CANZ Statement on A/80/L.73: Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia under Agenda Item 33. Protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and their implications for international peace, security and development
Statement by H.E. Beth Delaney, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
4 June 2026
President,
I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand, and my own country, Australia.
CANZ is pleased to co-sponsor Georgia’s draft resolution on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region, South Ossetia, Georgia, document A/80/L.73.
We encourage all Member States to support this resolution, which addresses a global challenge in the areas of humanitarian assistance and human rights.
Globally, CANZ recognises the right of displaced people to a safe, voluntary, dignified, and unhindered return to their homes, in accordance with international law.
CANZ also considers that forced demographic changes prohibited under international law are unacceptable.
Within Georgia, we strongly support the rights of those people displaced from Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia to return to their homes safely.
We echo the Secretary-General’s call, expressed in his most recent report on the situation for all participants to engage constructively with the Geneva International Discussions.
We also call for unimpeded access to be granted to UN staff and international NGO staff working within Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
We call for the protection of democratic principles and values in Georgia, support the freedoms of expression and assembly for all Georgians, and urge that those responsible for violence against individuals peacefully exercising their rights be held accountable.
CANZ unequivocally supports the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
Finally, CANZ calls out Russia for its role in creating instability in Georgia. Russia has consistently carried out acts of aggression against its neighbours, including its unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, which CANZ categorically condemns.
CANZ reiterates its support for the UN Charter and for the territorial integrity and political independence of all UN member states.
Thank you.