60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Item 10 - Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.
Joint statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia H.E. Ms Baiba Braže.
3 October 2025
President,
I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States. We thank the High Commissioner for the oral update.
Despite efforts by the United States, Ukraine, as well as European and other countries to end Russia’s brutal war of aggression, there is not a single indicator that Russia is genuinely interested in peace. Russia is mocking international peace efforts – while cynically talking about peace, it continues its aggression.
Russia continues to blatantly violate the UN Charter, international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The documentation of Russia’s violations has become increasingly extensive. According to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, Russia has committed war crimes, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity. Russia’s relentless daily aerial bombing, missile and drone attacks continue to kill and injure Ukrainian civilians and to destroy homes, hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructure.
The daily playbook of Russia’s imperial, colonial war includes arbitrary detentions, torture, executions, rape and sexual violence, enforced disappearances, unlawful deportations and forcible transfers. It is alarming to see the continued rise in civilian casualties reaching new records.
Accountability is not optional. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine and for all crimes committed, including for the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, militarization and indoctrination. Russia must immediately ensure their safe return to Ukraine.
We urge all countries to increase support for Ukraine. It is our common interest that the rules-based international order and international law is upheld. International law is clear: there can be no fruits of aggression.
I thank you!