Statement by His Excellency Saifuddin Abdullah Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia at The High-Level Segment of the 49th HRC Session, 1 March 2022

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO UN GENEVA

URGENT DEBATE ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN UKRAINE STEMMING FROM THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION

Mr. President,

Malaysia is seriously concerned over the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, and strongly urges both Russia and Ukraine to urgently take steps to de-escalate hostilities and prevent further loss of lives and devastation.

2. The world has witnessed too many innocent lives lost in the face of brutal war and conflicts. Malaysia stands in solidarity with all victims including those caught in this horrific conflict.

3. Although geographically far from the conflict area, Malaysia has also borne the brunt of the conflict.  In 2014, our flight MH17 was shot down in Ukraine. It was a shocking awakening for us then, that no one can truly be safe when a war is raging somewhere in the world.  It also remains a sad reminder to us of the cruel reality of war and conflict, which is the inevitable loss of innocent life.

4. Thus, at this critical juncture, we urge all diplomatic efforts to be vigorously pursued and accelerated.  Malaysia strongly supports dialogue and negotiation based on international law and the Charter of the United Nations, towards reconciliation and peace.  It is in this vein that Malaysia supported the holding of this Urgent Debate.  We believe that continuing dialogue and negotiation is absolutely key to finding an amicable solution and ending the conflict in Ukraine.

5. Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting such efforts in the interest of maintaining regional and international peace and security.  We must uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, especially respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the principles that underpin the peaceful coexistence of all countries - big or small, rich or poor.

Mr. President,

6. Malaysia calls for all access to humanitarian assistance be open by all means.  Safe  passage to the innocent civilians must be ensured. We stress the urgent need for the creation of conducive situation for smooth delivery of humanitarian assistance. Efforts must be taken to protect vulnerable groups particularly children, women, older persons and those with disabilities.

7. Malaysia urges parties to the conflict to abide by their commitments to human rights and humanitarian laws, as well as to respect and earnestly implement the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

Thank you.

Geneva

3 March 2022