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10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 05:38

HRC57 - Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner regarding his oral update on Ukraine

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HRC57 - Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner regarding his oral update on Ukraine

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57th session

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

8 October 2024

EU Statement

The European Union is deeply alarmed by the findings of your report documenting that Russian authorities subjected Ukrainian prisoners of war to widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment throughout their captivity. The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of torture and ill-treatment and calls on Russia to immediately cease this practice, which is a clear breach of international humanitarian and human rights law.

Further, we are gravely concerned about the findings of the report documenting a 45 per cent increase in civilian causalities compared to the previous reporting period with 589 civilians killed and 2,685 injured over the last three months. Russian armed forces continued their systematic attacks on energy infrastructure critical to the civilian population in Ukraine, depriving people of services essential for their survival in clear violation of international law.

The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and Russia's continuing violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine. Those responsible for these violations as well for international crimes committed in Ukraine including for the crime of aggression must be held accountable. We persistently urge Russia to fully abide by its obligations under international law and cease its aggression against Ukraine entirely, unconditionally, and immediately.

We reiterate our strong support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Thank you.