Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
Welcome Commissioners. Your reporting has made clear that, for as long as Russia pursues its aggression against Ukraine, the Ukrainian people will be subject to immense suffering. We are of course shocked by your latest report, which lays bare Russia’s brutal treatment of detainees.
You conclude that Russia has committed torture, including sexual violence. And, for the first time, that enforced disappearances committed by Russia amount to a crime against humanity.
We are deeply disturbed by the systematic use of sexual violence against male detainees, and by new evidence of the war crimes of rape and sexual violence perpetrated against female detainees.
Detainees are subjected to abuses and, tragically, some have died. Their families are, understandably, in anguish.
This mistreatment is directed from the highest levels, pursuant to a coordinated Russian state policy. Evidence shows that Russian commanders gave orders to kill rather than take prisoners.
Commissioners, justice must be done.
We do, of course, encourage Ukraine to investigate fully your allegations against its authorities and armed forces.
But let there be no doubt there is no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine. As a direct result of Russian aggression, Ukrainians across the country have faced violations and abuses of their right to life.
Russia must be held to account. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as this takes.
