India abstains on UNGA resolution calling for de-escalation, peaceful resolution of Ukraine war
United Nations, Feb 24 (PTI): India abstained on a UN General Assembly draft resolution that called for a de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine.
The 193-member UN General Assembly voted Monday on the draft resolution ‘Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine’ tabled by Ukraine and its European allies.
The resolution, that was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 65 abstentions and 18 votes against, called for a “de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine, marked by enormous destruction and human suffering, including among the civilian population, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and international law”.
India was among the 65 UN Member States that abstained on the resolution. As the resolution was adopted, the UNGA hall broke into applause with Member States welcoming the adoption of the text.
The resolution comes on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stressing that the war in Ukraine stands as a “grave threat” not only to the peace and security of Europe but also to the very foundations and core principles of the United Nations.
The US also tabled a brief rival resolution ‘The path to peace’ that mourns the tragic loss of life throughout the “Russian Federation-Ukraine” conflict. A draft amendment tabled by France sought to replace “the Russian Federation-Ukraine conflict” in the US-tabled text with “the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation”.
The resolution, as amended, was adopted with 93 votes in favour, 8 against and 73 abstentions. India abstained on the US-tabled resolution.
In proposing the American draft resolution, Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the US Mission to the UN, said multiple UNGA resolutions have demanded that Russia withdraw its forces from Ukraine but those resolutions have failed to stop the war.
“It has now dragged on for far too long, and at far too terrible a cost to the people in Ukraine, in Russia, and beyond,” she said.
Shea said as the world marks the third anniversary of the conflict, the need is for a resolution “marking the commitment from all UN Member States to bring a durable end to the war” and added that the US draft resolution “makes this very point. Our draft implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.”
The UNGA resolution by Ukraine reiterated the urgent need to end the war this year, and to redouble diplomatic efforts to reduce the risks of further escalation and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, consistent with the Charter, including its principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.
It recalled the need for full implementation of its relevant resolutions adopted in response to the aggression against Ukraine, in particular its demand that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and its demand for an immediate cessation of the hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects.
It emphasised the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine through appropriate, fair and independent investigations and prosecutions at the national or international level, and ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.
The resolution reiterated its call for the complete exchange of prisoners of war, the release of all unlawfully detained persons and the return of all internees and of civilians forcibly transferred and deported, including children and also reiterated its call for the immediate cessation of attacks against critical energy infrastructure, which increase the risk of a nuclear accident or incident.
Noting that more than 12,600 civilians have been killed and many more injured in the three years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Guterres reaffirmed the “urgent need for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace – one that fully upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and resolutions of the General Assembly”.
Declaring that “enough is enough”, Guterres said that after three years of death and destruction, “I once again call for urgent de-escalation and an immediate end to the hostilities.”
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UAE ‘Sahebaan’ Family Get-Together brings together over a thousand community members in Dubai
Dr Safwan, Mateen Chilmbi, Shafi Shaban, Iqbal Manna conferred with ‘Sahebaan Excellence Awards’
Dubai: Dubai witnessed a grand and vibrant celebration as UAE ‘Sahebaan’ organised its annual Family Get-Together on January 10, Saturday at the Al Khisais Amity School campus. The day-long event, held from 10 am to 9 pm, brought together families, children and community members in large numbers.
The programme featured a wide range of competitions, entertainment activities and cultural events throughout the day. UAE ‘Sahebaan’, a collective representing the Sahebaan community within the Urdu-speaking Muslim population from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has been consistently organising the Family Get-Together in Dubai every year with great enthusiasm and scale. This year’s event was marked by the participation of over a thousand people, including children and families, making it particularly special.
Sahebaan Excellence Awards presented
As part of the programme, the annual Sahebaan Excellence Awards were presented to individuals who have excelled in various fields. The awards were conferred by chief guests and dignitaries including noted NRI businessman and social worker K.S. Nissar Ahmed, owner of Nash Engineering, Dubai; UAE Sahebaan coordinator H.M. Afroz Assadi; and special guest K.S. Imthiyaz Ahmed, President of KMES Educational Institutions, Karkala.
