NEW YORK, USA — Liberia has called for renewed diplomatic engagement, respect for international law, and stronger safeguards for civilians amid the continuing war in Ukraine, stressing that alleged violations must be investigated impartially regardless of the parties involved.
Liberia’s position was presented by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II, during a UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting examining alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in the Ukrainian conflict.
The meeting, titled “Piercing the Blind Spots of Violations of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law in the Context of the Ukrainian Crisis: Putting the Spotlight on the Activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” focused on concerns about compliance with international legal standards.
Ambassador Brown emphasized that all parties to the conflict have an obligation to treat prisoners of war humanely and protect civilians from abuse. He stressed that torture is prohibited under international law under all circumstances and called for the protection of people who are not participating in hostilities.
He also urged an impartial examination of reported violations, arguing that allegations of serious abuses should be addressed through transparent investigations and appropriate international mechanisms.
As part of the appeal, Liberia called on the parties to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unrestricted access to prisoners of war and detained civilians, consistent with their obligations under the Geneva Conventions.
The Liberian envoy further highlighted the risks confronting civilian seafarers operating in or near conflict-affected areas, underscoring the need to protect civilians whose livelihoods and movements have been disrupted by the fighting.
In urging countries to reconsider the consequences of continued hostilities, Brown delivered a message centered on the value of peaceful engagement.
“War is mutually destructive; peace is mutually constructive,” he said, calling for restraint and a renewed commitment to diplomatic solutions.
Liberia reaffirmed its support for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Brown urged the parties and other countries involved to prioritize diplomatic engagement, work toward an immediate ceasefire, and pursue a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The statement also expressed concern over reported suffering among Ukrainian and Russian civilians, as well as allegations of unlawful detention and mistreatment of prisoners of war on both sides.
Liberia’s appeal draws on its own experience of conflict and post-war recovery, with the country emphasizing the importance of human rights, accountability, and peacebuilding in preventing further suffering.
Through its intervention at the United Nations, Liberia reiterated that respect for international law and credible investigations into alleged abuses are essential to protecting civilians and advancing efforts toward lasting peace in Ukraine.
