Statement delivered by Ms. Neishanta Benn, Minister Counsellor, during Security Council Arria Formula meeting on “Systematic Violations of IHL Committed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Territory of the Russian Federation"

Thank you, Chair,

The phrase “even wars have rules” is one that has been echoed many times since this war began and explains perfectly the reason for our meeting today.

These ‘rules of war’, or International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as they are more aptly called, apply equally to all parties to a conflict, and must be upheld under all circumstances.

Guyana deeply regrets the fact that this war has been marked by violations of international law from its very inception.

In fact, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago violated the most basic tenets of the United Nations Charter and the principles of respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and non-interference.

Since then, there have been repeated reports of violations of IHL and international human rights law being committed by forces fighting on both sides and having devastating consequences for civilians, humanitarian workers and prisoners of war.

Each day we are confronted with reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian objects and of multiple violations being committed against women, children and protected groups of persons.

Guyana condemns, in the strongest terms, all violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and demands that the parties to this conflict fully comply with those obligations. We also underscore the need for the Security Council to take immediate appropriate measures to prevent further violations and to ensure that the perpetrators of all past violations are brought to justice.

All those who commit IHL violations should bear criminal responsibility of their actions and face prosecutions.

Guyana once more calls for an immediate end to this war. The longer it continues, the more suffering it will bring to the civilian population. We reiterate our appeal for a return to a diplomatic process that can bring a just and lasting peace, based on respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

I Thank you!