“These countries boast about how committed they are to the rule of law, but at the same time, they are flouting its very semblance,” he added, speaking in Russian. He said countries backing the resolution were attempting to position the General Assembly as a judicial body, which it is not. Speaking before the vote, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya characterized the draft resolution as “a classic example” of a narrow group of States acting not on the basis of international law, but rather trying to consecrate something that is illegal. It will work for the benefit of all those who are being threatened now or might be threatened later by use of force,” he said. “This proposal is not about Russia alone. ![]() The Ambassador outlined the impact of the Russian war on his country, including bombings targeting residential buildings and infrastructure, the demolition of nearly half of the power grid and utilities, massive displacement, and atrocities such as murder, rape, torture and forced deportations. The Commission completed its mandate in February, he reported, having paid out over $52 billion in reparations to victims. Kyslytsya pointed out that Russia also supported the creation of the UN Compensation Commission ( UNCC), established in 1991 following Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait. “Today, Russia, who claims to be the successor of the 20th century’s tyranny, is doing everything it can to avoid paying the price for its own war and occupation, trying to escape accountability for the crimes it is committing.” Carnage and compensation “Seventy-seven years ago, the Soviet Union demanded and received reparations, calling it a moral right of a country that has suffered war and occupation,” he said. ![]() He insisted that Russia must be held accountable for its violations of international law. In presenting the resolution, Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya used the biblical adage that “there is nothing new under the sun” as a motif throughout his remarks. The vote took place in the morning, and countries returned in the afternoon to explain their decisions. ![]() Ninety-four countries voted in favour of the resolution, and 14 against, while 73 abstained. The General Assembly is the UN’s most representative body, comprising all 193 Member States. Nearly 50 nations co-sponsored the resolution on establishing an international mechanism for compensation for damage, loss and injury, as well as a register to document evidence and claims.
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