The head of Polish diplomacy also participated in a ministerial marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Rau pointed out that Russia’s aggression has been the greatest threat to peace and security since the end of the Cold War and that its consequences are being felt in a number of ways across the world.

The minister stressed that in efforts to advance peace in Ukraine, the international community should be guided by the UN Charter and its fundamental principle of territorial integrity. “An unfair peace or a frozen conflict would only provoke further aggression,” warned Minister Rau, adding that those responsible for violations of international law must be held to account. 

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, the Polish foreign minister expressed concern about the human rights violations in occupied Ukraine. He recalled the dramatic situation of local civilians, including the forced deportations of Ukrainian children. Minister Rau cautioned against Russia’s neo-imperialistic policies and called for the defence of an order based on international law. 

At the ministerial marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Minister Rau stressed that its establishment was a key event in the international community’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and human rights. The challenges faced by the Court should not act as a disincentive but should inspire further building a strong and effective system of international criminal justice, emphasised Minister Rau.

While in New York, the Polish foreign minister met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Minister Rau raised issues related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus. He also outlined the priorities of Poland’s three-year term at the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which starts in 2024. Minister Rau also discussed Poland’s role in the future process of supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction as well as ways to strengthen cooperation between Polish companies and the UN.

Poland’s top diplomat also met with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, with whom he discussed developments in Ukraine and Poland’s cooperation with the Committee.

During his visit Minister Rau also met with the Polish diaspora at the New York consulate.

In New York, the minister also met the press and commented on Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. According to him, this decision is an act of economic aggression against the countries in the Global South, which are most dependent on Ukraine’s grain. He added that we should call for the grain deal and food supply channels to be continued.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Barbara Wojciechowska/MFA