The Sahebaan Academic Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Safwan Ahmed, a neurologist based in Doha, Qatar. The Sahebaan Business Excellence Award was conferred on Mateen Ahmed Chilmbi, Managing Director of Petrosolutions, Dubai. The Sahebaan Sports Excellence Award was given to Mohammed Shafi Shaban for his contribution to sports promotion, while the Sahebaan Community Service Award was presented to social worker Mohammed Iqbal Manna from Udupi.
On the occasion, K.S. Nisaar Ahmed, H.M. Afroz Assadi and K.S. Imthiyaz Ahmed, Karkala, were also felicitated. Several other eminent personalities were honoured, including Nazimuddin (Nazim) Mohammed, President of Petro Gas Piping, Dubai; Yaseen Malpe, Founder Director of Vartha Bharati; Udupi District Rajyotsava awardee Dr. Sheikh Wahid Dawood; former Jamiat-ul-Falah president Abdul Latheef Saheb; Mumtaz Hussain and Ashfaq Ahmed from Qatar; and Abdul Azeez Udyavar.
Academic Excellence Awards for students
Students from the Sahebaan community residing in the UAE who achieved outstanding academic and sports performance were recognised with Academic Excellence Awards. The awards were presented by H.M. Afroz Assadi along with women organisers Farveen Assadi and Reena Altaf.
Razeena Beg (91%), a native of Vitla studying at Mayoor Private School, Abu Dhabi; Anam Aslam (95.30%), a native of Mangaluru studying at Our Own English High School, Sharjah; Mohammed Ibrahim (90.50%), a native of Udupi studying at GEMS Our Own English High School, Sharjah; Ameerah Qazi Abdul Khader Qazi (96.60%), a native of Gangolli studying at The Central School, Dubai; Simrah Khan Nadeem (91.20%), a native of Mangaluru studying at Al Ameer English School, Ajman; and Nuha Riyaz Khalife from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, a native of Mangaluru, were honoured with the Academic Excellence Award for securing high marks in the 10th standard.
In sports, Mohammed Aiz, a football player from GEMS Legacy School, Dubai, a native of Mangaluru, was congratulated and presented with the Sports Excellence Award by the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
Financial assistance announcement
On the occasion, K.S. Nissar Ahmed announced financial assistance for Sahebaan community students who are unable to pursue higher education after PUC due to economic constraints. He also announced financial support for the marriage of underprivileged girls from the community. This was informed by Althaf M.S. of the Sahebaan community.
Day-long sports and cultural activities
Various sports competitions and recreational activities were organised throughout the day for senior citizens, youngsters, women and children. Participants enthusiastically took part, sharing moments of joy and togetherness.
The event included cooking competitions, quizzes, fun games for all age groups and several entertaining contests that drew large participation. Hundreds took part in these activities, making them a major attraction.
The evening cultural programme began with Quran recitation by Haroon Naveed, followed by an Islamic Nasheed sung by 22 children. A special ‘Teddy & Me’ performance by 16 young children delighted the audience, while a children’s Qawwali performance received warm appreciation. The programme also featured the national anthem, a children’s skit, and prize distribution to winners of various competitions.
Videos highlighting the journey of the Sahebaan organisation and the contributions of K.S. Nissar Ahmed, noted businessman Hidayatullah Abbas, Chairman of the Hidayath Group, and H.M. Afroz Assadi was screened. Gifts and raffle draw prizes were also distributed during the event.
Organisers and anchoring
The event was organised with the support of Alhtaf M.S., Akram, Ajmal Mohammed, Althaf Khalifa, Mohammed Sameeullah, Suhail Kudroli, Mohammed Asif, Nayeem Khan, and women organisers Farveen Assadi, Reena Althaf and Sahar Asif.
Althaf M.S. delivered the welcome address, while Ajmal Mohammed proposed the vote of thanks. The entire day’s programme was smoothly compered by Hisrar Tallani from Mangaluru and Aliya Imtiyaz Khan.
The UAE ‘Sahebaan’ Family Get-Together concluded on a note of unity, celebration and community bonding.
