EU statement UNESCO’s actions and emergency assistance for Ukraine – 225th Executive Board of UNESCO

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU and candidate countries Albania, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Ukraine and the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino.

This year marks the fifth year since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite repeated appeals by the international community, the Russian Federation continues its brutal war in flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. The European Union reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. 

The European Union strongly condemns repetitive serious escalations by Russia, including large-scale missile and drone attacks against civilians in Ukraine, UNESCO World Heritage sites and schools which all represent blatant, widespread, and systemic violations by Russia of its obligations under International Law, International Humanitarian Law, the UNESCO Constitution, and its Conventions. We must all continue to decisively call out these violations and Russia as the perpetrator. 

The EU commends UNESCO’s emergency assistance programme for Ukraine in all areas of its mandate and appreciated the work of UNESCO’s Antenna in Ukraine. We thank the Secretariat and donors for mobilizing over 80 million USD, we appreciate Director-General’s official visit to Ukraine this summer where he could witness with his own eyes the level of destruction caused by Russia. We would like to highlight the importance of support from UNESCO and relevant stakeholders on the ground. This continued support and assistance to Ukraine remains vital and will need to be continued as long as necessary. The safety of scientists, artists, educators, and journalists—particularly female journalists – and continuity of education are put at risk on daily basis. 

The EU reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and welcomes all efforts to that end.

The European Union urges all countries to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

The EU continues to stand up for Ukraine with unwavering commitment.