Statement by Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the High-Level Briefing on the Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States - June 8th, 2023

Mister President,

Brazil thanks the UAE for organizing this high-level briefing. The effective collaboration between the United Nations and the League of Arab States can only benefit from an open and frank dialogue involving the two organizations.

We thank UN Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, as well the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, for sharing their views with this Council, on behalf of their respective organizations.

I also thank Dr El Omrani for her participation.

Mister President,

Brazil recognizes the importance of this meeting and welcomes the initiative by the UAE. Today, the Council has an opportunity not just to hear about the coordination efforts currently undertaken between the two organizations. The Council also has an opportunity to reflect on how to integrate, in the UN peace and security framework, the authoritative stance taken by the League of Arab States in relation to important developments in the Arab world.

Last month, the Arab League unanimously decided to reinstate the Syrian Arab Republic as a member of the organization. We welcome that decision, which signals the existence of new political dynamics in relation to the Syrian conflict. We hope it will positively affect ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. This encouraging development should not be overlooked by the UN mediation work pursued under Security Council resolution 2254.

We also acknowledge that, over the years, the Arab League has greatly contributed to efforts towards a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative is one example, among others, of such efforts. The League’s multiple initiatives have played an important role in building consensus and have been of great value to the discussions about the conflict in this very Council. As we watch today a growing deterioration of security levels in the region, Brazil shares the Arab League’s concern with the complete absence of peace talks between Israel and Palestine.

Brazil also notes that the Arab League, together with the African Union, are in a privileged position to play an important role in support of the Libyan political process. The fact that Libya is itself a member of these two regional organizations only reinforces the pre-eminence of their possible contribution in relation to the Libyan file, which continues to require a truly Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political solution.

As we stated in last year’s meeting, “many of the conflicts in the Arab world were created or exacerbated by forces outside the region, while the interests and well-being of Arab peoples are, most of the time, sidelined.”

This situation not only is at odds with the UN Charter, but it has also contributed to putting the multilateral system under stress.

Mister President,

We recognize, to use an expression from the UAE concept note, the “comparative advantages” of regional organizations in supporting the maintenance of peace and security in their respective contexts. As regards its own region, there is no doubt that the Arab League is in a privileged position to understand and address the root causes of conflict and instability.

The collaboration between the United Nations and the League of Arab States in capacity-building should also bear in mind that regional comparative advantage. Brazil welcomes the willingness of the United Nations to continue enhancing the capacity of the Arab League, including in prevention, counterterrorism and peacebuilding. These efforts should be pursued based on the needs and priorities as identified by the regional organization itself and by its member States.

In that regard, Brazil commends the initiatives and priorities set out by the Arab League related to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and youth in the region. We acknowledge and encourage the support and partnership provided by the United Nations upon request.

Mister President,

Brazil has historical ties with the Arab people, a community with which we share deep human and cultural connections, as well as a wide array of common interests. The League of Arab States has been a traditional partner of Brazil. Its first permanent delegation in Brazil was opened in 1956, and since then the relationship with the organization and with each of its member countries has gained increasing importance. Throughout its existence, we have seen the Arab League raise its voice in support of the principles of the UN Charter.

Brazil recognizes and values the League in this regard and strongly supports its collaboration with the Council. We also commend the League’s collaboration with other UN organs and entities regarding activities outside the realm of international peace and security.

And I thank you.