Declaração do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Ronaldo Costa Filho, no Conselho de Segurança durante reunião de emergência sobre Ucrânia - 4 de março de 2022 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine
March 4th, 2022
Madam President,
I would like to thank you for convening this meeting and USG Rosemary diCarlo and DG Rafael Grossi for their presentations. We commend and support the International Atomic Energy Agency for remaining in constant contact with authorities in Ukraine, and for fully discharging technical responsibilities and functions as per the Agency's Statute and related instruments. We commend the Agency’s Director General for his offer to visit Ukraine and for his efforts to secure a commitment by all parties to ensure the safety and security of nuclear facilities in the country.
I am almost embarrassed to reiterate that we are facing unprecedented, dire, circumstances. We are not only witnessing an appalling humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, but are also confronted with the prospect of a nuclear incident of significant dimensions, due to the situation in the nuclear facility in Zaporizhzhia. This is one more reason for the international community to strenuously call for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of all hostilities in Ukraine. We are under threat of a radioactive incident of major proportions, which could have enormous consequences not only for Ukraine, but for all Europe.
The complete de-escalation of military actions is past due. The provisions of international humanitarian law must be respected in their entirety. The safety of millions of people is at stake, and now also subjected a nuclear threat. In that regard, we appreciate USG diCarlo for drawing attention at the Council to Article 56 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, according to which nuclear electrical generating stations shall not be made the object of attack, even where these objects are military objectives, if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population. Allow me to add that the Article also applies to “other military objectives located at or in the vicinity of these works or installations”.
The IAEA General Conference has adopted a number of decisions on the protection of nuclear installations devoted to peaceful purposes against armed attacks, prohibition of attacks and threat of attack thereto. These decisions must be respected at all times.
Brazil calls on all parties to refrain from any measure or action that could jeopardize the security of nuclear material, as well as the safe operation of all nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as any such incident could have severe and enduring consequences for human health and the environment.
Madam President,
Whilst expressing grave concern on the recent developments, we cannot turn a blind eye to the role that the Council should play – but is not playing in the current situation. A number of meetings have been held in this Chamber on the situation in Ukraine. It seems that no matter how many public meetings we convene, a ceasefire and the end of hostilities remain elusive. This is not a paradox, but rather a warning on the failure of the Council to act constructively in addressing the matter.
Brazil urges all members here to truly and actively engage to promote dialogue and rebuild trust. The General Assembly resolution recently adopted urged Russia and Ukraine to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict through political dialogue, negotiations, mediation and other peaceful means. This is not the time to further escalate the rhetoric, but to engage in conversations towards peace. There is an array of instruments available to the Council – and to the parties – under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. The Security Council has – we have – the responsibility to create an environment conducive to a ceasefire and to lasting peace. At this moment, we reiterate our appeal for a ceasefire and, most of all, for diplomacy.
Thank you.