Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Mr/Madam President.
Today our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight Russia’s large-scale invasion.
Innocent lives lost. Everyday lives in turmoil.
The people of Ukraine are now facing a humanitarian and human rights crisis caused by the conflict. It is, therefore, appropriate for the Human Rights Council to be addressing this issue though an Urgent Debate.
New Zealand is pleased to co-sponsor the Resolution on the “Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression” and fully supports the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, complementing and building upon the work of the existing UN Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism in Ukraine.
New Zealand is in no doubt that the conflict in Ukraine is a direct result of the unprovoked and unjustified actions of Russia. As our Minister of Foreign Affairs stated to this Council on Monday, “Aotearoa New Zealand is a proponent of peace and reconciliation, and we condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”
We also express serious concern about the human rights abuses and violations occurring within Russia, and we note the role that Belarus has played in support of Russia's invasion.
We call on all Member States to uphold their obligations under international law and international human rights and humanitarian law.
Further, we, the international community, must act now to prevent further pointless loss of innocent life, breaches of fundamental human rights, and to support those who now find themselves displaced through no fault of their own.