Kenya condemned racism against Africans running from the war in Ukraine, at border points with neighbouring countries.
Addressing the UNSC on Monday night, February 28, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Martin Kimani spoke against non-discrimination against humanitarian responses as he highlighted the dangers of prejudice against Africans and black people.
He as well pointed out that the crisis in Ukraine should not result in discrimination and acts of racism as widely reported by the media.
"In the unfolding emergency, there have been disturbing reports about the racist treatment of Africans and people of African descent seeking to flee Ukraine. The media is covering these incidents and several states have confirmed that their citizens are suffering such treatment.
"We strongly condemn this racism and believe that it is damaging to the spirit of solidarity that is so urgently needed today. The mistreatment of African people on Europe's borders needs to cease immediately. Whether to the Africans fleeing Ukraine or to those crossing the Mediterranean," Amb Kimani stated.
His sentiments were echoed by Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Richard Mills who noted that such actions had no place in the modern world and at such a time when everyone is seeking safety.
Amb Kimani opened his statement acknowledging the crisis and suffering of the Ukrainian people whose loved ones died in the past weeks.
"The humanitarian suffering in Ukraine is unnecessary and uncalled for. Kenya offers its condolences to the families who have lost loved ones to the conflict in the last few days.
"We regret the mounting casualties, the hundreds of thousands of internally displaced and those who are exiting Ukraine as refugees," he stated.
Further, Amb Kimani thanked the UN for stepping in and providing solutions to the crisis in Ukraine and also acknowledged that countries neighbouring Ukraine had also provided support to Kenyans seeking to move from Ukraine.
"We commend the UN for swiftly stepping in to provide humanitarian assistance. We also commend Ukraine's neighbours for opening their borders to refugees.
"We give a special thank you to Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia for working with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable Kenyan citizens in Ukraine Visa-free entry.
“I urge them to redouble their efforts to crack down on individual officials or units that may be reflecting attitudes and behaviours that are unacceptable,” the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations stated.
