For laying out Belgium’s goals for the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) this trimester and for your crystal-clear opening remarks, Mr. Chair, I sincerely thank you.
Just over six months have passed since Russia’s unjustified, deliberate, and brutal assault on Ukraine, Mr. Chair. Belgium now holds the FSC Chair.
An invasion that flagrantly violated OSCE pledges and principles both then and now. Children and civilians have been disproportionately affected by Russia’s indiscriminate assaults.
Therefore, it is relevant and opportune for the FSC’s Security Dialogues to highlight such elements of Russia’s invasion, such as the Women Peace and Security Agenda and Children in Armed Conflict.
The FSC does not often tackle the topic of children in armed conflict, but these are unusual circumstances.
The 7.5 million children in Ukraine have suffered greatly as a result of President Putin’s “war of choice” in terms of their health, education, and family life.
There is strong evidence that at least four of the six grave violations against minors listed in UNSCR 1261 are being committed by Russia.
An average of five children are killed or wounded every day throughout the conflict, according to UNICEF.
UNICEF believes that of the surviving schools, one in ten have suffered damage or destruction, frequently as a result of malicious assaults.
There is evidence that several Ukrainians, including children, have been forcefully transported to Russia against their will.
The risks of family division, assault, abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking are quite high for those who are escaping violence. The social and psychological trauma will affect countless people for years to come.
Mr. Chair, the turmoil in Ukraine has helped to highlight the Women, Peace and Security Agenda’s ongoing significance and applicability.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces, both men and women, are still heroically defending their country.
Women make up the bulk of the civilians caught up in the invasion and have been the victims of horrific crimes against humanity.
Many of them now face an uncertain future after being uprooted from their homes. Despite this, women often act as first responders in times of conflict, stepping forward to help their communities.
This is particularly true in Ukraine, where women have played a crucial role in the humanitarian, political, and security efforts to defend their nation, including the gathering of evidence to aid in holding war crime offenders accountable.
We look forward to talking about how improved results, especially in Ukraine, might be supported by women’s full, equal, and meaningful involvement.
Participating States continue to overwhelmingly support this issue.
Mr. Chair, Russia has yet to achieve any of its strategic goals in day 196 of an invasion that President Putin reportedly thought would end in a few days. Additionally, Russia has suffered such significant military attrition that there will be a long-lasting impact on its armed forces and its future combat effectiveness—one that will last for years.
At the same time, NATO’s expansion has been a direct response of Russia’s own assertive activities, which include admitting new members, bolstering its forward presence, and modernising the NATO Response Force to increase its capacity to defend every square inch of Allied territory.
Above all, Russia’s invasion has shown the valiant Ukrainian people’s power, commitment, and determination in defending their motherland.
While the FSC took a break during the summer, our friends in Ukraine who are battling for their independence were unable to.
The UK’s military support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with a foe that has shown utter disdain for international law, sovereignty, independence, and basic human rights has continued in earnest, as has that of our Allies and allies.
Finally, let me extend a warm welcome to our Belgian colleagues who will be serving as this trimester’s FSC Chair. More than ever, it is critical to preserve this Forum’s integrity so that it may continue to carry out its mission.
Conventional arms control, confidence-building measures, and security remain essential for maintaining stability in the OSCE region.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shown that lack of political will, not lack of tools, was the problem.
Under the condition that all participating States properly uphold their obligations under international law, including the Helsinki Final Act and UN Charter, the UK will continue to support all confidence- and security-building measures, including the Vienna Document.
In this context, we should also point out that, despite Belarus’ continued membership in the troika for the current trimester, it continues to actively support and facilitate Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
I wish you, Mr. Chair, and your competent staff the best of success in the next months and reassure you of the UK Delegation’s unwavering support.