Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Madam President,
It is with deep frustration and dismay that we find ourselves here today, once again joining with others to deplore Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and its continued occupation of Ukrainian territory.
More than 500 days after Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified actions plunged the people of Ukraine into crisis, Aotearoa New Zealand continues to call for an immediate end to this senseless conflict, and to the loss of life, wanton destruction, and suffering it has caused.
Sadly, more than a year after we joined with 140 UN Members to call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, that call has not been heeded.
Madam President,
Russia’s aggression clearly represents a blatant violation of the most fundamental tenets of international law. Russia, in breaching the prohibition on use of force contained in Article 2 of the UN Charter, has made a mockery of its special responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.
I don’t need to remind the members of this august Assembly that Russia’s actions have also sparked a global food security crisis that has driven hundreds of millions around the world into hunger and malnutrition. Our citizens have all felt its impacts, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
In this regard, the recent decision by Russia to terminate its implementation of the Black Sea grain initiative is not merely disappointing – it is unconscionable.
Let us be clear: food is not a weapon. Hunger is not a tool. Food security must not be used as a pawn in political games. We call upon Russia to resume its implementation of this critical initiative immediately.
Above all, Russian actions, including its willingness to target civilians and civilian infrastructure, have created a devastating humanitarian crisis, and unleashed tremendous suffering on the people of Ukraine.
Despite the claims of my distinguished Russian colleague earlier today, this is well documented. The evidence is clear, compelling and indisputable, and we have heard moving testimony of it today.
Amongst Russia’s victims have been the people that it is supposedly acting to protect - those living in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Armed conflict inevitably brings its catalogue of horrors and suffering to those unfortunate communities on whom it is inflicted.
But Aotearoa New Zealand, like others who have spoken today, has been gravely concerned at reports of extrajudicial killings, gender-based violence, forced deportation and abductions - including of children - and deprivation of property in the temporarily occupied territories.
These blatant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law must stop immediately.
Aotearoa New Zealand will continue to speak out against these criminal acts; and we will continue to support efforts to hold those responsible to account, including through action in the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
Madam President,
Let me conclude by once again calling on Russia to abide by its international obligations, to withdraw its troops immediately from within Ukraine’s internationally-recognised borders, and to enter into diplomatic negotiations as the only legitimate pathway to achieve a lasting resolution of this senseless and appalling conflict.
Thank you.