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Statement by the delegation of Ukraine on introducing draft resolution A/C.3/79/L.44 “Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol”

20 November 2024

Chair,

I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution “Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol” contained in document L.44.

Yesterday marked a grim milestone: 1,000 days since the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These 1,000 days have brought unimaginable devastation, suffering, and loss of life. Yet, we must not lose sight of the fact that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has endured for over a decade—precisely 3,926 days.

Throughout this time, Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation have been turned into zones of lawlessness and repression. Reports from the United Nations and other international monitors confirm Russia’s widespread and systematic commission of gross human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including summary executions, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and inhumane treatment of detainees and prisoners of war.

Ukraine uses every available means to protect its people and secure their release from Russian captivity, and this resolution remains a powerful tool with tangible results. For instance, Nariman Dzhelyal, First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis, whose name was highlighted in previous resolutions, was freed from Russian detention this June.

With the presented draft resolution, we once again demand that Russia immediately and unconditionally release all remaining detainees, including prisoners of war, civilians, political prisoners, and Crimean Tatars. It also calls for the safe return of thousands of forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian children, including orphans and those deprived of parental care.

Additionally, this resolution empowers the UN to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories, providing a crucial mechanism for accountability.

For all these reasons, it is essential that this Committee sends a clear message to the aggressor: the international community is documenting its crimes, and these violations will not go unpunished.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the 46 Member States that have co-sponsored this draft and urge all responsible Member States to vote YES for its adoption.

Thank you.