YouSaid · the spoken record

Pildegovičs

lines on the record

135

first

2018-11-09

most recent

2023-08-03

sittings or episodes

20

sources

un-security-council

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1. “The forced landing of the plane is just one element of the reckless behaviour of the Lukashenko regime. Since 24 February, Belarus has supported and enabled Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in many ways, both politically and practically, such as letting the Russian armed forces use its territory and airspace for military supplies and missile, artillery and drone attacks, as well as for equipment and troop incursions into the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. We call on Belarus to stop supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, immediately release all prisoners sentenced on politically motivated grounds, cease all other ongoing human rights violations, respect the fundamental democratic rights of Belarusian citizens and stop hybrid attacks on the European Union border.”

   2022-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9175 (2022) · source

2. “The Lukashenko regime’s attempts to silence political opposition and independent journalists were not an exception, but a deliberate policy, especially after the sham so-called presidential elections of August 2020, when the Lukashenko regime felt particularly vulnerable. According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, as of 28 October, there are 1,337 political prisoners in Belarus. People are arrested just for expressing their political views. That was the policy and practice of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, due to various support from Russia, Lukashenko managed to keep de facto power in Belarus at the expense of fundamental human rights despite the large majority of the Belarus people demanding change. It is a sad reality that Lukashenko has highjacked the sovereignty of Belarusian people.”

   2022-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9175 (2022) · source

3. “In its resolution 2309 (2016), the Security Council affirms that all States have the responsibility to protect the security of citizens and nationals of all nations against attacks on air services operating within their territory, in a manner consistent with existing obligations under international law. We call on the Council to maintain close attention to the safety of international aviation and full accountability for those responsible. It is clear to everyone by now that the Lukashenko regime landed the plane by force only for one reason — to arrest a journalist and civil activist who used to criticize the Lukashenko regime.”

   2022-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9175 (2022) · source

4. “After a thorough, impartial and independent investigation, the ICAO Council established that the bomb threat against the Ryanair flight was deliberately false and endangered its safety, and that the threat was communicated to the flight crew upon the instructions of officials of the Lukashenko regime. There can be no doubt about the attribution and the perpetrators of that irresponsible and dangerous act. Those are the methods of terrorists, not responsible actors of international relations. The ICAO investigation established the facts, and it provides trustworthy and reliable information. That information constitutes a good basis for the further actions of the Security Council and the United Nations. Public confidence in the security of air transport is vital.”

   2022-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9175 (2022) · source

5. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): I speak on behalf of the Czech Republic, Estonia and my own country, Latvia. We welcome the fact that the Security Council is addressing the Lukashenko regime’s reckless behaviour with regard to the forced landing of the Ryanair plane in May 2021. We thank the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for his briefing and for drawing the Security Council’s attention to the results of the investigation. We reiterate our strong condemnation of the forced landing of the Ryanair flight in Minsk on 23 May 2021. That premeditated and intentional act of the Lukashenko regime was a blatant attack on the safety of international civil aviation and demonstrated flagrant disregard for international law.”

   2022-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9175 (2022) · source

6. “What we need to do is to ensure the meaningful participation of women in all decision-making processes during and after the war, when Ukrainians will rebuild their country. To that end, Latvia is, and always will be, a friend and partner of Ukraine.”

   2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source

7. “As part of its development cooperation, Latvia supports civil society organizations to help women and girls in Ukraine. For example, in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, Latvia is supporting the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Ukraine to help victims of war crimes and will provide support to Ukraine in the development of its national action plan on women and peace and security. We know that many other countries and organizations are coming together to alleviate the situation. We are thankful for the important work that UN-Women and other United Nations entities are doing to help women and girls in Ukraine. We commend Ukrainian women for their bravery and resilience in the light of Russia’s aggression. We acknowledge the evident truth that women are a force of change.”

   2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source

8. “Latvia respects international law and works in accordance with the resolutions of the Council to help women and girls affected by armed conflict. Beginning on the very first days of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Latvia rapidly allocated additional funds to providing physical and emotional rehabilitation to victims of the war, especially women and girls, who have suffered from sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers, as documented by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Latvia has welcomed more than 35,000 Ukrainian refugees. Latvia is ensuring that the human rights of the survivors of sexual violence are at the heart of its response. We follow standards for the safe and effective documentation to record survivors’ experiences, respecting their rights to dignity, privacy and health.”

