Statement during the urgent debate on the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression (4.3.2022)

Thank you Mr President.

Greece fully aligns itself with the EU statement.

Greece strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine.

This is an attack against a free, democratic and peaceful country. It strikes at the very core principles of the UN Charter. It challenges the inviolability of borders and state sovereignty, and constitutes a serious threat to the rules-based international order.

Revisionism in international law is a threat to world peace and cannot be tolerated.

Mr President,

We stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

All violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must cease. Attacks on civilians in Ukraine must stop immediately.

The centuries-old Greek community in Ukraine, numbering around 100.000, mainly in the Mariupol area, is already mourning victims. The brutal Russian attack against civilians in the towns of Sartana and Bugas has resulted in the death of 10 of its members, leaving many injured, including children.

The Russian aggression demands a unified response commensurate with its gravity.

Yesterday, the international community sent a strong message by overwhelmingly supporting the General Assembly Resolution.

Now it is up to this Council to act decisively, and move towards accountability by establishing a Commission of Inquiry.

It is up to us to show leadership. For Ukraine, for Ukrainians, for our values, and for peace.


I thank you.