Poland in the UN

On November 26, 2024, Poland participated in the UN General Assembly Plenary Meeting on Russia’s Veto of a UN Security Council Resolution on Protection of Civilians in Sudan.

The full statement delivered by Krzysztof Szczerski, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland to the UN in New York, is available below.

Mister President,

Distinguished Delegates,

Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

Poland considers Russia's veto of the UNSC resolution on the protection of civilians in Sudan unacceptable, as it weakens the UN system’s ability to fully realize international humanitarian law. It is crucially important that the Council to fulfills its obligation to support people threatened by a humanitarian catastrophe. The protection of civilians in armed conflicts, especially women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, must be ensured in any situation.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had devastating effects on its civilian population. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with the country on the brink of famine. The October report of the UN Mission in Sudan detailed the scale of violations of international humanitarian law. In Al Gezira, El Fasher in North Darfur state, Khartoum, and other parts of the country, dozens of civilians have been killed or wounded, and thousands have been forced to flee their homes. Unfortunately, international humanitarian law, which protects human life, dignity, and the rights of civilians, is being broken daily.

The situation in Sudan is currently one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises. Based on our own recent experience, Poland recognizes the importance of providing adequate support to refugees fleeing armed conflict and understands the complexities of the challenges involved. As a direct neighbor of Ukraine, we have firsthand experience with the harsh realities of another brutal and prolonged conflict – this time caused by Russia. In response to this crisis, we have welcomed over one million Ukrainian refugees into our country.

To assist the millions who have fled their homes in Sudan seeking safety, Poland has already contributed to the UNHCR Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan in 2024. This significant contribution underscores our commitment to humanitarian aid and aims to enhance the collective efforts to address the most urgent humanitarian needs of Sudanese refugees in the five neighbouring countries.

Mister President,

Humanitarian support, including saving the population from famine,  aligns with all accepted principles of international humanitarian law. Supporting civilians is not a violation of sovereignty. Violating sovereignty is launching an irrational attack on another state, as seen in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mister President,

We are disappointed, but not surprised, that a country purporting to present itself as an ally of the African continent does not support measures aimed at preventing harm to the civilians and is blocking solutions endorsed by the other members of the international community.

In conclusion, Poland has supported and continues to support all legal, international measures taken to protect civilians in armed conflicts. Therefore, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan and for the conflict to be resolved through peaceful, diplomatic means. We also urge all the parties involved to implement their commitments to protect civilians and enforce security guarantees for the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

I thank you.