Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine - March 7th, 2022

Madam President,

Let me thank you for convening this meeting and express my appreciation for USG Griffiths and Executive Director Russel for their briefings and their efforts in minimizing the human suffering in this tragic conflict.

Brazil reiterates its grave concern with the humanitarian situation arising from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. First and foremost, we urge all parties to establish a cease-fire and engage in negotiations.

The current situation can only bring more suffering and losses - especially in Ukraine, but potentially to the whole region. While hostilities continue, we call on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law, including when resorting to new military technologies and cyber means. Parties must always uphold the principles of distinction, proportionality, precaution and humanity.

Brazil urges the parties to continue to establish humanitarian pauses and to create humanitarian corridors. We echo nonetheless ICRC's concerns regarding the need to respect IHL rules both for those who choose to leave and for those who remain. The rules of war are not optional.

We insist on our call for safe, timely and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance to those in need, particularly the most vulnerable. We remind the plea, echoed by many member states, for neighboring countries to keep borders open to refugees, without
any kind of discrimination. Brazil reiterates its gratitude and solidarity to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and others who are facilitating the exit and reception of refugees.

Madam President,

When the lines between combatants and civilians become blurred, we risk seeing a rise in civilian casualties, especially in armed conflicts fought in urban areas and when explosive weapons are used in these contexts. In the worst cases, children may suffer the direst consequences of armed conflicts.

Children in Ukraine must be protected from the dangers of war and under no circumstances should be recruited, used or allowed to join any military activity or take any direct part in hostilities. Attacks against civilian infrastructures, especially schools and medical facilities, as well as water and sanitation systems must be avoided. Parties must respect the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child in its entirety. Furthermore, no additional hardship should be imposed over the affected populations and vulnerable groups through broad economic sanctions.

Children forced to flee their homes to ensure their own survival are especially vulnerable. The increasing number of internally displaced children in Ukraine and refugee children in neighboring countries will require support from the international community.

From our side, following the swift establishment of a humanitarian visa policy for those fleeing the conflict, which entered into force on March 3rd, Brazilian embassies in Bratislava, Bucarest, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw have started to grant special visas for displaced Ukranians and stateless persons for humanitarian reception purposes.

Madam President,

A few days ago, the General Assembly sent a political message urging the immediate peaceful resolution of the conflict. This is a strong call of the
international community for peace.

Now, the Security Council must play its part and genuinely contribute for a peaceful solution to this crisis. Garnering consensus in this Council around basic humanitarian messages is imperative. We must work collectively to widen humanitarian corridors and assistance and to open also the path for dialogue and diplomacy, guided by international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Thank you.