LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD (United States) said the draft resolution is not only important to the future of Ukraine and Europe, but the very foundation of the United Nations. For information media. The representative of Rwanda, taking the floor again, said that the Democratic Republic of the Congo needs to move beyond blaming his country for its problems and look for homegrown solutions. What is happening today in Europe could happen in Asia or Africa or Latin America tomorrow, he cautioned, adding that his country will never resign itself to a world in which force overrides law. So - I happen to have brought my copy of the Charter with me - what does the Charter say? The right to self-determination applies to people under foreign or colonial occupation and those who have not exercised that right, as in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. Annexation of regions from a sovereign country is a flagrant violation of the Charter, he said. "Occupied Territory" was originally the working title for a trilogy of New Museum exhibitions in 1993 that interrogated legacies of "colonial expansion and conquest.". Today those parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and . The Assembly then decided that, in accordance with Article18 of the Charter, a two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required for the adoption of draft resolutionA/ES/11/L.5. In addition, as the Presidents Office underscores, the strategy sends a clear signal to the international community that Ukraine is consistent in its actions to restore territorial integrity, violated by the Russian Federation's neglect of its international obligations. Ukraine Maps: Tracking the Russian Invasion - The New York Times Russia and its acolytes can spin and can contort all they want, but the violations of international law are theirs: the loss of life, the wounding, the pain and suffering, are all their responsibilities. The representative of Mauritius said his delegation voted in favor of the resolution because it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, big and small. THE OCCUPIED COUNTRIES. Think of how much better the world could be if Member States were debating in this chamber how we can rebuild and how we can remake economies that have been impacted by the cascade of devastation of the last several years, he said. HAROLD ADLAI AGYEMAN (Ghana) said that commitment to the United Nations Charter is not a passive duty, but the war against Ukraine has challenged its most basic principles. Over the last several months, we have all seen an unprecedented increase of military activity in and around Ukraine by the Russian government. FRED SARUFA (Papua New Guinea) said his delegation continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. ANA PAULA BAPTISTA GRADE ZACARIAS (Portugal), associating herself with the European Union, said the Russian Federations attempt to annex Ukraines territories is null and void. Her Institute called on the international community to condemn these actions as illegal. A representative of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance also spoke. ANNIKA SILVA-LEANDER, a representative of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, called the Russian Federations referenda a violation of international law. The destructive socioeconomic impacts of the Russian Federations war in Ukraine are many. The fact that a permanent member of the Security Council and a nuclear State exercised brutal force breaching the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its neighbouring country should make everyones blood run cold, she said. 117/2021 of March 24 on enactment of the relevant decision of the National Security and Defense Council was published on the website of the Head of State, Ukrinform reports. "By doing so, we are not only protecting Ukraine, but the UN Charter," he said. Prior to deciding to include on its agenda the item titled "The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine", the Russian Federation's representative said no occupation was . Council members do not only represent their own interests, but peace and security on a global scale. In Ukrainian law, they are defined as the "temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine" ( Ukrainian: , romanized : Tymchasovo okupovana terytoriia Ukrainy ). She called for mature diplomacy, adding that the world cannot afford another catastrophic conflict. We will not achieve peace by promoting confrontation. He said Cubas delegation abstained from the vote. Attacks against civilians are prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes, she said, condemning the Russian Federations illegal annexation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia following the so-called illegal referendums. In Recorded Vote, General Assembly Decides to Convene High-Level June Decree No. Give this article Share full article. The " temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine " ( Ukrainian: , romanized: Tymchasovo okupovana terytoriia Ukrainy) were defined as such in Ukrainian law following the Russian military occupation that resulted in the loss of Ukrainian control over the Crimean peninsula and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk . Reacting to radical changes taking place internationally in the late '80s and early '90s, these shows"In Transit," "The Final Frontier," and . Those in the Assembly who would support Ukraines reconstruction process should do so with democracy at the forefront of all action. If one Member State decides to disregard international law, others may follow. Ukraine Condemns Russian Decree Allowing Ukrainians Expedited Citizenship