Belarus invites UNCTAD to evaluate impact of sanctions on sustainable development
Vladimir Makei. An archive photo
MINSK, 6 October (BelTA) – The negative trend of aggressive use of unilateral coercive measures by Western countries contradicts their international commitments. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the statement during a general debate of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), BelTA has learned.
Vladimir Makei stressed: “The emerging negative trend of Western countries aggressively using unilateral coercive measures against other sovereign states runs contrary to the UN Charter and a number of international commitments. Moreover, such illegal actions of the collective West restrict the ability of the countries, which experience the pressure of sanctions, to pursue sustainable development. They violate economic and social rights of citizens of these states.”
According to the Belarusian diplomat, the use of unilateral coercive measures seems particularly unacceptable when the mankind continues suffering from the coronavirus pandemic and the national economies cannot fully recover.
“This situation persists despite appeals of the UN secretary general for abstaining from restrictive measures during the complicated and unpredictable period of existence of the world community. UNCTAD can play its role in evaluating the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on sustainable development, including on the achievement of the 2030 Agenda,” the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs suggested.
Vladimir Makei believes that the conference has to update UNCTAD’s mandate, which is focused on the uniting global agenda and aims for productive achievement of the Agenda for Sustainable Development, for achieving concrete practical results that will improve the wellbeing and welfare of people, that will help tackle economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges of the modern world.
“UNCTAD’s mandate should also be formed taking into account interests of medium-income countries where about 70% of the world’s population live. UNCTAD’s initial mandate focuses on ensuring sustainable economic growth and development. The renewed multifunctional mandate will match both the theme of UNCTAD’s fifteenth session (UNCTAD 15) ‘From inequality and vulnerability to prosperity for all’ and the motto of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ‘Leave no one behind’,” Vladimir Makei noted.
