Peru President: Fight against corruption & impunity must become a world crusade

Photo: AFP

19:14 | New York (U.S.), Sep. 24.

The growing social and economic inequality, as well as high corruption levels, constitute a latent risk for democracy and good governance, Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra affirmed on Tuesday evening during his presentation at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the Head of State, both problems "are a source of discontent and tiredness of citizens (...). Thus, we hope the frontal fight against corruption and impunity will become a world crusade."

In this regard, the leader stressed that Peru and Colombia have articulated efforts with diverse countries to achieve a mandate of the United Nations with a view to holding —in the first half of 2021— an Extraordinary Session of the General Assembly to address the fight against this scourge.

"Corruption has become a cancer which prevents us from making the most of all the potential we have. Therefore, we initiated a judicial and political reform seeking to recover the effectiveness, prestige, and legitimacy of our (Peruvian State-run) institutions," he expressed.

Likewise, the President mentioned that —since he took office in March 2018— his administration has managed to lead an orderly transition from the crisis and undertake a frontal fight against the corruption embedded in all State powers.

"I lead a democratic administration which scrupulously respects the separation and independence of powers. All our decisions have been and are supported by the political Constitution and the legal system."

The leader went on to add the South American country is currently experiencing a process of change that will enable its citizens to open a new stage of growth and development.

"I must emphasize these changes are being made, as appropriate, within democracy. Nothing apart from it," he assured the UN General Assembly.

In order to deal with a situation of political entrapment present for the last three years, "we have proposed to the Congress of the Republic a bill to call for early general elections. I am confident it will move forward for the benefit of the country."

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Furthermore, the President said Peru intends to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, as an appropriate universal framework for the promotion of peace, development and human rights.

"I reaffirm our commitment to the fifth goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which convenes nations to join forces with the purpose of ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls," he pointed out.

Economy

Regarding the economy, the statesman underlined that "the growth of the Peruvian economy over the last 20 years has enabled us to significantly reduce poverty."

Climate change

Concerning the environment, the President affirmed Peru is a country especially vulnerable to climate change and to the risk of natural disasters.

"That is why we have assumed an ambitious commitment in compliance with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

In this sense, the top official noted that Peru witnesses the serious climate change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. Therefore, the Leticia Pact reaffirms the commitment to the conservation of Amazonian rainforests and their sustainable development.

He also paid tribute to those who have given their lives for the cause of peace. As an example, he mentioned Peruvian non-commissioned officer Edwin Augusto Chira Reyes, who died serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: El Perú es testigo de los graves impactos del cambio climático en la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas. El “Pacto por la Amazonía”, reafirma nuestro compromiso con la conservación de los bosques amazónicos y con su desarrollo sostenible. pic.twitter.com/oWzfEaZiGX
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) 25 de septiembre de 2019

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: En el Perú conocemos, a partir de nuestra propia experiencia, que es posible transformar un país en una generación. El crecimiento de la economía peruana en los últimos veinte años nos ha permitido reducir de manera significativa la pobreza. pic.twitter.com/pqdsyy2D2D
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) 25 de septiembre de 2019

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Reitero nuestro compromiso con el quinto Objetivo de la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible, el cual nos convoca a unir esfuerzos para acabar con toda forma de discriminación contra mujeres y niñas. pic.twitter.com/zWXR9sWN35
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) 25 de septiembre de 2019

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Para hacer frente a una situación de entrampamiento político que lleva tres años, hemos planteado ante el Congreso de la República un proyecto de Ley de adelanto de elecciones generales. Confío en que lo lograremos por el bien del país. pic.twitter.com/6aOThIEDxG
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) 25 de septiembre de 2019

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Lidero un gobierno democrático que respeta escrupulosamente la separación e independencia de poderes. Todas nuestras decisiones han estado y están enmarcadas en la Constitución Política y el ordenamiento jurídico. pic.twitter.com/TCvyUEKieO
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) 25 de septiembre de 2019

#AHORA Intervención del presidente @MartinVizcarraC en la 74.ª Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas. #UNGA #AcciónClimática
En vivo: https://t.co/fu3uLZtqJb https://t.co/koY6yJBVuR
— Presidencia Perú (@presidenciaperu) September 24, 2019

(END) MVB

Published: 9/24/2019

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