Thank you, Mr. President,
Let me begin by thanking you, Deputy High Commissioner and your Office, for your continued efforts to shine a light on human rights in Ukraine almost three years on from the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Your update today is a stark reminder of the barbaric character of that invasion. In recent months, as you have recounted, we’ve seen hundreds of civilian deaths including healthcare workers and emergency personnel. Systematic attacks on energy infrastructure. Forced deportations. And further grim evidence of systemic torture – and more executions – of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Routine abuse is facilitated by Russian state entities, with the full knowledge of facility supervisors. Severe beatings, electric shocks, prolonged stress positions, and mock executions have become the norm. Sexual violence during internment is pervasive. Rape, castration and sexualized humiliation have all been reported.
The torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war is not just endemic. It is Russian State policy, in complete violation of the Geneva Conventions. All of this from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which purports to be a great world power.
Deputy High Commissioner,
We are now three years into this invasion. Three years into the horrors. When will Russia accept its obligations to International Law and end this senseless war?
Thank you.
