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

Thank you, Madam President,

I thank Mr. Ivor Fung, Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch at UNODA for the update provided and take note of Ms. Karen Kwiatkowski’s contribution.

Guyana remains deeply concerned about the tragic human toll of this conflict and its devastating impact on regional stability and international security. Each time this Council meets on this topic, the reports of civilian casualties grow even more alarming. At yesterday’s meeting, we heard that this war has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 civilians.  

Equally alarming is that critical civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, continue to be targeted in a manner that disregards the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.   

As a result, the scale of humanitarian needs in Ukraine continues to rise with more than 14.6 million people – about 40 percent of the country’s population – in need of multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance.

Guyana deplores the attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure and calls upon the parties to the conflict to uphold by their obligations under international humanitarian law.  

Madam President, this is why Guyana is extremely concerned about the issue of weapons transfer. We share the view that the supply of weapons and ammunition in any armed conflict situation has the potential to further escalate or prolong the violence and risks diversion. We call upon all parties involved in the transfer of arms to the conflict zone to ensure that the transfers are done in compliance with relevant disarmament instruments and UN Security Council resolutions. We further call for controls to prevent their irregular transfer.  

As heard yesterday, the territory of Ukraine has turned into a veritable minefield. It is now considered one of the countries most contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the world. It bears reminding that mines and explosive ordnance pose a threat to civilian lives and wellbeing, preventing them from accessing critical infrastructure.  

They also contaminate agricultural lands, thereby contributing to food insecurity in the country. Since Ukraine is a major grain exporter, this can also contribute to global food insecurity.  

As a State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty and the Conventions on Biological Weapons, Chemical Weapons, Anti-Personnel Landmine and Cluster Munitions, among others, Guyana deplores the use of these weapons and urges full compliance with international law and international disarmament instruments and obligations.  

In closing, Guyana maintains that the only effective means of preventing further escalation or instability in Ukraine and the broader region is to end this war, and to end it through peaceful means.  We therefore call for an end to the hostilities and for the parties to commit to a political and diplomatic process toward ending this conflict.  

I Thank You.