Response to Russia on aid deliveries to eastern Ukraine: Statement to the PC

Just to point out that this speaks to the need for the Humanitarian Working Group to get launched as soon as possible, and that one of the reasons why it has been agreed – but not implemented – that aid should be both delivered and distributed in line with international standards, is that the ICRC has international protocols that are used around the world in order to ensure that aid is delivered as intended to the people who need it.

I think the way forward here is clear: that continued deliveries that are in violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine are not helpful, but that the willingness to make contributions is certainly something that should be welcomed in general. We should urge the Humanitarian Working Group to work out a way so that the ICRC can facilitate deliveries of assistance as soon as possible in line with international standards as it has been agreed.

Thank you.

As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna