UN Forum of Forests
Statement by Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom
Delivered by Mr. Craig Rosner-Moore, Minister-Counsellor Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Embassy of Australia
15 May 2026
Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom do not support Russia serving on the Bureau of the UN Forum of Forests.
Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable full-scale invasion of Ukraine make it unfit to serve in leadership positions on multilateral bodies. Russia’s assaults have caused lasting damage to Ukraine’s forests and will continue to pose a direct hazard long into the future.
Russia holding such a position damages the credibility of this Forum.
We are also deeply concerned by reports of attacks on World Central Kitchen and UN OCHA convoys on 14 May.
Humanitarian personnel, who dedicate themselves to protecting and assisting the most vulnerable, must be respected and protected.
Attacks that threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must stop. International humanitarian law must be upheld by all parties to the conflict in all circumstances.
In September 2025, over 100 nations launched a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, committing to protect aid workers in conflict zones.
We will continue working together to ensure that those who work to save the lives of others do not have to sacrifice their own.