   2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source

9. “Nevertheless, a member of this very Council, the Russian Federation, instead of working to alleviate adversities and hardships in the conflict-ridden world, chose to cause misery and commit crimes. Women and girls are experiencing immense suffering, including sexual violence, because of the unprovoked, unjustified war that the Russian Federation chose to wage against its neighbouring country Ukraine. The Russian Federation must and will be held accountable for the crimes it has committed, including through a special tribunal for crimes of aggression. Latvia firmly supports the women and peace and security agenda, since ensuring women’s rights and peace is a priority for us as a member of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as the UN-Women Executive Board starting next January.”

   2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source

10. “This month, we mark the twenty-second anniversary of the adoption of the women and peace and security agenda in resolution 1325 (2000), a landmark resolution that recognized importance of women’s leadership in achieving international peace and security, as well as their contribution to conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian responses and post- conflict reconstruction. In that resolution and the nine other resolutions adopted over the following two decades, the Council also recognized the suffering that armed conflict brings to women and girls and declared sexual violence a war crime. The Council called on parties to respect international law and take measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence.”

    2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source

11. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): I would like to start by thanking Gabon for initiating today’s open debate, as well as all the briefers for their testimonies. Latvia welcomes the continued practice of inviting women civil-society representatives to brief the Security Council. Latvia also welcomes the report of the Secretary General (S/2022/740) and the recommendations it contains. Latvia aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security concerning the situations in the Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen and other fragile and conflict-affected countries. Allow me to focus my statement today mostly on Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.”

    2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source

12. “It is high time for the international community to demonstrate that the norms aimed at the protection of civilians are not empty statements that can be trampled by dictators and bullies, but instead ironclad obligations that we are collectively determined to uphold. We must ensure accountability at all levels for atrocities committed against Ukraine and its people, including deportations. It is of the utmost importance to continue to provide all the necessary support in that regard. Justice must prevail. The perpetrators must be — and will be — held accountable. The meeting rose at 5.45 p.m.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

13. “Similar to the fact-finding mission regarding the massacre of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka, we call on the United Nations to establish a fact-finding mission to document the deportation of Ukrainian citizens. We must make no mistake: Russia’s war against the civilian population of Ukraine is not a coincidence or collateral damage. It is a deliberate and consistent approach throughout Russia’s continued aggression aimed at breaking the resistance and spirit of Ukrainian people. Unable to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, Russia’s military seeks to achieve its aims by terrorizing Ukraine’s civilian population.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

14. “Even Russia itself has admitted to forcibly transferring Ukrainian civilians. In May, a Russian official acknowledged1 that “1,426,979 people, of which 238,329 are children,” had been “evacuated from dangerous areas of the republics of Donbas in Ukraine to the territory of the Russian Federation.” We would like to recall that the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights told the Human Rights Council that her office is looking into allegations that children in orphanages had been taken to Russia. We thank Assistant Secretary-General Brands Kehris for her detailed briefing today. We call on international human rights organizations to continue documenting cases of the forcible transfer of Ukrainian citizens and to provide regular and public reports about their findings.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

15. “According to various credible Government, non-governmental and international organization reports, Russia has forcibly transferred over 1.7 million Ukrainians to Russia, including over 240,000 children. Russia’s forces have set up almost 20 so-called filtration camps or centres in the temporarily controlled territory of Ukraine. Ukrainians, who have endured those camps have reported treatment ranging from humiliation to verbal abuse and physical torture, including strip searches, confiscation and searches of their electronic devises, the use of electric shocks and even staged mock executions of detainees. Such vulnerable groups as women, children, orphans and older persons have suffered the most. There is clear and undeniable evidence that Russia is deporting Ukrainian civilians.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

