03 Mar 2022
STATEMENT BY THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE AMBASSADOR UMEJ BHATIA AT THE URGENT DEBATE ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN UKRAINE STEMMING FROM THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION AT THE 49TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 3 MARCH 2022
Mr President,
Singapore has always taken a consistent and principled position in support of the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries. All states, big or small, must observe international law and the principles of the UN Charter. For a small state like Singapore, this is an existential issue. Accordingly, we have always condemned in the strongest terms possible any unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext.
The Russian Federation’s military operations against Ukraine are in breach of international law. This unprovoked attack is a clear contravention of the principles of the UN Charter that heightens the risk of serious human rights violations.
We, like many others, are alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
No effort should be spared to protect the civilian population in Ukraine, and to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
We strongly call upon Russia to immediately cease its military attacks against Ukraine, withdraw its forces and return to diplomacy to seek a peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Given the unprecedented gravity of the situation, Singapore has decided to co-sponsor the resolution Ukraine has tabled on itself.
This is not about taking a side, but about taking a stand. This stand underlines Singapore’s clear support, as a small state, for the key principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries.
Thank you.
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