UN Secretary General praises ‘peacemaker, human rights champion’, former President Jimmy Carter
The Democratic Party icon lived longer than any president in US history, serving one term from 1977 to 1981, going on to burnish his international reputation by being awarded the Nobel Prize. Peace and establish a major center for diplomacy and conflict resolution in the United States. form of the Carter Center – which advocates for democracy and human rights around the world.
After suffering an undisclosed illness, he decided to discontinue medical treatment last year, opting instead to receive hospice care at home. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden led the tribute, saying the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”
In his statement, Mr. Guterres emphasized President Carter’s leadership while in office and his overall contributions to international peace and security, “including the landmark Camp David Accords.” – the 1978 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel remains in effect.
The Secretary-General also noted the achievements achieved through the Strategic Arms Limitation Negotiations that led to the 1979 SALT II Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union – which limited the proliferation of nuclear weapons – along with other agreements. The Panama Canal Convention allows for ownership of an important waterway connecting the two countries. The Pacific and Atlantic returned to Panama in 1999.
After leaving office, President Carter turned his attention to addressing global challenges of inequality, human rights, inadequate housing, and other social justice issues.
“President Carter’s commitment to international peace and human rights was also fully demonstrated after he left the presidency.”, said the head of the United Nations.
“He plays a key role in mediating conflicts, monitoring elections, promoting democracy, and preventing and eradicating epidemics.”, Mr. Guterres added.
A friend of the United Nations
“These and other efforts earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and helped advance the work of the United Nations.”
President Carter, along with former South African President Nelson Mandela, jointly founded the group The Elders, to promote the human rights and peace agenda.
Mr. Guterres said President Carter will be remembered “for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his constant grace and unwavering faith in the common good and our common humanity.”
He sent his deepest condolences to the Carter family and all US citizens.
He concluded by saying that “the former president’s legacy as a peacemaker, human rights fighter and humanitarian will live on.”
President Carter passed away leaving behind four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He lost his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, last November.
