On Monday, Kenya advocated for Russia to pay Ukraine. She joined 93 other countries. This is in supporting a resolution by the United Nations; that calls for Russia to compensate Ukraine; following the invasion in February this year.
The resolution is non binding abbreviated A/ES-11/L.6. It says : -‘Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine;
By the UN General Assembly reflected; the enduring indifference to African countries; in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Moscow as an Aggressor
But it did show significant support for Ukraine; in seeking compensation. And depicting Moscow as an aggressor in the war.
Countries, 94 in number, including Kenya, Ghana, Somalia and Djibouti. Voted to have Russia “bear the legal consequences” of its invasion of Ukraine.
This includes recompensing for body injuries, deaths or destroyed property.
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Words of Dr. Martin Kimani
“We had serious reservations; on aspects of the resolution. Which were reflected in the outcome of the vote; in the high number of abstentions. And ‘no’ votes,” said Dr Martin Kimani. In a note explaining Kenya vote on Monday.
“Despite this; we voted yes because it is the right thing to do. Ukraine has a sovereign right; to make claims for damages and loses incurred by virtue of conflict.” He said while defending Kenya’s advocacy for Russia to pay Ukraine.
This was the latest political symbol of opposition; anti Russia as voted by the UN General Assembly. Usually, such decisions; reached by the Assembly do not carry legal weight. But can fuel political pressure on the affected party.
UN General Assembly
Starting February; when Russia invaded Ukraine; several UN General Assembly decisions have been passed. And they have all been reached; under the rare Assembly’s emergency special sessions.
Fortnights after the war, Member states numbering 141 denounced the invasion. When Russia annexed three regions of Ukraine in October; through a shady referendum. Counties who voted to reject it are 143.
On the Content of Africa; however, the war continues to be seen as distant. Gabon, the other non-permanent member of the UN Security Council; from Africa (besides Kenya and Ghana), abstained. And so did Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi.
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Absent Member States
South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zimbabwe; Mali and Central African Republic voted no. While others like the Democratic Republic of Congo; were not even present during the voting. Totaling 14.
“This is the right of Ukraine; but also for all the peoples and countries. That are seeking reparations for colonial violence and dispossession.
Slavery, and other acts of aggression; by powerful states, including members of the Security Council,” Dr Kimani added to Kenya’s advocacy for Russia to pay Ukraine.
Historically
The UN General Assembly, since 1950 has often taken up matters regarding international peace; and security. The UN Security Council, the most powerful organ of the UN;
If, fails to gain a unanimous decision among its five permanent members; they are Russia, China, UK, US and France.
11th, this session is; since 1950 and it came after Moscow; vetoed a resolution tabled before the Security Council, condemning an assault on Ukraine.
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The Soviet Union
“Time ago, 77 years; the Soviet Union demanded and received reparations. Calling it a moral right of a country that has suffered war and occupation.” Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya told the Assembly before voting.
“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.”
The diplomat from Ukraine; wants the world to follow an example set earlier. When it created the UN Compensation Commission (UNCC); in 1991 to force Iraq. To pay for illegally invading Kuwait.
$52 billion in reparations
Payments of over $52 billion had been overseen by the Commission; in reparations to victims by the time it closed this year.
50 nations, approximately; 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.
Ukraine demands Russia; to pay for destruction. Including buildings, bridges and roads. Demolition of power supply lines, displacement of civilians; And killings, besides rape and torture.
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Words of the Russian Diplomat
Vasily Nebenzya, the Russian Diplomat argued; that the Assembly had no powers to rule on legal cases. And punish parties.
“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 said.
“The UN will play no role in this process because the proposed mechanism; is suggested to be created outside of the UN. And no one has any plans to account to the General Assembly for its activity.”