16. “Moreover, the number of dead and injured civilians is growing every day, as new crimes against civilians are discovered and new attacks on civilians are executed regularly by the Russian military. We call on Russia to immediately stop violating international humanitarian law and the human rights of the people of Ukraine. We strongly condemn the forced passportization and conscription into the Russian armed forces of the citizens of Ukraine who live in the temporarily occupied territories. We strongly condemn deportation of Ukrainian civilians to Russia, the forcible transfer of children, the illegal adoption of Ukrainian children and abduction of civilians, including mayors and other democratically elected representatives, as well as journalists and activists.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

17. “We have repeatedly underlined that Russia started this war and that only Russia can end it — by completely and unconditionally withdrawing its troops from Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, as well as by implementing with immediate effect the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice and complying with General Assembly resolutions ES-11/1 and ES-11/2, adopted on 2 and 24 March, respectively. According to the latest report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), more than 5,718 civilian deaths have been documented in Ukraine, underlining the fact that OHCHR believes that the actual statistics are considerably higher.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

18. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): I speak on behalf of the three Baltic States — Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia. We welcome the convening of this meeting on the forcible transfer and deportation of civilians in Ukraine. We thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo, Assistant Secretary-General Brands Kehris and Ms. Drik for their thorough briefings. For almost 200 days, Russia, aided by Belarus, has continued this brutal war of aggression, in blatant violation of international law, by violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and terrorizing and committing atrocities against civilians.”

    2022-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9126 (2022) · source

19. “In order to facilitate investigations and prosecutions before the International Criminal Court, the Baltic States have nominated national experts and provided voluntary contributions. Our prosecutors, alongside those of Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and the International Criminal Court, have formed the Joint Investigation Team. In conclusion, we commend the efforts of the United Nations bodies, non-governmental organizations and members of civil society working on the ground in Ukraine to provide services to survivors of sexual violence and trafficking. The security and access of those workers is crucial to alleviating the immeasurable human suffering that Russia’s unprovoked war is causing.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

20. “We make sure that the human rights of the survivors of sexual violence are at the heart of our response. We follow standards for the safe and effective documentation and recording of survivors’ experiences — while respecting their rights with regard to their dignity, privacy and health. We recall that the Council has clearly reaffirmed its intention to continue to forcefully fight impunity and uphold accountability for sexual violence. The Baltic States have taken several practical steps to call the aggressor to account for the atrocities perpetrated in Ukraine. We have joined the referral to the International Criminal Court of the situation in Ukraine in order to enable the Prosecutor to open investigations into allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide perpetrated in Ukraine.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

21. “Women must not to be seen as victims but as the force of change. In resolution 2467 (2019), the Council recognized the need for a survivor-centred approach in responding to sexual violence in conflict, including access to medical and psychosocial care. It is of the utmost importance that the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine have the opportunity to report cases as soon as possible and to receive proper assistance, including access to comprehensive services, and in particular sexual and reproductive health services. However, at the moment reporting is possible only after survivors move to a safe area outside the territories occupied by Russian forces or in which active hostilities are taking place. The Baltic States have welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

22. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian residents, in particular the forced deportation of unaccompanied children to the Russian Federation by the Russian authorities and their local collaborators, as well as the illegal adoption of Ukrainian children. Those actions grossly violate international law and the Charter of the United Nations and undermine international security and stability. We commend Ukrainian women for their bravery and resilience in the light of Russia’s aggression and their role in humanitarian, political and military responses. We need decisive and vigorous action to ensure the meaningful participation of women and girls, including from the most vulnerable groups, in all decision-making processes related to the crisis response and peace.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

23. “We call on the relevant United Nations entities to continue to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine and at its borders, including regarding conflict-related sexual violence, through the mechanisms created by the Security Council. The recording and verification of the incidence of violence by the United Nations and other international actors is crucial. The current situation provides fertile ground for human traffickers. We commend the creation of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation task force to protect vulnerable Ukrainian refugees from human trafficking networks. We have to carefully approach the situation to avoid instances in which predators can exploit the chaos. In that regard, United Nations entities play a significant role, but so do actors from civil society.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

