CELAC demands the next UN secretary-general come from Latin America and the Caribbean

Twenty-four heads of state and government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) signed a joint declaration demanding that the next United Nations secretary-general be a citizen of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The document was formally sent to the Security Council in a letter from Uruguay's Foreign Minister, Mario Lubetkin —whose country holds the bloc's pro tempore presidency— addressed to Latvia's ambassador to the UN and current Council president, Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes, according to Uruguay's Foreign Ministry.

In the letter, the leaders argue that “the time has come” for a representative of the region to take up the post, invoking the principle of “equitable geographical balance” in leading the organization. They argue the appointment would strengthen diversity, multilateralism and international law, and ensure that all regions have a voice in the UN's strategic direction.

The bloc also recalls its “historic contribution” to peace and human rights, as a nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Treaty of Tlatelolco and through the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. The request comes just days before the Security Council holds its next informal straw poll in New York on candidates to succeed current Secretary-General António Guterres of Portugal.

Photo: Diario Día

Source: Diario Día (EFE)