A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to protect children from armed conflict by deescalating the situation in Ukraine.
Children are the most innocent victims of armed conflict and the ultimate way to protect them is by eliminating and defusing conflict, thus sparing them from its devastating effects. Deescalating the conflict should be the top priority in order to safeguard children from the scourge of war, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine.
He stated that as the crisis in Ukraine continues to drag on, fighting on the ground is intensifying and the risk of escalation and expansion is growing. Much of the major infrastructure in the conflict zones has been damaged to varying degrees. There is a serious shortage of supplies, and ensuring basic public services, including water, heating, and electricity, remains difficult.
With the onset of another winter, the local population -- especially children and other vulnerable groups -- is about to face the dual challenge of ongoing conflict and harsh winter conditions, Geng said, noting that the humanitarian situation is worrying.
The Chinese envoy reiterated his call for the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law, make every effort to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure, earnestly abide by Security Council Resolution 1261, and effectively strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict.
Geng urged both parties to the conflict to exercise calm and restraint, emphasizing the need to deescalate tensions to avoid further loss and suffering. He called for efforts to achieve a ceasefire, end hostilities, and restore lasting peace.
He highlighted that international discussions on the Ukraine crisis are increasingly geared towards negotiation and edging closer to peace. He urged both sides to respond positively to the global call for peace, demonstrate political will, meet each other halfway, and initiate peace talks at an early date. Additionally, he called on the international community to provide support, create conditions for this to happen, and work together to maximize peace efforts and forge the synergy for peace talks.
"China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent. We always stand on the side of peace and on the side of dialogue. We are committed to facilitating peace talks and seeking a political solution. Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have laid out four points about what should be done for a political solution, issued position papers, and worked with Brazil and other Global South countries in launching the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis at the UN. We are ready to continue to work with the international community to support peace efforts and contribute to the political settlement of the crisis," Geng said.
Chinese envoy asks for protection of children by deescalating Ukraine crisis
