UN Security Council Meeting on Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

I wish to begin my statement by thanking Under Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Ms. Dennis Brown, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine for their important but sobering briefings on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

Now in its eighth month, the unjustified aggression against Ukraine has been marked by overwhelming suffering, death and destruction. Too many people, especially the women, children and the elderly, continue to suffer needlessly from the fighting that has engulfed many cities across Ukraine. The humanitarian statistics, as reported, are indeed concerning but can only be expected to rise should the fighting continue in the way that we are witnessing.

It is also important to note the impact of the war on pre-existing humanitarian situations in other parts of the world where food aid is largely supplied from Ukraine.

The growing threats of the use of unconventional weapons and possible nuclear engagements have been the source of global uncertainty. Ghana calls for the de-escalation of tensions, the immediate cessation of hostilities and the intensification of diplomatic efforts to end the war now, rather than later, when the cost of reconciliation and reconstruction would be unbearable.

It is of utmost importance for the Security Council and the wider international community to forge consensus on concrete measures and pathways to stem the rising tensions and begin a political dialogue for settlement.

We welcome, in this regard, the continuing leadership and pacific role of the Secretary-General and hope that further gains can be made in the endeavors for a peaceful settlement.

We are grateful to the United Nations humanitarian agencies and their partners who are working under extremely difficult and dangerous operational circumstances. We pay our respects to all humanitarian workers who have fallen while in service to mankind in Ukraine. Their commitment and sacrifice to bring relief to the suffering people must be matched by the international community’s efforts in helping to end the war.

We welcome the humanitarian support and contributions by some States and international agencies to see Ukrainians through the winter season. Food, water, shelter, warm clothing and medication would be critical to the survival of some six and a half million people internally displaced by the war.

We call on the both parties to grant humanitarian access to all areas where people require assistance and urge the Russian authorities, in particular, to grant unhindered humanitarian access into the occupied territories.

As fighting intensifies, we deem it necessary for new humanitarian corridors to be created for the safe passage of civilians to areas of relative safety. We recall the success of the Mariupol evacuations and urge similar arrangements as a matter of urgency.

We condemn all human rights violations and re-iterate our support for independent, transparent and thorough investigations of such violations, including, conflict related sexual violence. The happenings in Bucha and Irpin must strengthen our resolve to hold the perpetrators of such acts to account and avoid impunity.

The parties must refrain from targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure and other critical infrastructure. Apart from imposing severe hardships on the people, the deliberate destruction of critical energy infrastructure, residential facilities, water stations, healthcare facilities, schools and transport infrastructure constitute gross violations of international law and the principles of international humanitarian law relating to armed conflict.

In closing, we re-iterate our complete commitment for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and remain supportive of international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Ukrainian people.
I thank you.