Statement by the delegation of Ukraine during general discussion under agenda item 71 of the Third Committee of the 79th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (October 22, 2024)

Madame Chair,

Ukraine remains fully committed to the United Nations' efforts in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are universal, indivisible, interdependent, equal, and non-discriminatory. We firmly believe that the UN’s interconnected and mutually reinforcing pillars—peace and security, development, and human rights—form the essential foundation for a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world. In this regard, we welcome the adoption of the Pact for the Future with strong references to human rights, it will help us to advance efforts towards ensuring full enjoyment of human rights for all.

We strongly support the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in addressing violations globally, including those committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine. We underscore the vital role of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms in preventing impunity.

In this context, the work of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is of paramount importance. Its mandate to investigate, document, and establish the facts and circumstances of violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by the Russian Federation in the course of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine is critical to ensuring accountability.

Chair,

Next month, the world will mark a somber and tragic milestone—1,000 days since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That’s 1,000 days of devastation, 1,000 days of death and suffering inflicted by Russia on the Ukrainian people. Russian military continue their relentless attacks on civilians, erasing Ukrainian towns and villages, and targeting critical infrastructure. These acts have catastrophic consequences not only for millions of Ukrainians but also far beyond our borders.

Daily, indiscriminate missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities result in the loss of innocent lives and extensive damage, violating fundamental rights—the right to life, liberty, security, and an adequate standard of living. Russia's deliberate destruction of medical and educational facilities violates the rights to health and education. Moreover, the torture and killing of prisoners of war, the arbitrary detention of civilians, and the abduction of children amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

On September 23, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine presented new evidence of widespread and systematic torture by Russian authorities against Ukrainian civilians and POWs. These acts of torture follow consistent patterns across different locations, indicating a coordinated and officially sanctioned practice. The Commission has considered the documented acts amounted to a crime against humanity. 

In addition, currently, over 280 political prisoners remain in Russian custody, 212 of whom are Crimean Tatars. They are often held in inhumane conditions and denied proper medical care. 

With tens of thousands of Ukrainians remaining in Russian captivity, including POWs, civilians, men, and women, it is imperative that we use all available means to protect and rescue these individuals from the horrors they endure daily. 

The UN human rights machinery must strengthen its efforts to demand the Russian Federation to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. This includes ensuring the safe return of all Ukrainian children, including orphans and those without parental care, who have been forcibly and illegally held by Russia.

Russia’s deliberate attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain storage facilities obstruct Ukrainian grain supplies to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, denying their right to food—an act of ruthless cynicism by the aggressor.

Given the severity of these violations, there is an undeniable need for accountability. Ukraine remains resolute in its commitment to holding Russia accountable for all the crimes it has committed. We call on all our partners to intensify efforts to ensure that perpetrators and their commanders face justice.

Russia’s war against Ukraine has created a dire human rights crisis. It is therefore essential to maintain an independent, effective human rights monitoring presence. Our collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is a testament to this commitment. We strongly support the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission’s ongoing, objective, and credible oversight of the situation in Ukraine, including in temporarily occupied territories, to prevent further abuses and ensure accountability.

Thank you.