Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to address him since he became Minister, and I wish him well in his role. I would like the House to note that today marks the first session of the newly elected Ukrainian Parliament after the country's general election in October. Since February of this year, Ukrainian citizens have experienced a protracted crisis in which many people have been killed or displaced and had their homes and livelihoods destroyed. There is no doubt that today is a very important step towards the reassertion of peace and stability in the region.

While the Ukrainian conflict may not dominate the headlines in this part of the world as it did earlier this year, it is important to note that the conflict is ongoing, particularly in the eastern region where Russian-backed separatists and the Ukrainian army continue to clash. Since a fragile ceasefire was declared in Minsk on 5 September, the UN estimates that 13 people have continued to be killed each day, bringing the death toll since the ceasefire began to almost 1,000. Those monitoring the situation cautioned that this most delicate of ceasefires could end at any time, potentially plunging the country into increasing warfare.

The human cost of this conflict is simply horrendous. According to estimates from the UN, as of 20 November, 9,921 people have been wounded and at least 4,317 have been killed. The fatalities include the 298 people on board flight MH17, which was shot down on 17 July and on which there was an Irish citizen. There are 5.2 million people estimated to be living in conflict areas and 454,000 internally displaced people within Ukraine, with 489,000 people fleeing to neighbouring countries, of whom 400,000 have gone to Russia.

UN observers also note ongoing violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including serious human rights abuses by armed groups. These involve torture, arbitrary detentions, summary executions, forced labour and sexual violence as well as destruction and illegal seizure of property. In addition to the fatalities, social upheaval and human rights abuses, this ongoing conflict has led to economic turmoil, bringing Ukraine to the brink of financial meltdown, with the IMF warning in September that the country could need a further $19 billion in emergency funding if there is no resolution.

In rural areas of eastern Ukraine, entire streets and neighbourhoods have been destroyed and, unsurprisingly, businesses and their employees are fleeing the region. Last Monday night alone, press agencies reported that three more Ukrainian soldiers were killed in clashes. As the Ukrainian President and Parliament begin their important work today, it is incumbent on the international community, including Ireland, to support and help the Ukrainian people and their newly elected government to bring peace to the region and strengthen its democratic institutions.

Under the conditions agreed in Minsk, a European observer team has been monitoring the ceasefire. However, their actions are limited to observing the troop movements and escalating violence, which does little towards brokering a sustained peace in the area. Western governments which called for the swift creation of a new Ukrainian government after the October elections must now retain their focus on the region and channel it into support, both practical and diplomatic. The international community must also continue to support the Ukrainian government's demand that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine. These troops number in the region of 7,000, according to recent estimates. Despite condemnation from the US and Europe, Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula continues in what is a violation of international law and an affront to the sovereignty of Ukraine, further undermining stability in the region.

Given the significance of this day to the Ukraine and its people, who have suffered so much over the past year, as their newly elected government begins the important work of bringing an end to this crisis, I would like to use this opportunity to wish them well and to remind the Ukrainian government of the support it has from the international community of democratic states. I call on the House to do the same.