Statement by the delegation of Ukraine

during the interactive dialogue in the 3C UNGA 80^th session

with the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Mr. Volker TÜRK

15 October 2025

 

Chair, 

Ukraine thanks High Commissioner Volker Türk for his briefing and reaffirms its strong support for his mandate in addressing human rights violations worldwide.

We deeply value the work of the OHCHR and the independent mechanisms that uphold our shared commitment to human dignity. In times of war, monitoring and reporting are not abstract exercises — they are lifelines of truth and accountability. They document what should never have happened and help prevent what must never happen again.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Despite operating in dangerous and exhausting conditions, its tireless work continues to provide the world with objective evidence of grave human rights violations resulting from Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. These reports are vital — ensuring that victims are seen and that justice remains within reach.

Russia’s continued aggression inflicts immense and growing suffering across Ukraine. Civilians are killed and injured daily, infrastructure is destroyed, and communities are uprooted. In temporarily occupied territories, grave violations persist with impunity: torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, sexual violence, and the forced deportation of civilians, including children, in blatant violation of international norms.

In this context, the role of the HRMMU remains indispensable. We particularly value its focus on Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees, many of whom endure inhumane conditions in Russia and the temporarily occupied territories.

 We reiterate our call for OHCHR to intensify efforts to secure unhindered, confidential, and regular access to all Ukrainian detainees held in Russian captivity. Such access is essential to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and the fundamental rights of those affected.

Ukraine remains firmly committed to international law, including IHRL and IHL, and stands ready to continue close and transparent cooperation with the OHCHR and HRMMU as we work together to uphold justice, human dignity, and the rule of law.

We are deeply concerned about the impact of the current liquidity crisis on the Office’s work, particularly regarding special procedures, treaty bodies, and investigative mechanisms. When resources shrink, so does the world’s capacity to protect — and the victims awaiting justice pay the highest price. The credibility of the human rights system depends on its ability to act swiftly, independently, and with sufficient means.

Safeguarding the financial sustainability of UN human rights mechanisms is therefore essential. Accountability and protection cannot be allowed to fall victim to budgetary constraints. In the face of aggression, these mechanisms are not luxuries — they are the backbone of the international system that defends truth, justice, and humanity itself.

Thank you.