Draft resolution of the UN General Assembly requires Russia to pay reparations to Ukraine

The UN General Assembly has scheduled a vote on Monday on a resolution calling for Russia to be held accountable for violating international law in its invasion of Ukraine, including through the payment of reparations.

The draft resolution, obtained by the Associated Press, recognizes the need for an “international reparations mechanism to compensate for damage, loss or harm” resulting from Russia’s “wrongdoing” against Ukraine.

The document recommends that the assembly’s 193 member states create, in cooperation with Ukraine, an “international register” to document claims and information about damage, loss or harm to Ukrainians and the government caused by Russia.

Russia, which has veto power in the Security Council, blocked all attempts by the UN’s most powerful body to take action after President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine on February 24.

However, the General Assembly has no veto power and has already passed four resolutions condemning the Russian invasion.

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they reflect the opinion of the world community and have shown widespread opposition to Russian military action.

The proposed resolution was co-sponsored by Canada, Guatemala, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

General Assembly spokeswoman Polina Kubiak said on Tuesday there would be no debate on the draft resolution, but countries could clarify their position before or after the assembly makes a decision.

The draft resolution reaffirms the General Assembly’s commitment to Ukraine’s “sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity” and reiterates the demand for Russia to immediately “cease the use of force against Ukraine” and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.

The document also expresses “serious concern about the loss of life, the displacement of civilians, the destruction of infrastructure and natural resources, the loss of public and private property, and the economic disaster caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

He also refers to the General Assembly resolution adopted on 16 December 2005 entitled “Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law”.