Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov at the 31st Special Session of UNGA under Panel III “Resilience and Recovering Better from COVID-19”
Mme. Moderator,
Dear colleagues,
Talking about the socio-economic impacts, we cannot ignore the repercussions of unilateral coercive measures imposed on 20% of the UN Membership that hinder their COVID-19 response and economic recovery.
Unilateral restrictions undermine health systems which can impact infant and maternal deaths tolls. The deteriorating economic situation related to UCMs affects the exercise of labor rights, including for women who are more frequently involved in informal work. UCMs prevent developmental loans from the international financial institutions, inter alia for environmental projects and climate financing.
Despite appeals to wave this illegal practice, including in the 2030 Agenda and by the SG, this goal is not met. Our question to the esteemed panelists is this. What can be done to address such major impediment to sustainable development and what are your UN entities doing to support developing countries affected by UCMs?
