Declaração do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Ronaldo Costa Filho, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre Ucrânia - 8 de setembro de 2022 (texto em inglês)

September 8^th 2022

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to thank Undersecretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu for her tireless work in what has been an extremely intense and yet frustrating few weeks in the disarmament file. I would also like to welcome the participation of Interpol and of Ms. Dragana Trifkovic, from the Center for Geostrategic Studies.

Mr. President,

We cannot but be disheartened at yet another meeting - the third this week - in this chamber on the topic of Ukraine. This conflict has dragged on for over six months and, despite the constant discussions in this Council, we have not been successful in fostering a suspension of hostilities.

Brazil has made its position clear since the outbreak of hostilities, both in this Council and in the General Assembly. Brazil has condemned and will continue to condemn the use of force against a member state of this organization. We hold the firm conviction that threats and force will not lead this crisis to a lasting settlement. Military action inflicts damage, undermines faith in international law, and jeopardizes millions of people’s lives. We remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian impact of the conflict and convinced that there is no alternative to the negotiation of a ceasefire as a first step on the way to solving the present crisis.

Mr. President,

As a party to the Arms Trade Treaty, Brazil abides by the set of principles outlined in that legal instrument and believes they offer a valuable guideline for the transfer of arms. First, the treaty highlights the importance of “respecting and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law” and “for human rights” law, regardless of military objectives or security concerns. Secondly, it urges States to “effectively regulate” their arms trade, so as to prevent diversion, through systems of effective national control. These principles should serve the objectives, which we also believe are applicable to the present crisis, of promoting responsible action in arms trade, building confidence, reducing human suffering and contributing to international and regional peace, security and stability.

I thank you.