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UN political hypocrisy – as multi-million dollar purchases continue from a blacklisted Russia – Global issues

  • by Thalif Deen (United Nation)
  • Joint press service

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the Russians for claiming the military invasion was “a violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty – and inconsistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter”.

The White House announced last week that the United States and its allies would remove some Russian banks from the major international banking system, a key step in efforts to cripple Russia’s economy.

Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court in The Hague, has announced plans to launch a war crimes investigation into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But despite the fact that Russia is politically and economically isolated as an international country, the United Nations Secretariat continues its relationship with Russian companies — purchasing goods and services , mainly related to air transport, information and communication technology (ICT) and food. catering, mostly for 12 UN peacekeeping missions.

The approved budget for UN Peacekeeping operations for the fiscal year 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022 is a staggering $6.38 billion. (A/C.5/75/25) —And payments to Russian contractors will largely come from this budget.

An equally valid question is: How will the UN pay for these purchases and services when Russians have been barred from most international banking systems.

Last week, the US, Canada and Europe tightened financial restrictions on Russia with a new ban aimed at blocking seven Russian banks from using SWIFT, the global messaging system that allows banking transactions. The move is intended to disrupt Russia’s ability to do business across borders.

According to the latest available data, United Nations purchases from Russia amount to about $132.3 million in 2020, of which Moscow ranks as the fifth largest supplier after the UAE, the United States, Kenya and the United States. Switzerland.

The UN also has commercial links with Russia’s largest helicopter operator, UTair – Helicopter Services, described as a leading supplier of aviation services to companies in the fuel and energy industries, with the United Nations.

There are also rumors that some of the contracting companies have connections with Russian oligarchs and high-ranking political officials, who have been crippled by US and Western European sanctions.

But apparently not at the United Nations. One Asian diplomat described it as the “absolute political hypocrisy” of the UN.

The United Nations supplier breakdown is as follows:

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on February 25 that the United States is inflicting unprecedented costs on President Putin and those around him for their brutal and unprovoked attacks on people. Ukrainian people.

He added: “We stand united with our allies and partners in our commitment to ensure that the Russian government pays a heavy economic and diplomatic price for its invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign state. and democracy”.

The head of the UN’s Department of Operations Support, meanwhile, did not respond to two messages – seeking comment on the UN’s continued economic and trade relationship with Russia.

But Farhan Haque, deputy spokesman for the United Nations, was more standard when he told IPS: “What we can say is if specific UN sanctions are imposed on the Russian Federation. , or sanctions against a particular company or their principal will affect their ability. to do, then of course we will comply. ”

However, the UN sets out strict rules and guidelines for the ethical conduct of suppliers and contractors. But the violation of a state’s sovereignty and the aggression of a member state are not part of those rules.

According to United Nations guidelines, suppliers and contractors must comply United Nations Supplier Code of Conduct and General conditions of the contractespecially provisions on sexual exploitation, child labor, discrimination, working conditions and harassment.

The United Nations Procurement Division also reminds the United Nations supplier community, that as a registered UN supplier “you have accepted the Supplier Code of Conduct of the United Nations, reflecting the core values ​​enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations” the charter is clearly not a reason for expulsion.

Meanwhile, the killing continued. As of March 3, more than 250 people were killed and more than 550 wounded in continued attacks by Russian military forces inside Ukraine.

The United Nations has warned that while the scale and extent of displacement is unclear, it is expected that more than 10 million people will be displaced if the violence continues, including 4 million that could be displaced. border to neighboring countries caused a major humanitarian crisis in Europe.


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© Inter Press Service (2022) – All rights reservedOrigin: Inter Press Service

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