The magnitude of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied, the UN political chief told the Security Council on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.
The magnitude of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied, the UN political chief told the Security Council on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.
Mister President,
Daily attacks continue to batter Ukrainian cities. Many are reportedly indiscriminate, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
Between 24 February and 15 March, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 1,900 civilian casualties. The total consists of 726 people killed, including 52 children, and 1,174 injured, including 63 children. The actual number is likely much higher.
Most of these casualties were caused by the use in populated areas of explosive weapons with a wide impact area. Hundreds of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed, as have hospitals and schools.
OHCHR continues to monitor reports of civilian casualties in the whole country, including in territory controlled by the self-proclaimed “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics”. OHCHR staff in Donetsk are closely following developments regarding the 14 March incident in which 20 civilians were reportedly killed by a Tochka-U missile that may have contained cluster munitions. All such instances must be properly investigated.
It is the responsibility of all sides to fully abide by their obligations to protect the lives of all civilians everywhere.
OHCHR is gravely concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of civilians, local authorities and civil society activists in Russian-controlled areas. We call for their immediate release.
Mister President,
This week, there were positive signals reported regarding the ongoing direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives.
We welcome all such engagements.
However, we note that these signals have so far not translated into the cessation of hostilities that is so desperately needed.
The situation in the southeastern port city of Mariupol is particularly alarming.
Many of the Mariupol residents who have not been able to safely evacuate lack food, water, electricity and medical care. Uncollected corpses lie on city streets.
Yesterday’s strike on the Mariupol theater, which reportedly served as a bomb shelter for displaced civilians, adds to the list of attacks against civilian structures. While early reports indicate that the worst may have been avoided, ongoing fighting is hampering the rescue work and assessment of the situation.
Mister President,
The devastation and suffering in Mariupol and Kharkiv raise grave fears about the fate of millions of residents of Kyiv and other cities facing intensifying attacks.
International humanitarian law is crystal clear. Civilians are entitled to protection against the dangers arising from military operations. Direct attacks on civilians are prohibited.
Yet, the magnitude of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine cannot be denied. This demands a thorough investigation and accountability.
Mister President,
The priority for the UN and its partners is to reach the people trapped by the ongoing shelling, including in eastern Ukraine. To that end, we continue to scale-up our operations on the ground, as circumstances permit.
The needs of the population are growing by the day. The UN calls for safe passage for civilians from, and humanitarian supplies into, encircled areas.
We are grateful to neighbouring governments for their generosity in receiving refugees and enabling the provision of assistance to Ukraine.
The UN is requesting all donors to fast-track funding against pledges made toward the Ukraine Flash Appeal. The Appeal, which seeks $1.1 billion to help 12 million people in need, is 36 per cent funded.
Mister President,
UNDP projects that 90% of the Ukrainian population could be facing poverty and extreme economic vulnerability should the war continue, setting the country – and the region – back decades, and leaving deep social and economic scars.
As the Secretary-General highlighted, dangerous ripple effects of the conflict are already being felt across the globe.
Russia and Ukraine represent more than half of the world’s supply of sunflower oil and about 30 percent of the world’s wheat. Food, fuel and fertilizer prices are skyrocketing. Supply chains are being disrupted.
All of this is hitting the poorest the hardest and potentially creating instability around the globe.
The Secretary-General announced on 14 March the establishment of a Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance to lead an effort with Member States to deal with the complex fallout of the war. The Deputy Secretary-General will lead an inter-agency steering committee with partners to oversee this effort.
Mister President,
The Secretary-General welcomes all ongoing diplomatic contacts. He remains actively engaged with leaders who are trying to bring about an end to this war.
There will be no winners to this senseless conflict. The tremendous loss it is causing, on the other hand, is heartbreakingly clear.
And it is going to get much, much worse the longer the fighting continues. The Secretary-General urges intensified and coordinated political efforts for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
There must be a meaningful sustained political process to enable a peaceful settlement. The lives of millions of Ukrainians and the peace and security of the entire region, and possibly beyond, depend on it.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Seven months after Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban, the Security Council on Thursday renewed the mandate of the UN special political mission in the country, charging it with a robust set of priorities, ranging from coordinating humanitarian aid delivery to human rights monitoring and facilitating dialogue.
NEW YORK - The mandate of the UN Special Political Mission was today extended for a further 12 months. Read Security Council Resolution 2626 (2022)...
UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi called on Thursday for sustained international support for Afghanistan’s people, where the country’s humanitarian crisis is worsening.
Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters, the UN political affairs chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.
A combination of factors, including misinformation that the pandemic is over, the lifting of mask mandates, ending physical distancing - and a more transmissible Omicron BA.2 variant - are causing an increase of COVID-19 cases globally, the World Health Organization warned on Wednesday.
Russia must immediately suspend military operations in Ukraine, the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday, in The Hague.
Mr. President,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Libya.
Since my last briefing to the Council on 24 January, there have been several substantial developments in the country.
The Libyan executive is facing a crisis that could, if left unresolved, lead to instability and parallel governments in the country. The United Nations is exerting significant efforts to resolve this crisis. We aim to bring together Libyan stakeholders to agree on a constitutional basis for the holding of elections as soon as possible.
On the economic front, there has been some progress in advancing the reunification of the Central Bank.
On the security track, the focus is currently on protecting the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission from the negative impact of the political crisis and facilitating progress towards the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters.
Regrettably, the human rights and humanitarian situations continue to be sources of concern.
Mr. President,
Allow me to expand on the points outlined above.
Following the postponement of national elections, originally set for December 2021, the House of Representatives and the High State Council focused on appointing a new interim government. They also agreed to chart a process to amend the 2017 Constitutional Proposal and to a path towards elections.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives adopted the 12th Constitutional Amendment reportedly after achieving consensus with the High State Council (HSC).
The process set out in the Constitutional Amendment calls for the appointment by 24 February by the HoR and HSC of a constitutional review Committee, representing the three regions of Libya. The review Committee never materialized.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives, with the endorsement of 52 HSC members, also designated Mr. Fathi Bashagha, a former Minister of Interior, to form a new government, which would be presented to the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence.
The United Nations took note of both the vote on the 12th Constitutional Amendment and the designation of a Prime Minister. We advised the House of Representatives that the vote of confidence on the proposed new government should be transparent and consistent with Libyan laws and regulations.
However, on 24 February, the High State Council rejected the formation of a new government and the 12th constitutional amendment.
On 1 March, the House of Representatives held a vote of confidence on the new government. The UN received reports that the vote was marred by procedural flaws and threats of violence against some members of the chamber and their families. These shortcomings impacted the credibility of the process.
The Secretary-General, in a statement on 2 March, expressed concern that the vote fell short of standards of transparency and procedure.
On 3 March, members of Mr. Bashaga’s cabinet were nevertheless sworn in by the House of Representatives.
Since the 1 March vote, the situation on the ground has remained relatively calm. However, we have observed increasingly threatening rhetoric, growing political tensions and divided loyalties among the armed groups in western Libya. The Government of National Unity leadership has rejected the legitimacy of the vote, stating that they will only transfer power to an elected government. Mr. Bashagha, meanwhile, insists he is heading the legitimate government.
Mr. President,
Our priority is to focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the more than 2.8 million Libyans who have registered to vote. They should be able to choose their leaders through credible, transparent, and inclusive elections according to an agreed upon constitutional and legal framework.
The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Ms. Stephanie Williams, has continued her consultations with a broad cross section of Libyan political and security actors and civil society.
The UN is focusing its efforts on building a consensus among Libyan institutions to hold elections as soon as possible.
We aim to convene a joint committee of members of the House of Representatives and the High State Council with the objective of achieving agreement by both bodies on a constitutional basis that would lead to elections this year.
On 3 March, Special Adviser Williams invited the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the High State Council to appoint six members each to form this joint committee. The leaders of the HOR and the HSC responded favorably to the initiative.
Yesterday, the HSC nominated its representatives to the joint committee. We expect the HoR to do the same in the coming days to avoid further delays in this process.
I am encouraged by the support the UN initiative is receiving from Libyans but also from the Presidency Council. International partners have also welcomed the initiative.
Separately, Special Adviser Williams has offered her good offices to mediate between Mr. Dbeibah and Mr. Bashagha to overcome the current political impasse.
Mr. President,
As long as the standoff over executive legitimacy continues, Libya could again see two parallel administrations. This could lead to instability and possibly unrest and deal a severe blow to the prospect of elections.
There have been worrying developments since the vote of confidence that took place in the HoR on 1 March. Local flights between Tripoli and cities in eastern Libya remain suspended, while forces in western Libya supporting either side moved on 9 and 10 March towards the capital. Special Adviser Williams engaged both sides and managed to reduce tensions.
