Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr. President,
Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to speak on this important matter.
Aotearoa New Zealand continues to be gravely concerned by the loss of life, displacement, destruction and economic calamity, caused by the Russian Federation’s blatant aggression against Ukraine over the past nine months.
Consistent with the UN Charter, and as members of the General Assembly, it is our responsibility to do all we can to avoid the deadly consequences of war. We see accountability and reparation processes as an important element in avoiding and forestalling further perpetuation of grave atrocities.
Aotearoa New Zealand is strongly committed to supporting international mechanisms that seek accountability for Russia’s clear breaches of international law. We continue these efforts through New Zealand’s intervention in Ukraine’s case against Russia in the International Court of Justice as well as through the making of significant financial contributions to the International Criminal Court.
In addition to mechanisms that seek accountability, we believe that future reparation processes can play a critical role in the rebuilding of communities. Those that are responsible for causing damage and injury by breaching international law must make full reparations for rebuilding and compensating Ukraine.
Aotearoa New Zealand is therefore pleased to be an early co-sponsor of this resolution which recognises a clear need for an international mechanism for reparation for damage, loss, and injury, arising from Russia’s wrongful acts against Ukraine.
Aotearoa New Zealand strongly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and unequivocally condemns Russia’s aggression. The principles at stake in Ukraine are deeply significant to New Zealand as a small state acting in the world.
We continue to call on Russia to commit to dialogue, to act in the interests of peace and the principles of the United Nations, and to act consistently with its responsibilities as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.
I thank you.