Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the UNGA debate on the “Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia”

(4 June 2024)

Mr. President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU delegation and we would like to add a few remarks in our national capacity.

It’s been sixteen years already since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale military aggression against Georgia, occupying Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia.

Despite the calls from an overwhelming number of UN Member States for Russia to return to the tenets of international law, Russia continues to ignore them, refusing to withdraw its military forces from Georgia's sovereign territories.

The Secretary-General’s report indicates that "borderization" measures along the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia and Abkhazia have continued throughout the reporting period. The report also highlights increased surveillance by Russian border guards and strict detention practices.

Georgian residents along the South Ossetian administrative line continue to face threats to their lives from so called Russian border guards.

Ukraine strongly condemns the continued detention of civilians residing along the Abkhazia and South Ossetia administrative boundary lines for so-called “illegal crossings.”

The resolution to be adopted today addresses the issue of protracted displacement, with hundreds of thousands of men, women and children deprived of their right to return to their homes. It is an opportunity for UN Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the fundamental right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to a safe and dignified return home.

Therefore, Ukraine, as a main co-sponsor, will vote for the resolution.

 Mr. President, distinguished colleagues,

The international community must put an end to Russia’s imperialistic attempts to conquer and occupy its neighbors. All Russian-occupied territories, including those in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, must be liberated, allowing IDPs and refugees to safely return home.

Only by stopping and holding the aggressor state accountable will we bring just and lasting peace to the region.

 I thank you.