February 6, 2024
The representative of Guyana, Council President for February, speaking in her national capacity, expressed sadness over reports of more civilian deaths in the ongoing war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
Voicing alarm at intensified shelling targeting critical infrastructure — “often intentionally so” — she called on the parties to fulfil their legal obligations to protect civilian infrastructure and avoid further civilian suffering.
The continuing deterioration of all aspects of the situation of women and children across Ukraine is a further source of profound concern, with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reporting over 4 million children in need, facing heightened risks of death, disease, family separation and violence (including gender-based violence) and trafficking.
She demanded that the parties uphold their obligations to protect children and called for an end to attacks on critical infrastructure including schools, hospitals, energy, water and sanitation systems.