Muscat flags ‘globalisation of hatred’ during UN debate

The world is living in a period of transnational allegiances that have seen the globalisation of hatred, where extremists are increasingly interconnected through networks and inventions whose main aim should be progress and education.

Addressing the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the world has been gripped by a spread of extremism and intolerance where disenchanted youths are radicalised into movements that know no limits.

“We need to look beyond the borders of our nation states and work together if we are to face up to the threats that the extremists are posing. Nobody is immune from what is undoubtedly the biggest threat to world stability and peace,” Muscat told world leaders gathered at the UN headquarters in New York.

Referring to the horrific carnages that took place in the recent months caused by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS and ISIL, Muscat said today’s reality should lead to a shift in thinking, where leaders spread a culture of mutual understanding and humanity.

Once again, the Prime Minister used the UN platform to urge the international community that Libya could not be left to its own devices.

“As if we haven’t yet learnt our lessons from Syria, as if we haven’t yet realised what sectarian divisions can lead to, we are allowing the problems in Libya to continue almost unabated. We are fast witnessing a descent towards another forgotten conflict,” he said.

Taking a minute to speak in Arabic, Muscat directly addressed the people of Libya saying that the families and the children of Libya deserved a future.

“Freedom and justice for all Libyans can only be achieved if differences are resolved through consultation and compromise,” he said.

Muscat reiterated that the UN had to help the Libyan people take their country forward by providing capacity-building and security to bring stability and prosperity.

Despite the United Nations support mission launched in the North African country, Libya faces immense challenges especially when it comes to restoring its security and law and order. Malta, who is directly affected by the conflict in Libya, has appealed to the UN to help bring together the different factions round the table.

“The divisions are rooted in many causes, but they can be overcome,” he said.

Muscat warned that the repercussions of the unrest in Libya were severed, not only for the Libyan people but also for its neighbours.

“The international community cannot risk a takeover of this country by extremists,” he warned.

Malta has actively supported the efforts of the Libyan people to move forward, providing all assistance within its means to aid the wounded.

“We will stand for dialogue and reconciliation in Libya. We will stand for peace and resolution. We will continue to draw attention to this festering wound. Our Libyan people deserve this.

“Indeed, disarmament and national reconciliation are the pre-requisites for Libya to move forward. And the United Nations must be ready to answer calls for action from the Libyan people themselves.”

Tackling the issue of irregular migration, Muscat said people in the Mediterranean and the Middle East and beyond were being pushed to the brink, resorting to increasingly desperate measures.

“Men, women and children are risking their lives crossing conflict ridden zones; crossing hostile deserts. They are taking to the seas without realizing the dangers that await them. Our attention must be focused on the plight of illegal immigrants in the Mediterranean. Malta, with all its limitations, is doing its utmost to save lives.”

In a heartfelt appeal to the international community, Muscat said the receiving states could not stand up to the challenge alone as human tragedies continue to take place with risky crossings across the Mediterranean.

Only two weeks ago, between 300 and 500 refugees are thought to have drowned 300nm south east of Malta in what the International Organisation for Migration described as a mass murder.

“No country in the world can solve the problem of illegal immigration alone. Closer cooperation between the countries of origin, transit and destination is needed. The United Nations and its Agencies must help address its causes. Better governance, better resources and better development policies are needed. We need better enforcement mechanisms and stronger penalties to stop and punish human traffickers. We need better implementation of internationally agreed commitments. We need all this and more, and we need to remember to keep the wellbeing of all human beings themselves at the centre of our policy.”