Human Rights Council 38: High Commissioner’s oral update on Ukraine – Interactive Dialogue
This UK statement was delivered at the 38th session of the Human Rights Council during the High Commissioner’s oral update on Ukraine.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for his update and welcomes the 22nd report of the OHCHR Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. With the conflict in its fifth year, fighting continues in and around civilian areas. Since February, we have seen a worrying increase in civilian casualties, with 19 killed and 62 injured.
We continue to see damage to critical civilian infrastructure, which severely restricts access to vital services such as water. We call on both sides to better protect civilians.
We deplore the abuse of the human rights of people from ethnic and religious minorities in illegally annexed Crimea. The de facto authorities continue to deny international monitoring organisations access. We call on the Russian Federation to grant access, in line with UN General Assembly resolution 72/190.
We are deeply concerned about the welfare of the 72 Ukrainian political prisoners held by Russia, particularly the four on hunger strike. We call on the Russian authorities to release them immediately.
We are concerned about the recent attacks on the Roma community. It is vital that Ukraine takes action to prevent such acts and ensure investigation.
We welcome this year’s successful Equality March, the largest ever in Kyiv, and commend Ukraine for its exemplary provision of security.
Mr. High Commissioner,
What more could the international community do to highlight the plight of political prisoners in Crimea and Russia and prevent forcible transfers from illegally annexed Crimea to the Russian Federation or other countries?