Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador Norberto Moretti, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação Ameaças à Paz Internacional e Segurança (Ucrânia) - 17 de novembro de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement of the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on Threats to International Peace and Security (Ukraine)
November 17th, 2023
Mister President,
I thank Assistant Secretary-General Ilze Brands Kehris for her briefing, as well as Mr. Vakhtang Kipshidze for his remarks. I also welcome the representative of Ukraine at this meeting.
Brazil attaches great importance to the freedom of religion or belief, without discrimination. It is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination based on Religion or Belief, adopted by the General Assembly in 1981.
As a pluralistic and multi-ethnic society, Brazil encourages tolerance and respect for religious diversity. Under no circumstances should religious practice foment tensions within and between countries.
We take note of recent decisions that may affect the legal status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We call on all parties involved to avoid any measures that could restrict individual freedoms or deepen resentment that fuels conflict.
It would be regrettable if deep, historical ties between the Orthodox communities in Russia and Ukraine fell victim to the dynamics of war. On the contrary, the shared Orthodox faith, as a constituent part of their national identities, should foster dialogue.
Mister President,
As expressed on many previous occasions, Brazil supports a peaceful solution to the conflict, in accordance with Article 33 of the UN Charter, and is willing to contribute to efforts to restore peace, as soon as the parties are ready to engage in negotiations.
We reiterate our firm commitment to a just and lasting peace based on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the legitimate security concerns of all parties.
Thank you.