On Friday 25 March the European Union welcomed the broad support for the new UN General Assembly resolution adopted the previous day “deploring the disastrous consequences” of the aggression against Ukraine and demanding “an immediate cessation of hostilities by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular any attack against civilians and civilian objects”. It also demands safe and unhindered passage for civilians fleeing violence and safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
The resolution “received overwhelming support from all regions of the world, with 140 countries voting in favour and only 5 against”, said High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, in a statement issued on behalf of the EU27.
“These deliberate attacks on civilians are shameful, reprehensible and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. They must stop now and Russia must withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine - immediately, completely and unconditionally. Those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law will be held accountable”, said Mr Borrell.
He added: “The world must stand united against Russia’s flagrant violations of the UN Charter, international law and human rights”.
The High Representative expressed the EU’s support for the UN Secretary General’s initiative to set up a global crisis group to identify concrete measures to address the risk of food insecurity that threatens millions of people, particularly in the least developed countries.
Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Belarus voted against the resolution, which was tabled by Ukraine. The UN General Assembly resolution of 2 March received the same number of votes against. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)