UN High Representative for Disarmament Izumi Nakamitsu noted that just two weeks ago, the Council held a meeting on arms transfers.
Despite this, the transfer of military aid, weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian security forces continues. In 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine in full, which is considered a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
The High Representative said the transfer of arms or ammunition must be in accordance with relevant international legal frameworks. These include Security Council resolutions, which often impose restrictions on such transfer activities.
Arms shipments to Ukraine include tanks, armored vehicles, airplanes and helicopters, large-caliber artillery and missile systems, drones, and other materials, including small arms and ammunition.
Izumi Nakamitsu, citing reports that some countries are working on plans to send weapons, including ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, to the Russian military, while these weapons are expected to be used in Ukraine and have already happened.
Emphasis on global arms treaties
The High Representative highlighted the importance of international law in the current challenging security situation in the Security Council comprising 15 member states.
The senior UN official said member states must fulfill their obligations under the disarmament treaty, particularly on the use of cluster bombs and munitions, landmines and certain types of conventional weapons, such as flamethrowers, blinding lasers and other weapons.
Cluster bombs and munitions are made by mixing large numbers of smaller bombs and munitions, causing large-scale casualties.
According to High Representative Nakamitsu, these disarmament agreements must be ratified by all member states and fully implemented in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.
He stressed that countries that import, export, manufacture or transport weapons must take responsible steps at every step to prevent their diversion, illicit trafficking or misuse.
The death toll is rising
Since the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, more than 11,700 people have lost their lives and more than 24,000 Ukrainian civilians have been injured.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said August was the second deadliest month in 2024 after July.
184 civilians lost their lives and 856 were injured this month.
Russia’s use of armed drones and missiles in Ukraine is causing civilian casualties and damaging infrastructure.
At the same time, Ukraine has also reportedly launched missile and drone strikes into Russia from across the border. Some of these incidents have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian structures.