United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Ukraine

Ms. Carolyn Oppong-Ntiri
Deputy Permanent Representative
4th March, 2022
Security Council Chamber
United Nations, New York

Madam President,

I wish to thank you for convening this emergency session of the Council at this critical moment of the situation in Ukraine and wish also to thank the briefers for the detailed information provided.
 
Ghana is gravely concerned about the intensifying military escalations across several cities in Ukraine, in particular with the attack and shelling of sites close to nuclear power plants and facilities. It is a relief to learn that the situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant is currently stable and the radioactive emissions remain within accepted range. Every effort must be made to mitigate the risk of accidental emissions, which pose immeasurable risk to the lives of civilians and an already fragile environment.
 
We urge the continued support of the IAEA to provide necessary assistance to the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities and infrastructure together with all staff on site. We cannot forget too soon the horrors of the 1986 Chernobyl accident and the consequent nuclear catastrophe which left in its wake long-term effects of radiation exposure to many people in Ukraine and parts of Europe even to date.
 
Ghana strongly appeals to the parties to exercise restraint and halt the use of force in all areas of critical infrastructure, including the nuclear power plants and to respect their international obligations to protect human lives and to prevent a potential disaster.
 
We take note of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the parties in Belarus and welcome the agreement reached to create a humanitarian corridor to allow for the evacuation of the millions of people caught up in the cross fires, as well as the considerations to provide food and medical supplies. Together with the international community we express our strong support for the peaceful resolution of this conflict and urge further constructive engagements by the parties at all levels in the pursuit of their security interests and the maintenance of international peace and security.
 
I thank you, Madam President.