Statement delivered by Ms. Neishanta Benn, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission  of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana at the UN Security Council  Briefing on “Threats to International Peace and Security” (Ukraine)

Thank you, Mr. President  
I thank the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for her insightful brief.  I also thank Mr. Hoh for his contribution and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine in this meeting. 

Mr. President, 
We have passed the two-year mark of the start of this war. A war that continues to claim the lives of innocent civilians, that has injured tens of thousands of men, women and children, and that continues to cause grave damage to critical civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The urgent humanitarian needs in Ukraine remain critical and will continue to escalate as this conflict wages on. The immeasurable physical and emotional harm faced by the nearly one million displaced Ukrainian children only further highlight the devastating impacts of the war. 

As the High Representative has stressed in her briefings to the Council, the influx of weapons and ammunition into any armed conflict not only contribute to its escalation, but also presents the dangerous risk of diversion. These are serious concerns that cannot be overlooked.  

We reiterate our call that all parties must take necessary precautions to ensure that any transfer of weapons and ammunition take place within the applicable international legal framework, and with respect for relevant resolutions that have been adopted by this Council.  We also again urge that all transfers are conducted with transparency and with stringent controls that prevent their diversion, both now and after the conflict.  

Mr. President,  
We once more voice our firm belief that the only way to adequately address the myriad of consequences that have resulted from this conflict is to swiftly end it. It is imperative that the parties fully commit to taking the necessary actions that will bring about a peaceful resolution with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.   
Mr. President 
 
The Ukrainian people have demonstrated unimaginable resilience in the face of brutal and seemingly unending warfare. The time for concerted diplomatic actions that will bring an end to this war has long passed. We can and must pursue a just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.  
 
I Thank You.