The United Nations continues to urge both parties to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and to refrain from unilateral actions that could result in further divisions.
Mr. President,
On the security track, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) continues to take steps to implement its Action Plan for the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.
The UNSMIL Ceasefire Monitoring Component continues to work closely with the 5+5 JMC to establish an operational hub in Sirte.
Mr. President,
Libya’s economic sector continues to suffer from a lack of oversight and clarity on public spending. Since there was no approved national budget in 2021, the Central Bank of Libya issued payments for public sector salaries and subsidies according to the last approved budget.
These payments are being supplemented by extraordinary spending measures requested by the GNU from the Central Bank.
A controversy over budgetary payments inhibited the functioning of the National Oil Corporation. On 9 January, negotiations between the GNU and the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) over non-payment of salaries averted a shutdown of oil production in parts of the country.
Despite these concerns, I am, nevertheless, pleased to report that the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya launched a programme to reunify the institution, based on the recommendations of the independent audit of the Bank in July 2021.
Mr. President,
The human rights situation in Libya remains deeply worrying. UNSMIL observed an increase in hate speech, defamation and threats, as well as incitement to violence and acts of violence against activists, journalists, and political actors, including women.
State and non-State actors continued to arbitrarily arrest and detain human rights activists. In eastern Libya, in particular, national security laws were often arbitrarily applied. Meanwhile, a lack of due process and fair trial standards marred proceedings in military courts.
Migrants and refugees at sea continue to be intercepted by Libyan authorities and transferred to formal and informal detention centres where they reportedly suffer serious human rights violations. Deaths in custody, torture, starvation and extortion also have been reported.
The United Nations reiterates its readiness to work with Libyan authorities to strengthen migration governance and border control in line with international law and in cooperation with international partners.
Mr. President,
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the United Nations recorded a further decrease in the number of internally displaced persons from 179,000 at the end of 2021 to 168,000 by 5 March.
However, forced evictions by local authorities are a growing concern. The need for durable solutions for physical, material and legal safety for internally displaced persons remains a top priority.
Mr. President,
Libya is now facing a new phase of political polarization, with risks dividing its institutions once again and reversing the gains achieved over the past two years.
We know from experience what unilateral actions, divided government, and an unending transition may hold in store for Libya. We remain convinced that credible, transparent and inclusive elections based on a sound constitutional and legal framework are the only solution to the current stalemate.
I urge members of the Security Council to convey this message to Libyan parties, to call for responsible leadership by Libyan institutions, and to remain united in support of UN efforts to assist Libya in its path to becoming a peaceful and stable country.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Libya.
Since my last briefing to the Council on 24 January, there have been several substantial developments in the country.
The Libyan executive is facing a crisis that could, if left unresolved, lead to instability and parallel governments in the country. The United Nations is exerting significant efforts to resolve this crisis. We aim to bring together Libyan stakeholders to agree on a constitutional basis for the holding of elections as soon as possible.
On the economic front, there has been some progress in advancing the reunification of the Central Bank.
On the security track, the focus is currently on protecting the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission from the negative impact of the political crisis and facilitating progress towards the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters.
Regrettably, the human rights and humanitarian situations continue to be sources of concern.
Mr. President,
Allow me to expand on the points outlined above.
Following the postponement of national elections, originally set for December 2021, the House of Representatives and the High State Council focused on appointing a new interim government. They also agreed to chart a process to amend the 2017 Constitutional Proposal and to a path towards elections.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives adopted the 12th Constitutional Amendment reportedly after achieving consensus with the High State Council (HSC).
The process set out in the Constitutional Amendment calls for the appointment by 24 February by the HoR and HSC of a constitutional review Committee, representing the three regions of Libya. The review Committee never materialized.
On 10 February, the House of Representatives, with the endorsement of 52 HSC members, also designated Mr. Fathi Bashagha, a former Minister of Interior, to form a new government, which would be presented to the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence.
The United Nations took note of both the vote on the 12th Constitutional Amendment and the designation of a Prime Minister. We advised the House of Representatives that the vote of confidence on the proposed new government should be transparent and consistent with Libyan laws and regulations.
However, on 24 February, the High State Council rejected the formation of a new government and the 12th constitutional amendment.
