HRC53 - NB8 statement - Presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea

Item 10: Interactive dialogue on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea

Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries

12 July 2023

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries. We thank the High Commissioner for the update and strongly support the reporting mandate.

Every day, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine results in massive suffering of civilians, including in illegally annexed Crimea. The price they pay is beyond comprehension.

We are alarmed by the reports of arbitrary detention of almost 900 men, women and children by Russia. Most of them were tortured and ill-treated, some of them subjected to sexual violence. We echo the grave concern of the OHCHR on the summary executions of civilians in detention.

Russia must immediately halt the filtration processes and enforced disappearances often related to detention. The Ukrainian children, deported by force to Russia, must be returned.

No country is above international human rights and humanitarian law. Perpetrators of blatant violations of international law will be held accountable.

Finally, we expect Russia to provide OHCHR unconditional and unimpeded access to temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. We encourage Ukraine to continue its full cooperation with the OHCHR.

Distinguished High Commissioner, how can we ensure effective psycho-social support for survivors of Russian atrocities?