I want to express my appreciation for the Special Representative on Gender’s remarks and my sincere welcome to this Council.
We wholeheartedly agree with your ideas about promoting gender equality and gender mainstreaming, and we emphasise how important they are to the future of our economies, society, communities, and regional security.
You are correct to emphasise that Russian aggression against Ukraine poses the greatest threat we currently face, and we appreciate the report’s attention to tracking the plight of Ukrainian women who have fled their country as refugees.
Since the conflict began, 8 million people have left Ukraine, and as of July 13, the UNHCR has counted more than 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees living in various parts of Europe.
Since the Second World War, there have never been more refugees than there are now.
President Putin’s actions are put into disturbing perspective by the fact that the current crisis is exceptional in comparison to the more than 75 years of historical events, conflict, and terrorism. Do not forget that this is a war of choice.
The majority of refugees are women and children, who are more vulnerable to gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking, as Special Representative Richey told us earlier this week.
We support Special Representative Palihovici’s appeal for police and border guards to receive training on human trafficking and gender-based violence, and we’ll keep collaborating with regional law enforcement partners to share UK best practises and resources.
We have made it a priority to support the most vulnerable groups, including as women and girls, and we agree with the Special Representative’s suggestion that all humanitarian actors consult with experts to negotiate issues of gender-based violence and other forms of protection.
We are quite concerned about the report’s warning that there are still protection gaps for minorities, especially Roma women, children with special needs, and persons with disabilities.
We also draw attention to the unique difficulties older folks confront.
In this cruellest of times, we must speak up for the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our society.
The report by Special Representative Palihovici also emphasised the superb assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, Austria, Poland, and Moldova.
We applaud these and other neighbouring nations for stepping up, and we have given international organisations £40 million to support their efforts.
In addition to continuing to accept Ukrainian refugees through our own Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family programmes, the UK will continue to support its partners who are bearing the heaviest costs from the effects of Russia’s war.
We have a clear and straightforward message for the Ukrainians who have been forced to leave the Kremlin’s war: we will support you for however long it takes until the victory of your armed forces allows you to return home. I appreciate it, Chair.