51st Session of the Human Rights Council: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine
51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 10 Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the oral update on Ukraine
Statement by Iceland
4 October 2022
Thank you Mr. President.
Iceland reiterates its unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms Putin’s illegal sham “referenda” in Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzia regions of Ukraine. The annexation is a fundamental violation of the Principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Relately, we are sickened by Russia´s systematic use of filtration camps which are integral to Russia´s annexation and “Russification”.
We continue to witness grave violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights in Ukraine. Russia´s disregard for human lives is harrowing, confirmed by sickening reports of mass graves and atrocities in areas recaptured by Ukrainian armed forces.
We welcome the launch of the Fact-Finding Mission regarding the 29 July incident at Olenivka and look forward to the report to the Secretary General.
We are deeply alarmed by the severe repercussions of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine on global food security, which particularly affects developing countries and persons in vulnerable situations.
Iceland stands in full unity with the people of Ukraine and demands the withdrawal of all Russian military personnel and equipment from Ukraine.
Thank you.