Mr. President,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of 54 states.

As a result of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, millions of people around the world are being pushed into extreme poverty or severe food insecurity, with serious implications on the enjoyment of their human rights.

This global crisis affects in particular women, girls, children, older persons and persons in vulnerable situations. It requires a swift, comprehensive and human rights based response.

The immediate priority is to provide emergency relief. We must also step up existing efforts to support countries to boost their production capacity, strengthen the resilience of their food systems and make markets more sustainable.

Trade routes and markets need to remain open. Russia continues to block Ukraine’s ports, and has limited and taxed its own exports of food and fertilizer, thus disrupting supply chains and pushing food prices even higher. We call on Russia to enable free and safe passage of agricultural shipping from Ukrainian ports and to cease its attacks on Ukraine’s grain silos and food storage facilities.

Lastly, our collective response must be well coordinated and tailored to the increasing needs. We applaud the mobilisation of the UN system and commend the work of the Global Crisis Response Group.

Mr. President, the sanctions imposed on Russia following its aggression against Ukraine do not extend to food or fertilizer exports from Russia to the rest of the world, not even when carried by Russian-flagged vessels, nor do they prohibit payment for such exports.

Let us join efforts in addressing this crisis and protecting those in vulnerable situations from poverty and hunger. We cannot let disinformation distract us. Hunger must not be used as a weapon of war.

Thank you.

List of signatories