Statement

by the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Yuriy Sergeyev in the plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly with regard to Ukraine’s request for inclusion in the agenda of the 62^nd session of the General Assembly of an additional item entitled: “Commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine (Holodomor)”

Mr. President,

Distinguished delegates,

I take the floor for several reasons.

First of all I want to thank the delegations that supported our request for inclusion in the agenda of the 62^nd session of the General Assembly of an additional item entitled: “Commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine (Holodomor)”. We are grateful to other members of the General Committee who shown their interest and participated in the discussion. We take note of their approaches, in particular suggestions to include this item into agenda of the 63^rd session. At the same time we understand that the reason for yesterdays’ General Committee decision was not the substance of the issue, but a prevailing desire to have more time for its thorough consideration.

It was not surprise that only one delegation demonstratively spoke against our request. And that brings me to the second reason for this statement.

During the current session of the General Assembly we have used a number of opportunities to bring to the attention of UN membership information, including recently declassified archives, shedding the light on the mechanisms and specifics of realization of the Holodomor tragedy in Ukraine in 1932-1933. Our approach to the problem on Holodomor is based on solid archival documents and eyewitness accounts, not on emotions or Soviet-style stereotypes, demonstrated by our opponents.

Ukraine shares the pain of other peoples of the former Soviet Union that suffered from famine in 1930s. Such feelings have been unequivocally expressed by us on a number of occasions. At the same time we can not but draw attention of the world to the fact that specifically in the Ukrainian case famine was used as a weapon. Imagine a bird being put in a cage and denied food till it dies. This is what happened to millions of people in Ukraine, who by military arm were kept from leaving their famine-stricken home-places in search of survival.

That is why Ukraine categorically rejects attempts to dilute the truth about Holodomor and to question its right to have the tragedy of its people being spoken of and recognized in the United Nations. This is an unfair and dangerous approach, challenging the dignity of many millions of victims of crimes committed by the totalitarian Stalin regime and preventing the humanity from obtaining a knowledge that might help it avoid similar catastrophes in future.

And lastly, I want to emphasize that Ukraine is ready to continue efforts that would lead to a widest possible understanding on the question of Holodomor. In a spirit of flexibility we will not insist on having this issue considered in the current UNGA session. Instead, I would like to express a sincere hope that Holodomor will receive its adequate attention during the 63^rd General Assembly session. 

            Thank you.