Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at UNFPA Segment of the First Regular Session 2023

Thank you, Madam President,

Distinguished Members of the Executive Board and Observer Delegations,

I would like to thank the Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem, as well as express gratitude to the UNFPA’s team in Ukraine, which continues to work courageously in extremely dangerous conditions. The Russian war of aggression caused the direst humanitarian crisis and has affected almost everyone in Ukraine. Over 18 mln people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Russian missiles have damaged at least 1206 medical facilities, 171 of them are completely destroyed, including maternity wards. The most vulnerable are suffering the most. Almost a year, many women are forced to give birth in bomb shelters in unsuitable conditions, often during power cuts under air raid sirens. The stress and fear that pregnant women in Ukraine have been experiencing due to Russia’s war caused an enormous increase of premature births.

We commend the UNFPA active efforts in addressing this dire crisis to alleviate the suffering of women and girls on the ground in Ukraine, in particular for the humanitarian assistance provided by UNFPA to maternity hospitals with the necessary medicines, materials and equipment.

UNFPA’s support to the Government of Ukraine in responding and preventing Conflict Related Sexual Violence and Gender Based Violence is key. To date, 5 Survivor Relief Centers have been established in 5 Ukrainian cities: Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kyiv, Lviv and Chernivtsi. Establishment of 4 more Centers is underway. These centers are providing comprehensive support services for those affected by war, including those who have experienced war-related sexual violence.

As needs of women and girls in the health domain, Gender Based Violence prevention are mounting, a quick and coordinated actions by international partners, including UNFPA, are crucial.

Thus, Ukraine relies on the continued and expanded UNFPA’s support and involvement now and as long as it is required.

Thank you.