STATEMENT
Oral presentation by the High Commissioner on the findings of the OHCHR periodic report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine
(Geneva, 15 December 2021, 10 a.m.)
Norway’s statement as delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway
Check against delivery
15 December 2021
Madam President,
Norway thanks the High Commissioner for her report and urges all parties to follow up her findings and recommendations.
We are deeply concerned by the grave violations of human rights in the areas not controlled by the government. In Crimea, Crimean Tatars continue to be arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned without a fair trial. The High Commissioner reports cases of incommunicado detention, torture, and ill-treatment. We call on the Russian Federation, as the occupying power, to respect international human rights standards.
Norway regrets the increase in civilian casualties and damage to civilian property, caused by the escalation of hostilities in the conflict zone.
In non-government-controlled areas in Donetsk and Luhansk the restrictions on crossing the contact line place additional burdens on the civilian population. Norway urges Russia to ensure that the armed formations open the crossing points, stop the forced recruitment of men, put an end to arbitrary detention, and allow access of the UN and other international monitors to places of detention.
While the situation in areas not controlled by the government is most concerning, we also urge the government of Ukraine to investigate all attacks on journalists and ensure a safe environment for independent media.
Thank you,
Madam President.