Rwandan President Paul Kagame spoke out against the “two-tier” system underpinning the United Nations, calling for respect for equality and respect for all nations, regardless of their economic status.“It is evident that the UN is uniquely placed to play a crucial role in mobilizing and galvanizing all nations for the common good, driving forward our collective initiatives, and coordinating actions that foster the social and economic status,” Mr. Kagame told the General Assembly at its annual high-level segment today.
But since the world body can only be as good as its members want it to be, he said that he believes that it could be more effective if there was common understanding and shared values among the nations comprising the UN.
“It has become clear that the UN has evolved into a two-tier organization, reflecting a world that seems to be divided into two categories: one with inherent laudable values, rights and liberties, and another that needs to be taught and coached on these values,” Mr. Kagame observed.
His country and many developing nations seem to fall into the latter, he said, and are marginalized, disenfranchised and considered to violate their own human rights.
“The implication is that the UN holds a certain standard for some countries, and another for others – especially on international issues where every single member should be treated equally under the law,” the President said.
He called for an urgent debate among UN members to “regain the noble founding ideals of the Organization,” underlining that the rule of law applies equally to all countries.
Mr. Kagame also noted that there is an “accountability deficit” in some global institutions, with ordinary citizens feeling that the world body cannot effectively deal with issues affecting their daily lives.
“We should make sure that this Organization does not become a tool for the power to protect their interests and enhance their influence or use it in subjugating others,” he emphasized.
