Madame President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity.
Today’s plenary meeting is an opportunity to reiterate Italy’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace – a peace firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The same principles that are core tenets of the UN Charter.
Forcible transfer or deportation of civilians, including children, are abhorrent violations of international law. They are grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and constitute war crimes.
It is crucial to bring the humanitarian dimension of the war at the centre of our efforts. Thousands of children and parents are experiencing unimaginable suffering. In a country devastated by the horror of the Russian aggression, they are enduring the greatest pain of all: being separated from their loved ones. It is an immense sorrow, for which we express our deepest solidarity. We cannot accept to live in a world where children are kidnapped, separated from their families and exposed to systematic efforts to erase their identity, including through re-education camps, forced adoptions and conscription.
Russia must ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return home of all Ukrainian children.
We are strongly committed to this common goal. Italy is part of the Coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and firmly supports its initiatives. We also fully support efforts by the Holy See and all actors that are actively contributing to this endeavour. Ensuring the return of Ukrainian children and supporting their subsequent rehabilitation and reintegration is a matter of utmost priority.
Today we pay tribute to the strength and courage of the Ukrainian people, who have been steadfastly defending their independence, freedom, and national identity for almost four years.
There is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. We fully support ongoing efforts led by the United States to advance negotiations for peace. Italy will continue to provide its contribution to this aim and stresses the importance of ensuring robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine.
Today we reiterate that there cannot be a lasting peace without justice. And there is no justice if Ukrainian children do not go back home. That is why Italy has co-sponsored the draft Resolution and voted YES. We thank the co-facilitators (Ukraine, the European Union and Canada) and all the Member States who have supported it.
I thank you.