On 1 March, the House of Representatives held a vote of confidence on the new government. The UN received reports that the vote was marred by procedural flaws and threats of violence against some members of the chamber and their families. These shortcomings impacted the credibility of the process.
The Secretary-General, in a statement on 2 March, expressed concern that the vote fell short of standards of transparency and procedure.
On 3 March, members of Mr. Bashaga’s cabinet were nevertheless sworn in by the House of Representatives.
Since the 1 March vote, the situation on the ground has remained relatively calm. However, we have observed increasingly threatening rhetoric, growing political tensions and divided loyalties among the armed groups in western Libya. The Government of National Unity leadership has rejected the legitimacy of the vote, stating that they will only transfer power to an elected government. Mr. Bashagha, meanwhile, insists he is heading the legitimate government.
Mr. President,
Our priority is to focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the more than 2.8 million Libyans who have registered to vote. They should be able to choose their leaders through credible, transparent, and inclusive elections according to an agreed upon constitutional and legal framework.
The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Ms. Stephanie Williams, has continued her consultations with a broad cross section of Libyan political and security actors and civil society.
The UN is focusing its efforts on building a consensus among Libyan institutions to hold elections as soon as possible.
We aim to convene a joint committee of members of the House of Representatives and the High State Council with the objective of achieving agreement by both bodies on a constitutional basis that would lead to elections this year.
On 3 March, Special Adviser Williams invited the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the High State Council to appoint six members each to form this joint committee. The leaders of the HOR and the HSC responded favorably to the initiative.
Yesterday, the HSC nominated its representatives to the joint committee. We expect the HoR to do the same in the coming days to avoid further delays in this process.
I am encouraged by the support the UN initiative is receiving from Libyans but also from the Presidency Council. International partners have also welcomed the initiative.
Separately, Special Adviser Williams has offered her good offices to mediate between Mr. Dbeibah and Mr. Bashagha to overcome the current political impasse.
Mr. President,
As long as the standoff over executive legitimacy continues, Libya could again see two parallel administrations. This could lead to instability and possibly unrest and deal a severe blow to the prospect of elections.
There have been worrying developments since the vote of confidence that took place in the HoR on 1 March. Local flights between Tripoli and cities in eastern Libya remain suspended, while forces in western Libya supporting either side moved on 9 and 10 March towards the capital. Special Adviser Williams engaged both sides and managed to reduce tensions.
The United Nations continues to urge both parties to engage in a constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and to refrain from unilateral actions that could result in further divisions.
Mr. President,
On the security track, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) continues to take steps to implement its Action Plan for the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.
The UNSMIL Ceasefire Monitoring Component continues to work closely with the 5+5 JMC to establish an operational hub in Sirte.
Mr. President,
Libya’s economic sector continues to suffer from a lack of oversight and clarity on public spending. Since there was no approved national budget in 2021, the Central Bank of Libya issued payments for public sector salaries and subsidies according to the last approved budget.
These payments are being supplemented by extraordinary spending measures requested by the GNU from the Central Bank.
A controversy over budgetary payments inhibited the functioning of the National Oil Corporation. On 9 January, negotiations between the GNU and the Petroleum Facilities Guards (PFG) over non-payment of salaries averted a shutdown of oil production in parts of the country.
Despite these concerns, I am, nevertheless, pleased to report that the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Libya launched a programme to reunify the institution, based on the recommendations of the independent audit of the Bank in July 2021.
Mr. President,
The human rights situation in Libya remains deeply worrying. UNSMIL observed an increase in hate speech, defamation and threats, as well as incitement to violence and acts of violence against activists, journalists, and political actors, including women.
State and non-State actors continued to arbitrarily arrest and detain human rights activists. In eastern Libya, in particular, national security laws were often arbitrarily applied. Meanwhile, a lack of due process and fair trial standards marred proceedings in military courts.
Migrants and refugees at sea continue to be intercepted by Libyan authorities and transferred to formal and informal detention centres where they reportedly suffer serious human rights violations. Deaths in custody, torture, starvation and extortion also have been reported.
The United Nations reiterates its readiness to work with Libyan authorities to strengthen migration governance and border control in line with international law and in cooperation with international partners.
Mr. President,
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the United Nations recorded a further decrease in the number of internally displaced persons from 179,000 at the end of 2021 to 168,000 by 5 March.
However, forced evictions by local authorities are a growing concern. The need for durable solutions for physical, material and legal safety for internally displaced persons remains a top priority.
