18 March 2023
I thank USG Griffiths for his update and his tireless efforts.
After 13 months of continued “marry me or I will kill you” approach of Russia in Ukraine, there is little doubt that this war is a turning point in modern history.
It continues to challenge Europe’s security, it has brought back nuclear saber-rattling, has disrupted the global economy, leaving energy and food crises in its wake.
It has also been a wakening moment reminding everyone that for as long as there will be authoritarians around, peace should never be taken for granted.
While the reality on the ground has revealed the limits of this modern madness, persistent waives of deadly missile strikes across Ukraine – the Russian death signature – continue to destroy civilian infrastructure with no end in sight. They constitute crimes.
For months, we have heard here: Russia doesn’t attack civilians. But the reality, the hard and painful reality, is different. More than 20 thousand civilians have been killed or wounded; 14 million people have been uprooted from their homes; 18 million people require humanitarian assistance and protection; 40 per cent of Ukrainians are unable to afford or access enough food.
For months we have heard here: Russia doesn’t commit crimes. The hard reality, which we know and have denounced here continuously, is now confirmed by the report of the Commission of Inquiry, an independent and impartial expert body.
Russian authorities have committed a wide range of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in various regions of Ukraine, many of which amount to war crimes.
Everything in the horrible book of crimes is there: attacks on civilians and energy-related infrastructure, willful killings, unlawful confinement, torture, rape and other sexual violence, as well as unlawful transfers and deportations of children.
These facts show the depth of depravity of the aggression—total disregard for civilians and the sanctity of human life.
Colleagues,
Ukraine war poses one fundamental question for all of us: what kind of world we want to live in?
The current rules-based world order is the one that emerged from the ashes of World War II, one where powerful autocratic regimes would no longer be free to devour their neighbors; one where more democracies than ever have been able to flourish, and where free markets and open trade have lifted more people out of poverty than at any time in the history of the world.
It is this order that made almost 80 years without a war of aggression, the kind of war, just like what is happening in Ukraine, that can destabilize the whole world.
It is the order which is based on International Law, on rules not imposed by anyone but agreed by free nations.
It is an order which has made it that when there is transgression there are consequences. Just like the arrest warrants issued today by the ICC. The man who started its war of choice, the man who is responsible for its continuation and all the terrible consequences, is now a wanted man by international justice. This is a first victory of accountability. It is a wake-up call for every one who is fighting an unjust war in Ukraine that impunity that has emboldened perpetrators during these long months of war, has lasted far too long.
Mr. President,
What happens in Ukraine today will concern all of us tomorrow.
This is why supporting Ukraine goes beyond mere solidarity for people in need. It is an urgent call for world in peril.
The grain initiative – a lifeline for dozens of countries around the world – should be extended not with fixed deadlines but indefinitely. Because, as USG Griffiths clearly explained, so are the needs of hundreds of millions of people whose daily food depends of it.
Mr. President,
Every day into the war is making the world a more and more dangerous place. Without any reason and out of choice.
It is therefore never late for Russia to come to reality, cease all hostilities and unconditionally, completely and immediately withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
Russia can earn back its respect not by committing more crimes but by resolving to peace.
Until then, we will continue to stand with Ukraine and its people in their just struggle to repel aggression and restore their territory, independence, and sovereignty.
I thank you!
