63rd session of the Human Rights Council
Item 8: Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration
and Programme of Action
JOINT STATEMENT
on the human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territory
of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the
city of Sevastopol, Ukraine
30 September 2026
Version to be delivered
Mr. President,
This statement is delivered on behalf of __ states.
We recall the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which reaffirms the need for effective international measures to protect the human rights of people under occupation. These principles were reiterated at the Sixth Summit of the International Crimea Platform on 23 September.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
No territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as legal.
We strongly condemn Russia’s recent so-called State Duma “elections” conducted in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.
We condemn human rights violations, including unlawful detention, torture, enforced disappearances as well as deportation and forcible transfer, illegal adoption, indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children, and call for their safe and unconditional return.
We reaffirm the urgent need to protect Ukrainians, the Crimean Tatar people and other Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine and their cultural and religious heritage.
The international community must not allow occupation, repression and forced assimilation to become normalized.
We demand that Russia cease its aggression and withdraw all its troops from Ukraine. Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity is essential for protecting human rights.
I thank you.