EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly: Before the vote on the resolution on human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol

Chair, 

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, as well as San Marino align themselves with this statement.

The European Union thanks Ukraine for presenting this important resolution that draws urgent attention to the unacceptable human rights violations and abuses committed by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, in the context of its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. 

We note with grave concern that, according to the reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the Russian authorities have acted pursuant to a coordinated state policy and have therefore committed crimes against humanity, including by systematic and widespread use of torture and enforced disappearances. 

In its latest report, it highlights that the modus operandi of the Russian military forces is to intentionally target civilians and civilian objects and cause harm and destruction. The findings of the Commission suggest that these actions amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Commission has further concluded that Russian authorities have coordinated actions to deport or transfer civilians from areas under their control, which amounts to war crimes.

No crime can remain unnoticed and unpunished. We are firmly committed to ensuring full accountability for all international crimes and human rights violations committed by Russia during its war of aggression against Ukraine and remain committed to victims’ rights to justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition. 

The EU and its Member States remain steadfast in their commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We expect the same from all members of this Assembly. 

We demand that Russia ceases its aggression and withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine immediately, completely and unconditionally. 

The EU and its Member States remain steadfast in our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and welcome all efforts towards that end. 

Therefore, EU Member States will vote YES to Resolution L33, and respectfully ask other delegations to do so as well.

Thank you.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.