24. “Ultimately, Russia must immediately stop its military aggression, enabled by its accomplice Belarus, immediately and unconditionally withdraw all forces from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognized borders, as demanded by General Assembly resolution ES-11/1, adopted on 2 March. We welcome the recent visit to Ukraine by the Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, and the framework of cooperation signed with the Government of Ukraine. We look forward to, and encourage support for, its implementation. After her visit, the Special Representative assessed that the sexual violence committed by the Russian armed forces raises all of the red flags.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

25. “We recall that, in its resolution 1820 (2008), the Council demanded the immediate and complete cessation by parties to armed conflict of all acts of sexual violence against civilians, with immediate effect. We reiterate that demand on the Russian Federation to immediately stop the sexual violence perpetrated by its armed forces in Ukraine. To ensure that occurs, clear orders must be issued through the chain of command that prohibit sexual violence, and perpetrators must be brought to justice.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

26. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Baltic States — Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia. Let me start by thanking Albania for organizing today’s briefing, and the briefers for their briefings. We particularly welcome the voice of Ukrainian civil society at the Security Council. It is of the utmost importance to keep our focus on Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. We are deeply alarmed by the shocking reports on the brutal and systematic sexual violence perpetrated by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and are concerned about the increasing risk of trafficking of human beings in the region.”

    2022-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9056 (2022) · source

27. “The range of accountability processes that have been initiated and the considerable amount of evidence documented and collected of atrocities committed in Ukraine give us confidence that justice for the victims of Russia’s crimes will be delivered.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

28. “In that connection, we join others in strongly urging Russia to respect the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to comply with the legally binding order of 16 March of the International Court of Justice to immediately suspend its military operation on Ukraine’s territory. I would like to conclude by recalling the fundamental principles of the Nuremberg trials: “Crimes against international law are committed by men, not abstract entities, and only by punishing individuals who commit such crimes can the provisions of international law be enforced.” We are of the view that the solidarity and political will of the international community must be maintained in order to effectively address the issue of accountability for atrocities in Ukraine.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

29. “The competent authorities of Latvia have also launched criminal proceedings for war crimes and crimes against humanity and peace committed by Russia’s armed forces in Ukraine, in order to obtain and document evidence. In order to draw further attention to the need for prevention and punishment of atrocities, Latvia stands ready to support work on drafting a convention on crimes against humanity. Last but not least, Latvia has taken a decision to participate as a third party in the case relating to allegations of genocide brought by Ukraine against Russia before the International Court of Justice.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

30. “Latvia has taken several practical steps to call the aggressor to account for its atrocities in Ukraine. We have joined the unprecedented referral to the International Criminal Court on the situation in Ukraine in order to enable the Prosecutor to open investigations into allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide perpetrated in Ukraine. In order to facilitate investigations and prosecutions before the Court, Latvia has nominated national experts and provided voluntary contributions in the amount of €100,000. Most notably, Latvia’s judicial authorities, together with Estonia and Slovakia, recently became members of a joint investigation team, along with the International Criminal Court and the Prosecutors-General of Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

31. “We would like to emphasize that the Assembly’s recent adoption of resolution 76/262, on the creation of a standing mandate to convene a debate in the General Assembly when a veto is cast in the Security Council, constitutes significant progress in terms of holding the Security Council accountable for a failure to act. We would like to take advantage of that momentum to encourage Member States to join the code of conduct formulated by the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group and to pledge not to vote against credible Security Council draft resolutions that are aimed at preventing or ending genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. We also urge them to support the political declaration on the suspension of veto powers in cases of mass atrocity launched by France and Mexico.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

32. “We believe it important to note that the war in Ukraine is of an exceptional nature, as it is being perpetrated by a permanent member of the Security Council, which considerably undermines the Council’s authority through its failure to execute its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. That has been demonstrated by Russia’s use of its power of veto to block Security Council resolutions denouncing its invasion of Ukraine. That in turn has compelled the Organization’s membership to enhance the role of the General Assembly, in accordance with its mandate under the Charter of the United Nations, in order to prevent deadlock in the Security Council and maintain the rules-based international order.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

33. “Latvia therefore strongly supports the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. Today, however, we would like to urge the international community to turn its attention to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, assisted by Belarus, and the atrocities being committed against innocent people in Ukraine. For more than three months the international community has stood in solidarity with Ukraine, calling for an end to the war and to the deliberate killings of civilians, as well as sexual and gender-based violence against women and children and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

34. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): At the outset, I would like to join others in expressing our deepest condolences on the passing of His Excellency Judge Cançado Trindade of the International Court of Justice. I thank Albania for organizing this open debate and the briefers for their statements. Latvia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Marshall Islands on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine, and with the statement to be made by the representative of the European Union in its capacity as observer. Ensuring accountability is our collective responsibility, because allowing impunity for atrocities has serious consequences for international peace.”

