Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council meeting on "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine”

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank ASG Joyce Msuya for her briefing.

We note with growing concern the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine with over 14 million people now needing humanitarian assistance.

Each time this Council meets to discuss Ukraine, we hear of a worsening situation. As shelling in Kharkiv and other cities and towns continues, the prospects seem grim. We continue to receive reports of the growing number of civilian casualties, including women and children, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure across the country. 

Targeted attacks on energy infrastructure plunge entire communities into darkness and disrupt the flow of vital services to hundreds of thousands of people. Meanwhile, continuous attacks on schools and medical facilities seriously disrupt essential healthcare and education and will have far-reaching consequences. 

Guyana deplores the continued loss of civilian lives in this war. We reiterate our demand for full respect for international humanitarian law and principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality. We also continue to urge greater efforts in ensuring full protection and unhindered access for humanitarian actors, including to the occupied territories of Ukraine. The attacks on critical infrastructure must stop.

 President,

 Beyond its immediate humanitarian impacts, this war has other long-term impacts. WHO says nearly 10 million people are at risk or suffering from mental disorders. Many are already experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Children continue to pay a particularly high price in this war, as Ms. Msuya just reminded.  1.5 million children are in urgent need of support to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These are further exacerbated by disruption to their education. 

Guyana reiterates its call for an immediate end to the attacks on infrastructure critical for children’s well-being, including schools, hospitals, energy, water, and sanitation systems. 

We also repeat our call for continued support for the victims of the war, inclusive of medical, psychological, and legal support, with particular attention to children and survivors of sexual violence. 

We commend the UN agencies, bilateral partners, and international, regional, and local organizations working around the clock to respond to the growing humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people. We also call for the scaling up of humanitarian assistance. 

In closing, Guyana continues to stress the urgency of resolving this conflict peacefully and will support all efforts towards this end.  

We again call on the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine and urge the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process to end the conflict peacefully. 

I Thank You.