Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Accountability Following the Aggression Against Ukraine

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine at 52nd Session of UN Human Rights Council

Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Ravesa Lleshi, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva on behalf of the Group of Friends

Mr. President, Mr Chair,

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the ‘Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine’, consisting of 48 Member States and the European Union.

It has been over a year since Russia launched its full-scale, unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. During this year, the people of Ukraine have continued to ?ght for their political independence, territorial integrity, dignity, and identity.

As described in detail by your report they have suffered indiscriminate killings of civilians, extrajudicial executions of civilians and detainees, including POWs, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence, as well as attacks on civilian infrastructure, including around nuclear sites.

These alarming findings highlight once more the need to ensure accountability for the serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine, and ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.

Impunity for those responsible for international crimes is unacceptable.

It is also devastating that Russia is inflicting suffering on the most vulnerable people in Ukraine.

The forcible transfers and deportations of children from Ukrainian territory are violations of the rights of the child and international humanitarian law. Additionally, reports of illegal adoptions of Ukrainian children are of grave concern.

Mr. Chair, What can the international community do to support investigations of cases of forcible transfers of children?

Thank you, Mr. President.

###