IN MESSAGE FOR SAN MARINO EVENT, SECRETARY-GENERAL HAILS ROLE PLAYED BY SMALL STATES IN WORK OF UNITED NATIONS

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the event on San Marino and International Organizations today, 6 June:

The reach of San Marino goes far beyond its size.  The country is a dynamic contributor to the work of the United Nations and an eloquent advocate of human rights, development and peace.

As Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, San Marino spearheaded a vibrant campaign to end violence against women, and thereby provided welcome support for my own campaign on the same subject.  I thank San Marino for organizing an event at the United Nations recently on this important issue.

Another priority for San Marino is the religious dimension of the intercultural dialogue.  Last year, the Permanent Mission of San Marino to the United Nations organized an important event on Religions for Peace and Development.  The panellists were of a high calibre, representing the world’s great religions.

San Marino is also a leader on the rights of the disabled.  It was among the first countries to sign and ratify the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.  This is a landmark instrument and the latest in a long list of human rights conventions that San Marino has joined.

A driving force on reform of the United Nations, San Marino has co-facilitated the important working group on revitalizing the General Assembly.  Overall, San Marino is an excellent example of the indispensable role played by small States.  It is often among them that the United Nations -- and its Secretary-General -- can find the surest and most consistent support.

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