STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 46th Session.
ID on the oral presentation on the findings of the periodic reports of OHCHR on the situation of human rights in Ukraine HRC res. 41.5)
Statement delivered by Minister-Counsellor Ms Anniken ENERSEN
Check against delivery
22 March 2021
Madam President,
Norway thanks the High Commissioner for her report and urges all parties to implement the recommendations.
The Covid-19 pandemic has added to the hardships faced by the population in the conflict-affected areas. We call on those responsible to open the crossing points on the line of contact.
In areas under government control fewer cases of conflict-related detention and torture have been reported. We urge the government to step up its efforts to prevent all police violence and ill-treatment of detainees.
In areas not under government control, incommunicado detention, torture and ill-treatment are still a serious concern. International human rights monitors must be given unimpeded access to all places of detention. Furthermore, the establishment of Russian as the official language in educational institutions hinders the right to education for Ukrainian-speakers.
We call on Russia, as the occupying power in Crimea, to allow the registration and religious activities of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, as well as other religious communities, including the Crimean Tatars. Russia must also stop deporting Ukrainian citizens and transferring detainees to prisons in Russia.
Could the High Commissioner give more information on the conditions for freedom of expression in territory not under government control?
I Thank you