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source

35. “On top of that, the Russian Federation is blocking hundreds of ships filled with wheat in the Black Sea. Twenty million tons of grain from last year’s harvest have been trapped in Ukraine owing to Russia’s blockade and bombardment of Odesa’s sea port and the military closure of the sea lanes in the Black Sea. That is the result of the Russian aggression and not sanctions or anything else, as Russia’s propaganda suggest. We call on Russia to unblock Ukrainian ports and to restore the freedom of navigation. And we encourage the Security Council and the relevant United Nations agencies to consider ways to ensure the safe passage for grain-carrying ships from Ukraine’s territorial waters to the Black Sea.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

36. “Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were among the first to refer the situation in Ukraine to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and we will continue to support the Office of the Prosecutor in its investigation concerning alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine. The impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine is reaching beyond Europe. Millions of people globally are already on the brink of famine. Russia’s invasion will further exacerbate the negative impact on global food security and prices on the world market, thereby, increasing the threat of hunger for many countries. Ukraine is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of wheat. However, the shelling and bombing makes it almost impossible for Ukrainian farmers to sow.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

37. “Russia’s denials, deceptions, lies, disinformation, war propaganda, incitement to violence and dehumanizing language against Ukrainians do not change the fact that Russia is committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and other violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law against the civilian population in Ukraine. As underlined by the Secretary-General, those directly responsible for those war crimes and violations on Ukrainian soil must be held accountable. There will be no impunity. There will be accountability for that horror, and international justice will be done. The Baltic States will continue to steadfastly support all efforts to ensure independent and effective investigations into crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

38. “Over 17 million people inside and outside Ukraine now are in need of humanitarian assistance. There are 7.7 million people who are now internally displaced, and more than 5 million refugees have fled into countries neighbouring Ukraine and beyond. Ninety per cent of refugees are women and girls. They need urgent humanitarian assistance, a cessation of hostilities and safe passage, including through the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow those who wish to do so to leave voluntarily to the destination of their choice. In that light, we are concerned about the reports of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children, forcibly moved to the so called “filtration camps” and then to the territory of the Russian Federation, often unaccompanied by their parents.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

39. “It has been more than two months since Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, launched its aggression against Ukraine in grave violation of international law, including the founding principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Russia has persistently ignored the calls by the General Assembly, as well as the order of the International Court of Justice, to cease aggression and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. We strongly condemn Russia’s contempt for the Court, Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, as well as the involvement of Belarus as Russia’s accomplice. Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has triggered one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises on record.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

40. “In the future, the United Nations should build further on that, although limited, success. Unfortunately, those achievements are far from solving the tragic security and humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian aggression. Moreover, many more people remain trapped in the Azovstal iron and steel works complex, in conditions that humanitarian workers have described as hell. Yet it has again been under heavy fire from Russian air strikes. We call on Russia to immediately cease all hostilities and allow the safe evacuation of the remaining civilians trapped in the complex. We also call on all relevant United Nations mechanisms to maintain their focus on the situation of civilians affected by the Russian aggression in Ukraine, especially on their rescue and evacuation from areas of persistent hostilities.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

41. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the three Baltic states — Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia. I thank the Secretary-General António Guterres, High Commissioner Bachelet and Under-Secretary- General Griffiths, as well as the representatives of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the non-governmental organization for their insightful, but sobering briefings. We appreciate the important visits of the Secretary- General to Kyiv and Moscow, in particular his humanitarian plea and engagement, which have resulted in very practical life-saving humanitarian action on the ground, notably in Mariupol. We also positively note the close cooperation between the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in that regard.”

