New York, 9 September 2022 (TDI): The High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, delivered a briefing to the UN Security Council.
In her brief, she highlighted the threats to international peace and security.
Weapons Supply Concerns
While addressing the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine as a matter of international peace and security, she said, “Large-scale influx of weapons to conflict-affected zones raises many concerns, including potential for diversion.”
Today, @UN_Disarmament High Representative @INakamitsu briefed the @UN Security Council on Threats to International Peace and Security.
Read the remarks in full ➡️https://t.co/AjvLk8t7H3. pic.twitter.com/MgSN79XyQl
— ODA (@UN_Disarmament) September 8, 2022
She added that the UN Register for Conventional Arms and other such instruments of the international community must investigate the matter to enhance transparency in arms transfer.
Other than the matter of supply, she urged the international community to focus on the destructive effects of these weapons on civilian infrastructure. The impact of heavy weaponry on civilians must not be ignored.
Ukraine in ruins
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded 13,917 civilian casualties since 24th February. The death count is believed to be much more than what has been verified.
Heavy, explosive, and wide-range weapons caused these civilian casualties. Attacks on populated areas using heavy artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, missiles, and aircraft guns destroyed the civil infrastructure.
The Ukraine war has already caused more than 6.9 million people to be internally displaced and more than 7 million refugees across Europe. These statistics continue to rise to shape an international refugee crisis.
Also read: Defence ministers discuss Ukraine’s security
The High Representative highlighted the period of war to stress the seriousness of the matter. It has been eight months since the invasion of Ukraine, and it has been a period of tremendous devastation.
Thousands of civilians were killed, even more were injured, and millions were displaced. All of this occurred due to the use and threat of heavy conventional weapons.
Izumi Nakamitsu concluded her briefing by saying, “The time to end this suffering is now. Let us resolve to keep working for peace in line with international law and the United Nations Charter.”
