The Sovereign Order of Malta\u2019s permanent missions to the United Nations in New York has joined the condemnation of Ukraine\u2019s invasion, calling the international community to support the millions of refugees fleeing the country while the Russian troops advance on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Order of Malta has observed with great sadness and regret the ongoing conflict which has impacted the lives of so many citizens of Ukraine, and which is currently creating an unprecedented flow of refugees seeking peace and security across their nation\u2019s borders\u201d, said the Counsellor of the Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York Fra\u2019 Nicola Tegoni, participating in the debate on the situation in Ukraine within the General Assembly. The special emergency session of the General Assembly was convened on 2 March at the request of the Security Council, becoming the first such case since 1982.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appeal to nations of good will to appreciate the trauma experienced by all refugees\u201d \u2013 said Fra\u2019 Nicola Tegoni \u2013 and we appeal to countries who are receiving refugees to extend the same welcome they are offering Ukrainians to those of other national and ethnic groups who have been caught in this conflict and who are seeking security\u201d.<\/p>\n
In his speech he recalled the ongoing relief work offered by the Order\u2019s relief corps over the past years and in particular since the outbreak of the conflict: \u201cOur staff and volunteers in major population centers within Ukraine continue to provide assistance as much as is feasible given the security and safety problems\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are coordinating our activities with international aid agencies, such as the Red Cross and the UNHCR \u2013 said the Order of Malta representative \u2013 and are engaged in an international fund-raising program to ensure that adequate resources continue to be available for the support and maintenance of those in need. We were encouraged that the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva will be holding a debate on human rights in Ukraine later this week.\u00a0 Representatives from our government will be participating in this important discussion\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Order of Malta is on the frontline to provide aid to the refugees fleeing Ukraine. Relief and volunteer corps are active in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania as well as in the Ukrainian territory. Tens of thousands of volunteers plus medical teams from Malteser International, the Order of Malta worldwide relief service, are distributing food and drink, caring for the victims, providing counseling and emotional support and assisting in the securing of short-term accommodation.<\/p>\n
The Sovereign Order of Malta’s full statement on the Ukraine conflict:<\/p>\n