UNGA Emergency Special Session on Ukraine - Statement after Vote on the Resolution

Statement

Thank you, Mr. President.

Ireland welcomes the adoption of this important resolution. Today, the General Assembly has acted where the Security Council failed.

Ireland strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s further invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign and independent country, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter.

This unprovoked and unjustified attack has brought death and destruction to Ukraine and to its people.

Their suffering is immense, yet they have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of such hardship. We commend them for their heroic efforts and for their bravery.

Russia’s invasion has triggered a new humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee for their lives as cities and civilian infrastructure come under ferocious bombardment. Ukrainians are grappling with the humanitarian consequences of a war not of their making. Innocent civilians, including children, are paying the terrible price of conflict.

We know that the women and girls of Ukraine will suffer disproportionately as a result of this conflict. We see them as they are being forced to flee their homes and face a heightened risk of being subjected to sexual and gender-based violence. We must do all in our power to ensure that their human rights are protected, and that women are fully included in efforts to not only end the conflict, but secure a long-lasting peace.

We recall the Russian Federation’s obligation to respect international humanitarian law, including in the selection of weapons and the prohibitions against indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks.

The Russian Federation must stop targeting civilians in Ukraine, and allow them safe, unfettered passage to destinations outside of Ukraine. The safety of all humanitarian and medical workers must also be ensured.

Mr. President,

There can be no doubt where responsibility lies for the harrowing scenes now playing out right across Ukraine – scenes which have shocked the watching world.

We call on Russia to immediately end its invasion of  Ukraine, and to turn to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, before any more of Ukraine’s people are forced to pay the terrible price of pitiless war.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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