Mr. President,
Libya is now facing a new phase of political polarization, with risks dividing its institutions once again and reversing the gains achieved over the past two years.
We know from experience what unilateral actions, divided government, and an unending transition may hold in store for Libya. We remain convinced that credible, transparent and inclusive elections based on a sound constitutional and legal framework are the only solution to the current stalemate.
I urge members of the Security Council to convey this message to Libyan parties, to call for responsible leadership by Libyan institutions, and to remain united in support of UN efforts to assist Libya in its path to becoming a peaceful and stable country.
Thank you, Mr. President.
War in Ukraine risks seeing 90 per cent of the country “freefall into poverty” and extreme vulnerability, nearly three weeks since Russia invaded its neighbour, a new UN report said on Wednesday.
After more than seven years of war, Yemen is living in a chronic state of emergency, marked by hunger, disease and other miseries that are rising faster than aid agencies can reverse, UN relief chief Martin Griffiths told the Security Council on Tuesday, as the Special Envoy for the country called for joint efforts by Yemenis and the international community to break the entrenched cycle of violence.
People in Afghanistan are today facing a food insecurity and malnutrition crisis of “unparalleled proportions”, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator said on Tuesday.
Nearly five million children born in Syria since March 2011 have known nothing but conflict. After 11 years of war, the crisis continues to leave them struggling with physical and psychological scars, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.
The war in Ukraine is the most severe test the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has faced since its creation in 1975, the top UN political affairs official told the Security Council on Monday, as the 15-member organ held its annual briefing on the OSCE’s work against the backdrop of intensifying bombardments of key Ukrainian cities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Monday that it is working “day and night” to keep medical supply chains open and preserve the health system in Ukraine, where, it says, medical facilities are stretched to breaking point.
Ukraine is being “decimated before the eyes of the world” with Russia’s military offensive against civilians “reaching terrifying proportions”, said the UN chief on Monday, warning that a resulting meltdown of the global economy is provoking a hunger crisis that is hitting the poorest, hardest.
Yemen’s already dire hunger crisis is “teetering on the edge of outright catastrophe”, UN agency chiefs said on Monday, as new data analysis from the war-ravaged country indicated potentially record food insecurity.
Mister President,
Thank you for the invitation to join His Excellency, Foreign Minister Rau, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to brief the Council on UN-OSCE cooperation.
The tragic conflict in Ukraine, which over the weekend has further worsened, vividly illustrates the importance of mechanisms to maintain and strengthen European and international peace and security.
Born out of the Cold War, the OSCE, has been at the center of efforts to bring its unique membership, spanning from Vancouver to Vladivostok, around one overarching goal: to resolve differences peacefully.
In line with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the OSCE works in complement to the UN, including to resolve conflicts in the region.
In 1993, the UN and the OSCE established a Cooperation Framework. Since then, our partnership has grown in scope and substance to help address acute crises and find solutions to common peace and security challenges.
Our shared commitment to preventive diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda, was reaffirmed through the Joint Declaration between the Secretary-General and the Chairperson-in-Office in 2019.
The coordination and complementarity guiding our efforts translate into action in various ways.
We work together in Central Asia, most recently to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
In the Western Balkans, to advance reconciliation.
And in the Caucasus, where the UN co-chairs the Geneva International Discussions on Georgia along with the OSCE and the EU.
Further, the UN has sought to complement the OSCE’s leading role to address protracted conflicts regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh and Moldova.
Regarding Ukraine, and pursuant to Security Council resolution 2202 on the Minsk Agreements, the UN has consistently supported the work of the OSCE, especially the Special Monitoring Mission and the OSCE-led Trilateral Contact Group, while carrying out our humanitarian and human rights mandates on the ground.
I wish to pay tribute here to all OSCE staff for their important work accomplished under very challenging circumstances.
Mister President,
The war in Ukraine is the most severe test the OSCE and related regional frameworks have faced since their creation. The Russian invasion has shaken the foundations of the European security architecture to its core.
As we meet, the bloodshed continues to worsen. Russian forces have now launched deadly strikes in the west of Ukraine.
Ukrainian cities are under unrelenting shelling and bombardment, with many civilians killed daily.
As I said three days ago in this very chamber, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has received credible reports of Russian forces using cluster munitions, including in populated areas. Indiscriminate attacks, including those using cluster munitions, which are of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without distinction, are prohibited under international humanitarian law.