    2022-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9027 (2022) · source

42. “Latvia reiterates the importance of the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and its follow-up resolutions, in particular resolutions 2106 (2013) and 2467 (2019) and their provisions regarding accountability for conflict- related sexual violence, as well as services to the survivors. Latvia calls on all relevant United Nations mechanisms, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, to maintain their focus on the situation of civilians affected by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Latvia continues to support the work of these mechanisms, as well as directly support those caught in the war in Ukraine.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

43. “As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group, Latvia is of the view that it is necessary to maximize the Security Council’s efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability. We encourage Member States that have not done so to join the code of conduct elaborated by the ACT group regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, as well as the Political Declaration on Suspension of Veto Powers in Cases of Mass Atrocity. It is also important to strengthen synergies between the Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council to comprehensively strengthen the protection of human rights and the prevention of sexual violence.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

44. “Latvia also welcomes the support countries have shown to the ICC and encourages the member States of the Rome Statute that have not yet done so, to act likewise. The Security Council has a specific responsibility to take timely and decisive action in order to protect populations by preventing atrocity crimes. In practice, however, the deliberations of the Council often fail to generate solutions, including in situations where atrocity crimes are already being committed. The expectation of the international community that the Council will take timely and decisive action to protect populations from atrocity crimes has therefore not yet been fulfilled.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

45. “The Council has determined that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity or a constitutive act with respect to genocide. For all atrocity crimes, Russia must and will be held accountable. In that regard, Latvia has initiated national criminal legal procedures to gather evidence on crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes against peace perpetrated by the Russian military. Latvia has also decided to provide an additional financial contribution of €100,000 to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to support it in the investigation of crimes perpetrated in Ukraine. Latvia welcomes criminal proceedings initiated against Russian military at the national level in other countries.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

46. “Brutal Russian aggression, enabled by Belarus, on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including maternity hospitals and other health-care facilities, schools and shelters, that has killed and gravely injured civilians, including pregnant women and newborns, have left the world reeling. The recent attack on Kramatorsk train station mainly killed women, children and elderly persons looking for safety. Latvia condemns in the strongest terms the atrocities surfacing from Bucha, the liberated areas around Kyiv and other regions, including rape and sexual violence against women and girls, perpetrated by the Russian armed forces. We are increasingly hearing stories of rape and sexual violence used as a weapon of war by the Russian armed forces.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

47. “Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): Latvia thanks the United Kingdom presidency of the Council for hosting this timely and pertinent debate and aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member States and the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security (see S/PV.9016), which underline the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war in conflicts around the world. Please allow me to focus on the crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine. Latvia strongly condemns the atrocities and grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law by the Russian Federation.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

48. “We believe that such cooperation provides collective benefits that go beyond the security dimension, as tackling illicit flows of small arms and light weapons also contributes to economic development and prosperity. Latvia is determined to continue its proactive role in these international efforts.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source

49. “It concluded with a set of concrete proposals for States to consider implementing. Using the framework of the Treaty, Latvia actively provides assistance and shares best practices with other States and regions. This year, Latvia participated in development of an Arms Trade Treaty outreach library. It is a European Union project led by French expertise that is aimed at supporting the practical implementation of the train-the-trainer principle. Furthermore, Latvian cooperation with partners includes regular participation in EU Arms Trade Treaty projects led by Germany’s Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control. They cover various regions, including South-East Asia, Africa, Central Asia and the Western Balkans.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source

50. “The eighth biannual meeting should not be a mere repetition of the discussions we already had this year; it should constitute a clear step forward, particularly when it comes to the consideration of new developments in the manufacture, technology and design of small arms and light weapons. To effectively address the diversion of small arms and light weapons, we require consistent efforts to ensure the responsible international trade in conventional arms. As one of the current Vice-Presidents of the Arms Trade Treaty, Latvia is a strong advocate of this instrument and emphasizes the synergies between the Treaty and the Programme of Action. It is worth noting that this year’s Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty had a thematic focus on small arms and light weapons and stockpile management.”

    2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source