Lula Says Democracy and Sovereignty Non-Negotiable

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 80th session.

The UN symbolises the highest expression of humanity’s aspiration for peace and prosperity, but the ideals that inspired its founding 80 years ago are under greater threat than ever before, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told the General Assembly on Tuesday.

“Multilateralism is at a new crossroads,” he said, warning that the world is “witnessing the consolidation of an international order marked by repeated concessions to power politics. Attacks on sovereignty, arbitrary sanctions and unilateral interventions are becoming the rule.”

He cautioned that “throughout the world, anti-democratic forces are trying to subjugate institutions and stifle freedoms. They worship violence, praise ignorance, act as physical and digital militias, and restrict the press.”

President Lula stressed that “even under unprecedented attack, Brazil chose to resist and defend the democracy regained 40 years ago.”

He referred to his predecessor’s recent conviction for attacking the democratic rule of law, marking a first in the country’s 525-year history.

“Before the eyes of the world, Brazil sent a message to all aspiring autocrats and their supporters: our democracy and our sovereignty are non-negotiable,” he said.

Turning to Latin America and the Caribbean, Lula noted that the region “is experiencing a time of growing polarisation and instability.”

He warned that “the comparison between crime and terrorism is worrying,” adding that the most effective way to combat drug trafficking is through cooperation to suppress money laundering and limit the arms trade.

“Using lethal force in situations that do not constitute armed conflict is tantamount to executing people without trial,” he emphasised.

He added that “the path to dialogue must not be closed in Venezuela. Haiti has the right to a violence-free future, and it is unacceptable that Cuba remains listed as a State sponsor of terrorism.”

Lula said “no situation is more emblematic of the disproportionate and illegal use of force” than that faced by Palestine.

He warned that “the Palestinian people are at risk of disappearing” and “will only survive with an independent State integrated into the international community,” which more than 150 UN Member States have reaffirmed.

The Brazilian leader also addressed the climate crisis, stressing that the COP30 conference in the city of Belém “will be the time for world leaders to prove the seriousness of their commitment to the planet.”

Developing countries are confronting climate change while grappling with other challenges, while rich nations “enjoy a standard of living achieved at the expense of 200 years of greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Demanding greater ambition and greater access to resources and technology is not a matter of charity, but of justice,” Lula concluded.