Article by:
Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
NEW YORK CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (New York time) called on the international community to exercise restraint and pursue an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions.
During the special plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters here, Marcos urged all parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter and humanitarian law.
“We join calls for restraint, a de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, respect for international law, including the UN (United Nations) Charter and humanitarian law, and for all concerned to return to the negotiating table - for peace,” he said.
“We call for urgent and much needed action for peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine, in Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, and Myanmar. Their people continue to live in fear and in despair,” Marcos added.
Marcos appealed to the UN Security Council to lead global efforts to de-escalate conflicts.
He said the Philippines joins the international community in calling for restraint, de-escalation, and cessation of hostilities.
“These tragedies need to stop. Innocents must be protected, and their basic needs immediately provided,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflict.
Citing the Global Humanitarian Overview for 2026, Marcos noted that around USD23 billion is required to save around 87 million lives.
“And as we call for the end of conflict around the world, we also urge all parties to these conflicts and the international community to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation arising from such conflicts,” Marcos said.
“The safe, free, and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to people in need is not negotiable. This holds true for the Middle East, for Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, Myanmar, everywhere else where humanitarian action is needed,” he added.
Marcos also emphasized the importance of unity, as he hoped for an end to the human cost of conflict.
“For surely they too deserve to inherit a world where safety, security, dignity and a healthy planet are assured for all of humanity. It was not so long ago when we made the Pact for the Future, pledging a new beginning to multilateralism and promising to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” he said. (PNA)
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