Guyana elaborates on choice to abstain from US resolution on Gaza draft

Guyana has defended its decision to abstain from voting on a US-sponsored draft United Nations Security Council resolution on Gaza, which was subsequently vetoed by China and Russia. The US’s draft resolution, which was not a demand but rather a call for a ceasefire in Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, secured 11 votes in favor, 3 against – from Russia, China, and Algeria – and one from Guyana which abstained.

Guyana Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stated that, after five months of war in Gaza and the attacks of October 7, 2023, the Security Council has still not been successful in adopting a piece of text that addresses all aspects of the conflict. In a manner that brings about change to the situation on the ground and upholds the rule of law. Rodrigues-Birkett also expressed that, although Guyana appreciates the US efforts in establishing the draft resolution and conducting transparent negotiations, they believe that the draft should have better reflected the broad-based feedback due to the length of the negotiations and the constant expression of certain positions by numerous delegations.

Guyana’s abstention from voting on the draft resolution was due to several reasons. Rodrigues-Birkett clarified contrary to media and other reports, this resolution does not call for an immediate ceasefire, instead, it outlines the need and requirement for a ceasefire while simultaneously appealing for support for diplomatic efforts taking place outside of the UN. Rodrigues-Birkett emphasized that Guyana could not back a resolution that does not outrightly demand an immediate ceasefire.

Rodrigues-Birkett further highlighted the plight of thousands of Gazan people, primarily women and children, who have become victims of this war which began with Hamas’s invasion of Israel and taking of several hostages on October 7, last year. She also pointed out the huge amount of rubble and unexploded weapons strewn across Gaza that would take years to clear, possibly leading to a famine. Rodrigues-Birkett therewith implores this man-made disaster cannot halt without an immediate ceasefire and it is the Council’s responsibility to unmistakably demand one.

Lastly, Rodrigues-Birkett stated that the US draft overlooks attribution in a number of key areas wherein the draft includes condemnation of Hamas for the October 7 attacks but fails to attribute responsibility to the Israeli authorities for their actions in Gaza. She concluded by saying the UN Security Council still has an opportunity to act to end the suffering of all parties in Gaza and urged for an immediate end to the violence. Guyana remains prepared to work with other Council members to respond to the needs and legitimate aspirations of both Palestinian and Israeli people, including the two-state solution.