52 session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 4 - Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
Statement of the Republic of Lithuania, on behalf of Nordic-Baltic countries delivered by the by Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs H. E. Dr. Mantas Adomėnas
20 March 2023
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.
The brutality of the Russian armed forces is shocking. For more than one year indiscriminate killings of Ukrainian civilians, deliberate attacks on schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure have been daily occurrences in Ukraine. Russian soldiers continue to demonstrate unimaginable cruelty by perpetrating summary executions, torture and conflict-related sexual violence.
Furthermore, the Russian authorities at all levels engage in forced transfers and deportations of children from Ukrainian territory to Russia and Russian occupied territory, and their illegal adoption there. We condemn these practices in the strongest possible terms and call for immediate return of all Ukrainian children to their homes.
The findings of the Commission of Inquiry are objective and impartial as opposed to Russia’s deliberate disinformation and propaganda. Its findings give us even stronger impetus to take decisive action as it concludes that numerous of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as war crimes, were committed.
There can be no impunity for violations of international law. The investigations must continue until full accountability is ensured. We strongly support the Commission’s crucial role in that regard.
Mr. Møse, how could we make sure that the international community remains well informed about the violations happening in Ukraine? And how could we further strengthen your mandate in order to support the overall accountability effort?
I thank you.