STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 50th Session.
Item 2 - Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Mariupol (Ukraine)
(HRC res. S-34/1)
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway.
Check against delivery
16 June 2022
Mr President,
Norway thanks the High Commissioner for her report, which confirms the terrible human rights situation in Mariupol.
Norway is appalled by the scale of destruction in this city.
The Russian aggression has caused unknown numbers of deaths and injuries.
Their use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in populated areas causes great harm to civilians.
There are credible reports of unlawful killings, including summary executions.
Russia has refused evacuation of civilians to territory controlled by the Ukrainian government, and many have reportedly been forcibly displaced to Russia or areas controlled by Russian forces.
Civilians must be allowed to return safely to territory controlled by Ukraine.
In all areas occupied by Russian forces, there are shocking reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture and conflict-related sexual violence.
Russia must stop its violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Ukraine. It must stop its aggression and withdraw its forces from Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Thank you.