Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine - May 5th, 2022

Madam President,

I would like to thank the participation of (SG Antonio Guterres), High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, USG Rosemary DiCarlo, and USG Martin Griffiths for their firsthand accounts from the conflict in Ukraine.

The Brazilian Government continues to follow closely the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Our utmost priorities should be the immediate cessation of hostilities and the strengthening of diplomatic negotiations in order to bring a lasting solution to this crisis, one that does not only end the conflict but also contribute to improve the security and defense architecture in Europe. Besides the human rights violations and the humanitarian costs of the conflict, we are also attentive to the negative economic effects of the war for the whole world, especially in the form of higher food and energy prices, which have particularly dire consequences for developing countries.

We acknowledge the efforts of the Secretary-General in his recent visits to Moscow and Kiev to discuss with Presidents Putin and Zelensky how to establish safe humanitarian corridors to allow the evacuation of civilians from conflagrated areas, such as in the city of Mariupol. We commend all the tireless work being done by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid to millions of people inside Ukraine, being cognizant that the needs of humanitarian assistance remain huge. We would also like to express our appreciation to the neighbor countries of Ukraine for keeping their borders open to refugees.

Brazil stresses the importance of all parties in the conflict to fully respect International Humanitarian Law, especially in its provisions regarding the protection of civilians. Of particular concern to Brazil are (i) the consequences of shelling of urban areas, including with the use of explosive weapons and the targeting of civilians; (ii) the need to avoid the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the disruption of basic services; (iii) the protection of the elderly, people with disabilities and children, among other vulnerable groups; (iv) the protection of humanitarian personnel and unimpeded humanitarian access; and (v) the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons.

It is our belief that the humanitarian resolution adopted by the General Assembly last March provides an adequate framework for

concrete actions on the ground, as guaranteeing safe passage for civilians and unimpeded access to humanitarian personnel. Furthermore, resolution A/RES/ES-11/2 provides us with the main objectives we should strive to achieve, in particular the full compliance by all parties to the armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law.

Within its capabilities, Brazil is contributing to the humanitarian efforts, offering shelter to citizens fleeing the armed conflict in Ukraine. Since last March, Brazil has granted temporary visas and residency authorization for Ukrainian nationals and stateless persons who have been affected or displaced by the events in Ukraine. Brazil has also donated food, medicines, and water purifiers to the victims of the conflict.

Madam President,

The lives and well-being of civilians in conflagrated areas are in great jeopardy. The cessation of hostilities is a matter of urgency. We have already witnessed too much suffering. The effective delivery of humanitarian aid is of paramount importance. Moreover, we need a resumption of diplomatic negotiations that are conducive to a peaceful and lasting solution to this crisis.

I thank you.