HRC42 - Iceland statement - Oral update on Ukraine

Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner
on the oral update on Ukraine

Statement by Iceland

Thank you, Mr. President.

Iceland supports the High Commissioner and her office as well as special procedures mandate holders who report on the situation in Ukraine.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to affect the lives and wellbeing of the civilian population residing close to the contact line, including through damage to critical civilian infrastructure and schools. We remain alarmed by continuing violations of the right to liberty and security of persons, including arbitrary arrests, torture and intimidation, and note with concern the increase in casualties compared to the previous reporting period.

We warmly welcome the recent landmark prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia which included the 24 Ukrainian sailors, captured by Russia in November 2018. The exchange has been hailed as “the first step to end the war” and we hope it will lead to increased efforts to bring peace.

Mr. President,

We condemn attempts by the Russian Federation to legitimize or normalize its attempted annexation of Crimea, including by holding the so-called “local elections” on 8 September to illegal institutions established by the Russian occupation administration. We reiterate that anyone elected in these elections will not be recognized as representatives of those territories which are Ukrainian.

Iceland reiterates its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognized borders and call for the full respect of the rights of all residents of Crimea. We urge the Russian Federation, as the occupying power of Crimea, to grant OHCHR access to the peninsula.

I thank you.