.” -Ms. Rice
On this United Nations Day, the US recognizes the many benefits Americans derive every day from the United Nations.
Sixty-seven years after ratification of the UN Charter, the United States under President Obama remains firmly committed to preserving and strengthening this important institution and the U.S.-UN relationship, Ms. Rice emphasized.
“As a consequence, America is stronger and more respected, the American people are safer, and the world is better equipped to handle the challenges of the 21st century.” -Ms. Rice
The United States of America ad UN have been working together in solving world’s problems. Earlier this year, Obama administration is working with the Congress to ensure continued U.S. support for the Palestinians, including $200 million in direct budget support this fiscal year (2012).
According to the US State Department, the United States provided $200 million in direct budget support to the Palestinian Authority in fiscal year 2011.
The US State Department asserts that the assistance is in the interest not only of the Palestinians, but of Israel and the U.S. as well, to ensure these efforts continue as they help to build a more democratic, stable and secure region.
Earlier this year, the United States announced an initial 2012 contribution of $55 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The $55 million contribution will provide critical health, education, and humanitarian services to five million Palestinian refugees in the region. Of this contribution, $29 million will support UNRWA’s core services in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza; $24 million will support UNRWA’s emergency programs in the West Bank and Gaza; and two million will support UNRWA’s ongoing relief assistance in Lebanon for those displaced during the 2007 conflict in Nahr al Bared refugee camp.
As UNRWA’s largest bilateral donor, the United States recognizes the critical role the Agency plays in assisting Palestinian refugees and maintaining regional stability and calls upon other donors to enhance their support for UNRWA.
