One-minute Statement before the UN Human Rights Council, 2 March 2022 as a complement to the pre-recorded video. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to add the following statement to the video message that was pre-recorded on 11 February 2022.

I am deeply concerned with the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine with millions of Ukrainians impacted and displaced by the military offensive that is underway.

I echo the UN Secretary-General in calling for the violence to end.

We need peace now.

People’s lives, their dignity and fundamental rights must be protected in line with, and in respect of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

UNDP has joined the UN-system wide response to support those affected by the conflict, both inside Ukraine and in the neighbouring countries receiving refugees.

For three decades in Ukraine, UNDP has worked with local communities and networks of partners to drive forward sustainable development & promote human rights.

We cannot afford to allow these hard-won development gains to slip away.

“We will not enjoy development without security, we will not enjoy security without development, and we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.”

Let us not forget what led to the creation of the United Nations.

With the United Nations family, UNDP is committed to ‘stay and deliver’ for the people of Ukraine in their hour of need.

Thank you.