Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN during the Security Council Briefing on “Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine”

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank USG Di Carlo for the briefing and also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine in today’s meeting.

Guyana takes note of the intensified diplomatic efforts being made this month, including the Peace Summit in Switzerland, to respond to the humanitarian and security situation in Ukraine and to find a peaceful and enduring resolution to the ongoing conflict. We hope that a path to enduring peace will soon be found with the firm commitment of both parties and the support of the international community.

Mr. President,

Guyana remains deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We deplore the mounting civilian casualties sustained in this war and see the risk of a major catastrophe growing exponentially with each passing day.

The illegal invasion of Ukraine has already caused untold loss and destruction of life and property and has led to a humanitarian and refugee crisis that is considered to be the largest and fastest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II.  The war has also had a detrimental impact on energy, nuclear security and safety, the environment, and global food security, and is yet to show any signs of ending.

We stress the need to immediately end the hostilities and for the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. Prolonging this war any further will only increase the already dire consequences for the civilian population, and global peace and security.

As Member States of the United Nations, we demand that the parties fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. This also includes the obligation to take constant care to prevent any harm to the civilian population and civilian objects, and to grant safe and unhindered access to OHCHR and humanitarian workers, including to areas under occupation.  

Guyana has been clear and consistent in reaffirming full respect for the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.  We, therefore, reiterate that the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state, the prohibition on the threat or use of force, and the peaceful resolution of all disputes must be adhered to by all nations.

We commend the ongoing efforts of neighbouring and friendly states to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine, including to Ukrainian refugees trapped overseas, and call for increased support for the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

We also encourage further intensification of diplomatic dialogue with the parties to de-escalate hostilities and work towards sustainable peace.

With this in mind, we look forward to the follow-up to the Peace Summit held in Switzerland and other positive initiatives that could bring reprieve to those suffering from the daily assault of weapons in Ukraine and Russia.

Guyana once again urges this Council to work together to pave the path toward peace and to put an end to the suffering in Ukraine. 

I thank you, Mr. President.