HRC52 - Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

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HRC52 - Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

20.03.2023 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council

52^nd session

Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

20 March 2023

EU Statement

Mr President,

For more than one year now, the international community has borne witness to the devastating consequences of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia's aggression.

The EU thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its report. We are deeply concerned over the growing body of evidence of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and of war crimes. The EU strongly condemns the indiscriminate as well as targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, summary executions, wilful killings, unlawful confinement and detention in inhumane conditions, torture, ill-treatment, rape and other sexual and gender based violence and forcible transfers and deportations, including of children. The report paints a dramatic picture of the situation on the ground and concludes that the attacks on Ukraine's energy-related infrastructure and the use of torture by Russian authorities may amount to crimes against humanity.

Mr. President,

Those responsible for the ongoing grave and massive violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be held accountable. The EU stands firmly with the brave Ukrainians fighting to defend their country and their freedom. We call on Russia to immediately, completely and unconditionally stop its ongoing aggression and fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.The EU has also taken note of the decision of the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber II to issue arrest warrants against two individuals in connection with alleged crimes of unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of children in the context of the situation in Ukraine.

The EU stresses the importance of collecting, preserving and analysing evidence and welcomes the work of the Commission of Inquiry. Renewing the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is a priority for the EU.

Commissioners, what measures should be taken to ensure a fully holistic approach to accountability?

I thank you.