Distinguished Co-Chairs,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the fourteen (14) Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).  

CARICOM thanks you for the very structured approach to the work of the IGN and for the opportunities you provide to maintain dialogue among the membership even outside the formal meetings of the IGN.  

Turning to the subject of today’s discussion, I wish to underscore the following five (5) points.

First, CARICOM acknowledges the various models of reform that have been put forward by Member States and groups of Member States. As rightly affirmed, one of the principal points of divergence concerns the permanent category of membership and whether or not this category should be expanded. To reiterate its position, CARICOM is among those who advocate for the expansion of the permanent category of membership to address the anomaly where two (2) of the five (5) regions of the United Nations are not represented. We further advocate that any new permanent member have the same prerogatives as current permanent members. CARICOM acknowledges, however, that there are proposals that conflict with ours, hence the question of how we can build consensus around a single approach. On this latter note, CARICOM continues to underscore the utility of continued dialogue among Member States to identify the points of flexibility. We hasten to add too, that real consensus around a single approach would only emerge if that dialogue is structured in a way to produce measurable and binding outcomes. We therefore respectfully urge the Co-Chairs to continue considering how the IGN could move in this direction.

Second, on the possibility of developing a compromise or hybrid model, the establishment of the IGN presupposes that Member States would reach such an agreement, facilitated by a structured process. CARICOM underscores that any such model would have to satisfy the core elements of the positions and proposals that Member States advocate in the IGN. In this regard, we underscore the legitimate expectation that Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean would have representation in the permanent category of the Security Council and that SIDS across all regions would be guaranteed representation.  

Third, to your question about the selection process for new permanent members, CARICOM is of the view that the selection process should enjoy the widest possible support of Member States to ensure both credibility and legitimacy. Consequently, the General Assembly’s role in the process is critical.

Fourth, CARICOM continues to advocate that a review mechanism be established along with any reform of the Security Council to assess all aspects of the reform as agreed. This review should take place within 10-15 years of the implementation of the reform. The scope and objectives of that review should be clearly established at the time of the reform, premised on the approach that the intention would not be to reverse the reform.

Finally, on the question of cross-regional representation, CARICOM acknowledges the aspirations elaborated in the IGN on this point, including our own proposal for a dedicated SIDS seat. Each of these proposals must be examined on its merit, including by considering whether the existing modalities for equitable geographic representation are enough to give the concerned countries the consistency of representation that they seek.

Thank you, Co-Chairs.