Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the UNGA meeting under a.i. 72 "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance" (9 December 20
Опубліковано 09 грудня 2024 року о 23:00

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Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the 79th session of the General Assembly under a.i. 72 "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance" (9 December 2024, New York)


Mr. President,


The global humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with humanitarian needs growing dramatically worldwide. The work of the United Nations in delivering timely and effective humanitarian responses is critical across all regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and my own country – Ukraine. We highly value the UN’s contributions in this regard.


We are deeply concerned about the lack of resources available for UN humanitarian responses, given the dramatic expansion in the scope of conflicts. The latest humanitarian report from the UN Secretary-General indicates that the funding gap widened by 16 percentage points in 2023 compared to 2022 — this is the matter of a serious concern.


Humanitarian support is vital for Ukraine as we endure the Russian Federation’s invasion and full-scale war, where civilians are deliberately targeted. This war has left 17.6 million people in Ukraine — 40% of the population — in need of assistance. This includes 6.3 million refugees and 3.7 million internally displaced persons, nearly 1 million of whom are children.


Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians by attacking critical infrastructure, residential areas, schools, hospitals, ports, and grain storage facilities. The ecological damage caused by this war is enormous and long-lasting.


Our energy infrastructure has been a primary target since 2022. Each attack results in severe damage and prolonged power outages, leaving densely populated cities without electricity and heat for days. The systematic targeting of Ukraine's energy system, especially during harsh winter months when temperatures fall below freezing, has created intolerable living conditions for millions.


Ukraine is also one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with 139,000 square kilometers — approximately 25% of its territory — potentially contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Around 6 million people face daily threats to their lives and health due to this mine contamination. International support is urgently needed to assist in demining efforts across large areas of Ukraine.


We commend the work of the UN humanitarian team in Ukraine and express our gratitude to OCHA, UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, and other UN agencies for their active engagement in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis.


We also deeply appreciate the support provided by our global partners and donors. We call upon them, along with UN agencies and stakeholders, to keep Ukraine at the center of the global humanitarian agenda, alongside other affected regions.


Mr. President, 


The coordination of humanitarian assistance is closely linked to food security, an increasingly urgent issue. Emergency food assistance remains the largest component of humanitarian appeals. The international community must continue to address the basic needs of millions of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.


Ukraine remains a key contributor to global food security. Since August 16, 2023, over 3,118 vessels carrying 83.5 million tons of cargo have used the Black Sea Humanitarian Corridor, established by the Ukrainian Naval Forces after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Of this volume, 55.6 million tons represent Ukrainian agricultural products delivered to 46 countries.


Through initiatives like the "Grain from Ukraine" program, we continue to direct Ukrainian food supplies to nations in urgent need. Since its launch in autumn 2022, over 286,000 tons of agricultural products have been shipped to Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen, Mauritania, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, Mozambique, DR Congo, Malawi and Palestine, saving 20 million people from hunger. 


On 23 November this year, the Third International Summit "Grain from Ukraine" was held in Kyiv, focusing on sustainable food systems and school feeding reform. Following the summit, participating countries pledged approximately $44 million in further support for the Grain from Ukraine program.


In conclusion, Mr. President, Ukraine reaffirms its full commitment to and support for all efforts to strengthen the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance provided by the UN, its Member States, and all stakeholders.


Thank you.
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