Statement by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the 9544th meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Threats to International Peace and Security (Ukraine)

I thank USG Di Carlo for the update provided.

We are saddened to hear of the reports of even more civilian deaths in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, including recently in Kherson, and the occupied territory of Luhansk. 

Guyana reiterates its call for an immediate end to this war and a return to diplomacy. We deplore the threat or use of force in the conduct of international relations and urge a peaceful resolution of the conflict, in consonance with the rule of international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter. 

We are alarmed by reports that shelling has intensified in recent days with critical infrastructure being targeted, often intentionally so, and call on the parties to fulfil their legal obligations to protect civilian infrastructure and avoid further civilian suffering and loss of life. 

We are also profoundly concerned about the continuous atrocities being committed in this war, resulting in grave human rights and humanitarian crises with long-term, detrimental impacts on the lives, safety, and wellbeing of civilians. Even more so, the continuing deterioration of all aspects of the situation of women and children across Ukraine. 

UNICEF has reported that there are over 4 million children in need in Ukraine. They continue to face heightened risks of death, disease, family separation and violence (including gender-based violence) and trafficking. Guyana demands that the parties uphold their obligations to protect children and calls for an end to attacks on infrastructure that are critical for their well-being including schools, hospitals, energy, water, and sanitation systems.

Guyana continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We support all efforts to bring a speedy resolution to this conflict and cease the threat to international peace and security.

I thank you.