UN adopts resolution on Ukraine humanitarian situation

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

The resolution, originally prepared by France and Mexico and put forward by Ukraine and others, received 140 votes in favor and 5 votes against. There were 38 abstentions, including China.

The text encourages the continued negotiations between all parties and again urges the immediate peaceful resolution of the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine "through political dialogue, negotiations, mediation and other peaceful means in accordance with international law".

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, reiterated China's position on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and called for any initiatives and measures that can help alleviate and resolve the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

"The development of the situation in Ukraine to the present stage has triggered broad international concerns, and it is also something China does not want to see," Zhang said during the meeting.

"It is heart-wrenching to see the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, as well as the civilian casualties and massive displacement of people caused by the conflict," he said.

The envoy pointed out that the top priority now is for the parties concerned to maintain maximum restraints, avoid more civilian casualties and reach a negotiated cease-fire as soon as possible, especially to prevent a larger scale humanitarian crisis.

"China attaches great importance to the humanitarian issue of Ukraine. We welcome any initiative and measures that can help alleviate and resolve the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine," said Zhang.

China's fundamental starting point is to promote the international community and the UN to attach great importance to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and call on the parties concerned to strengthen coordination on the humanitarian issue, effectively protect the safety of civilians, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, and facilitate the personnel evacuation and humanitarian relief operations, he said.

Zhang stressed that China recognizes the purpose of the draft resolution put forward by France, Mexico and others and appreciates the efforts made by them and relevant countries in promoting consensus.

"At the same time, it is clear that some elements of the draft resolution go beyond the humanitarian context. Some issues are so complex that (they) can only be solved though political negotiations between the parties concerned," he said.

"Today's world is facing multiple severe challenges, and the spillover effects of the Ukraine crisis have further brought about global impacts," said Zhang. "The world is yet to emerge from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ever-escalating implementation of sweeping, non-discriminatory sanctions have caused and will further cause a huge impact on global economy, trade, finance, energy, food and industrial and supply chains, seriously affecting the normal lives of people in all countries, and making the already difficult world economy even worse.

"Developing countries, which make up the majority of the world, are not parties to this conflict. They should not be drawn into the issue and forced to suffer the consequences of geopolitical conflicts and major-power rivalry," the ambassador said.

In addressing international and regional hot spot issues, Zhang said "there cannot be only two options, namely the use of force and sanctions. In the face of complex situations, all countries have the right to independently and autonomously decide their own foreign policies."

He stressed that relevant countries should not adopt a simplistic approach of either friend or foe, black or white, and should not force any country to pick a side.

"Respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries is a basic norm governing international relations that applies to all countries and all situations," he said. "There should be no exceptions, still less, double standards."

Dialogue and negotiation are the only way out of the Ukraine crisis, said Zhang. "China strongly calls on the international community to remain rational, strengthen unity and make unremitting efforts for cease-fire and peace. China will continue its constructive role in facilitating peace talks," he said.