Declaração do Representante Permanente do Brasil junto às Nações Unidas, Embaixador Ronaldo Costa Filho, em sessão especial de emergência da Assembleia Geral da ONU sobre a situação na Ucrânia - 28 de fevereiro de 2022 (texto em inglês)

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Statement by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho in the Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on Ukraine

28 February 2022

Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

This is a defining moment for our organization and for the world. When the drafters of the Charter envisaged our current collective security system back in 1945, they probably thought that they had seen the worst in terms of tragedy and human suffering. If they were here today, they would doubt that assessment. We are under a swift escalation of tensions that could put all of humanity in risk. But we still have time to stop it. 

Brazil voted in favor of the draft resolution before the Security Council on the situation in Ukraine. We regret that the draft was not adopted, but we firmly believe that the Security Council has not yet exhausted the instruments at its disposal to contribute to a negotiated and diplomatic solution towards peace. 

The urgency of the situation convinced us of the need to add the voice of the General Assembly to that of the Security Council in seeking solutions to the crisis in and around Ukraine.  No one can deny the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, nor the complementary role that this Assembly can play to that end. 

Brazil welcomes the engagement of the UN Secretary-General in attempting to deescalate the growing tensions. It also notes that Ukraine has initiated a case in the International Court of Justice based on the Genocide Convention. This is the moment for the principal organs of the United Nations to work together in pursuing one of the Organizations’ main objectives: to save us from the scourge of war.  

For that, we need to be exceedingly cautious in moving forward, both in the General Assembly and elsewhere. We are currently witnessing a succession of events that, if not contained soon, would lead to a much broader confrontation. Everyone will suffer, not just those who are fighting. Those who have repeatedly pleaded for de-escalation will also bear the costs of the power play between NATO and Russia that we are currently witnessing.

Over the last years, we have seen the progressive deterioration of the security situation and balance of power in Eastern Europe. The undermining of the Minsk agreements by all parties and the discrediting of the security concerns voiced by Russia prepared the ground for the crisis we are all witnessing.

Let me be clear, however: this situation in no way justifies the use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any member state. It is against the most basic norms and principles we all abide for and a clear breach of the UN Charter.

Mr. President,

It is of our collective interest to jointly do all we can to stop and reverse the belligerent actions before it is too late. Brazil reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as for full respect for international humanitarian law.

Equally important, we call all actors involved to reassess their decisions concerning the supply of weapons, the recourse to cyberattacks and the application of selective sanctions, particularly those which could affect the global economy, including the critical area of food security. At this moment, we need constructive solutions; not actions that will only prolong hostilities and spread the conflict, with rippling effects to the world’s economy and security.

As we speak, hundreds of thousands of civilians have already fled Ukraine. Many more will certainly follow – millions perhaps. The destruction of infrastructure has left people without electricity and water. 

Damage to essential infrastructure, interruption of basic services, including transportation and access to basic supplies, the danger to persons with disabilities, the elderly and children are causes of grave concern. There are pressing humanitarian needs for medical services, medicines, health equipment, shelter and protection. The prospect of hostilities conducted in populated areas, compounded by the possible use of explosive weapons and direct participation of civilians is also extremely worrisome. We urge all parties to avoid this scenario at all costs, bearing in mind the grave risks it poses to the civilian population.

We call on all parties to adopt measures to ensure the protection of civilians and of critical civilian infrastructure, as well as to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need and the protection of refugees and displaced persons. We also reiterate our appeal to Ukraine and Russia to facilitate the withdrawal of all persons who want to leave the Ukrainian territory. Brazil expresses its gratitude to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and others who are facilitating the exit of people fleeing the conflict, including Brazilians and Latin Americans. 

Let me also take this opportunity to express our solidarity to all families who have lost someone in this war; to all people left without home, water and electricity; to those who are fleeing in fear, sometimes with nowhere to go; and to everyone who is now trapped in a conflict zone, desperately attempting to find refuge. I wish to commend all personnel that are now in Ukraine trying to alleviate the suffering of the population. We know that you are doing your best in very challenging circumstances, and we know that more could be done to assist you in your efforts.

Mr. President,

Few times has the General Assembly been convened under the Uniting for Peace Resolution. By meeting today, the international community shows its unwavering determination to reach a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

A peaceful settlement of the crisis is not only the cessation of hostilities. It is about creating the conditions for a greater sense of security among all involved. It is about rebuilding bridges and regaining trust. And it is about respect: respect for each other’s legitimate security concern, for civilian lives, for all countries that do not want a war, for international law, and for the most basic principles that have guided this Organization since its inception.

Thank you.