Inequality greatest threat to development, international security, Chilean President tells UN. (Expressed support to limit the right of veto in the case of crimes)

UN, 24 September 2014 – Inequality is one of the greatest threats to development and international security because it fosters poverty, exclusion and breeds social unrest, resentment and violence, said Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, among several leaders from the Latin America and the Caribbean region to address the General Assembly today.
“I come from Latin America, a region of middle-income countries that have their own dreams, challenges and tasks,” said Ms. Bachelet. “For us, sustainable development, security, quality of governance and above all, inequality and social cohesion are the most pressing challenges.”

These challenges must occupy a central place among the post-2015 development goals, the Chilean President urged. While Chile has made great progress, public opinion and political evolution points out the need to take “meaningful” steps toward fairer development.
“Chile will not achieve development while dragging the burden of inequality,” said Ms. Bachelet, stressing the need for tax reforms that ensure fiscal sustainability, political reforms that guarantee “every vote will count” and a system that provides free quality education for all. 

But global challenges are growing, she noted. Climate change continues to aggravate inequalities because it affects above all the most vulnerable. That is why world leaders have a “collective duty to act.” To show its unwavering solidarity, Chile, with its fraction of 0.25 per cent of carbon emissions, has pledged to reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2020. 

The international community is faced with a growing number of humanitarian crises that erupted this year including in Syria, Gaza and Ukraine, said Ms. Bachelet, reiterating the need for all to respect the integrity of state borders and the rights of minorities.

• On UN matters, she expressed support for reform of the Security Council to limit the right of veto in the case of crimes involving the responsibility to protect and the aspiration of Germany, Brazil, Japan, and India to become permanent members. 

Women must be front and centre of a new development and peace plan and empowered in all facets of society, said Ms. Bachelet, who was the founding Executive Director of UN Women.
Speaking today from the Latin American and Caribbean region are leaders from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.
Some 196 speakers are expected at this year’s annual debate. Meeting on the theme of “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda,” the speakers include representatives from the 193 UN Member States, as well as the Observer State of the Holy See, the Observer State of Palestine and the delegation of the European Union.
un.org
24/9/14