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Madam Vice President,
Norway commends the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in monitoring the human rights situation in Ukraine. We welcome Ukraine’s cooperation with the OHCHR and encourage all parties to implement its recommendations.
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has a significant impact on the people who live near the Line of Contact. Norway urges all parties to take measures to protect civilians. This includes avoiding placing military equipment near populated areas, improving conditions at the crossing points and refraining from using landmines.
We call on the de-facto authorities in the self-proclaimed republics to release all persons who are arbitrarily detained, allow access of the OHCHR to detainees and stop the practice of “preventive arrest”. All detainees must be treated in accordance with international standards.
Norway strongly supports the recommendations of the OHCHR to Ukrainian authorities to condemn all acts of violence and promptly, impartially and efficiently investigate all violent attacks against media professionals, civic and political activists, human rights defenders, political parties and defence lawyers. Protecting civic space by ensuring accountability and putting an end to impunity is crucial for Ukraine’s further reform.
The human rights situation in Crimea is particularly difficult, not least for Crimean Tatars. We urge the Russian Federation to uphold freedom of expression and assembly, and respect freedom of religion or belief. International monitoring mechanisms must be granted unimpeded access to Crimea.
Thank you.