Ukraine conflict
UN Human Rights Council: Access to displaced persons in Russia
Ambassador of Ukraine Yevheniia Filipenko at the special session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations European Headquarters. Photo: Martial Trezzini/KEYSTONE/dpa
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Diplomats in Geneva condemn the atrocities committed during Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Countries that want to remain neutral should be forced to look, says a diplomat.
In a special session on Ukraine, the United Nations Human Rights Council condemned the atrocities documented by experts in Russian-held territories.
In a resolution in Geneva on Thursday, the panel referred to cases of torture, shootings and sexual violence, which a UN team verified on site. The Council called on Russia to allow humanitarian workers immediate access to people reportedly being trafficked to Russia from Ukraine. It is about a million people, said the Ukrainian ambassador in Geneva, Yevheniya Filipenko.
33 of the 47 member countries voted for the resolution. Only China and Eritrea opposed it. Twelve states abstained. Russia was expelled from the Human Rights Council in April.
«Horrible violations of human rights»
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said at the beginning of the day-long session that many of the human rights violations under investigation “can amount to war crimes”. She spoke of “enormous human rights violations” since the Russian war of aggression began in February. Most of the atrocities were attributed to Russian forces and their allies.
The Council reiterated its support for the Commission of Inquiry set up in March to gather evidence into possible war crimes trials. She should start work in June. “Human rights also apply in times of war,” said German Ambassador Katharina Stasch. “We need to hold those responsible accountable.” Germany is one of the largest donors to the Commission.
Germany and more than 50 other countries had requested the special session to put the situation in Ukraine back in the spotlight. “The meeting should force people to look – even those who want to be neutral,” said a diplomat.