HRC61 - EU General Comment - Item 4/ L.25
UN Human Rights Council
61st Session – Item 4
Resolution L.25 – General Comment
Situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from
the Russian aggression
EU General Comment
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU Member States that are members of the Council. This general comment has been agreed by the EU as a whole.
The European Union has actively engaged in outreach and aimed to maintain support for this resolution renewing the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry.
Indeed, we are convinced that this Council should maintain its support to this mandate, as remain gravely concerned over the growing body of evidence of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. According to the Commission of Inquiry, Russian armed forces have committed crimes against humanity, including murder, and war crimes, including deliberate targeting of civilians.
The EU expresses its deepest concern about Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population.. The EU continues to condemn in the strongest terms the use of torture, and other forms of ill-treatment, including conflict-related sexual violence, as well as summary executions of POWs and civilian detainees. We reiterate our call on Russia to end the unlawful practice of child deportation and forcible transfer, which - according to the Commission of Inquiry - constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity, to stop the illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children and to ensure their immediate and safe return to Ukraine.
We commend Ukraine for conducting open and transparent negotiations.
Mr. President,
The EU demands that Russia cease its aggression, withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. We also demand that Russia fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Defending the UN Charter means speaking out when it is violated.
Calling this resolution to a vote and voting against it does not contribute to resolving the conflict. On the contrary, voting against this resolution could give the impression of trying to shield the perpetrator from scrutiny and oppose avenues for accountability to the victims of human rights violations.
Mr. President,
For all these reasons, in case it is not possible for the Council to adopt resolution L.17. by consensus and a vote is called, the EU Member States who are members of the Council will be voting YES and call on others to do the same.
Thank you.