Explanation of Vote of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On draft resolution A/EE-11/L.2

Before the UNGA Eleventh Emergency Special Session on Ukraine

New York, 24 March 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. President,

My delegation abstained from voting on this draft resolution (A/ES-11/L.2).

The Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in and around Ukraine. Iran reiterates its principled position regarding the need for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and underlines the necessity of full respect by all parties for the well-established provisions of the United Nations Charter, international law including international humanitarian law.

We emphasize that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be fully respected and the safety and security of all civilians and civilian infrastructures must be guaranteed.

Iran reiterates its call for the urgent cessation of hostilities and de-escalation of tensions in the current conflict and encourages all parties to pursue their concerns through dialogue.

Iran reiterates its position on the current conflict as explained during the meeting of the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly held on 2 March 2022.

Mr. President,

We believe that the current text of the resolution before the General Assembly contains languages that go beyond the scope of the humanitarian situation on the ground and lacks realistic mechanisms for dealing with the humanitarian aspects of the conflict.

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that the humanitarian nature of assistance must always be upheld and that the provision of humanitarian assistance shall only be guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality.

Iran urges all parties to cooperate in advancing humanitarian response to the situation; and in this regard emphasizes the need for the provision and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need including the refugees.

We call for the immediate facilitation of safe, voluntary, and dignified transfer of all civilian refugees and IDPs from conflict-affected areas.  

My government supports the ongoing negotiations between the parties and reiterates its call for an urgent peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law.

Humanitarian issues have a prominent place in Iran’s foreign policy. We once again express our readiness to cooperate, coordinate and facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people in need in the current conflict.

In this context, we commend the continued efforts by the Secretary-General, and UN agencies to deliver humanitarian aid as well as assistance and protection for refugees.

I thank you, Mr. President