Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, is standing by her description of Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, despite reports that the position could affect her campaign to become the next UN Secretary-General.
Rodrigues-Birkett addressed the issue during a recent interview, saying her statements on Gaza were made on behalf of Guyana and its government and reflected the country’s commitment to the UN Charter and international law.
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She said Guyana has consistently spoken out when it believes international law or the UN Charter has been violated, including in Gaza and Sudan. She also rejected any suggestion that her position made her hostile toward Israel, noting that her comments were made in her official capacity as Guyana’s representative.
“I’ve heard from the entire member states that I’ve spoken with in this campaign and before is they want a secretary-general that is true to the United Nations Charter, which is true to international law,” Rodrigues-Birkett said.
Her comments come amid reports that the United States opposes her candidacy partly because of her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and her use of the term “genocide.” The United States is one of five permanent members of the Security Council and can veto a recommendation for Secretary-General.
Rodrigues-Birkett said she would not change her position simply because it could affect her candidacy.
“If that is what I demonstrated on behalf of my country in the Security Council, and if that is what is going to be used against me in this, then I guess we will see where the UN is heading,” she said.
Guyana was elected to the Security Council with 191 of 192 votes cast in the General Assembly, a result Rodrigues-Birkett cited as evidence of the country’s strong mandate within the organisation.
The issue comes as the contest to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres remains unsettled. A Security Council straw poll held on October 7 placed former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan ahead with nine “encourage” votes, while Rodrigues-Birkett was among the candidates who received more “discourage” than “encourage” votes. The identities of countries casting the votes remain secret.
If selected, Rodrigues-Birkett would become the first Caribbean national and the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General. Her campaign has emphasized reforming the UN, strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring greater adherence to international law.
