Statement by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett at Security Council Briefing on Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine

Thank you, Mr. President,

I also thank Assistant Secretary General, Khaled Khiari and Director,  Lisa Doughten, for the updates provided.

Guyana deeply regrets that civilian lives continue to be lost in this ongoing war in Ukraine. We deplore the recent attacks, including in the city of Odesa, which claimed the lives of several civilians, including young children, and caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.

This war continues to inflict immeasurable suffering and destruction with women and children bearing the brunt of the increasingly intense bombardments. 

OCHA has reported that the humanitarian situation in front-line communities, including the territories occupied by the Russian Federation, is reaching severe and catastrophic levels with more than 3.3 million people – including 800,000 children – requiring emergency assistance. The organization has also documented the damage and destruction wrought during the past year, including of homes, hospitals, schools, and vital civilian infrastructure.

These cannot be allowed to continue.

Guyana reiterates its call for an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We urge the parties to the conflict to immediately cease all indiscriminate attacks and to take every measure possible to protect civilians.

We further demand that they honour their obligations under international law including international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to guarantee protection for those who are most vulnerable.

We further stress the urgency of resolving this conflict through peaceful means and encourage the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process toward ending the conflict, and the continued engagement of the international community to this end.

In closing, Mr. President, Guyana reaffirms its support for full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we salute those women in Ukraine and Russia who are working for peace, and we express our solidarity with those who are grieving for their loved ones lost.

I Thank You.