UNSC briefing on Ukraine

[17 March 2022; 1500 hrs]

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

-----

Mr. President,

Let me begin by thanking USG Rosemary Dicarlo, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner Raouf Mazou, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for their respective briefing on the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

2. India continues to remain deeply concerned at the ongoing situation, which has progressively deteriorated since the beginning of the hostilities. The conflict has resulted in death of civilians; displacement of thousands of people internally and outflow of more than three million refugees to neighboring countries. The humanitarian situation has worsened, particularly in the conflict zones.

3. There is an urgent need therefore to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population. In this regard, we support the initiatives of UN, and its agencies, who have mobilized whatever is possible in the shortest possible timeframe.

4. We hope the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Ukraine, including through extending generous support to the Secretary General’s Flash Appeal and the Regional Refugee Response Plan on Ukraine.

5. Keeping in view the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Ukraine, India has already sent over 90 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, as part of nine separate tranches of humanitarian assistance delivered thus far since 1st March. These supplies have included medicines and other essential relief material. We are in the process of identifying other such requirements and sending further supplies in the coming days.

6. India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 Indians from Ukraine. We have also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process. We are deeply appreciative of the facilitation rendered by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries in ensuring their safe return.

7. Allow me to underscore that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These measures should not be politicized.

8. We reiterate our call for immediate cessation of hostilities across Ukraine. Our Prime Minister has reiterated this on several occasions and called for immediate ceasefire and emphasized that there is no option but the path of dialogue and diplomacy.

9. We stand ready to continue to engage on these objectives in the Security Council, as well as with the Parties, in the coming days. We continue to underline the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. I thank you Mr. President.

------