STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE, AT THE EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE, 23 MARCH 2022, NEW YORK

Mr President

1 Exactly three weeks ago on 2nd March, the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in support of the resolution deploring Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. That resolution, which Singapore supported, made clear the international community’s position on the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The resolution also demanded that the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine. 

Mr President

2 It is time to implement the resolution now. The resolution we adopted three weeks ago also urged the immediate peaceful resolution of the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine and emphasised the need for all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. The terms of the General Assembly resolution not only remain valid, they have become even more critical now in the context of the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. We call for the full and urgent implementation of the General Assembly resolution that we have already adopted.

3 Singapore is gravely concerned at the continuing and escalating violence and attacks by Russian military forces on Ukrainian cities, civilians, and civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. We are profoundly saddened and distressed at the reports of the growing number of civilian casualties, especially women, children and the elderly.

4 We call on the Russian Federation to cease its offensive military operation immediately, to remain engaged in negotiations with Ukraine, and to work towards a peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, and in accordance with the General Assembly resolution we adopted three weeks ago.

5 The unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine needs to be stopped and stopped immediately. The international community’s priority now must be the immediate cessation of all hostilities so that life-saving humanitarian aid and assistance can be provided on the ground to all those in need. In this regard, Singapore commends the efforts of the United Nations and other organisations such as the ICRC that are working tirelessly on the ground despite the dangerously challenging and life-threatening circumstances. We call for the safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and all those in need.

6 Singapore reiterates its full support for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. We urge continuing diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict that will bring an end to the grave humanitarian crisis that we are witnessing now in Ukraine. 

7 Thank you for your attention. 

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