HRC58 - Joint statement - Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine
Human Rights Council – 58th Session
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
Joint Statement Delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine
18 March 2025
Mr. President,
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine’.
Last month marked the grim third anniversary of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This was observed by the General Assembly in a resolution calling for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
Throughout these three years, the Commission has continued to document violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed by Russian authorities. We are alarmed by the findings in the latest report regarding alleged crimes against humanity in the form of enforced disappearances and torture, perpetrated by Russian authorities pursuant to a coordinated state policy. We call on Russia to inform families of the fate and whereabouts of all persons in their custody and provide access to justice. We also call on Russia to return all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
We are also deeply concerned about reports of Russian authorities’ systematic use of sexual violence as a form of torture and urge Russia to take all possible measures to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. We recall the absolute prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment under international law and strongly condemn all reported cases of torture and ill-treatment.
The Group of Friends reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting efforts aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing further crimes. Ending impunity is an essential step towards securing justice for victims and survivors of international crimes. We will continue to work collectively to secure accountability, safeguard human rights, and ensure justice and lasting peace for Ukraine.
Distinguished members of the Commission of Inquiry,
In what ways can we support the accountability agenda to further a sustainable and just peace?
Thank you.
(Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)