Russia's war of aggression threatens Ukrainian water security: UK statement to the OSCE
Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) says Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is significantly aggravating the problems of sustainable management of water resources.
Mr Chair, first I would like to address the point made on the appropriateness of what has been said today. The topics under discussion, among others, include water and conflict. Despite whatever Orwellian euphemism the perverse Russian leadership might use to describe what they are doing in Ukraine, the fact remains that Russia invaded their sovereign neighbour and started a war. This war has had an effect on water. So it is quite right that we address these issues in this committee.
For the UK the link between water security and conflict is clear. Though rarely the sole reason for conflict, water insecurity, exacerbated by climate change, is destabilising and can contribute to conflict along with other drivers. Water security is also affected by conflict, and the results can disproportionately affect those most vulnerable: for example, children under five in protracted conflict zones are more likely to die as a consequence of unsafe water, than from violence.
Of course, nowhere is the effect of conflict more acutely felt in our region than in Ukraine, where Russia’s military have damaged or destroyed 500 water facilities, inflicting long-term harm on ecosystems, the economy, and the civilians who depend on them.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that damage to infrastructure in Ukraine in 2022 had left 16 million Ukrainian people in need of water, sanitation and hygiene assistance.
Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is significantly aggravating the problems of sustainable management of water resources. The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam is an example among many. The destruction of the dam of the Karachuniv Reservoir caused an estimated 10 million US dollars’ worth of environmental damage, and hundreds of houses were flooded and left without a water supply. Elsewhere, a gate of the Oskil Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in Ukraine, was also destroyed and lost two thirds of its full volume.
As Ukraine is rebuilt into a prosperous and secure nation, we encourage design that reflects best practice in terms of reinstating some natural flow to rivers, for ecological and sediment transport reasons, and building in more climate-resilience measures upstream. As we have seen in Colorado in the US, many dams have been deconstructed as we begin to recognise the value of the natural flow of rivers along with their energy generation or storage ability.
To conclude, as we have heard today, there is evidence that cooperation over water by countries can extend to other areas such as peace, security and prosperity. Using a range of diplomatic, political, technical and financial tools can transform water from a source of dispute to an instrument of cooperation. We believe here is where the OSCE can play an important role.
Thank you.