Ukraine and Russia have committed to an exchange of bodies as part of the agreement that ended that siege according to Ukraine's Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories. The Russian Federations attempt to use historical wrongdoing to justify current action is unacceptable. We need to remember that invasion and war bring with them terrible losses and terrible hardships. A yes vote for todays resolution is a just vote for Ukraine. DAVID BAKRADZE (Georgia), associating himself with the European Union delegation, said the Russian Federation has continued to disregard calls from resolutions adopted in the General Assembly. Endorsing General Committee's First Report, General Assembly Adopts Currently Russian forces control about 20 percent of this Ukrainian territory, once populated by over eight million people. The responsibility of the Security Council permanent members is to preserve international peace and security. What does that mean? The representative of Cuba said that countries of the global South are being forced to live under the rules of Western Powers, adding that double standards and political manipulation damage the cause of peace. Two more children returned home from the temporarily occupied territory We continue to work to ensure that every Ukrainian child returns to their homeland! Any additional resolutions should focus on concrete proposals to end the war, she stressed. The Russian Federation continues to violate and blatantly ignore international law. There has been much talk about legacies. Reaffirming commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, she rejected the illegal referendums held in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. He called todays text a politicized and openly provocative document that risks destroying any efforts towards a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine are areas of Ukraine that are currently controlled by Russia in the course of the Russo-Ukrainian War. The resolution "defending the principles" of the UN Charter, notes that the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia are temporarily occupied by Russia as a result of aggression, violating Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence.. The people of those regions have exercised their right through a referendum held from 23to 27September 2022, he said, adding that his country respects their will. May 16, 2021, 1:30 AM PDT. Much has been spent on Ukraine during the last eightmonths, but very little attention is paid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than 7million people have died and thousands more suffer in internally displaced persons camps. The Assembly will meet again at 10a.m. on Wednesday, 19October, to consider the tenth annual report of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. In 1945 the Soviet Union was present at the drafting and at the adoption of the Charter. General Assembly (76th sess. (See Press Release SC/15046 for details.) IVAN IMONOVI (Croatia), associating himself with the statement delivered by the European Union, expressed concern that tens of thousands of people have died and that the crimes committed are piling up. Parts of southern Ukraine were occupied by Russian forces during the 2022 invasion. No nation has the right to use its might to destroy everyone elses rights. Ukraine: UN General Assembly demands Russia reverse course on - UN News The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine The Gulf Cooperation Council hopes that work will continue until a satisfactory solution is reached before any further political and economic repercussions. She underscored the need to reach a solution so that a political dialogue can take place. Russia will not stop in Ukraine, she said, adding that her country is again experiencing Russian spying and other destabilizing malign activities. Thats what it means, thats what the sovereign equality means. Over the last several months, we have all seen an unprecedented increase of military activity in and around Ukraine by the Russian government. Slovakia will continue to provide support to Ukraine in its just struggle to pursue sovereignty and territorial integrity. More than 100international observers from Italy, Germany, Venezuela, Latvia and other countries who observed the referenda recognized its outcome as legitimate, he said. In urging an end to the double standard, he called on the international community to condemn and take action against any invasion or occupation of a country by another. Sign up for our free newsletter skorik@ukrinform.com. Expressing concern about the escalation of violence in the military conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, he said this has led to instability around the world. Adding that the war has had widespread consequences, she said children and families are going hungry from food inflation. CORNEL FERU (Romania), aligning himself with the European Union, stressed that the Russian Federations actions in organizing the illegal referendums in four Ukrainian regions under occupation, and subsequently attempting to annex them, are attempts by the Kremlin to justify its illegal military occupation. Police . SONG KIM (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) stressed the crucial role of the right to self-determination, adding that the people of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia have the right to decide their international political status at their own discretion. The so-called referendums in areas under the Russian Federations occupation cannot be called the true expression of the will of the people, he said. . She said there were other pressing issues at play, some of which had