New York, Oct 21, 2013 (SPS) - The U.S. actress and singer, Cynthia Basinet, has addressed the United Nations Special and Decolonization Committee, also known as Fourth Committee or the Committee of 24, as a petitioner on behalf of the Western Sahara.
Following is full text of her speech, delivered before the UN Decolonization Committee's session, took place from 7 to 13 October 2013:
“Mr. Chairman
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentleman
45 million. 45 million refugees. 45 million souls without the ability to live in self-determination.
The highest number in over 18 years. The saharwian refugees represent a percentage of these souls since 1975; nearly 40 years ago.
Where is the compassion for those who seek refuge? Refuge from regimes. Refuge from brutality.
Aren't we united in nations against tyranny, poverty and the freedom of each individual to live a life in self-determination?
What do we lose when these self-determined peoples cannot contribute to the uniting of nations?
Their accounts and experiences need to be heard and utilized as facets of solutions.
In the case of the saharwian people, how can we continue to turn a blind eye and remain stagnant on a referendum that was confirmed over 22 years ago by the United Nations?
Words and promises without honor simply dilute the United Nations ability to unite nations.
The United Nations must remain forthright and steadfast in their responsibility to raise the world's standard of humanity.
And that humanity cannot be, if even but one soul is left behind in the path of self-determination, little alone whole populations.
We, the self-determined, implore you to use your self-determination in determining the fate over a peoples that have been denied this right.
Thank you for your time and compassion.
Cynthia Basinet
Actress.Singer.Humanitarian
(2005 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee).” (SPS)
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