Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after UNSC vote on a draft resolution on the protection of humanitarian personnel, UN and associated personnel
Mr.President,
Russia abstained during the vote on a Swiss-drafted resolution on the protection of humanitarian personnel.
Russia adheres to a consistent position on all matters related to maintaining security of humanitarian workers and UN personnel.
From the outset, we have been active and constructive participants of the negotiation process and presented our principled concerns in a timely manner. We are grateful to the Swiss penholders for their efforts to seek consensus and for taking into account many of our proposals. At the same time, it is regrettable that, owing to the pressure of some Western delegations, a number of comments were left out. That includes provisions on accountability for violations of international humanitarian law in the context of certain international courts and tribunals, the proposed parameters for ensuring humanitarian access, and also the persevering gender language. However, we have long ceased to be surprised by attempts to promote initiatives that obviously do not enjoy universal support.
Mr.President,
As conflicts keep scaling up worldwide, humanitarian assistance remains one of the most dangerous activities. We pay tribute to the bravery and dedication of the staff of international humanitarian agencies, who, under difficult conditions, continue to carry out the crucial task of preventing the suffering of civilians.
It is clear that, despite the measures taken by the international community, the fulfillment of obligations to protect humanitarian personnel leaves much to be desired. The increase in the number of deaths and injuries of humanitarian workers over the past year raises serious concern. In the Gaza Strip alone, 262 humanitarian workers were killed, of whom 193 were UN staff, mostly from UNRWA. In that connection, we draw attention to the hypocritical statement by the representative of the United States. Here in the Security Council, he laments the casualties among civilians and humanitarian workers, but the truth is that Washington is sending an unprecedented amount of weapons to West Jerusalem and to Kiev. Once the US stops doing that, there will be way fewer casualties, perhaps none at all.
Mr.President,
Ensuring the safety of humanitarian personnel is the cornerstone of establishing effective mechanisms for delivering humanitarian assistance. In the midst of intense fighting, providing assistance to those in need poses the highest risk to the lives and health of humanitarian workers. While every effort must be made to prevent attacks and violence against these courageous people, in many cases there is only one way to do so, and that is through ceasefires and political and diplomatic solutions. That is exactly what we have been calling for in this Chamber.
Cases of violence against humanitarian workers must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. In that regard, we believe that humanitarian organizations must also adopt maximum responsibility in protecting their staff. Strict compliance with the guidelines for humanitarian assistance set out in the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly remains an imperative. Respect for national laws, traditions and customs of host countries and close cooperation with local authorities also play an indisputable role in reducing risks to the safety of humanitarian workers.
Thank you.
