UNSC briefing on Ukraine : Focus on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Trafficking of Human Beings

[Monday, 6 June 2022; 1000 hrs EDT/1930 hrs IST]

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me begin by thanking Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Pramila Patten for her remarks. I also thank civil society briefers for their insights. 

2.    In the last three decades, the international community has played an important role in fixing accountability for conflict-related sexual violence, thereby, sending out a strong message that sexual violence must find no place in the civilized world. Despite such progress, it is indeed distressing that sexual violence in conflict situations continues unabated amidst a culture of impunity—as a tactic of war, torture, and terror in armed conflicts, especially by non-State actors. 

3.    Primarily, national governments have the important responsibility for prosecuting and deterring such crimes in conflict situations on their territories, even if these are alleged to have been committed by non-State actors. The UN, upon request of member states, must assist national authorities in developing capabilities to strengthen their national legal frameworks and related structures for speedy investigation and prosecution of perpetrators. We also support effective cooperation and appropriate mechanisms to combat illegal migration and human trafficking. 

4.    India continues to remain deeply concerned at the worsening situation in Ukraine and reiterates its call for immediate cessation of violence and an end to hostilities. The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in loss of lives and countless miseries for its peoples, particularly for women, children, and elderly, with millions becoming homeless and forced to take shelter in neighboring countries. 

5.    We support all diplomatic efforts to end the conflicts and alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine. We also call for resumption of talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to end the conflict. 

6.    The conflict is having a destabilizing effect with broader regional and global implications. The increasing oil prices and shortage of food grains and fertilizers is having disproportionate impact on the Global South, in particular on developing countries. The developed world needs to do much more to alleviate the adverse impact, this is making on the day to day lives of the people living in vulnerable countries. 

7.    India is committed to work constructively in mitigating the adverse impact of the conflict on food security and in ensuring that vulnerable countries have sufficient cushion against fluctuations in the global market.  In order to manage our own overall food security and support the needs of neighbouring and other vulnerable developing countries, we had announced some measures that allow for wheat exports based on approvals to those countries who are required to meet their food security demands. Such a policy will ensure that countries in need are given priority. 

8.    In this context, it is necessary for all of us to adequately appreciate the importance of equity, affordability and accessibility when it comes to food grains. We have already seen to our great regret how these principles were disregarded in the case of Covid-19 vaccinnes. Open markets must not become an argument to perpetuate inequity and promote discrimination. 

9.    India has been providing financial assistance as well as supplying food grains to neighboring countries which are facing the consequences of the Ukraine conflict. We hope the international community will continue to respond positively to the evolving humanitarian requirements. 

10.    We reiterate the importance of UN Guiding Principles of Humanitarian Assistance. Humanitarian action must always be guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These measures should never be politicized.

11.    Let me conclude by reaffirming that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states.

I thank you.