STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 51st Session.
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (oral update)
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway.
Check against delivery
23 September 2022
President,
Norway welcomes this update from the Commission of Inquiry and thanks the members for their efforts.
There are shocking reports of grave human rights violations and abuses, and possible war crimes, in areas that have been occupied by Russian forces. The mass graves that have been found recently in Izium and other liberated areas show proof of torture and deliberate killing of civilians. Many civilians have been detained and are still missing. We see clear indications that sexual violence is being used as a tactic of war.
Norway condemns all violations of international humanitarian law and all human rights violations and abuses in the strongest terms.
All possible war crimes and other atrocities must be investigated, and those responsible brought to justice. We welcome the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry to assist in this process.
Norway urges Russia to give international humanitarian actors free access. Civilians must be allowed to evacuate to areas of their own choice.
President, I would like to ask the chair/representative of the Commission of Inquiry what information they have on the situation in the areas currently under occupation, including in the filtration camps.
Thank you.