Mme. Chair,
Norway has aligned itself with the statement made by the European Union. However, allow me to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine represents a blatant violation of the most fundamental principles of international law. The invasion of a sovereign state is a clear breach of Article 2-4 of the UN Charter, and of the Helsinki Final Act. Ukraine has the inherent right to defend itself, and Norway stands firmly with Ukraine—not only in solidarity with its people, but in defence of the rules-based international order.
The latest OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism documents how Russian Federation has engaged in widespread and systematic violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law in its treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and that these violations may constitute war crimes and, in some cases, arguably, crimes against humanity.
We strongly condemn these violations and, in line with the recommendations of the report, we call on the Russian Federation to immediately recognise that members of the Ukrainian armed forces detained qualify as POWs, cease arbitrary executions and all forms of torture or ill-treatment against Ukrainian POWs, ensure humane detention conditions and grant the ICRC full and unfettered access to all detention facilities.
We are also gravely concerned about the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children. Russia goes beyond conventional warfare in its exploitation of vulnerable Ukrainian children. As revealed in the report of the Moscow mechanism on the “Forcible Transfer and Deportation of Ukrainian Children to the Russian Federation”, methods like forced assimilation is frequently used by the Russian aggressor to erase Ukrainian children’s nationality and identity, preparing them for possible military service against their own country. Such inhumane methods constitute grave breaches on commitments set out in the Fourth Geneva Convention and must end immediately.
We demand the immediate and unconditional return of all deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. A just and lasting peace must include accountability for these crimes. Norway supports initiatives such as Bring Kids Back UA, the work of the Ukrainian Ombudsperson, and the newly established tracing mechanism to locate and reunite children with their families. Reintegration must be safe, dignified, and guided by child protection principles.
Earlier this year, Norway increased its humanitarian support to Ukraine by NOK 386 million, with a significant portion dedicated to protecting children affected by the war. We will continue to keep the situation of children in armed conflict at the top of our agenda—across all three dimensions of the OSCE’s work.
Let me close by reiterating: Russia’s war is illegal. Aggression must not pay. The OSCE is built on shared principles and commitments. We must continue to speak out against violations, support accountability, and stand united in defence of international law and human dignity
Thank you.