UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement for Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and the UN, Simon Manley.
Thank you, Commissioners, for your update which as ever is all the more shocking and compelling for its sobriety and precision
As you make clear, Russia continues to commit appalling atrocities against the Ukrainian people.
It’s indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets have intensified dramatically. August and July saw the highest number of civilian casualties in 2024.
Thousands of deported Ukrainian children remain in Russia. We will not know the exact number or whereabouts of these children until Russia shares this information.
Your update only reinforces the already overwhelming evidence of the systematic and widespread use of torture against Ukrainian detainees, including sexual violence. We have also seen reports of POWs being executed in the most barbaric manner.
Three volunteers from the International Committee of the Red Cross were tragically killed in Donetsk this month.
Soon we will mark two years since Russia’s attempted annexation of four oblasts in eastern Ukraine. Those living under Russian occupation in these regions have endured violence, Russification, and the suppression of their Ukrainian identity.
Russia must be accountable both for specific atrocities and its act of aggression. From the battlefield to the courtroom, the UK stands with Ukraine.
Commissioners, what more can be done to protect communities in Ukraine ahead of a worsening humanitarian situation this Winter, exacerbated by Russia’s ongoing strikes to critical energy infrastructure?
Updates to this page
Last updated 23 September 2024 + show all updates
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Closing lines of statement have been added.
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First published.