Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana at the 9537th Meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Threats to International Peace and Security (Ukraine)

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank USG Di Carlo for the update provided. 

We are saddened to hear reports that lives were lost in the plane crash yesterday in the region of Belgorod. 

We take note that the full circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined and hope that the results of the investigations will soon be made available. 

We deeply regret that hundreds of lives continue to be lost every day in this war that should never have been. We especially lament the fact that many more will continue to suffer each day that it continues. Living in constant fear and with shattered lives and dreams about how life would be. 

Regardless of which side of the front lines they represent, precious lives continue to be absolutely and irretrievably lost. 

My delegation reiterates its call for an immediate end to this war and the withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine. 

The death and destruction wrought on civilians over the past two years must end. From the mass destruction of cities to prolonged economic, social, and psychological impacts, the trauma and residual effects of this war will be acutely felt for years to come. 

In this vein, we also reiterate our call for the parties to comply with their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law and to guarantee protection for those who are most vulnerable, including women and children.

Finally, we again urge the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process toward ending this conflict and the continued engagement of the international community to this end.

I Thank You.