Explanation of Vote by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the draft resolution on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/ South Ossetia, Georgia - June 4th, 2024

Mr. President,

Once again Brazil has abstained on the draft Resolution concerning internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in Georgia, as we believe that the issues conveyed by this Resolution would be better addressed under the Geneva Talks between Tbilisi and Moscow, mediated by the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union.
Brazil’s abstention should not be perceived as indifference to the human tragedy of the displaced population nor as a lack of support for Georgia's territorial integrity.

We would like to recall the Security Council’s resolutions 1716 and 1808, which reaffirm the commitment of Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

In this opportunity, it is also important to keep in mind International Humanitarian Law - in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Protocol Additional of 1977 - which stablishes the right of displaced persons to voluntarily return to their places of origin, in safety and with dignity.

Brazil reiterates, therefore, its recognition of the territorial integrity of Georgia and expects the contention between the Russian Federation and Georgia to be solved peacefully and through dialogue in the shortest term.

We encourage all actors to create favorable political conditions for the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees, to seek lasting solutions to dispel fears of a new escalation of tensions and to avoid actions that could aggravate the delicate regional scenario.

Brazil calls upon all concerned parties to continue to build trust and cooperation and to adopt confidence-building measures, particularly within the framework of the Geneva Process.

Thank you.