HRC57 - NB8 statement - Ukraine - Oral update

Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session
Item 10: Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine
Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
8 October 2024

Thank you, Mr. President,

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

In recent months, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has reached unprecedented levels, including deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.

We highlight three important steps to ensure accountability:

The first is human rights monitoring, evidence gathering and investigations, carried out by Ukrainian authorities, other states and international organisations. These include the Commission of Inquiry and the International Criminal Court, among others.

Secondly, we welcome steps taken to establish an international compensation mechanism for the damage that Russia’s aggression has caused. We also welcome that the Register of Damage is now operating and support the ongoing talks on a Claims Commission.

Thirdly, we must continue to uphold international law and the UN Charter and denounce aggression. We welcome the establishment and operation of the International Center for Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We should act decisively to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Those responsible in Russia must and will be held accountable. Accountability and justice are matters of global importance. We appreciate the High Commissioner’s relentless work in this area.

Thank you.