UNGA78 Third Committee
Draft resolution on Policies and Programmes Involving Youth
Explanation of Position statement delivered by Ireland on behalf of Ireland, Argentina, Austria, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Mexico, Slovenia and Spain
16 November 2023, New York
Thank you Chair,
Ireland, Argentina, Austria, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Mexico, Slovenia and Spain would like to thank Cabo Verde, Kazakhstan and Portugal for presenting this important resolution. Ireland, Argentina, Austria, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, Mexico, Slovenia and Spain have traditionally supported this resolution and have cosponsored the text again this year.
Chair, this is a milestone year for our United Nations. As we celebrate 75 years since the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, youth across the world are facing a myriad of challenges. From the impacts of climate change and energy crises, to conflict and famine – youth continue to show remarkable leadership, resilience, and dedication in addressing global challenges.
It is only appropriate, therefore, that this Committee reaffirm its commitment the human rights of young persons and to supporting their role as agents of change. Importantly, this resolution recognises the critical role of young persons in the promotion of peace and security and in accelerating climate action, and the role of young men and boys in combatting gender stereotypes. It also welcomes the important establishment of the UN Youth Office. Nevertheless, there are a number of areas where we felt this resolution should have been stronger, including by integrating a greater focus on human rights throughout the text.
The full realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights is essential to ensuring the participation of young persons in all aspects of public and private life. We regret that this couldn’t be fully reflected in the text, and that attempts to reinsert previously agreed language on sexual and reproductive health were unsuccessful. We also regret that reference to comprehensive sexuality education was not included in the final draft, despite being a critical tool for young people to protect and advocate for their health, well-being and dignity.
We appreciate the efforts of the core group to find consensus on this resolution, despite a challenging process. We commit to working closely and constructively with core group members to achieve a strong resolution at UNGA80.
Thank you.