The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado, took the floor today at the launch event of the Revised Regional Response Plan for Ukrainian Refugees organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Ambassador Cornado reaffirmed Italy’s firm condemnation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles, and stressed how the ongoing military operations continue to have disastrous consequences on the civilian population fleeing the conflict, with over 7 million internally displaced persons and more than 5 million refugees. He recalled how Italy has so far welcomed more than 100,000 refugees and confirmed Italy’s commitment to assist all those who will arrive in our country fleeing the conflict, also in compliance with the implementation of the European directive on temporary protection.
Ambassador Cornado then stressed that providing protection and assistance to those in need is a top priority for Italy and therefore already in the aftermath of the conflict 110 million euros were allocated in support of the general budget of the Ukrainian Government and over 25 million euros in response to humanitarian appeals launched by the UN system and the International Red Cross Movement, to support humanitarian activities in favor of vulnerable people both in Ukraine and in neighboring countries. He also recalled how, as major contributors to the Regional Response Plan for Ukraine and being among the largest donors to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, Italy will ensure the same amount of financial contribution for 2022 to be allocated to Ukraine as it did last year.
Finally, in reaffirming the condemnation of Russian aggression, Ambassador Cornado reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reaffirmed Italy’s solidarity to Ukraine and its people.
