Statement delivered by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations during the UN Security Council Briefing on the Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine
Thank you, President,
I thank USG Di Carlo for the update and welcome the participation of His Excellency Sybiha Andrii, Minister of Foreign Minister of Ukraine, in today’s meeting.
President,
We meet today for yet another meeting on the conflict in Ukraine. This time we are reminded that it is 1000 days since the war began. Guyana deeply regrets that for every additional day of this war, innocent lives continue to be lost.
We are alarmed by the recent escalations and reiterate our call for a peaceful end to this war. We also demand that the parties uphold their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and take constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects from harm.
The war has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population, especially in Ukraine. Millions have been displaced and forced to live as refugees in foreign lands. Those unable to flee, live in constant fear of losing their lives, loved ones, and livelihoods.
It is time to put an end to the suffering. To the death and destruction being inflicted upon innocent civilians for almost three years.
President,
In its latest situation report, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented at least 183 civilian deaths and 903 injured in Ukraine in October. Forty-five percent of those killed were above the age of 60 and nine of them were children. OHCHR has also consistently documented cases of arbitrary detention, torture, summary executions, sexual violence, transfers and deportations of children, and forced conscription of protected persons.
This Council has a duty and a responsibility to respond to what is taking place. We must continue to demand that the parties comply with their legal obligations and find a peaceful end to the war. We have the entire UN mechanism at our disposal, with eminently qualified and skilled experts in all fields. We must put the system to work for peace.
While we work to find a way to end the conflict, civilian lives must be protected. We must do more to agree on practical measures to minimize civilian harm.
We appreciate the important contribution that UN agencies, international NGOs, and local NGOs have made in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. We hope these positive efforts will continue and that independent monitors, including OHCHR, will have regular unimpeded, and confidential access to all detained persons.
We further call for continued international support for the victims of this war, inclusive of medical, psychological, and legal support, with particular attention to children and survivors of sexual violence.
Guyana is encouraged by the momentum building in various capitals to advance peace initiatives and to ensure that children and prisoners of war are safely returned home. We hope that these initiatives will yield concrete results.
President,
It is without any doubt that the prolongation of this war poses increasingly grave risks and consequences for all concerned and for international peace and security. It has brought nothing but suffering and trauma for generations of Ukrainian and Russian citizens, not to mention its regional and international ramifications. Guyana reiterates its call for an immediate end to the hostilities.
We also join the international community in reaffirming the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and calling for full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this regard, we reiterate our call for the complete withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine.
Finally, we urge the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process toward ending the conflict, and the continued engagement of the United Nations, led by the UN Secretary-General.
We will continue to support all peace efforts.
I Thank You!
