51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
ITEM 4 - ID with Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (oral update)
Nordic – Baltic Statement. Delivered by Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto
23 September 2022
Chairperson,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Commission of Inquiry for the important update.
The reported international law violations escape any reasoning. Indiscriminate attacks affecting civilians, deliberate attacks on schools, forced deportations and rapes are not only a source of deep concern. These violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The mass graves discovered in Izyum are deeply shocking. Reports of trials of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in filtration camps are alarming.
We need to investigate. We strongly support the mandate’s crucial contribution on ensuring accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
We need to hold Russia accountable. Its warfare against civilians is not collateral damage. Russia must immediately end its aggression.
We are gravely concerned on the disproportionate impact on children, women, elderly and persons with disabilities.
Russia must grant full and safe access for humanitarian actors and allow safe passage for civilians who wish to leave.
Our support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains firm.
Chair, how can the Commission collaborate with other ongoing investigative efforts, including the ICC?
Thank you.