We are deeply disturbed by reports that Ukrainian municipal officials in Russian-controlled parts of the country have been abducted. There are also reports of civilians, including journalists, being targeted, allegedly by Russian forces.
Mister President,
We must not allow any questioning of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Such questioning would be inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
Amid these dire conditions, the United Nations continues to scale up not only its humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine, but also its engagement with key partners like the OSCE in support of an immediate ceasefire and a lasting diplomatic solution.
When the Secretary-General addressed this Council on the topic of “Conflicts in Europe” in 2017, he warned that, despite the achievements of the last 70 years, we should not take peace and prosperity in Europe for granted.
He cautioned that as serious conflicts persisted in Europe, new threats and risks made it even more pressing for multilateral institutions and regional organizations to address dangerous challenges to the international order.
The Secretary-General’s warnings then were informed in large part by the crises in Georgia in 2008 and in Ukraine in 2014, which demonstrated how real the risks of new outbreaks of conflict were.
Today, a devastating war is being waged in a continent that should be equipped to prevent such catastrophes.
We are concerned at the dismantling of longstanding confidence-building measures, arms control treaties and other frameworks that were designed and agreed to sustain regional security.
This includes the persistent use of regional mediation mechanisms as tools not to solve conflicts, but to manage them, which only helps ensure that those same conflicts continue.
OSCE-led processes supported by the international community are now openly questioned by parties involved in them.
Mister President,
It is more important than ever for all parties to recommit to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris and other landmark agreements that form the bedrock of European security architecture.
In this context, we take good note of the efforts by the Polish Chairperson-in-Office under Minister Rau’s leadership to initiate a “Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue”.
How the OSCE and other regional actors choose to secure the future of European security cooperation will have an impact beyond Europe.
The UN supports all efforts to restore mutual trust and respect among regional stakeholders, which is essential to preserving the continent from new conflict and the world from further instability.
We, therefore, all have a stake in the outcome.
Mister President,
For almost 50 years, the United Nations and the OSCE have partnered to promote European peace and stability. The challenges we face today, and those potentially ahead, demand that we work even more closely together.
Thank you.
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With the war in Ukraine now in its third week, UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo warned the Security Council on Friday that direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited under international law, and may amount to war crimes.
The UN rights office, OHCHR, reiterated deep concern on Friday at the increasing number of civilian casualties in Ukraine following the Russian invasion which began on 24 February, before issuing a reminder to Moscow that any targeting of non-combatants could be a war crime.
Madam President,
The war in Ukraine is now in its third week. Fighting continues unabated.
The Russian armed forces are pursuing their offensive operations and laying siege to several cities in the south, east and north of the country.
A large concentration of Russian forces is reportedly massed along several approaches to the capital, Kyiv.
The situation is particularly alarming in Mariupol, Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv, where there is shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, resulting in an increasing number of civilians killed and injured. The utter devastation being visited on these cities is horrific.
The numbers bear out the conclusion that civilians are paying the highest price for the conflict. As of 11 March, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded a total of 1,546 civilian casualties, including 564 killed and 982 injured, since the start of the invasion on 24 February.
OHCHR believes the real casualty figures are likely considerably higher, as information from locations where intense hostilities are ongoing has been delayed and reports are still pending corroboration.
Most of the recorded civilian casualties, which include children, have been caused by explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including heavy artillery and multi-launch rocket systems, and missile and air strikes.
OHCHR has received credible reports of Russian forces using cluster munitions, including in populated areas. Indiscriminate attacks, including those using cluster munitions, which are of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without distinction, are prohibited under international humanitarian law.
Direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as so-called area bombardment in towns and villages, are also prohibited under international law and may amount to war crimes.
As of 10 March, the World Health Organization has verified 26 attacks on health facilities, health workers and ambulances, causing 12 deaths and 34 injuries. This includes the bombing of the Mariupol maternity hospital on 9 March. We condemn such attacks without reservation. They cause not only death and destruction: they also deprive people of urgently needed care and endanger more lives.
We cannot emphasize it enough: The targeting of civilians, of residential buildings, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, is inexcusable and intolerable. All alleged violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and those found responsible held accountable.
Madam President,
Millions of people in Ukraine need urgent assistance. This includes 2 million internally displaced people.
We are scaling up humanitarian aid in areas where security permits. More than half a million people are now receiving assistance, including life-saving food, shelter, blankets and medical supplies.
