Status: 03/25/2022 01:41
The UN General Assembly supported the humanitarian resolution in the war with Ukraine. The vote shows that Russia remains isolated internationally.
Author: Antje Passenheim, ARD Studio New York
By voting, the General Assembly demonstrates the great unity desired by the alliance against the Russian War. This was also said later by the UN ambassador to Washington, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “Together, the vast majority of UN member states made it clear that Russia is responsible for the serious humanitarian crisis and violence in Ukraine.”
WDR Logo Antje Passenheim ARD Studio New York
140 countries approved a resolution that speaks plain language. The declaration, which also involves Germany, calls for an immediate ceasefire. Moscow must withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine immediately. Among other things, attacks on schools and hospitals should be stopped. The text also expresses concern about the global hunger crisis – as there are currently no grain exports from Ukraine on which poorer countries in particular depend on.
US Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield repeated the words of President Biden: “Vladimir Putin will not see victory in Ukraine. And today we heard here that he will not be able to win that victory in New York either. ”
Only five votes against
38 Member States abstained after one and a half days of speaking. Only four countries, including Moscow, voted against the resolution: North Korea, Eritrea, Syria and Belarus. The decision therefore has almost the same broad support as the resolution at the beginning of this month. In it, the world community previously condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
The latest vote shows that Russia apparently has not gained support. However, South Africa’s counter-proposal caused irritation in the short term. This text called for humanitarian aid but did not mention Russia’s responsibility.
As expected, the solution was unsuccessful. After all, the humanitarian crisis in question did not hit Ukraine by accident or like a natural disaster, said Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Rae.
If we do not clearly identify the aggressor and do not insist that he abides by international law and obey the orders of the International Court of Justice, then I believe we have failed.
Non-binding resolution under international law
According to the diplomats, the resolution is once again a strong signal, which is primarily intended to strengthen Ukraine’s back. It is questionable what impact this decision could actually contribute to resolving the humanitarian crisis. General Assembly resolutions are not binding under international law – as they would be in the Security Council.
But Russia has a veto there – and such a clear resolution would not stand a chance there. In the run-up, there were many disagreements about the price at which words should be softened so that Russia could possibly support the text.
The UN General Assembly approves the humanitarian resolution for Ukraine by majority vote
Antje Passenheim, ARD New York, March 24, 2022 8:48 PM