HRC62 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral presentation on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary General on human rights in Crimea
United Nations Human Rights Council
62nd Session
Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral presentation on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary General on human rights in Crimea
3 July 2026
EU Statement
Mr President,
The EU thanks the High Commissioner for his update.
Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine, since the beginning of Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, with the highest number of civilian casualties recorded in May this year, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission.
The EU expresses deep concern and condemns in the strongest possible terms the deliberate targeting by Russia of Ukrainian civilians, civilian, cultural and energy infrastructure and the increasing number of executions of prisoners of war by the Russian armed forces as well as the systematic and widespread use of torture, including sexual violence, and summary executions of civilian detainees.
We recall that the Commission of Inquiry’s findings over four mandates showed the gravity of violations and crimes has increased over time, including war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia.
Mr. President,
The report by the Secretary-General highlights serious concerns of continuing violations of IHRL and IHL by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including imposition of its laws, forced conscriptions, extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual violence against civilian detainees, inhumane detention conditions, deaths in custody, enforced disappearance, transfer of protected persons, including children and other violations of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights of inhabitants.
The EU condemns these violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Russian armed forces and occupying authorities and is firmly committed to ensuring accountability for all international crimes. EU demands that Russia ceases its aggression, withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We urge Russia to ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
High Commissioner, how can the Council further contribute to the protection of children in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine?