UN draft resolution calls for ceasefire in Ukraine and peace
There are no vetoes in the 193-member global body, so the resolution is sure to pass at the end of a special emergency high-level session of the assembly on February 23. But the big question is how many ‘yes’ votes it has. Will get.
On the occasion of the anniversary, Ukraine has asked the EU to draft the resolution in consultation with UN member states, aiming to gain strong support from the international community for peace in Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter, an EU official said. diplomat who was not authorized to speak in public. The charter calls for the peaceful settlement of disputes and declares that all countries shall refrain “from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.”
The General Assembly has become the main UN body dealing with Ukraine, as the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed by Russia’s veto power.
Although the five previous Assembly resolutions on Ukraine are not legally binding like Council resolutions, they are important as a reflection of world opinion.
The first resolution passed eight days after the Russian invasion last February 24 demanded an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of all Russian troops. It was approved by 141 votes to 5 with 35 abstentions.
A second resolution three weeks later blamed Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and called for the protection of civilians and their homes and infrastructure critical to their survival. It was passed by 140 votes to 5 with 38 abstentions.
An October 12 resolution condemned Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions and demanded immediate reversal. It received the most votes of the five resolutions – 143 to 5 with 35 abstentions.
Two other resolutions suspending Russia from the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council and calling for Russia to be held accountable for violating international law by invading Ukraine, including paying reparations for damage, deaths and injuries, received fewer yes votes: 93 and 94 respectively.
Ukraine initially considered having the General Assembly endorse the 10-point peace plan that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the Group of 20 Major Economies summit in November, UN diplomats said. But this idea was shelved in favor of the broader and less detailed resolution circulated on Wednesday.
For example, while the resolution to be voted on emphasizes the need to hold accountable for the most serious crimes committed in Ukraine through “fair and independent investigations and prosecutions at the national or international level”, it does not include Zelenskyy’s call for a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.
The final draft is slightly different from the original draft obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
It adds a call for “a cessation of hostilities” and refers directly to “the full-blown invasion of Ukraine” a year ago, reiterating the need to establish “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine “as soon as possible”. reaches. accordance with the UN Charter.
The draft calls on UN member states and international organizations “to redouble support for diplomatic efforts” to achieve peace under those terms, and supports the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and unnamed countries.
The proposed resolution reiterates the General Assembly’s previous demand that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its armed forces” from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
It also deplores “the appalling human rights and humanitarian consequences” of Russian aggression, including its repeated attacks on critical infrastructure with devastating consequences for civilians” and expresses “serious concern about the high number of civilian casualties”. It calls for an immediate halt to attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, homes, schools and hospitals.