Madam President,
I speak on behalf of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
We align ourselves with the statement of the European Union and thank the briefers for their statements that we fully support.
Madam President,
We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked large-scale aggression against Ukraine. Equally we strongly condemn actions by Belarus, which have enabled this aggression.
Following the veto by Russia, the aggressor, in this Council, the Resolution of the General Assembly on “Aggression against Ukraine” expressed the unequivocal demand of the international community for Russia to immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine. This demand by 141 states is yet to be implemented.
Madam President,
Unfortunately, the international community has learnt the hard way that Russia’s words, including those uttered in this Chamber, have little meaning. Russia can only be judged by its actions.
Let’s not forget that Russia dismissed the warnings regarding its looming full-scale invasion of Ukraine as “hysteria” just days before the aggression actually happened.
Then, Russia claimed that it was not targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, and that the people of Ukraine have nothing to be afraid of. And yet what we are witnessing is a war against the Ukrainian people, the biggest humanitarian catastrophe in Europe in decades.
Indiscriminate missiles and bombs are striking residential neighborhoods as well as medical and educational facilities. Civilians are killed while in line to replenish their food and water supplies. Critical infrastructure, including civilian nuclear power installations, has been attacked. These actions constitute violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, by Russia.
The protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law is not a choice but an obligation. All those who violate these provisions must be held accountable. We underline the importance of ensuring the safe passage of civilians as well as safe, timely and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. The safety and security of humanitarian personnel must be guaranteed.
Last Friday several members of this Council welcomed the agreement reached between Ukraine and Russia regarding the opening of humanitarian corridors. However, just days later we have received reports of Russia’s ongoing shelling of Mariupol, Volnovakha and other Ukrainian cities that make it impossible to actually open these corridors.
All agreements relating to humanitarian corridors must strictly be respected. We urge Russia to immediately implement a ceasefire to ensure safe conditions for the civilian population who wish to do so to evacuate through the agreed humanitarian corridors in mutually agreed locations and ensure the protection of those who stay.
Madam President,
We are particularly concerned about the most vulnerable, including children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. All venues should be used to address their needs and ensure their safety. In this context, we invite the upcoming session of the Commission on the Status of Women to include a focus on the situation of women and girls of Ukraine in its considerations.
Furthermore, this war, waged day after day against the civilian population, has led to grave violations against children by the Russian Federation. More than half a million children have been forced to flee their homes. We have seen children born and sheltering in underground metro stations and scores killed by Russia’s indiscriminate shelling. The experience of war will stay with them forever.
If nothing else, the international community owes it to the children of Ukraine to stop this war.
Madam President,
The Baltic States supported Ukraine and its people long before the recent hostilities broke out. We have mobilized all available resources to address the humanitarian needs of our Ukrainian friends.
We are receiving thousands of Ukrainian people, including women and children fleeing the war. We are sending medical, shelter supplies, food aid, and other support to those staying in Ukraine. Each of our states has recently made decisions to allocate further financial support, together amounting to more than 12 million US dollars, in addition to the humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine previously. More possibilities are explored.
I would like to highlight that these efforts by our governments are matched and surpassed by civil society. Individuals, NGOs and entrepreneurs are actively contributing with practical and financial support, expressing their compassion with the people of Ukraine.
We also applaud the solidarity demonstrated by the neighboring countries of Ukraine – Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia – which are currently hosting most of the refugees. Several other countries are stepping up their support, too.
We welcome the urgent efforts by the UN agencies and other international bodies, particularly those operating in dangerous conditions on the ground. We welcome the courage of the Ukrainian civil society, including of the women’s organizations, in providing indispensable assistance on the ground. We welcome and are contributing to the Humanitarian Flash Appeal and the Regional Refugee Response Plan.
However, the humanitarian assistance needs of the people of Ukraine are increasing exponentially due to Russia’s ongoing aggression. Our response needs to match it. The adoption of the GA resolution last week should serve as a rallying cry to all UN agencies to be actively involved in stopping Russia’s aggression and addressing its humanitarian consequences.
Madam President,
Let me conclude by reiterating that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania stand firmly with the people of Ukraine in this dark hour. We stand against this senseless war by Russia. We stand for upholding of the UN Charter. STOP Russia’s aggression NOW.
I thank you.