106th session of the IОМ Council
Intervention by Permanent Representative of Ukraine
Ambassador Yurii Klymenko
November 24, 2015
Mr. Chairman,
Since this is the first time I am taking the floor, I would like to start by extending my warmest congratulations to you on the assumption of your duties and wishing you every success in this endeavor.
Mr. Chairman,
Mr. Director-General,
Distinguished delegates,
The delegation of Ukraine commends the Director-General for his able leadership of the Organization in its tireless efforts to help people all over the world as well as the IOM staff for their dedication and hard work, often in difficult and dangerous situations. We welcome the IOM’ active endeavors to tackle unprecedented migration and humanitarian crises.
My Government values close partnership with the Organization, which covers a broad range of issues, in particular, in assisting IDPs and the affected communities, combating human trafficking and migration management.
Since April 2014 more than 1.5 mln. people have been forced to leave their homes due to illegal annexation of Crimea and hostilities in the southeast of Ukraine carried out by illegal armed groups supported from abroad.
Let me highlight the critical importance of preventing further displacement and ensuring secure voluntary return of IDPs to their homes both of which are impossible without the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties involved.
The Government of Ukraine is doing its best to settle the acute problems of IDPs. To this end it, in particular, established a special inter-agency Coordination Headquarters on IDPs and passed a comprehensive IDP law and amendments to the State budget, requesting additional funding for targeted assistance to IDPs. The Comprehensive program on employment and vocational training for IDPs for 2015–2016 has been approved; the National program for support, social adaptation and reintegration of IDPs is on the way.
We truly appreciate the corresponding humanitarian aid of a number of international organizations, including IOM, states and other donors, delivered to Ukraine in strict compliance with the relevant international rules, norms and standards.
At the same time those affected need further life saving assistance, especially at the winter time, and we expect the IOM and other stakeholders to remain actively engaged in this regard.
To conclude, I would like to congratulate the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Republic of Kiribati, the State of Eritrea and Saint Lucia on gaining their membership as well as new observers and express support of further enhancing the IOM effectiveness.
I thank you.