UN Human Rights Council 45: Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Ukraine.
UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French's statement during the oral update on the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Ukraine.
Madam President,
The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for her update and welcomes the 30th report of the OHCHR Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the report on Administration of Justice in Conflict-Related Cases.
The reports of detainees, held by the so-called ‘Donetsk people’s republic’ and ‘Luhansk people’s republic’ in eastern Ukraine, being subjected to ill-treatment and sexual violence, are deeply concerning. We call on Russia to use its significant influence over the de-facto authorities and end this appalling treatment.
Russia’s continued crackdown on freedom of religion or belief in Crimea is unacceptable. Their application of anti-extremist laws and sanctions on those who attempt to practice their faith must stop.
Approximately 101 Ukrainian political prisoners remain in unlawful detention in Crimea and Russia, subject to torture, ill-treatment and denial of medical care. The 16 September sentencing of seven Crimean Tatar activists is deplorable, and we are particularly worried that Volodomyr Dudka and Viktor Shur remain without urgent medical care.
We call on Russia to end its campaign of politically motivated persecutions and release all Ukrainian political prisoners immediately.
Madam High Commissioner,
What more can the international community do to ensure protection of detainees from ill-treatment and COVID-19 in line with relevant WHO recommendations?
Thank you.