Statement by the delegation of Ukraine 

on agenda item 66: report of Human Rights Council 

31 October 2025

President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity.

I would like to express my delegation’s sincere appreciation to the President of the Human Rights Council H.E. Jürg Lauber, for his effective leadership in steering the Council’s work through a particularly challenging year - marked by both new and ongoing human rights violations and abuses, as well as significant budgetary constraints resulting from the United Nations’ current liquidity and financial crisis.

This past year, the UN Human Rights Council once again operated under the shadow of Russia’s relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. While the Council gathered to address global human rights challenges, for the people of Ukraine, there has not been a single day free from air raid sirens or the grief of new losses.

Once again, the Russian Federation has abused the Council as a platform for spreading false narratives and disinformation — attempting to distort reality through its familiar “aggressor blames the victim” rhetoric. Such manipulative discourse seeks to mask Kremlin-sanctioned intolerance and divert attention from Russia’s ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. All efforts by Russia to misuse this forum to justify its aggression or occupation must be firmly rejected.

We highly value the contribution of the Human Rights Council and its Special Procedures in addressing the grave human rights situation in Ukraine caused by Russia’s war of aggression. Their vital role in monitoring, investigating, and advocating for human rights makes them an indispensable pillar of the international human rights system — and a living embodiment of the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We welcome the adoption of two HRC resolutions on Ukraine. The renewal of the Commission of Inquiry ensures the continued documentation of Russia’s atrocities and progress toward accountability, while the continuation of thematic dialogues keeps the truth visible and the victims’ voices heard.

We also appreciate the consensual adoption of the resolution on prevention. This encouraging step reflects our shared commitment to early action in response to emerging human rights crises.

Ukraine fully supports the ongoing rationalization of the Council’s work. Efficiency must serve effectiveness. Ukraine has already put this principle into practice — conducting early consultations with OHCHR on Preliminary Budgetary Implications and transitioning three out of four of our HRC resolutions to biennial or triennial cycles. These steps demonstrate that we are not only advocating rationalization — we are implementing it.

At the same time, we are concerned about the tendency to further shorten HRC sessions and limit time for interventions. While streamlining is important, it should not come at the expense of meaningful dialogue or restrict the participation of states, victims, and civil society.

We remain deeply worried about the liquidity crisis affecting the OHCHR, which jeopardizes the ability of the entire human rights system to function effectively. It is essential that the Office receives adequate resources to fulfil its vital mandates. Reducing funding for them — especially under the pretext of financial constraints — is unacceptable when viable alternatives for austerity exist. No country should be allowed to evade scrutiny of its human rights obligations. We urge that funding decisions do not undermine the mechanisms that protect these rights.

President, distinguished delegates, 

Despite all challenges, Ukraine continues to uphold its obligations under international law and the UN Charter.

Even in the face of ongoing aggression, we remain deeply committed to the protection, promotion, and advancement of human rights across the globe.

In this spirit, Ukraine has presented its candidature for membership in the Human Rights Council for the term 2027–2029, and we respectfully seek the support of all Member States. As a country that has experienced first-hand the grave consequences of massive and systematic human rights violations resulting from Russia’s aggression, Ukraine brings to the Council a unique perspective, moral authority, and a profound sense of responsibility.

We stand ready to work constructively with all partners to strengthen the effectiveness, integrity, and credibility of the Human Rights Council and to advance the universal cause of human dignity, freedom, and justice worldwide.

We hope that the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly will continue to work together to address Russia’s grave human rights violations, which demand the attention of the entire UN system.

At a time when the very foundations of the international human rights system are being tested, we must ensure that truth, accountability, and justice prevail.

Thank you.