Human Rights Council – 63nd Session
Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the Aggression against Ukraine
21.09.2026
It is an honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability’ who closely follow Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine.
The Commission of Inquiry here today confronts us once more with objective evidence of Russia’s blatant disregard for international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
We remain deeply appalled by the magnitude and gravity of the reported violations and their humanitarian consequences, including Russia’s large-scale attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, leaving Ukrainians without heating, energy and water for the coming winter. Furthermore, we are alarmed by the disturbing accounts of serious violations committed against children by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We call for the immediate and unconditional return of all transferred and deported Ukrainian children, and for their prompt reunification with their families or legal guardians.
We reiterate our unwavering commitment to supporting efforts aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice and preventing further crimes in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including the ICC investigation. In 2025, the legal foundation for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the International Claims Commission was laid. The Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee for the Special Tribunal was adopted in May 2026. We encourage all States to continue engaging with these accountability mechanisms.
We will continue to work collectively to uphold accountability and to ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, in line with international law, including the UN Charter.
Chair, how could the international community more effectively advance accountability for international crimes and violations committed in the context of Russia’s war of aggression in and against Ukraine?
Thank you.