The Situation in Ukraine: Threats to international peace and security

 
Ms. Khalila Hackman
Counsellor, Legal Advisor
17th March 2022
Security Council Chamber,
United Nations,
New York
 

Mr. President,
I thank you for convening this meeting and also thank the distinguished briefers for the updated information on the prevailing situation in Ukraine.
I also welcome the participation in this meeting of the representatives of Poland and Ukraine.
 
Mr. President,
Ghana reiterates, once more, the call on the Russian Federation for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire and for the withdrawal of all its invading troops from the
internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. The cessation of hostilities is critical to save lives and prevent further devastation to the Ukrainian people. It remains fundamental to addressing the worsening humanitarian conditions. We remain deeply concerned about the military escalations and the disproportionate use of unconventional munitions in bombarding the cities and civilian populated areas of Ukraine and are disheartened by the trauma that the situation has caused, especially to the aged, women and children.
 
The parties to the conflict must urgently commit to a humanitarian pause to enable the evacuation and safe passage of civilians and facilitate the delivery of food, medicine and other essential services to those in critical need who have been caught up in cities under siege. We also deplore the attacks on medical facilities and call for the protection of humanitarian workers and medical personnel.
 
We urge the parties to comply with their commitments under international law, and international humanitarian law, in particular the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in the Time of War. We continue to urge the parties to accept the path of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving their security concerns. We believe that the good offices of the Secretary-General should be leveraged to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
 
Mr. President,
In concluding, I wish to emphasize that the interest and safety of the Ukrainian people should be prioritized and must be at the forefront of the actions of this Council and all other international actors.
 
I thank you for the kind attention.