not been addressed in the text. The international community is not anti-Russia, he said. (2019 est.) Also strongly condemning this mornings missile attacks against civilian objectives in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, he added that the international community has a legal obligation not to recognize any alteration of the status of the Ukrainian regions concerned. In Ukrainian law, they are defined as the "temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine" . But the West did not create the Charter. As noted, the strategy defines a set of diplomatic, military, economic, informational, humanitarian and other measures aimed at restoring the territorial integrity, state sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders through the de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea. Believe me, there is nothing we would like to see more than peace, she said, adding: We would also like to stop seeing Russia commit war crimes. The path to peace does not run through placations and does not involve turning the other way in the face of flagrant violations, she said. SONIA MARINA PEREIRA PORTILLA (Colombia) reiterated her countrys rejection of war and violence under any circumstance, and urged parties to the conflict to seek a negotiated and peaceful solution. At the recently concluded high-level general debate of the Assembly, leaders from around the world called on the parties to cease fighting, he said, stressing the role of dialogue. He added that Moscow holds 32,700 troops in Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, while its officers command 28,000 separatist servicemen stationed in temporarily occupied territories in eastern Ukraine. They have led to the deaths of well over 13,000 people, including more than 3,000 civilians, and have internally displaced 1.5 million Ukrainians. MICHAEL ALEXANDER GEISLER (Germany), recalling that the United Nations was created to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, said that a permanent member of the Security Council has now brought it back. The Russian Federations representative reiterated that the populations of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia voted that they did not want to return to Ukraine and that more than 100 international observers from Italy, Germany, Venezuela, Latvia and other countries, who observed the referendum, recognized its outcome as legitimate. He expressed support for the establishment of an international tribunal to hold to account perpetrators and violators of international law in Ukraine. We look forward to seeing similar concern and condemnation regarding Indias annexation of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said, adding that while his delegation agrees that the referendums cannot be conducted on people who are part of a sovereign State, the draft includes provisions that it cannot endorse. 1 min read. Today, the role must be to correct course and prevent a chain reaction that could lead to the abyss. MICHAL MLYNR (Slovakia), associating himself with the statement delivered by the European Union, expressed outrage that despite calls from the majority of States, the Russian Federation is escalating its assault on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russian Federation continues to violate and blatantly ignore international law. Article II, it says, The Organization [thats to say the United Nations] is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all of its members. See the article in its original context from October 5, 1941, Section REVIEW . ILANA VICTORYA SEID (Palau), associating herself with the Asia Pacific Forum, condemned the Russian Federations aggression, sham referenda and attempt to annex Ukrainian territories. They expressed concern that not enough was being done to bring parties to peace talks. Here are the latest developments: Ukraine has continued its counter-offensive operations . Were asking them to follow the rules, and to follow the law. KARLITO NUNES (Timor-Leste), highlighting the international communitys moral obligation to defend sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, said that upholding the international rule-based order is not an option; it is a must. We now find ourselves at a moment of greater confrontation, he said. With 143 Votes in Favour, 5 Against, General Assembly Adopts Resolution For some reason, masses of people do not click on the annoying ads that appear on this page. The Russian Federation has established a zone of complete lawlessness in the occupied territory of Ukraine and, by holding a fake referendum in such territory and subsequently declaring its. Today, the Russian Federation is a member of a Group of Friends we all know Group of Friends in the UN - a Group of Friends of the Charter, so we can only assume that they know perfectly well what the Charter says and what it means. All Member States have rights, no matter how small they are, he said, underscoring Ukraines right to sovereignty and territorial integrity. His delegation abstained from the vote. We have to use whatever tool available for peace, she added. Khomchak: Twenty-eight Russian battalion tactical groups - Ukrinform We will never recognize the illegal referenda, she said. Yet no strong action has been taken by the international community. Todays draft will not contribute to furthering international peace and security, he said, also warning against continuing a war that could generate consequences which could hurt generations to come. He called on the international community and the United Nations to discharge their responsibilities, fully end double standards and work on ending all forms of occupation and annexation by force of territories on the Organizations agenda for decades, particularly Palestine, the occupied Syrian Golan and Western Sahara. Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin would have the world believe that there is some kind of conspiracy against his country. No nation, no matter however powerful it may be, can take the law into its own hands. The Russian Federations war goes against the principles that lie at the heart of the United Nations Charter. Ukraine has the right to liberate occupied territories. This is not something to say, well if youd like to do this perhaps youd like to consider doing it this way. That country deserves the support of the international community in all its efforts to maintain its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, she said, stressing that Member States must make all efforts to prevail upon the invading nation to cease all its hostilities. Take a hard look at your respective actions and ask whether you deserve a seat, he said. Her country will never recognize it, just as it never recognized the illegal annexation of Crimea, she said, adding that such actions not only undermine Ukraines sovereignty but also dismantle the existing world order. His delegation would therefore abstain from the vote, he said, adding that the Assemblys work should be conducted in full accordance with rules of procedure. India stands ready to support all efforts aimed at de-escalation. Ukraine is an independent, sovereign State. Russia has never formally . It applies to each and every one of us. Title The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Violations by the Russian Federation are unacceptable and must be called out. Ukraine has a right to self-defence in the face of ongoing aggression. Rwanda is fully committed to working with that country within existing frameworks on various matters, including the dignified return of Congolese refugees who have stayed in neighboring countries for too long, he said. Calling on the Russian Federation to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to all persons in need, he expressed support for all efforts to de-escalate the current situation through political dialogue and negotiation. In spotlighting the countless human casualties and consequences for world peace and security, as well as economies, she reiterated her countrys appeal for parties to cease hostilities and strive for the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and in full respect of international law. She welcomed the adoption and enforcement of sanctions on the Russian Federation. He further condemned the annexation of Ukraines territories, expressing dismay that a permanent member of the Security Council could threaten nuclear war with such ease. Bolivia abstained from the vote, he said, stressing that the Assembly must promote a genuine platform for dialogue and peace. He urged all Member States to reject the Russian Federations illegal annexation of Ukraines territory. Noting the prevalence of double standards, with many speaking about promoting peace while supplying weapons that worsen the crisis, he called for the establishment of a high-level committee, with members acceptable to all parties to the conflict, in order to find a political solution. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synehubov. Ukraine is a sovereign nation. We are now on the brink of an even more devastating situation, and despite its denials, its campaign of disinformation, its fabrications, lies and propaganda, Russia has to accept responsibility for the loss of life, the destruction of peace, and the chaos it has created. Continuing its emergency special session, the General Assembly today condemned the Russian Federations attempted illegal annexation of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, and demanded it immediately withdraw all its military forces from Ukraine territory. Lets be clear, that will be the only legacy of those who are responsible for this entirely avoidable conflict. We are getting closer and closer to the point of no return, he added. Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine - Ukrainian Parliament on Twitter He underscored Pope Francis pleas for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Guatemala did not hesitate to express its support for the Ukrainian people. The representative of the United States said that the path to peace does not run through placations. Before concluding she addressed the remarks of the delegate of Pakistan, stressing that Jammu and Kashmir are and will continue to be an integral part of India. If Russia further escalates, we will follow with more severe measures. The Ministry of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories ( Ukrainian: ) is a government ministry in Ukraine officially established on 20 April 2016 [1] to manage occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea regions affected by Russian military intervention of 2014. Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia - BBC News You will not receive a reply. Efforts must be laser-focused on de-escalation. ZSUZSANNA HORVTH (Hungary), associating herself with the statement delivered by the European Union, rejected and condemned the illegal annexation of Ukraines territories. The representative of India expressed deep concern for the conflict in Ukraine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Three people were wounded on February 5 by two Russian missiles in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, according to local officials. The General Assembly automatically took up the resolution for debate, triggered by Russia's use of the veto in . "Five- and 12-year-old sisters separated from their parents from the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is the Russian Federation that started the war, and it is only the Russian Federation that can end it and it should be done immediately and without delay, he stressed. We are steadfast in our commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. MITCHELL FIFIELD (Australia), noting that his country is proud to join all Member States that are determined to uphold the Charter, stressed that the sham referendums in the occupied areas of Ukraine have no legal effect. After five months of all-out war, the Kremlin appears to have refined its plans for the future of the temporarily occupied territories in southeastern Ukraine. As noted, the strategy defines a set of diplomatic, military, economic, informational, humanitarian and other measures aimed at restoring the territorial integrity, state sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders through the de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea. It goes on to say, All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered. So when we say desist, dialogue, de-escalate, were not asking someone to do us a favour, were asking them to do what theyre actually signed up to do. Article2 of the Charter prohibits the use or threat of use of force, she noted, condemning the violence and intimidation taking place in Ukraine. Brazil is deeply concerned with the threat of nuclear weapons, he emphasized, adding that any use of nuclear weapons would be catastrophic for humanity. Theyre not peacekeepers, theyre soldiers who are there to invade. The Czech Republics representative said the Russian Federations organizing of fake voting amidst the war is yet more proof of the intimidation and violations Ukrainian citizens are facing. For the abovementioned reasons, his delegation would vote in favour of todays resolution, he said. Civilians, the vast majority of whom are women and children, are often the main victims in armed conflicts, he noted, underscoring that the shelling of residential buildings as well as other civilian infrastructure represents a severe violation of international law. It called on all States, international organizations and United Nations agencies not to recognize any alteration by the Russian Federation of the status of the four regions of Ukraine. Show In a televised address early on Tuesday morning, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of wrecking peace talks and ruled out making any territorial concessions. The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo recalled Rwandas occupation of his country, the atrocities it committed and its plundering of his countrys economy. The draft Council resolution also would have declared that the referendums taken from 23to 27September in parts of those regions are neither valid nor form the basis for any alteration of the status of these regions of Ukraine, including any purported annexation by the Russian Federation.]. BASSAM SABBAGH (Syria) said the rostrum of the General Assembly is being manipulated by Western countries for their own interests, as demonstrated by the request for this resumed special emergency session. SOVANN KE (Cambodia), in explaining his co-sponsorship and yes vote for the resolution, urged all Member States to respect and adhere to the principles and values of the United Nations. Uncertainty and political upheaval are growing. The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine The international community has emphasized the crisis in Europe while ignoring the crisis in Africa and placing restrictions on armament, he said. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine approved the Strategy for De-occupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol on March 11. Two children returned to Ukraine from temporarily occupied territory UKRAINE--POLITICAL CONDITIONS GEORGES NZONGOLA-NTALAJA (Democratic Republic of the Congo) said that while his delegation voted in favour of the resolution, it deplores the politics of double standards of the powerful of this world when it comes to Africa. The representative of Bolivia, rejecting the use of aggression to resolve conflicts between States, said the international community must work together to make the world a zone of peace. The referenda were also conducted in gross violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Russian Federation claims it is a friend of the Charter. Russians take about 300 children from temporarily occupied territories It is with a heavy heart that we have been following the situation in Ukraine, he said, reiterating his call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and earliest resumption of dialogue. Asking the Russian Federations Government if it still subscribes to the January32022 declaration by the leaders of all fivenuclear-weapon States reaffirming that a nuclear war must never be fought, he stressed: Today it is Ukraine; tomorrow it could be any of us. The sham referendum and the Russian Federations illegal annexation are null and void, he stressed. Apparently, imperial habits die a very hard death, he continued. The United States will vote in favour on the resolution and urges every country to do the same. Its autonomy must be respected and its territorial integrity restored. The war in Ukraine must end now, he said, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of civilians. Situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The only way to bring peace is to show what we will not tolerate, she said. The international community must send a clear signal that such behaviour cannot and should not be tolerated. Far From the Front, They Stand in Honor of Ukraine