UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY - NATIONAL STATEMENT: THE SITUATION IN THE TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES OF UKRAINE
18 July 2023
Statement by Dr Fiona Webster, Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires, Australian Mission to the United Nations
Australia continues to stand with Ukraine today.
It has been more than 500 days since Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And it has been nearly 300 days since Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine.
Australia mourns the incalculable losses borne by Ukraine and honours the resilience of the Ukrainian people who have displayed unwavering strength and courage in the face of Russia’s aggression. We pay tribute to them; we stand with them.
Ukraine is not just fighting for its own national sovereignty. It is fighting for the UN Charter and the international rule of law. This is a struggle that has implications for the entire world.
We have seen the impact of Russia’s aggression on global food and energy security and express our concern for the impact on developing countries and the world’s most vulnerable people.
In this context, Australia is deeply disappointed that the vital Black Sea Grain Initiative—an initiative designed to contribute to the predictable supply of food around the world, ensuring grain reaches those who are most vulnerable to food insecurity, including those countries afflicted by drought and famine—was not extended. We call on Russia to demonstrate its commitment to its developing country partners and honour the Initiative and allow the resumption of this vital trade.
Russia’s aggression is a blatant violation of the UN Charter and of international law. This aggression cannot be normalised, nor can it be minimised.
Australia calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukrainian territory.
We call on all UN Member States to hold Russia to account for its egregious violation of international law. We must never accept a situation where larger countries determine the fate of smaller countries.
We strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
Australia is deeply concerned by the findings of the Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry, that Russian authorities have violated international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and committed a range of war crimes. This includes findings of wilful killings, attacks on civilians, unlawful confinement, torture, rape, and forced transfers and deportations of children.
Australia continues to work with our partners to hold Russia to account. And we are committed to ensuring accountability for these serious international crimes in Ukraine.
Our objective is to support Ukraine to resolve this war on its own terms and in line with international law.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on the principles that underpin peace and prosperity for us all. It is a terrible reminder of how much we have to lose if we fail to protect the rules-based world order.