STATEMENT BY
H.E. MS. MICHAELA EDDINIA SWALLOW
AMBASSADOR/DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
CHARGE D’AFFAIRES A.I.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I also thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Ms. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their sobering and comprehensive briefings.
We welcome the participation of the Representative of Ukraine in this meeting.
Mr. President,
Sierra Leone remains deeply concerned by the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and is appalled by the indiscriminate use of long-range missiles and drones, particularly in densely populated areas. Throughout this conflict, the repeated breach of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution regrettably underscores a worrying state of disregard for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian life. We therefore reiterate that the protection of civilians must remain paramount in any armed conflict, in line with the rules of war and the values of human dignity.
The year 2025 has already been marked by intensifying violence, with widespread destruction and civilian suffering. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported that from 1 to 24 April 2025, 151 civilians were killed and 697 injured, representing a 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year. We further take note of reported sustained missile and drone attacks by the Russian Federation on residential areas between 18 and 25 April, as detailed in the correspondence from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations. The reported strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including children, and the devastation of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
The humanitarian impact of these large-scale offensives continues to deepen. As reported, thousands more have been left homeless and destitute. The destruction of critical infrastructure, including health care, education, and industrial facilities, has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis. OCHA estimates that 12.7 million people in Ukraine will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. We therefore join the call for sustained support to the Ukraine Humanitarian Response Plan, including contributions to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
Mr. President,
In view of the mounting toll of this conflict, Sierra Leone urges all parties to immediately cease hostilities and to commit to a political process that prioritizes dialogue over destruction. We acknowledge and continue to urge international engagement, particularly by the United States, to facilitate conditions for a lasting ceasefire. We welcome the recent direct meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Zelensky in Rome, and hope that such high-level diplomacy will lead to tangible results on the ground. We also acknowledge the efforts of European leaders and regional actors, who continue to play a constructive role in supporting de-escalation and peace.
We further urge the Parties to agree to ceasefire initiatives and other confidence building measures. A ceasefire if realized and respected, such a cessation of hostilities could pave the way for further confidence-building measures and the revival of sustained negotiations. A durable ceasefire will be in the interest of both nations, not only to halt the tragic loss of life and destruction but also to redirect national resources from warfare to development and recovery. The human and economic costs of this conflict continue to escalate. Ukraine, in particular, faces a massive reconstruction challenge, compounded by widespread contamination from landmines and unexploded ordnance across an estimated 139,000 square kilometres of its territory.
A cessation of hostilities will also allow over 10 million displaced persons, men, women, and children, to begin returning home. The plight of these vulnerable populations, especially children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, remains of grave concern. We also take this opportunity to urge for the immediate and unconditional return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly removed or separated from their families.
In closing, Mr. President, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. We call for full adherence to international law, in particular international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, unhindered humanitarian access for the delivery of lifesaving assistance, and renewed diplomatic engagement toward a just and lasting peace.
We stand in solidarity with efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities, a path towards sustainable peace, and restoring the dignity and hope of the people of Ukraine and all those affected by this devastating conflict.
I thank you.
