Sierra Leone urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reiterates support for Palestinian UN membership after U.S. veto
April 19, 2024 | Play all Play all The situation in Ukraine (United Nations), United Nations, International
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Sierra Leone’s representative to the United Nations reiterated a firm call for an "immediate and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza and for unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.
"We reiterate the imperative for an immediate and permanent ceasefire," the Minister said, adding support for UN agencies working to get aid into Gaza and for the unconditional release of hostages. The representative said Sierra Leone continues to "underscore the importance of accountability" and to pursue the two-state solution.
On Palestinian membership at the United Nations, the Minister said that "Palestine membership at the United Nations may have been delayed as often in regrettable periods of injustices but cannot be denied," and that Sierra Leone voted in favor of Palestine’s admission. Asked about the impact of a recent U.S. veto on Palestinian membership, the Minister said the vote matters but reiterated that there are currently no direct negotiations between the parties and stressed the need for international actors to uphold the moral and diplomatic commitments to statehood.
Why it matters: Calls for a ceasefire and for Palestinian membership are central diplomatic positions that influence Security Council debate and international diplomatic mobilization. Sierra Leone’s recorded voting position signals its alignment with other member states pressing for admission and stronger humanitarian access.
What was asked: A journalist raised whether the USA’s veto will affect the broader Palestinian file; the Minister said Sierra Leone "voted for the admission and will continue to accentuate our voice for the admission of Palestine into the United Nations organization." The Minister also described direct negotiation as the U.S. preference while noting the present absence of direct talks.
Next steps: Sierra Leone said it will continue to press for accountability, humanitarian access and diplomatic avenues that can restore prospects for a negotiated two-state outcome.
"We reiterate the imperative for an immediate and permanent ceasefire," the Minister said, adding support for UN agencies working to get aid into Gaza and for the unconditional release of hostages. The representative said Sierra Leone continues to "underscore the importance of accountability" and to pursue the two-state solution.
On Palestinian membership at the United Nations, the Minister said that "Palestine membership at the United Nations may have been delayed as often in regrettable periods of injustices but cannot be denied," and that Sierra Leone voted in favor of Palestine’s admission. Asked about the impact of a recent U.S. veto on Palestinian membership, the Minister said the vote matters but reiterated that there are currently no direct negotiations between the parties and stressed the need for international actors to uphold the moral and diplomatic commitments to statehood.
Why it matters: Calls for a ceasefire and for Palestinian membership are central diplomatic positions that influence Security Council debate and international diplomatic mobilization. Sierra Leone’s recorded voting position signals its alignment with other member states pressing for admission and stronger humanitarian access.
What was asked: A journalist raised whether the USA’s veto will affect the broader Palestinian file; the Minister said Sierra Leone "voted for the admission and will continue to accentuate our voice for the admission of Palestine into the United Nations organization." The Minister also described direct negotiation as the U.S. preference while noting the present absence of direct talks.
Next steps: Sierra Leone said it will continue to press for accountability, humanitarian access and diplomatic avenues that can restore prospects for a negotiated two-state outcome.
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