STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. KALILU IBRAHIM TOTANGI
AMBASSADOR & DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Thank you, Mr. President,
At the outset, I wish to warmly congratulate the Republic of Panama on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. We have every confidence in your able leadership to guide the Council’s work during this critical period and assure you of Sierra Leone’s full support and cooperation.
I also take this opportunity to commend the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its highly successful and productive presidency in July. Under Pakistan’s leadership and meaningful initiatives, the Council adopted outcomes that strengthened our collective efforts to maintain international peace and security. We value their contribution and look forward to building on that momentum.
I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča, for the sobering update on the worsening situation. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine in this meeting.
In just a matter of days, this Council has been convened for the second time to address the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, a conflict that, three and a half years on, continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians. Sierra Leone once again underscores the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and calls on all parties to engage in good faith diplomatic dialogue as the only pathway to a sustainable political solution.
As we heard again today, the intensified use of long-range missiles and drones in heavily populated urban areas continues to cause tragic civilian casualties, including among the most vulnerable, children.
We take note of the letter from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine reporting a massive aerial attack by Russian forces on the city of Kyiv on the night of 31 July 2025. According to credible reports, at least 13 people lost their lives, and 130 others were injured. This attack adds to a grim tally of civilian suffering.
Over the past six months alone, relentless aerial bombardments on densely populated areas have killed men, women, and children, while destroying homes, schools, universities, medical facilities, businesses, and critical energy and water infrastructure.
The plight of children is particularly harrowing. They live daily with death, fear, and loss, enduring profound physical, mental, and psychological trauma. The July 31 attack reportedly killed a six-year-old and injured 14 children, including a five-month-old infant. According to UNICEF, approximately 2,520 children have been killed or injured since February 2022. With over 1,600 educational facilities damaged or destroyed, access to education has been severely curtailed, further compounded by disruptions to online learning due to repeated attacks on energy infrastructure.
Mr. President,
The deliberate or indiscriminate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure violates the core tenets of international humanitarian law. Sierra Leone reiterates its call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. The principles of proportionality, precaution, and distinction must be fully observed.
We urge the parties to refrain from conducting military operations in and around civilian infrastructure, including energy, water, and sanitation systems, health facilities, and schools. Operations near nuclear installations or other critical civilian sites are especially unacceptable and carry risks of catastrophic consequences. Hospitals and schools must never be used for military purposes.
With approximately 12.7 million people in Ukraine in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, Sierra Leone calls for the safe, sustained, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, including to hard-to-reach areas and those close to the frontlines. The international community must continue to support the Humanitarian Response Plan for Ukraine and other efforts to facilitate the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
After nearly four years of conflict, it is evident that the legitimate concerns of the parties cannot be resolved on the battlefield. Sierra Leone therefore renews its call for all sides to engage in good faith negotiations toward an immediate ceasefire as a first step toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.
Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.