Declaração do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Ronaldo Costa Filho, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre Ucrânia - 15 de julho de 2022 (texto em inglês)

July 15^th 2022

Mister Chair,

The preliminary damage assessment of cultural properties conducted by UNESCO in Ukraine presents us with heart-breaking evidence of an aspect often ignored in armed conflicts: the destruction of the cultural heritage of peoples. In the last few months, we have witnessed the death of thousands of soldiers and civilians, attacks on urban areas and human rights violations, as well as the threat of an unprecedented food security crisis. The briefers’ accounts suggest even greater losses, with serious consequences for Ukraine’s future after the conflict.

As a signatory to the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict – the 1954 Hague Convention – and one of the first countries to ratify it, Brazil deeply regrets the damage caused to Ukraine’s historical, architectural and artistic heritage.

Examples abound: just to name a few, we can mention the Donetsk Regional Drama Theatre in Mariupol; the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church in Peremoha; the Memorial monument to the villagers killed in World War II, in Kyiv; and the Antonov Mriya transport plane, one of the greatest icons of the aviation industry.

There is no doubt that these massive losses will make post-conflict reconstruction even more difficult. New generations will no longer have access to artefacts important to their cultural identity and to landmarks of the country’s history.

Mister Chair,

In light of the immense losses suffered, Brazil reiterates its appeal to the parties to engage in direct negotiations, with no delay and with no preconditions. The continuation of hostilities will only increase the human and material losses, without bringing any lasting solution to the issues that led to the outbreak of the conflict. We urge both sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that lead to further human suffering, including those that may result in violations of their obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention.

I thank you.