Statement Kingdom of the Netherlands

15 January 2024
Palais des Nations

Thank you Mr. Griffiths, dear Mr. Grandi, dear Mrs. Brown, dear Vice Minister President Veresjtsjoek for updating us on the deplorable situation in Ukraine because of the Russian aggression. And thank you Mrs. Brown for continuously speaking up about the suffering of the innocent civilians in Ukraine.

People inside Ukraine are battered by ongoing attacks on civilian targets. As Ms. Brown mentioned even small villages fall victim to unprovoked attacks. Ukrainians in the occupied territories suffer daily from the barbaric crimes of Russian forces, especially the illegal deportation of children. Our thoughts are also with the millions of people that had to flee to neighboring European countries, and the uncertainty they face there.

Deputy Minister President Veresjtsjoek,
Going into the third year of the war, we applaud the people of Ukraine for their resilience.
We also pay respect to Ambassador Filipenko and her team for their unwavering energy and effort to promote and defend the interest of Ukraine and its people here in Geneva. This year again, the humanitarian needs in and around Ukraine are estimated at USD 3.1 billion dollars. We hear Mr. Griffith loud and clear that every dollar is needed.
USD 3.1 billion is not counting the immense investments needed and already undertaken for recovery. We are pleased to hear that Ukraine is a model for localization, again showing the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The Netherlands will continue to stand with Ukraine.
Today, we pledge an additional EUR 15 mln. to the 2024 humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
This is in addition to the EUR 10 mln. Provided to high quality and accessible psychosocial support for those that need it because of this terrible war.

Because we know that Ukrainian resilience is needed now, and for all stages of recovery and rehabilitation in the future.
This war is certainly not forgotten, it is on the top of our agenda.
Thank you.