Remarks by the delegation of Ukraine

during the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression 

(22 October 2025)

Distinguished Chair,

Ukraine expresses its gratitude to the Special Rapporteur for her briefing and report.

We would also like to draw attention to the recent Report by the Secretary-General A/80/315 on the situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. The report underscores the blatant violations of international human rights law committed by the Russian occupying authorities, including infringements on the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

From the outset of its temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories since 2014, Russia has implemented a consistent policy of restricting the freedom of opinion and expression. This includes arbitrary and unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances of Ukrainian citizens under fabricated charges of “extremism”, dismantling free and independent local media, executing and silencing journalists, limiting access to Internet websites and media outlets, and deliberate interference in private life and communications of Ukrainian citizens.

Almost two weeks ago, the Russian forces deliberately killed a French journalist Antoni Lallican, and seriously injured his Ukrainian colleague Hrehoriy Ivanchenko, in the East of Ukraine. This is a stark reminder of the grave risks faced by Ukrainian and international journalists conveying the truth about the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

Freedom of opinion and expression are the foundations of democracy, even amidst war. We must ensure that journalists can work safely and without persecution, and that any person should be able to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Ukraine calls for the increased attention to human rights violations committed by the Russian occupying authorities, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. We also encourage the Special Rapporteur to highlight this matter in their reports.

Thank you.