Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine - December 6th 2022
Mr President,
I thank USG Martin Griffiths for updating the Council on recent developments in the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. I also thank the UNICEF representative for the briefing, which helps us better understand the effects of the conflict on a particularly vulnerable part of the Ukrainian population.
We welcome the recent visit of the UN Independent International Commission to Ukraine. Brazil fully shares the perception, expressed by Commissioner Pablo de Greiff in a statement on Friday, about the need for a victim-centered approach. From this perspective, nothing is more urgent than the establishment of a ceasefire between the parties, without preconditions.
Mr President,
We also take note of statements by Western leaders over the past week about their willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia to end hostilities. Although qualified by references to certain conditions, this is an important positive signal. These declarations have to translate into the establishment of a mechanism for conducting negotiations in a pragmatic and objective manner. Brazil believes that the Council could serve as a platform to initiate this dialogue and to explore proposals presented by other members for this purpose.
Mr President,
Meanwhile the protection of the civilian population, particularly children, and full respect for international humanitarian law must be upheld as a priority. Attacks against civilian targets constitute violations of international law and international humanitarian law: the condemnation of such attacks must therefore be accompanied by practical measures to end the victims’ suffering and ensure lasting peace. Brazil is gravely concerned that serious violations against children may go unchecked in Ukraine.
The end of the conflict depends on a political solution that offers the guarantees that the destruction we have witnessed in the last nine months will not be repeated. The time has come for a deeper reflection on the architecture of European regional security, taking into account concerns of all states and the need to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
I thank you.