Remarks by the delegation of Ukraine

during the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context

(17 October 2025)

Distinguished Chair,

Ukraine expresses its sincere gratitude to the Special Rapporteur for the insightful report. We fully share the concern that the deliberate mass destruction of homes during armed conflicts constitutes a distinct crime under international criminal law and represents an attempt to seize land and undermine the right to self-determination and sovereignty.

In Ukraine, this right is being constantly challenged by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The aggressor state has completely obliterated entire cities, leaving almost no civilian buildings standing. Those that remain are severely damaged and uninhabitable. According to Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, over 236,000 civilian infrastructure facilities have been destroyed or damaged, including more than 191,000 residential buildings, 257 religious sites, and 9,500 water and electricity networks. More than 300,000 homes have been reduced to rubble, while millions more remain inaccessible to their residents due to temporary occupation.

Russia must be held accountable for these deliberate crimes. Ukraine continues to develop a comprehensive system of accountability, including a special compensation mechanism with the Register of Damage as its first step, to ensure reparations for victims and the restoration of justice.

We call on all Member States to support Ukraine’s efforts to uphold the right to adequate housing and an adequate standard of living for all, and to ensure that accountability and dignity prevail over impunity and destruction.

Thank you.