The United Nations and our partners have developed operational plans to meet humanitarian needs where they are most acute.
This work needs funding. Over $1.5 billion was pledged to the appeals last week. We are grateful for this generosity and encourage donors to release the funding quickly.
Madam President,
It is critical to urgently achieve a cessation of hostilities to allow for the safe passage of civilians from besieged areas and to ensure that life-saving humanitarian supplies can reach those who remain.
On 9 March, over 51,000 people were reportedly evacuated through five out of six agreed-upon safe passages. These safe passages must continue. They should be implemented with clear principles and modalities. Civilians should be duly and timely informed of the possibility to leave the concerned areas and on a voluntary basis and in the direction they choose.
To expand life-saving assistance and services to those most in need humanitarian actors must also have safe, rapid, unimpeded and sustained access to all areas.
We commend the humanitarian actors on the ground who are staying and delivering in a highly volatile situation.
Madam President,
The number of refugees from Ukraine has reached 2.5 million people These numbers continue increasing by the day.
We also commend the countries that have kept their borders open to welcome and support refugees. All people fleeing Ukraine, including third country nationals, need access to safety and protection, in line with the principle of non-refoulement and without any form of discrimination.
Madam President,
The need for negotiations to stop the war in Ukraine could not be more urgent. We note the three rounds of talks held thus far between Ukrainian and Russian delegations. We call for such efforts to intensify, including to further secure humanitarian and ceasefire arrangements as a matter of priority. We urge the sides to build on their contacts, such as the meeting yesterday between the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and the Russian Federation in Antalya, Turkey. The logic of dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over the logic of war.
The Secretary-General is grateful to the many Member States working in pursuit of a diplomatic solution to this dangerous conflict. He is in regular contact with regional and other leaders and his good offices remain available.
Madam President,
Let me reaffirm the UN’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders.
As the war grinds on, there is already much reflection about its implications, beyond the tragedy it represents for Ukraine. We increasingly hear the use of terms such as “turning point”, “defining moment”, “end of multilateralism”. I believe this is not an exaggeration. Indeed, some consequences are already being felt, economically and politically. Perhaps most alarming are the risks the violence poses to the global framework for peace and security.
We must do everything we can to find a solution and put an end to this war. And we must do it now.
Thank you, Madam President.
Syria’s 11 years of brutal fighting has come at an “unconscionable human cost”, subjecting millions there to human rights violations on a “massive and systematic scale”, said the UN chief on Friday, marking yet another tragic anniversary
Humanitarians are deploying extra staff across Ukraine to aid the growing number of civilians sheltering from Russian bombardment, or fleeing the violence, the UN Spokesperson said on Thursday.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine compels Member States of the United Nations to unite in “cooperation and solidarity” to support all those impacted “and to overcome this violation of international law” said Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday, addressing the General Assembly in New York.
The global failure to deliver enough COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries “is prolonging the pandemic” and causing tens of thousands of preventable deaths every week, senior UN figures told the Human Rights Council on Thursday.
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), an independent, UN-backed body, is calling on governments to do more to regulate social media platforms that glamourize drug-related negative behaviour and boost sales of controlled substances.
At least two-thirds of households with children have lost income since the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago, according to a joint report published on Wednesday by the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) and World Bank.
The exodus of millions of Ukrainians from their country following the Russian invasion could overwhelm neighbouring countries, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday, as the head of the UN Children’s Fund, expressed her horror over the reported destruction of a maternity hospital in the stricken coastal city of Mariupol, which has been under heavy bombardment for days.
Almost 500 million people have been infected with the coronavirus since March 2020 and new variants are still a threat. This Friday marks two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) characterised the global spread of COVID-19 as a pandemic.
New guidelines on abortion are now available from the World Health Organization (WHO), in a bid to prevent more than 25 million unsafe terminations that happen each year.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, has said that it is taking measures as best it can, to try and protect some of Ukraine’s priceless heritage from destruction in the face of the Russian invasion, noting that the international community also has a duty to help protect and preserve the country’s historic buildings, and other treasures.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has praised European countries welcoming people fleeing the war in Ukraine, whose numbers now surpass two million.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the “deteriorating security situation” this week in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where daily violence has claimed the lives of six Palestinians, including a child.
On day 13 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and amid rising numbers of civilian casualties, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday repeated her ceasefire call, with humanitarians on the ground describing conditions as increasingly “apocalyptic”.
