55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
Statement delivered by: H.E. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Mr Margus Tsahkna on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
18 March 2024
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry and commend its efforts to document evidence to ensure that the Russian authorities are held accountable for violations of international human rights law and of international humanitarian law, as well as associated international crimes, including war crimes, in the context of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
Your latest report provides, once again, unambiguous evidence of indiscriminate attacks and deliberate killings of Ukrainian civilians, as attacks on Ukrainian homes, hospitals, schools, childcare facilities and critical and civilian infrastructure continue.
Russia’s documented widespread illegal detentions and systematic use of torture against both civilians and prisoners of war are horrific. Furthermore, the Russian authorities’ unlawful deportation and forced transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia, within occupied territories, and to Belarus, may constitute war crimes. We strongly condemn the separation of children from families and legal guardians, and any change of children’s personal status, illegal adoption or placement in foster families, and efforts to indoctrinate them.
We must ensure that Russia is held accountable for its violations of international law. The investigations must continue until full accountability and justice are ensured.
Mr. Møse, what more can we collectively do to ensure comprehensive accountability for all atrocity crimes?
I thank you