EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine

Chair, 

The EU is deeply concerned over the increasing number of civilians killed and injured, and deliberate campaign against civilian infrastructure. According to the CoI, Russian armed forces perpetrated war crimes by intentionally directing such attacks against civilians, and by deportations and transfers of civilians. 

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the atrocities committed, including arbitrary detentions, unlawful deportations, forcible transfers, torture, sexual and gender-based violence and summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian detainees. 

We note with grave concerns that, according to the CoI reports, 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. 

We call on Russia to end the unlawful practice of child deportation, forcible transfer and illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children and to ensure their immediate and safe return to Ukraine. We call on Russia to stop the militarisation and indoctrination of Ukrainian minors and youth as per recent OHCHR reports.

The EU encourages further efforts to ensure accountability for all international crimes and human rights violations and abuses stemming from the Russian war of aggression.

We remain committed 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 achieving such peace. It is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace. We demand Russia to cease 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. The EU joins Ukraine and international partners in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire. 

Commissioner, what more can the international community do to protect human rights of Ukrainian people while relentless intentional attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure continue?