PHOTO: Amb. Sarah Safyn Fyyneah
New York-Liberia’s Envoy to the United Nations, Her Excellency Amb. Sarah Safyn Fyneah, has urged Member States of the United Nations to speak out against atrocities meted on the people of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, a press release from Liberia’s mission here said this week.
Amb. Fyneah cautioned that the fundamental principles of international law and the entire international system are at stake and it was time to demonstrate commitment to uphold the principles of the UN Charter. She stressed that “not speaking out, not acting now, and not doing the right thing threaten the very fabric of this inter-governmental body which we are all members of.
She was speaking at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, convened to consider a draft resolution titled “UN Charter principles underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, co-sponsored by the Republic of Liberia and over 70 other member states.
The resolution was adopted on Thursday, February 23, 2023, with 141 votes in favor, more than the two thirds majority requirement of 120 votes. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, demands that Russia leaves Ukraine, and emphasizes the need for accountability for serious crimes and justice for all victims.
Ambassador Fyneah, stressed that the resolution sends a clear message that the conflict in Ukraine has to be brought to an end by restoring respect for the principles of the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States. “These principles should serve as a basis for securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. It is not an approach limited to Ukraine; adherence to the UN Charter is a viable and efficient recipe for addressing issues of global peace and security.” Amb. Fyneah emphasized.
Ambassador Fyneah also highlighted the global impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, noting its effect on economic growth and global supply, thus aggravating food and energy crises for the most vulnerable states and people.
It can be recalled that the Republic of Liberia condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has continue to support multilateral efforts at the United Nations to with the aim of finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
In recognition and appreciation of Liberia’s support, the President of Ukraine Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky conferred the ‘Order of Merit (1st Degree)’ on Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., acknowledging his significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, support of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.