Explicação de Voto do Representante Permanente do Brasil junto às Nações Unidas, Embaixador Ronaldo Costa Filho, por ocasião da 11ª sessão especial de emergência da Assembleia Geral da ONU sobre a situação na Ucrânia - 2 de março de 2022 (texto em inglês)

Explanation of Vote by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho in the General Assembly Debate on Ukraine

2nd March 2022 

Mr. President,

We recognize the exceptional circumstances we are all facing, and we share the conviction that the General Assembly could not remain silent. The draft resolution adopted this morning conveys a message and Brazil has added its voice to that of other members. The adoption of this resolution by the General Assembly shows the unwavering commitment of the international community to upholding the core principles upon which the UN is built.

We are appreciative of the attention given, in different paragraphs of the text, to the critical need to monitor and alleviate the humanitarian situation on the ground. We also welcome the text for urging the parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law, to guarantee the safety of civilians, as well as of humanitarian and medical personnel, and to facilitate unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

The resolution as adopted, however, does not go far enough in underscoring that the cessation of hostilities is only a first step to achieve peace. Sustainable peace needs additional steps. In this respect, it is regrettable that the supportive role the United Nations can and should play has been left by the wayside in the eagerness to point fingers.

Yes, the resolution is a call for peace by the international community. But peace requires more than the silence of guns and the withdrawal of troops. The path to peace requires comprehensive work on the security concerns of the parties.  The only precondition should be an immediate cease-fire.

This resolution cannot be seen as permissive towards the indiscriminate application of sanctions and the deployment of arms. These initiatives are  not conducive to the proper resumption of a constructive diplomatic dialogue and risk further escalating tensions with unpredictable consequences to the region and beyond.

We also have concerns about preambular paragraph 15. It is not constructive, at this moment fraught with danger, in this particular resolution, to comment on military measures adopted by any specific nuclear power, be it the Russian Federation or the members of NATO.

Once effective negotiations do get started, all the parties must show true flexibility and spirit of compromise. Lasting solutions can only be achieved at the negotiating table through committed dialogue.

Brazil continues to urge all actors to de-escalate and to renew efforts in favour of a negotiated, diplomatic agreement between Ukraine and Russia that contributes to the reestablishment of the security and the stability of the region.

We stand ready to resolutely work in favour of peace in the discussions in this Assembly, in the Security Council and in other fora.

Thank you.