National intervention by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot in UN Security Council Open Debate on Ukraine

Speech | 21-09-2023

Mr President,

I would like to thank the Albanian Presidency of the Security Council for arranging this open debate today. A debate that we need to have, in this Council. Now, during the opening week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. A week in which the world demonstrates its commitment to the UN Charter, the United Nations system, and the international rules-based order the UN represents.

It is essential that we show such commitment. Now more than ever.

Because the rules-based order is under pressure. With exhibit A, as the Secretary-General said yesterday, being Russia’s attack on Ukraine. An attack on the UN Charter and the rules-based order too.

Every day, Russia’s aggression wreaks havoc on the lives of the Ukrainian people. A people that continues to show immense resilience and courage in the fight for freedom and independence. A people that, as we speak, is confronted with indiscriminate killings, unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure, sexual and gender-based violence, and the forcible transfer and deportation of children.

As we all know, the impact of these violations extends well beyond Ukraine. Our energy and food supplies, our economies, our safety and our security are all intertwined. And they are being impacted everywhere. And vulnerable countries are being disproportionally affected. This can all end now, if Russia ends its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

Mr President,

It is our duty, as peace-loving nations, to send a clear message: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its manifest violation of the UN Charter must stop. It constitutes a breach of peace and a threat to international security. Russia will be held accountable for these violations.

All of us here are committed to fostering international peace, prosperity and security. All of us are committed to meeting our obligations under international law. We must therefore join forces to prevent further violations, to protect civilians against ongoing violations and to prosecute perpetrators of past violations.

We must do by taking action when the Charter’s principles are violated. And by supporting relevant resolutions and accountability initiatives.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands with Ukraine, and with its people. We are providing financial support and giving Ukraine the means with which to defend its sovereignty. We will continue to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.

Thank you.