UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY OF UKRAINE
Ms. Khalila Hackman
Counsellor, Legal Advisor
Security Council Chamber,
United Nations,
December 6th 2023, New York
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY OF UKRAINE
Mr. President,
I would like to begin by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Miroslav Jenca and OCHA Director for Coordination, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their informative briefings.
As the situation in the Middle East commands global attention, the prevailing conditions in Ukraine as we have heard, require the undiminished support of the international community to help turn the bend from the ravages of war to a constructive engagement for the peace of Ukraine.
The Russian Federation’s war on Ukraine has resulted in more than 28 thousand civilian casualties, the displacement of millions of people from their homes, gross violations of human rights and extensive destruction to civilian infrastructure, including Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. We are also aware of the effects it has had on global food, energy and fuel systems and the implications for economies around the world.
We remain concerned by the persisting military contestations across many frontlines, particularly now when winter conditions have minimized the coping capacity of affected populations, especially, women, young children, the aged and the sick. We are guided by the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law in calling on the warring parties to refrain from further targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. All sides must endeavour to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and military necessity to avoid causing harm to innocent people.
We welcome the commitment of humanitarian workers to help save lives at great risk and to the peril of their own lives and take this opportunity to urge once again, unhindered access for humanitarian aid to reach all areas where people are in need of vital necessities including, food, water, medicines, tents, warm clothing and heating as temperatures continue to fall.
Mr. President,
My delegation holds strongly that violence is not the answer and the time to end the war is past due. Ghana believes that peace in Ukraine is attainable and therefore, we reiterate, the necessity of diplomacy and dialogue towards the immediate cessation of hostilities and finding a lasting and comprehensive settlement that accords with the principles of international law and the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.
In closing, we call again on the Russian Federation to end the war with the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all its troops from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.
Thank you.