Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Open Briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank Mr. Rajasingham for his sobering briefing.
 
Echoing the briefer's concerns, Russia's actions in Ukraine have instigated a severe humanitarian crisis.
 
Japan is deeply alarmed that as of September 2023, OHCHR reported 27,449 civilian casualties, with 9,701 fatalities and 17,748 injuries. Actual numbers may well be significantly higher, however.
 
We are also concerned that currently, 5.1 million Ukrainians are displaced. Over 116,000 face the rigors of winter in displacement camps.
 
Furthermore, approximately 1.4 million homes, especially in frontline communities, are damaged or ruined. Vital infrastructure, including energy, healthcare, and education facilities, is under persistent threat.
 
Shockingly, only 30% of Ukraine's 3 million school-aged children are able to attend regular schools. Front-line areas face precarious healthcare accessibility. Significant cultural heritage sites, like the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, show the damage by Russia's assaults.

As we all heard last Friday, the report from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine discusses evidence of war crimes committed by Russian authorities including torture, willful killings, rape and other sexual violence, as well as the deportation of children.
 
In 2023, over 100 security incidents, including attacks impacting distribution points, and the tragic deaths of 6 aid workers have been documented.
 
And in the south, the discontinuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July has led to attacks by Russia on port and grain infrastructures, hampering agricultural exports, safety of navigation, and thereby global supply of commodities, especially food.

Mr. President,
 
Russia's obligations are clear:
 

• Immediately halt indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure, which violate international humanitarian and human rights law.
• Be accountable for war crimes, gender-based violence and other serious violations of international law, including against children.
• Respect the cultural heritage of Ukraine people.
• Promptly ensure unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access.
• And maintain navigation safety in the Black Sea.

 
In essence, Russia must withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.
None of these problems would have happened in the first place, if Russia had not started its illegal aggression against Ukraine.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan has announced and been implementing 7.6 billion USD in support for Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance and winterization assistance to vulnerable people.
 
Recent aid includes two autotransformers to bolster Kyiv's power infrastructure, benefiting nearly half a million citizens, in time for the onset of winter which brings additional challenges and risks to people facing harsh conditions.
 
Looking ahead, Ukraine's medium and long-term recovery and reconstruction are vital. Japan is committed to supporting a self-sustained Ukraine.
This support will focus on mine action, debris clearance, revitalizing livelihoods including enhancing fundamental utilities such as electricity, recovery of agricultural production and industrial development, and strengthening democracy and governance.
 
At the same time, Japan remains dedicated to aiding Ukraine's neighbors that shelter Ukrainian refugees, offering humanitarian assistance.
 
Furthermore, Japan urges all relevant parties, including the United Nations, to safeguard navigation in the Black Sea, ensuring a stable global supply of essential commodities including food.
 
In conclusion, Mr. President, Japan remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and its people. Japan reaffirms that we will continue to stand with Ukraine until the day peace returns to its lands.
 
I thank you.