9 July 2024
Mr President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.
Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 Russia has committed atrocities that may amount to war crimes and perpetrated grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
The weaponisation of sexual and gender-based violence and unlawful deportation and transfer of children are among the most appalling crimes committed.
Russia must ensure unhindered access for human rights monitoring mechanisms in this regard.
Persecution of journalists and civil society, politically motivated sentencing, arbitrary detentions, torture, forced conscription - are an unacceptable reality faced by the people of Ukraine.
Russia’s efforts to eradicate Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian language, identity and cultural heritage, through indoctrination and assimilation further expose the imperial nature of its war of aggression.
Russia must be held fully accountable for these human rights violations.
Mr. High Commissioner,
Following up on the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, what instruments do we have to further mobilise international community to bring Ukrainian people back from Russia?